Ringwyrm Promo Shot
Image: Scumhead

Chances are you've never heard of Scumhead before. Even better chances that you've never played Mohrta, or any of their many other games. And this is where my eyes light up, because now I get to tell you all about it, using the official announcement and Steam debut of single-player horror FPS Ringwyrm as a convenient excuse. First, I do recommend you check out the store page for Ringwyrm, along with the trailer down below, because it looks like a real treat.

Set in a strange, gothic parallel world with roughly WW2-era technology, in Ringwyrm you play as part of a two-woman conscripted scout unit sent to investigate the Umbral Isle, source of a mysterious magical power-source known only as "Milk". The game promises exploration, light RPG elements, and fairly fast-paced FPS combat with a few interesting twists. Also, a cast of interesting people, including a whole Slavic-inspired city full of bird-folk, survivors of a supernatural plague. Which, of course, means zombies to shoot.

Despite looking like a high-agility retro FPS, Ringwyrm digs deep into its survival horror inspirations. No running and gunning here, as your character plants their feet while aiming. While melee attacks can be done on the move, shooting requires commitment, classic Resident Evil style. The game also promises high story reactivity and deep mysteries intended to be uncovered over multiple playthroughs, which is just catnip for me. I also want to know what the deal is with the huge horrible grinning dog-snake thing.

But beyond the stylish aesthetics and interesting character designs, you're probably wondering why you should care (generally speaking) about this weird-looking indie horror FPS running on the venerable old (and heavily modified) Doom engine. The answer is because Scumhead makes really cool games. Lots of them. Many of them free. FPS games, platformers, RPGs and more - all strange worlds with a distinct, scrunkly art style and full of weirdly lovable characters despite all the death and decay.

There is a lot of death and decay.

Scumhead's best-known title is Mohrta, a Dark Tower-inspired Souls-like FPS about a corpse-cyborg gunslinger with a steam-train whistle for a voice hunting for a renegade member of their order across a nexus of wildly distinct dimensions, but all leading back to a cozy hub area full of life, memorable characters, and (reportedly) the best soup in the multiverse. I highly recommend it.

But don't miss out on Vomitoreum, an entire Metroid Prime-esque platform FPS taking place in a single level without loading screens. There's also Angel's Gear, a short metroidvania featuring the loveliest giant skull-headed serpent-beast you ever did meet. Also don't skip on Franzen, a free RPG about loving someone even if they're a worm, and always were.

Shrine and Shrine 2 are free fast-paced FPS titles about hunting demons across a surreal, fleshy world. Lycanthorn 1 & 2 (both in the same game) are a first-person tribute to early NES Castlevania games. And that's not even all of it. Check out the rest of Scumhead's work on Steam or Itch. Just be warned that some of it - while not smut, per se - could be considered unsafe for work.

But back on subject - Ringwyrm is still a good way from release, having only just been announced. Scumhead's first estimate is that the game will be ready to unleash upon the world late next year, although that date could move in either direction. But at least you can wishlist it on Steam now, giving you plenty of time to check out their other games in the meantime.