The Abbey of the Death

Retro Platformer "The Abbey of the Death"

Introduction

L'Abbaye des Morts, a retro platformer crafted by the talented developer Locomalito, offers a nostalgic gaming experience reminiscent of classic 8-bit titles. This game, featuring original music and sound effects by Gryzor87, is a labor of love built on the code of David Lara NEVAT and with his kind permission.

The Story

Set in the thirteenth century, the game delves into the tragic history of the Cathars, a group of Christians who advocated for poverty and a life free from material desires. Persecuted as heretics by the Catholic Church, they were forced out of the Languedoc region in France. In this narrative, we follow Jean Raymond, a Cathar who discovers an ancient church where he seeks refuge from the Crusaders. Unbeknownst to him, the church harbors a dark secret—an ancient malevolence buried beneath its foundations.

Gameplay Mechanics

In this pixel-perfect platformer, faith becomes your ultimate weapon. The monochrome palette, featuring black and white sprites with 1-bit sound effects, aligns perfectly with the game's somber theme. The minimalistic art style encourages players to let their imagination fill in the gaps, enhancing the immersive experience.

Controls and Customization

• Touch Control: Tap the screen to activate controls. Four visible buttons are located at the bottom, while three invisible ones sit at the top.
• Graphic Styles: Switch between three distinct visual styles—ZX, MSX1, and MSX2—by tapping the top-left button.
• Pause/Play: The center-top button allows you to pause or resume gameplay, and the rightmost button deactivates touch controls.
• Pause Mode Options: When paused, the bottom four buttons let you adjust language settings, transparency, and the size of the buttons.

Conclusion

L'Abbaye des Morts is more than just a game; it’s an homage to the past, a tribute to the Cathars, and a journey into the unknown. With its unique blend of historical narrative and retro aesthetics, this platformer invites you to explore the depths of faith and the shadows of history.