The gaming landscape is set to welcome a new entry in the renovation simulation genre with the upcoming release of The Lift, developed by Fantastic Signals. This first-person simulator invites players to restore a colossal Soviet-era research facility, blending elements of supernatural themes with DIY renovation challenges. Set against a backdrop of cosmic decay, players will navigate through complex puzzles and engage in various restoration tasks to revive a facility that has fallen into disrepair.
Unlike typical renovation games such as House Flipper, which focus on residential properties, The Lift transports players to the Institute, characterized as “humanity’s most advanced research facility—until a catastrophic incident left it drifting through the void.” This unique setting demands a departure from conventional gameplay, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.
Exploration and Challenges Await
Players will step into the shoes of a moustachioed engineer who awakens from stasis to find the Institute plagued by strange phenomena. The game’s environment draws comparisons to the Talos 1 from Arkane’s acclaimed immersive sim, Prey. However, rather than engaging in combat, players will be tasked with intricate repair and renovation jobs. The Institute consists of multiple floors, each presenting its unique challenges, from fixing furniture with basic tools to more complicated tasks such as rewiring electrical circuits.
As players delve deeper into the Institute, they will encounter a variety of alien lifeforms and otherworldly locations. Utilizing pop-up ladders and traversal equipment, players will explore these surreal environments while tackling renovation projects. The game introduces a significant puzzling element, requiring players to manage the mechanics of complex machinery and reroute cables for supercomputers, further enhancing the immersive experience.
Anticipation for The Lift’s Release
The game’s trailer, which showcases a claymation aesthetic, offers a glimpse into the creative vision behind The Lift. Though the actual gameplay differs from the trailer’s artistic style, it effectively communicates the mood and premise. The end of the trailer features actual footage, revealing the game’s intricate mechanics and environments.
Currently, The Lift does not have a specific release date, but it is anticipated to launch sometime in 2025. As excitement builds for this innovative simulator, players looking for a unique blend of renovation and supernatural elements should keep an eye on further developments from Fantastic Signals. This intriguing title promises to deliver a fresh experience for fans of the genre, allowing them to escape into a world where they can engage in restoration without the constraints of reality.
