As Hole, As Sewer

AHAS is a top-down shooter inspired by The Binding of Isaac and Vampire Survivors. Developed as a graduation project by Filipe Araujo, Alberto Zanardini, Luis Felipe, and Matheus Mesquita, the game takes place during a hypnosis session, where every element is symbolic. The game explores deep themes, such as childhood traumas and their impact on how the protagonist perceives the world as an adult. However, these serious topics are cleverly masked with a dose of humor, making the underlying message and philosophy subtle and concealed.

The game’s title itself is a play on words, reflecting the idea that players will go in with no expectations, only to realize the true nature of the experience by the end. The setting primarily takes place in a sewer, representing how the protagonist views his own mind. The protagonist is portrayed as a cloth mask for two reasons: it lacks identity, allowing players to form their own connection to the character, and it serves as a clear nod to the Japanese Tengu masks, traditionally used to ward off evil spirits.

The protagonist’s weapon of choice is his finger, a direct homage to Yu Yu Hakusho. These symbolic choices create a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay, leaving players to uncover the game’s deeper meaning through immersive and engaging gameplay.