Indie developer Polycast Labs has officially revealed BOBO and the Chest of Nightmares, a new 3D platformer inspired by beloved classics like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, and MediEvil. The game is set to launch on PC via Steam this Halloween.
Blending expressive platforming with a surreal, Halloween-tinged atmosphere, BOBO and the Chest of Nightmares puts a strong emphasis on vertical level design and fluid movement. Players take on the role of Bobo, a clumsy but kind-hearted jester who must traverse corrupted dreamworlds to undo a catastrophic mistake.
A Vertical Platformer Built Around Movement and Exploration
At its core, BOBO and the Chest of Nightmares is designed around momentum and player skill. Bobo can leap, glide, rail-grind, and interact with environmental puzzles as he navigates expansive stages built for replayability. Each level introduces a new gameplay twist, ensuring the experience evolves as players progress deeper into the nightmare.
One of the game’s standout design choices is its “no-UI” health system. Instead of traditional health bars or numerical indicators, survival is represented through collectible DreamMasks, keeping the screen uncluttered and the player immersed in the world.
Between levels, players return to The Circus Hub, a vibrant central area filled with NPCs, secrets, and optional mini-games that expand the game’s universe and reward curious exploration.
A Solo-Developed Passion Project
BOBO and the Chest of Nightmares is being developed by Polycast Labs, an independent studio based in Portugal and founded by solo developer David Ho. Though currently a one-person operation, the studio is focused on delivering imaginative, character-driven experiences with a strong artistic identity.
For Polycast Labs, BOBO and the Chest of Nightmares represents a major first step — a passion project that blends nostalgic platforming sensibilities with modern design ideas and a distinctive visual style.
BOBO and the Chest of Nightmares is currently in development for PC via Steam and is targeting a Halloween release window.
