Developed by Melbourne-based studio Plot Twist, the game is slated for a Steam Early Access release in April 2026.
The Story: A Thriller in Regional Victoria
Set against the eerie, isolated backdrop of country Victoria, Australia, the game follows Azar Warren, a 16-year-old skater. After witnessing a gruesome murder in the city, Azar flees to the rural compound of her estranged grandfather, Stan, hoping for safety.
However, the “refuge” quickly turns into a psychological trap. As Azar observes her grandfather’s increasingly erratic and suspicious behaviour, she begins to fear that the secrets hidden within the compound are just as dangerous as the killers chasing her from the city.
Key Gameplay Features
The game stands out for its unique “playable comic book” presentation and tactile interaction:
- Interactive Graphic Novel: The story is told through dynamic, hand-drawn panels. Unlike a traditional visual novel, the artwork is interactive, pulling the player into the “gritty depiction” of the Australian landscape.
- Tactile Puzzles: Players must help Azar survive by solving environmental mini-games, such as:
- Reassembling torn-up photos to find clues.
- Cracking codes on mysterious lockboxes.
- Practising with a rifle at a homemade shooting range.
- Branching Narrative: The game explores heavy themes of trust, intergenerational trauma, and survival, with player choices influencing Azar’s path toward justice—or further danger.
Development Origins
The concept for Ashes was born during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne. Creator Cléa Frost, who has a background in film and TV production (working on hits like The Newsreader and Surviving Summer), used the period to experiment with branching narratives. Supported by Screen Australia, the project evolved from a sci-fi epic into this intimate, human-scale mystery.
Comparison: “Ashes” vs. “House of Ashes”
It is worth noting that this game is distinct from the 2021 title The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes. While both involve survival and mystery:
- Ashes (2026): A hand-drawn, 2D interactive graphic novel set in rural Australia focusing on a teen witness.
- House of Ashes (2021): A 3D cinematic horror game set in Iraq involving soldiers and supernatural creatures.
Find out more here – https://www.ashesnovel.com.au/
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