An experimental 2D-shooter with the elements of a horror game. D'lirium brings together some mechanics back from 90s classics. Non-linear levels, search for the keys, violence and a lot of other things. Including the colourful ponies.
The player controls the protagonist, Ada, and navigates through various levels, fighting off enemies and searching for colored keys to progress. The game features a unique set of abilities and spells, including a teleportation spell that allows the player to quickly maneuver around the levels. A core mechanic is the "sanity" system - as the player kills enemies, Ada's sanity level decreases, and if it drops too low, she enters a "Maniac Mode" where the screen distorts and enemies become more aggressive. To regain sanity, the player must "soothe" the souls of fallen enemies by interacting with them, creating an interesting risk-reward dynamic.
The levels are described as non-linear, allowing players to explore and search for secrets and alternate paths. Players must find colored keys to unlock doors and progress through the levels, encouraging exploration and backtracking. The levels also have a "horror" atmosphere, with unsettling environments and sudden enemy encounters.
In addition to melee combat, the game provides the player with a variety of magical spells and abilities to utilize. These include a powerful "Shaft" spell, a teleportation ability, and a "Quad Damage" power-up, all of which add strategic depth to the combat. The diverse array of offensive options allows players to approach encounters in different ways.
The game offers multiple endings and a "Maniac Mode" option, which changes the gameplay experience and encourages replaying to see the different outcomes. It also features a level editor and workshop support, allowing players to create and share custom levels, further extending the game's longevity.