Tormented Souls 2 - The Underworld / Hell Sides

Hi everyone, my name is Paolo Olivari, Co.Art Director and Lead Environment Artist from the new survival horror game "Tormented Souls 2"
I share with you part of the development and creation process of the environments for the video game released in October 2025.
The Hell ev (Tormented Souls 2)

"Between the life and dead"
The concept of hell or the underworld is based on various elements associated with density, restricted movement, and the sensation of being trapped. This hostile and surreal environment is characterized by the presence of thick mud combined with substances such as oils or tar, derived from the element of fire. In contrast to the more conventional elements of hell linked to Christianity—such as flames and demons—this approach seeks to explore new dimensions.

Within this context, enveloping fabrics that restrain individuals create a suffocating and distressing sensation, as it is impossible to break free from such bindings. The combination of these fabrics with mud and viscous liquids generates an atmosphere of horror and anxiety, diverging from more traditional representations of the underworld.

Bio-organic elements also play a crucial role in this concept, reinforcing the idea that hell itself is meticulously controlled and that every being is intrinsically bound to this infernal plane. This perspective offers a more expansive and original interpretation of the concept of hell, exploring new facets that go beyond the conventional representations associated with Christian mythology.

The premise is to fully immerse the player in this universe, where every wall and corner of the environment evokes an inescapable sense of claustrophobia, suggesting the absence of any exit. To intensify this experience, visual support is sought through scenic elements that defy the natural laws of physics.

Within the scenes, objects are arranged in unconventional ways, such as chairs suspended from ceilings or attached to walls, and tables wrapped in fabric with an aesthetic reminiscent of bondage. This approach aims to create a surreal and disturbing environment, challenging the player’s expectations and contributing to the construction of an atmosphere that enhances the feeling of being trapped in a world where familiar rules no longer apply.