VN Ren'Py Beneath Her Shadow-Game Development Journey

[Aexier]

Beneath Her Shadow
Game is in active devlopment
Game Summary
Beneath Her Shadow is a dark, atmospheric adult psychological horror visual novel that plunges players into the fractured world of Norman Lynch, a young man discovering his origins in a new town. As the past claws back into the present, the player must navigate twisted relationships, hidden traumas, and taboo desires to uncover the truth. Every decision echoes across three distinct paths: Corruption, Redemption, and Neutrality. Each reshaping characters, storylines, and ultimately, Norman himself.

Core Themes & Inspirations
Taboo and Transformation — Explores identity, trauma, sexual repression, and family dynamics.

Psychological Horror — Symbolism, unreliable perception, and personal conflicts. Sometimes the right choice may not be as obvious

Erotic Mystery — Intimacy is used as both catharsis and corruption; sex is never frivolous, it's narrative.

Adult Narrative: The game uses sex as storytelling as the Protagonist must understand who they are in this new world they are a part of. Sex will be a tool to explore power, vulnerability, and taboo. It’s character-driven, emotionally loaded, and provocative.

Three Distinct Narrative Paths:

Corruption: Embrace your darkest urges.

Redemption: Seek peace, self-worth, and healing.

Neutrality: Survive in the grey space of confusion and denial.

There will be a total of SIX lenghty chapters that players can dive into. Players can go back and replay each different Path to unlock new locations, new characters and new endings.

Characters
Norman: Scarred, quick witted and curious. His cleft lip, once a reason for abandonment, now symbolizes both his past shame and evolving identity.

Charlotte: Norman’s younger sister with a complex bond. Their taboo dynamic can either collapse into toxicity or evolve into co-dependence, depending on choices.

Nora: Norman's mother with a will to strive for a new future even if needs to crack a few eggs. She seems in control, but her façade cracks as the story spirals.

Ramona: The estranged older sister. Her chaotic nature caused her to be distant from the family but recent events caused her to be closer. She could possibly provide insight into the family’s past.

For each path there will be a total of 7 other characters to explore their stories and learn more about the town of San Marena Bay and the sister city of Arelea.

Gameplay Breakdown
Visual Novel Mechanics: Dialogue-driven, with player choices affecting paths, relationships, and endings. There will be timed choices that weighs the outcomes drastically high

Investigation & Symbolism: Players uncover clues through dialogue, subtle environmental details, and symbolic choices.

Art & Tone
Mood: Dreamlike horror with sensual overtones. The game will focus on emotional discomfort that players may challenge to ask themselves

Visuals: Dark, painterly, erotic but grounded. Stylized realism with surreal elements bleeding through. Game will be entirely comprised of 3D renders from Daz 3D

Target Audience
The game is heavily intended for a mature audience who can handle:

Deep psychological storytelling

Erotic visual novels with emotional weight

Exploring trauma, intimacy, and the nature of identity

Development Goals
Estimated Timeline: 10-12 months to finish the full game.
Contingency Timeline: 2-3 years at the most

Tools: Built in Ren'Py. Daz 3D. Photoshop. Davinci Resolve. Blender. Possible Steam & Itch.io release depending on their TOS rules

Content Plans: Full voice acting considered for key scenes, soundtrack featuring custom ambient horror

 

[Saint Blackmoor]

It sounds interesting. You presented it well, also.
I don't think you need it, but I'm a proofreader. Hit me up if you could use some help.

 

[Jack Beauregard]

 

[Aexier]

It sounds interesting. You presented it well, also.
I don't think you need it, but I'm a proofreader. Hit me up if you could use some help.

I actually would appreciate that. I usually am fine with playtesters but since we are still early in game development, I will say that this is an "early playtest" since most of the game requires players to read. I am nearly finishing up the first chapter but I can share with you the rough draft. Do you happen to have discord? Also, anyone else interested to provide feedback on the story? I'm fine with 2 or 3 or people to read it. Please tell me though what you found interesting, what did you enjoy, what you didn't like, what scenes were sexy and what characters you found believable. Be as deliberate on analyzing the narrative and descriptive with your feedback as I can make adjustments for better refinement.

 

[jasad]

nice~ hope to be able to see it soon~

 

[Aexier]

Development Update 001: Beneath Her Shadow

Hey everyone!
I’ve got something exciting to share. I’m almost done writing Chapter One of Beneath Her Shadow, and I’ve been pouring time into it every single day. Thanks to some incredible support from Saint Blackmoor who’s been helping with proofreading (this guy is a legend), the story is shaping up to be a twisted, seductive journey filled with haunting atmosphere, deep character drama, and a healthy dose of erotic tension. This first chapter lays the groundwork for a rich, branching story that will unfold across six full chapters, each with a unique tone depending on the path you take.

