Soundless: A Modern Salem in Remote Area

About

Soundless: A Modern Salem in Remote Area is a brief visual novel set in a reclusive village governed by strict religious doctrine. You follow Mercy, a girl shunned by her community after gaining the ability to see things others cannot. As the townsfolk grow paranoid, she’s isolated and tormented, her reality warped by fear and dogma. The story unfolds through static scenes and dialogue, blending slow-burn tension with unsettling twists. Choices are limited but contextual, emphasizing narrative over interactivity. The game stands out for its eerie atmosphere and sharp focus on psychological horror. Though short, under two hours, it packs a visceral punch with its exploration of ostracization and fanaticism. Players praise its bold themes and unsettling tone, though some note the lack of gameplay depth. A quick but memorable experience for fans of atmospheric storytelling.

Storyline

—Despite all the singing around her, her world was soundless. A small village cut off from the rest of the world, Phada, spends its days slowly, idling away time by speaking with one another, eating with one another, and dedicating all their attention to studying scripture. With a population of only 145, the governing body of the town is the Group, the name of the miniscule clergy that inhabits the church at the top of the hill. They worship a protective God comprised of two halves: the "Barrier" defensive energy and the "Expulsive" offensive energy. In a town where all you can do is socialize, young Mercy is denied this. Since birth, she has seen the unseen, and was taken in by the Group after losing her parents. Upon turning 10 her vision seemingly became corrupt, causing panic among the villagers. It was decided by the Head Priest and the Holy Woman that the only way to deal with this curse is to aggressively apply the "antibiotics." In other words, isolate Mercy until she stops seeing things. Now an empty shell of who she once was, 15 year old Mercy attends school and is constantly bullied by her classmates, some truly afraid of her, but most seeing her as an easy target. The sudden death of the 25th Holy Woman startles the village, causing many to believe Mercy's curse is spreading and for her abuse to become more aggressive. Then, one day, the Head Priest reveals God has given them two young Holy Women rather than one. When classes end the next day, one calls out to Mercy. "I can see it, too."