10 Dead Doves: A Haunting Hike into the Unknown
by Justine Norton-Kertson
Duonix Studios’ 10 Dead Doves is a masterful addition to the indie horror landscape, offering a chilling narrative experience that expertly blends psychological dread with folklore-inspired mystery. Set to launch on Steam this December Friday the 13th, two years after a successful Kickstarter campaign that more than doubled its funding goal, this game has been eagerly anticipated—and for good reason.
The story, set in 2004, follows Marcus Stetson, self-proclaimed "Most Pathetic Man on Earth," as he and his long-time friend Sean attempt to rediscover the glory of their youth on the Appalachian Trail. Their mission? To unravel the truth behind the mythical "Ant Farm," an urban legend whispered among hikers. From the outset, 10 Dead Doves immerses players in a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The Appalachian wilderness becomes more than just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing force that seems to actively resent their presence.
As the story unfolds, Marcus begins receiving cryptic, dreamlike messages from The Wren, a haunting, bird-like figure whose significance is as unnerving as it is mysterious. The game doesn’t merely ask players to survive—it demands introspection and tough choices that influence multiple possible endings. Why are the birds falling dead? What lies beyond the fence? And what role does Marcus play in the events spiraling out of control?
The gameplay balances exploration, puzzle-solving, and choice-driven storytelling, creating an experience that feels both expansive and intimate. The forest is laden with secrets, beautiful and terrifying setpieces, and puzzles that challenge without frustrating. Every decision feels weighty, pushing players to question not only their actions but also Marcus’ motives and past.
Visually, the game’s 2000s-inspired art style adds a nostalgic yet unnerving charm, perfectly complementing its themes of fading glory and existential dread. Full voice acting breathes life into its characters, with Marcus and Sean’s dynamic feeling authentic and emotionally charged, further anchoring the narrative’s psychological horror elements.
10 Dead Doves shines in its ability to juxtapose the ordinary with the uncanny. Duonix Studios dubs the game "Dovecraftian" horror—a fitting description given its skillful weaving of Appalachian folklore and cosmic dread. It’s not just about uncovering the Ant Farm’s secrets; it’s about surviving an environment that feels like it’s always watching, judging, and closing in.
As players creep through the ominous forests, navigate the thinning line between reality and dream, and make choices that determine their fate, 10 Dead Doves proves itself to be a standout narrative-driven horror experience. Whether you uncover the truth or leave behind nothing but footprints, the Appalachian Trail—and the haunting Wren—won’t let you leave unchanged.
This is indie horror at its finest, and when December 13th arrives, 10 Dead Doves will be a journey worth taking—if you dare.
