Award-winning developer Hilltop Studios (Lil' Guardsman) has just released an expanded demo of its next game, the "gothic narrative roguelite" Curse of Resthaven.

This new demo – released ahead of Steam Next Fest – allows players to experience the game's six-day opening loop and fully explore Resthaven's four town zones, all ahead of the title's full launch at the end of the month.

You assume the role of the governor of a cursed island who seeks to investigate the disappearance of his niece. "Card-based expeditions" are used to "uncover dark secrets" and solve the mystery before "the next cataclysm strikes." The art style is gorgeous, I must say.

Game Director Scott Christian had this to say about the news:

"The new demo lets players take their first real steps onto the island of Resthaven, and get pretty far along! There’s a lot to chew on, but like the beginning of any good mystery, we hope it leaves players with questions, wanting more, and hopefully a little bit troubled and horrified.

I’m also incredibly proud of the Gilded Edition.Resthaven is one hundred percent human-made, and I think the passion that went into creating it is a huge part of its magic. Sharing that process through concept art, along with the music I composed, from the instrumental score to the decidedly bard-core tunes, and even the sheet music, feels like a celebration of the team’s craft and artistry. We hope you enjoy it.”

The Steam-only 'Gilded Edition' – which features an official soundtrack, Black Pony Tavern EP and songbook, and concept art booklet – has also been confirmed as a Steam exclusive. Picking the game up in this form secures you a handsome 20 percent cost reduction on buying them individually.

Curse of Resthaven arrives on October 29th. It's also coming to PlayStation and Xbox consoles on the same day, with the Switch version's release date to be confirmed later.