Beyond the writing, I’ve also been tackling some big pre-production tasks:

• Designed the UI
• Finalized the studio logo
• Created the in-game map you’ll use to explore the twisted towns of San Marena Bay and Arelea

Today, I’m sharing a sneak peek at that map.

A few things to keep in mind, this is just a glimpse at what’s to come. Not every location will be available on every route as some places will only unlock based on the choices you make. That means each path reveals new environments, secrets, and characters. To see the full scope of this world, you’ll have to explore more than once.

I’m still deep in pre-production, aiming to wrap that phase in the next month or two. There’s a lot ahead, but things are moving smoothly, and I’m more excited than ever to share what’s next. Let me know what you think of the map, and if any particular location catches your eye.

Below is the following locations with the number pinned on the map to easily follow along:

1. River Triumph Church
2. Dayton Bar
3. Red Meadows Park
4. Essex Estate
5. Amani's Exposure Studio
6. Grand Imaginarium Theatres
7. Rong Alley
8. Daisey’s Dizzy Ditzes
9. San Marena Bay Police Station
10. Misty's Maiden Cafe Diner
11. Big Mike's Auto Repair
12. Horizon Crest General Hospital
13. Ivory Grove Mall
14. Aexier Corporation
15. Elm Ridge College
16. The Deviant Nightclub
17. Spearhead Strip Club
18. Bramble Woods Forest
19. Home
20. Mud Bog Racing
21. Muscle Hustle Gym
22. Arce Mafia Family Hideout
23. Christine's Tattoo Shop
24. Lavender Beach

Thanks for sticking with me. Stay tuned!

 

[Jack Beauregard]

it's a pleasure to read and see. And thanks to you too Saint Blackmoor !

 

[Saint Blackmoor]

The more I see, the more excited I am about this game. Aexier is accomplishing so much.
The map looks amazing. It has that folded-up, well-used look I remember from my childhood. Details like this show dedication and creativity from Aexier.
This is going to be an awesome game.

 

[br8rn98]

Please let there be a room 236 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,(the room with the crazy lady in "The Shinning")... or the twins saying come play with us...........when i see horror and hotel/motel together, my mind goes straight to the shinning and the overlook hotel... i cannot wait for your game to come out!!

 

[Aexier]

Please let there be a room 236 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,(the room with the crazy lady in "The Shinning")... or the twins saying come play with us...........when i see horror and hotel/motel together, my mind goes straight to the shinning and the overlook hotel... i cannot wait for your game to come out!!

I’m a big horror fan too, and I really love your suggestion! Including the twin girls or the old woman from The Shining would be such a fantastic tribute. While I’m not sure if I can use “236” exactly since most motels are single-story, I definitely want to find a way to include that reference and capture the same spooky vibe. I’m also thinking about drawing inspiration from other iconic sources like Room 302 in Silent Hill 4, 1408, and of course, Identity. There’s so much great material in psychological horror, and I want to do it justice.

Right now, the motel in Beneath Her Shadow is a one-floor building with 10 rooms, but I’ve been considering expanding it later on in the story. It’s still early days, but I’m thinking about adding two more floors after a certain chapter. It’ll take some time to get there, but I hope you’ll stick around. Your suggestion is officially on my list. Thanks, I really appreciate it!

 

[louisamay]

I came upon this relatively new development in the (after)life of P_S_Y_C_H_O's brilliant but short-lived game, and I must say at first, I was fearful that such a masterpiece of taboolery might be besmirched by a well-intentioned but amateur attempt to breathe new life into it. However, after reading through the thread, I am cautiously hopeful. It seems the dev of Beneath Her Shadow (what I assume to be a reference to Bate's OG Grandma moldering up in the movie Psycho's Big House) and some talented peers have gotten together to make something worthwhile, and I salute their fortitude and brass balls!
A few things I wanted to say, if I may, about the original and some elements I hope will prove to be integral to the new VN:
1) I LOVED P_S_Y_C_H_O's (henceforth referred to as "P") attention to the senses. Smells, especially, but also taste, sight, of course, touch...his love of body odors, textures, hairiness, smoothness -- it added much to the tone of adventure, the unknown, and of course the Taboo.
2) I do hope there is some exploration towards that strange wild girl character whose story line just faded right out, much like the rest, but for her especially. Her innocence, and willingness to play, plus that unknown quantity -- how volatile, how vengeful? Who knows, but quite intriguing.
3) Thank you SO MUCH for that very thorough Game Summary! And having looked at the character breakdown, I am excited! One thing I do hope and it's just my own desires, really: I do hope Charlotte, the younger sister's character, is in fact young enough to be believed as such a naif. I know one skates the thin ice of acceptability in such matters, but in P's iteration, if it wasn't for the absolutely brilliant erotic writing in the sex scene between the brother and sister, I'd have had a really hard time buying her innocence. There is a way to make "18" not have to look like it -- it could be, but then again not. SHE looked definitely 18+, and it hurt the story. IMO. I remember another fine AVN awhile back, also abandoned, which also had a younger sister, who had these pigtails -- but looked every bit of 21, but acted 12. While still looking as old as the adults. Ludicrous.
4) The odd 'man' out, the other brother, trans but still very male, was titillating, but ultimately off-putting TBH. If he/she was just a bit more feminine, I might be interested, but otherwise it presented gay male sex, and that is right out for me. HOWever -- a decent-looking trap, in an interesting setting and storyline, could be fascinating, and quite attracting. And just the fact of the trans presence was also a plus for me in P's work, as it showed how out there he planned to go...
5) SO MANY possibilities! I have always loved Janet Leigh, and I see Nora in both her AND Jamie Lee, so I have no idea where any of that might go, but it's all very compelling.
Anyway, sorry for ranting. Good luck with your venture. Have a blast!!

