Dead Lens

In the depths of an endless forest, something ancient awakens...

When Eddie's car breaks down on a desolate road, a simple journey home becomes a descent into darkness. Stranded and alone, he stumbles upon an old VHS camera lying forgotten among the pine needles. Through its cracked lens, the world transforms—hidden paths glow eerily, cryptic symbols appear on the trees, and shadows twist into monstrous shapes that defy imagination.

Every step deeper into the woods blurs the line between reality and nightmare. The camera reveals horrifying truths but exacts a deadly price. Whispers of a long-forgotten cult called Dead Lens linger in the air, their fate a chilling warning etched in discarded notes scattered along the way.

Dual-Perspective Gameplay
Experience a blend of top-down twin-stick action and first-person exploration through a vintage VHS camera.

Environmental Puzzles
Uncover hidden clues and pathways by switching perspectives. Use the cursed camera to reveal secrets invisible to the naked eye.

Atmospheric Forest Setting
Lose yourself in a forest teeming with mysteries. Navigate through dense pines where every shadow holds a new discovery—or danger.

80s Horror Aesthetic
Immerse yourself in a game inspired by classic 80s horror, featuring retro visuals, VHS effects, and an original synthwave soundtrack.

Controls
move: Wasd / Left Stick
look: Mouse/Right Stick
vhs: Rmb/Lt
walk: Ctrl/Left Stick Button



This game was created for the Senscape Midnight Jam.

Dead Lens v1.1

• Improved Camera Transition: Enhanced the transition from VHS to top-down view. The camera now respects the player's previous rotation, resulting in a less disorienting experience.
• Refined Mouse Controls: Adjusted mouse tracing to ignore trees, making player rotation more responsive and precise.
• UI Bug Fixes: Resolved various user interface issues to ensure smoother gameplay.

Assets:

font:
https://thebrandedquotes.sellfy.store/p/4bhu4j/

car model:
https://www.fab.com/listings/744a91c4-3a41-4342-b877-6c981bdc007c 

vhs material:
https://www.fab.com/listings/9e92ed72-dd27-4079-a982-83bf2928034b

foliage:
https://www.fab.com/listings/4ecf0ebd-ffd3-4990-b133-c6d315fedad6

character head:
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/8eWLLn

light thunderstorm in the forest at night by Garuda1982:
https://freesound.org/s/645682/ 

StoneOnStoneShort.wav by daveincamas:
 https://freesound.org/s/44243/