Satriver Studio

Creatures from Nusantara that inspired Our Soulslike Game

In the dense jungles, sacred mountains, and mystic coasts of the Indonesian archipelago known historically as Nusantara lie legends as haunting as they are beautiful. These tales, passed down through oral tradition, speak of creatures born not only of fear, but of faith, ancestral reverence, and the chaotic balance between life and death.

When we started developing a Soulslike title, we knew we wanted to move away from the usual Norse and Western mythology. Instead, we delved into the richness of Southeast Asian folklore, particularly from Java, Bali, and the wider archipelago, to give our world a soul that is both alien and unforgettable.

Here are a few of the mythic beings that inspired our bosses, enemies, and even the underlying lore of our game.

1. Genderuwo – The Shadow Watcher

“Big Hairy Creature, Looks like Yeti/Bigfoot but having hentai personality.”

In Javanese mythology, the Genderuwo is a hairy, hulking spirit that haunts abandoned homes and forests. Unlike traditional demons, it’s more a chaotic neutral, capable of mischief or malice depending on how it’s treated.

In our game, we reimagined the Genderuwo as a half-man, half-smoke boss. Found deep within the ruins of a forgotten kingdom, it shifts between forms, only becoming tangible when enraged.

2. The Sorrow Dancer

“Watching KKN desa penari inspired us to put it in our game.”

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Lore Inspiration

The Sorrow Dancer is inspired by traditional Nusantara dance, particularly from Java, where movement is slow, precise, and heavy with meaning. Many dances are rituals to honor ancestors, tell stories of gods and demons, or ward off evil. But what happens when we twist it?

We imagined a dancer who was once the vessel of sacred rites, her role to channel the grief of a grieving people. infected by the environment, now she can do a fast slash.

3. Hellbound Troops

“In the ashes of the world, they kneel. In the fires of the underworld, they rise. ”

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Description

The Hellbound Troops are the foot soldiers of the hellish cult, bound to an infernal pact that has corrupted both body and soul. Once simple peasants or warriors, they now serve the Hell lords (Ken Arok) in exchange for promises of power, immortality, or twisted salvation. Their bodies are marked with dark tattoos, look like runic symbols, and they’re wearing mask.

These cultists wear tattered robes, and some cultists are half-naked.

Why Nusantara Mythology?

We chose Nusantara myths not only for their unique horror-fantasy flavor, but because they carry a deep emotional weight, centered on shame, honor, the spirit world, and the living’s responsibility to the dead. These themes align perfectly with the atmosphere and philosophical depth of a Soulslike experience.

In resurrecting these ancient tales, we hope players won’t just face terrifying monsters. They’ll confront the cultural memory of a region.