 

[Aexier]

I’ve read your message a few times now, and I just want to say thank you. It’s rare to see such a thoughtful and passionate reflection on a story like this. Your words weren’t a rant since they came of as a love letter that embraces the dark taboo storytelling. I understand your hesitation. P_S_Y_C_H_O created something raw and unique, and like you, I was disappointed when it was abandoned. It stuck with me that it ultimately motivated me to reimagine what this story could become. It wasn't a continuation, but something that honors the original while exploring new depth. A spiritual successor that pays nods to the original game.

Your points on sensory detail, the lost potential of the wild girl, and the emotional nuance are all things I care deeply about. Beneath Her Shadow aims to push beyond surface-level taboo into something layered and personal. Erotic, yes, but also unsettling, and conflicted. I have also included a character or two that loosely takes reference from "P's" game so please keep an eye for them soon. I appreciate your honesty about characters like Charlotte. Balancing innocence, realism, and emotional depth is something I’m handling with care. I don’t want anything in this story to feel hollow or gratuitous. There will be differences from “P’s” version, but the tone and moral ambiguity remain. On trans representation, your feedback is noted and respected. My goal is to write characters with purpose, giving players the agency to explore or step away based on their comfort. Thoughtful writing always comes first.

Your enthusiasm means a lot, especially from someone who truly understands the spirit of the original. I hope Beneath Her Shadow builds something even more resonant and unforgettable. Thanks again for your message as it reminded me why this project matters and I will keep working hard to make it unforgettable. Stay tuned!

 

[Aexier]

Development Update 002:

Hey everyone, just a quick update. I’m excited to announce that the writing for Chapter One of the Good Path is now complete. It’s been a long road getting here. Between world-building, character development, and laying the foundation for the larger story, this chapter took time. I really wanted the characters to feel lived-in and more than just archetypes. Hopefully, you’ll find someone in the cast to root for… or against. The full chapter clocks in at around 128 pages, with an estimated play/read time of about 5 hours.


Now, I’m looking for 10 volunteers to give it an early read and offer feedback, honest criticism, and general impressions. Specifically, I’d love to know:

• What moments stood out to you?
• Who was your favorite (or least favorite) character?
• What worked, what didn’t, and where do you feel the story could be stronger?

Your input will help shape the future tone and direction of the next chapters, and I want this to be something we build with the community, not just for it. Thanks again to everyone who’s been following the project as your support and encouragement have meant more than you know. DM me if you’re interested in joining the early reader list, and I’ll follow up with details!

 

[ivan-90]

Thank you

 

[kirit0200]

Development Update 002:

Hey everyone, just a quick update. I’m excited to announce that the writing for Chapter One of the Good Path is now complete. It’s been a long road getting here. Between world-building, character development, and laying the foundation for the larger story, this chapter took time. I really wanted the characters to feel lived-in and more than just archetypes. Hopefully, you’ll find someone in the cast to root for… or against. The full chapter clocks in at around 128 pages, with an estimated play/read time of about 5 hours.


Now, I’m looking for 10 volunteers to give it an early read and offer feedback, honest criticism, and general impressions. Specifically, I’d love to know:

• What moments stood out to you?
• Who was your favorite (or least favorite) character?
• What worked, what didn’t, and where do you feel the story could be stronger?

Your input will help shape the future tone and direction of the next chapters, and I want this to be something we build with the community, not just for it. Thanks again to everyone who’s been following the project as your support and encouragement have meant more than you know. DM me if you’re interested in joining the early reader list, and I’ll follow up with details!

I cannot DM you, but I'll be happy to test it