The Suffering: Oblivion

As proof-of-concept, Surreal Software presented a “First Playable” demo to the publisher Midway in 2005 for the sequel to The Suffering. Before it was sub-titled Ties That Bind, it was simply Oblivion. It was also South of Heaven for a spell.

I was the designer for the second half (warehouse and basement). Animation, FX, and textures were added by other team talent. More puzzle and spook moments were spread throughout, but unfortunately not captured in the Walkthrough video below.

Trailer

Three different music tracks were used for this trailer. The Johnny Cash one is the most memorable.

Walkthrough

Most of the original gameplay is presented here next. Gameplay not shown: the flashback (see below), climbing down to the basement, and finding your way into the warehouse. The paramilitary “Foundation” group makes its first appearance here. Their earliest incarnation had them as a FEMA response unit!

Flashback

Here’s the complete flashback scene. It’s broken in parts due to missing pieces (captured in 2012), so expect some tech-rot. At the end of the scene, you could choose to engage the cops by picking up a gun and shooting (Evil) or holding back (Good).

FYI, the character Skid became Kaz who evolved into the Miles character you see in the final game.