The indie scene continues to experiment with hybrid genres, and Section 9 Interactive’s latest offering, End of Abyss illustrates this trend. Players assume the role of a fragile technician escorted by a towering, suit-clad being that resembles a heavily armored refrigerator. Together they navigate a decaying megastructure whose oppressive atmosphere feels both haunting and beautiful. While the opening sequence sets a calm tone, the game soon reveals a blend of classic Resident Evil mechanics and the cinematic platforming style popularised by Little Nightmares. This combination creates a uniquely moody experience, though it does not fully exploit its potential.
End of Abyss: a horror-lite experience
The title’s visual language draws heavily from early-90s survival horror, especially the PS1 Resident Evil trilogy. Fixed camera angles allow the developers to pack dense detail into each frame, resulting in striking lighting, deep shadows, and a blue-tinged palette that evokes the work of Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag. Environments are populated with rusted concrete, broken futurist tech, and grotesque creatures that flicker in the periphery. Although the ambience is undeniably atmospheric, the game shies away from genuine terror; sudden creature noises often culminate in predictable chases rather than sustained dread.
Combat mirrors the series’ roots, featuring a dual-stick shooter that auto-targets the enemy directly ahead. The protagonist wields an unlimited-ammo pistol and a special firearm that requires purchased ammunition. This design choice creates a contradictory loop: players are discouraged from spending currency on scarce special rounds because the bottomless pistol already covers most encounters. Consequently, the classic survival-horror tension of resource scarcity evaporates, leaving encounters feeling repetitive. Boss fights, while visually impressive, suffer from the same limited tactical depth, and occasional glitches in the map and signage further diminish the sense of immersion.
Secondhand fashion: how to hunt and style vintage pieces
Switching from pixelated corridors to real-world wardrobes, secondhand shopping offers a thrilling alternative to fast-fashion consumption. The excitement begins with the hunt: a brass-stud belt rescued from a New York charity shop can instantly transform a modern silhouette into a punk-infused statement. Accessories are the most approachable entry point for newcomers; a weathered leather bag, a vintage scarf, or a pair of well-worn boots instantly inject personality without demanding a full-wardrobe overhaul.
When navigating thrift stores, venture beyond the women’s aisles. Men’s sections often hide high-quality button-downs, Oxford shirts, and structured jackets at a fraction of their original price. A classic sky-blue poplin shirt, for example, can be tucked into a silk skirt or paired with ripped denim for a contrast-rich look. Fabric quality also matters: older cashmere and pure-cotton knits typically feel richer than contemporary blends, and rescuing them supports a circular economy by keeping natural fibres in use.
Imperfections should be embraced rather than feared. Patina on leather, faded denim, or a slightly frayed hem can add narrative depth to an outfit, signaling that the piece has lived. The only firm rule is to avoid visible stains that cannot be cleaned. Tailoring offers a practical solution for fit issues; a simple hem adjustment or removal of outdated shoulder pads can modernise a vintage garment without erasing its character.
Online platforms expand the hunting grounds dramatically. Searching with specific parameters—decade, style, colour, or collar type—yields more precise results than generic terms. Sites such as Etsy, eBay, and Vinted each cater to different niches, while charity-shop online stores like Oxfam provide curated selections. Before purchasing, imagine how the item will interact with three pieces already owned; this mental styling exercise often reveals fresh combinations and reduces impulse buys.
