LORE & WORLD
The history and science behind the Sublustrum project.
THE SUBLUSTRUM PROJECT
Sublustrum (Latin: "under light" or "dimmed light") was Edward's attempt to create a machine that could explore human consciousness directly.
The original 2008 version, known internationally as "Outcry," established the core concept: a machine that immerses users into a shared subconscious space—a "Flickering World" where memories, dreams, and fears become tangible realities.
The 2026 reimagining, built by Brickworks Games in partnership with Phantomery Interactive, expands this concept into a fully explorable 3D world while maintaining the psychological depth that made the original a cult classic.
🌀 THE FLICKERING WORLD
Nature of the World
The Flickering World is a liminal space between consciousness and subconscious. It exists in the space between waking and dreaming, life and death.
Rules of Reality
Time flows differently. Memory shapes geography. Emotion manifests as environment. What you fear, you will see.
Layers
The Flickering World has multiple layers, from the surface (childhood memories) to the depths (primal fears). Each layer requires different survival strategies.
Stability
The world flickers because it is maintained by human consciousness. When Edward became trapped, the world began to destabilize—hence "Flickering."
🔬 THE SCIENCE
Consciousness Theory
Edward believed that consciousness is not produced by the brain but merely received and processed by it—a radio receiving signals from a broader consciousness field.
The Sublustrum machine was designed to tune into this field directly, allowing users to explore it consciously rather than through dreams or near-death experiences.
This theory mirrors real-world concepts in quantum consciousness research and near-death experience studies.
⚙️ VISUAL & AESTHETIC
Victorian Steampunk
The original Sublustrum featured decadent steampunk aesthetics—brass machinery, Victorian architecture, and gaslit corridors. The 2026 version maintains this while adding modern rendering.
Art direction inspired by Artemy Lebedev Studio's iconic logo design
Dark Ambient Atmosphere
Originally featuring music by Anthesteria, the soundtrack creates oppressive, dreamlike atmosphere. Sound is central to gameplay—the world responds to audio.
Won Best Sound Design at KRI Awards 2008
KEY INFLUENCES
David Lynch
Surrealist storytelling, dream logic, atmospheric dread
Andrei Tarkovsky
Stalker-inspired exploration of consciousness and meaning
Myst Series
Environmental puzzle-solving, mysterious narrative delivery
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
Original game "Outcry" released internationally, "Sublustrum" in Russia/Poland. Developed by Phantomery Interactive, published by The Adventure Company.
Game builds cult following. Considered one of the most atmospheric adventure games ever made. Wins multiple awards.
Brickworks Games announces reimagining in partnership with Phantomery Interactive. Full Unity remake planned for PC and consoles.
Scheduled release Fall 2026. ~50,000 Steam wishlists. Currently in closed playtest.