The Hidden Library

From the Devs

"The Hidden Library" is a 2D adventure with point-and-click elements, where you will immerse yourself in worlds forbidden by authority, awakening the imagination and guiding you through a forgotten literary past.

Set in Southern Russia in the early 2000s, you play as Elena, a 13-year-old girl who discovers her late grandfather’s hidden library. It is a place of shadows, secrets, and forbidden Soviet-era literature. As Elena uncovers stories that were once censored, she becomes absorbed in their worlds, meeting characters from novels that the Soviet authorities deemed dangerous and subversive. Each new adventure plunges the player into the very heart of one of these stories, offering a rare glimpse into ideas that were hidden from the public eye, questions of freedom, and the power of literature.

Explore a Library Full of Secrets

The hidden library is not just a place of forgotten books. It is a labyrinth of secrets. Every shelf, every corner hides an artefact or a clue, urging you to delve deeper into Elena’s family history. Diaries, letters, and photographs reveal the mystery of Elena’s grandfather and the dangerous truths he sought to protect.

Journey Through Forbidden Books

Each level of the game is inspired by a banned book or genre, recreating the worlds of Soviet political satires, dystopian futures, and subversive classics. Walk in the footsteps of characters from iconic works, experience their conflicts, interact with complex individuals, and understand why these stories were deemed too dangerous to be read by the Soviet government.

Interact with Literary Figures

Meet characters from the banned books you explore. These figures are not just passive elements in the world; they are alive, complex individuals with their own motivations and inner conflicts. Form alliances, face enemies, and learn about their roles in the struggle against oppressive regimes.

Immersive Story-Driven Gameplay

Solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and open new areas as you dive deeper into Elena’s journey and the stories hidden within forbidden literature. Each encounter with characters and themes from these novels sheds light on the enduring struggle for truth, memory, and freedom.

Historical Context and Educational Elements

Dive into not just a story, but also a historical experience. As you progress through the game, unlock hidden historical facts and learn about the censorship of literature during the Soviet era, the impact of political regimes on art, and the power of storytelling in times of oppression.

A Story of Resistance and Freedom

At the heart of The Hidden Library lies a story of resistance and the power of free thought. As Elena uncovers the suppressed truths of the Soviet regime, she must face moral dilemmas and explore themes of censorship, repression, and the courage to fight for what is right.

Dark Academia Aesthetic

Step into hand-drawn environments filled with the moody, intricate details of a world shrouded in shadow, reflecting both the era and the solemn beauty of a forgotten library.

Immersive Sound Design

Immerse yourself in the eerie silence of the forgotten library and the intense, mysterious worlds of the books through a cinematic soundtrack and detailed soundscapes. Each story world has its own unique auditory atmosphere, from quiet whispers to dramatic scores, enhancing the emotional depth.