M.E.R.C. Genesis

M.E.R.C. Genesis is a 2023 indie sci-fi survival horror third-person shooter developed and published by the solo/indie studio Evil Bunneh. Released entirely under the radar in August 2023, the game is a very low-budget, obscure title that attempts to blend the atmospheric tension of classic sci-fi horror (like Dead Space) with roguelite elements and randomly generated level design.

Because of its extremely low profile—peaking at an all-time high of just 2 concurrent players on Steam—it remains largely unknown in the broader gaming community and is primarily discussed in niche indie horror circles.

Gameplay

The game focuses on high-octane survival against grotesque, otherworldly monstrosities in dark, futuristic settings. Built on the Unity Engine, it tasks the player with exploring an abyss filled with advanced technology and nightmarish creatures.

Key gameplay mechanics include:

• Randomly Generated Levels: To ensure high replayability, the game features dynamic, procedurally generated environments. The layout of the map changes with every playthrough, meaning players can never memorize the location of resources, enemies, or exits.
• Scavenging and Upgrading: As a survival horror game, players must constantly scavenge the environment for vital resources. These resources are used to unlock new weapons and upgrade the protagonist’s combat abilities.
• Augmentations: The game features an RPG-lite character development system. Players can uncover and install “special upgrades and augmentations” that grant strategic bonuses, allowing them to specialize their build toward raw firepower, resilience, or stealth depending on their playstyle.
• Third-Person Combat: The combat perspective is over-the-shoulder (third-person), requiring players to manage their ammunition, exploit enemy vulnerabilities, and survive relentless, intense onslaughts.

Development and Legacy

Developed by Evil Bunneh, M.E.R.C. Genesis was released on PC via Steam on August 16, 2023. Given its indie nature, it features relatively low-poly, generic assets and simple combat loops compared to larger AAA sci-fi horror games.

The game received very few user reviews, classifying it deep within the “shovelware” or ultra-obscure indie category on Steam. While some players appreciate it as a cheap, bite-sized distraction with a creepy atmosphere, the game struggles with repetitive level design (a common issue with budget procedural generation) and clunky controller support. Today, it exists as a forgotten, digital curiosity in the massive library of Steam’s indie horror catalog.

Key Features:

• Procedural Horror — Navigate dynamic, randomly generated sci-fi levels, ensuring you never know what is waiting around the next corner.
• Survival Scavenging — Explore rich, haunting environments to find the crucial resources needed to stay alive.
• Character Augmentation — Customize your playstyle by unlocking permanent character upgrades, new weapons, and technological bonuses.
• Atmospheric Dread — Experience a creepy soundscape and dark, eerie lighting designed to keep you on edge.
• Indie Obscurity — Discover a deeply hidden, low-budget indie attempt at recreating the Dead Space vibe on a micro-scale.

Release Platforms:

• Microsoft Windows (PC) via Steam — August 16, 2023