Chilla’s Art is an indie game studio founded by two brothers in 2019. Named after chinchillas because the eldest brother, Yasuka Taira, became fascinated by the cute, furry creatures while living in America. Their games are often inspired by the haunting and unique scenery of Japan. In an interview with Tokyo Weekender, Taira explained “There’s also something eerie about Japanese scenery. Public telephones, tunnels, subway platforms and so on . . . Just living in Japan and being surrounded by these landscapes inspires us with ideas for new games.”
Our Favorite Chilla’s Art Paranormal Game
So it’s no surprise that most of their game library includes mundane settings with an unsettling atmosphere – specifically thanks to NPCs and assets that skirt the uncanny valley. Ranging from stalkers to downright ghosts, there’s always a chilling (ha) story to experience. If you’re more into ghost stories, check out our list of the top 5 Chilla’s Art paranormal titles.
Shinkansen 0 | 新幹線 0号
Shinkansen 01 takes place in a shinkansen (bullet train). This game strays from the typical Chilla’s Art formulaic gameplay, and instead opts to take a shot at the anomaly trend that’s been super popular in the indie game world. Basically, like an Eye Spy book, you must find the small and creepy differences between train cars as you try and make your way towards the front. Some are more obvious than others – but if you miss any, you have to start over. Will you ever be able to get off this train?
The Convenience Store | 夜勤事件
This convenience store is anything but convenient. In The Convenience Store, you play as a young woman working at a konbini at night. Everything seems normal and you go about your night shifts by handling mundane tasks. However, things take a turn when your manager goes missing. You start to feel like someone is watching you. Customers are behaving differently. Is this convenience store haunted? Find out!
Aka Manto | 赤マント
Aka Manto is one of Chilla’s Art’s more famous titles. The story incorporates a Japanese urban legend about a masked spirit wearing a red cloak. This spirit will appear to people using toilets – specifically young women. This game involves more puzzle solving and strategy than other Chilla’s games. With a constantly patrolling enemy who can kill you in an instant, it’ll surely keep you on edge.
The Ghost Train | 幽霊列車
Another train game! The Ghost Train takes place in the subway at night. This is a psychological horror game that comes with several trigger warnings on Steam. The game turns the most normal train ride home into a frightening, mind-bending experience. The visuals skirt along the uncanny valley, but this one also features a VHS-style overlay. Where will this train end up?
The Bathhouse | 地獄銭湯
The Bathhouse was originally released in 2020, but Chilla’s updated it in 2024 to include some better graphics, gameplay, and an additional storyline. Similar to other titles, you take the role of a young woman working a mundane job. This time, at a bathhouse. But soon, you start seeing things – long strands of hair that never seem to end or a suspicious woman in the bath after hours. A suspenseful mystery unfolds before your eyes. Will you be able to solve it?
Get Paranormal With Chilla’s Art
Chilla’s Art has developed close to 30 games – and that number continues to grow each year. After finding an aesthetic and gameplay mechanics that fit their development style, these brothers know exactly how to scare their fans. Most of their games can be completed in under 2 hours and cost under $8, so if you enjoyed learning about any of these paranormal games, we implore you to check them out!
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