Zoonomaly

Step into a chaotic zoo where nothing is as it seems. Zoonomaly is a first-person horror survival game that throws players into a twisted animal park riddled with anomalies, psychological tension, and mysterious threats. Set in a surreal version of a closed-down zoo facility, the game blends immersive exploration, puzzle-solving, and heart-pounding encounters with strange, AI-driven “creatures.” It's not just about escaping—it's about uncovering what went wrong.

In this article, we dive deep into the terrifying world of Zoonomaly—its gameplay mechanics, themes, storytelling, and overall impact as a new indie horror title. If you're looking for a blend of fear, mystery, and tactical gameplay, Zoonomaly offers a wild ride through madness.

1. Origins and Development: The Birth of Zoonomaly

Zoonomaly was developed by Trench Games, a small indie studio known for blending psychological elements with experimental horror gameplay. Initially teased in 2023 and released in mid-2025, the game was born from a unique premise: What if the zoo became the experiment, not just a sanctuary for animals?

The Indie Development Ethos

Trench Games operated with limited resources but a clear vision. The developers were inspired by titles like SCP Containment Breach and The Stanley Parable, blending uncanny storytelling with atmospheric design. They prioritized:

• Dynamic AI behavior

• Randomized anomalies on each playthrough

• Minimal UI for maximum immersion

Community Involvement

Zoonomaly benefited heavily from early alpha testing with horror enthusiasts and Reddit beta communities. Player feedback shaped everything from puzzle difficulty to sound design.

2. The Premise: A Zoo Turned Nightmare

The core of Zoonomaly lies in its disturbing setting—a once-bustling zoo now abandoned after a mysterious "anomalous outbreak." You play as an investigator sent to document, record, and neutralize these anomalies... if you survive.

A Zoo Like No Other

While players expect animals, they’ll be greeted by far worse:

• Creatures that mimic zoo animals with uncanny distortions

• Cages that seem to trap time itself

• Enclosures that morph with each return

Narrative Depth

Unlike jump-scare-based horror, Zoonomaly crafts its tension through environmental storytelling:

• Audio logs of terrified workers

• Research notes that hint at ethical breaches

• Cameras that malfunction when aimed at "truths"

3. Gameplay Mechanics: Observe, Record, Survive

At its core, Zoonomaly is a first-person exploration horror game with layers of tactical resource management, observation-based puzzles, and stealth mechanics.

The Investigation System

You carry only a:

• Camera (to record anomalies)

• Notepad (for tagging locations and writing down suspicions)

• Radio scanner (to catch static warnings of nearby creatures)

The goal? Identify all anomalies in each section of the zoo before escaping.

Roguelike Elements

The game features:

• Randomized spawns of threats and puzzles

• Time-based mutation of environments

• Multiple escape endings based on performance

4. The Zoonomalies: Enemies That Break Logic

What sets Zoonomaly apart is its antagonist design. The creatures aren't monsters—they're errors in logic and biology.

Examples of Zoonomalies

• The Reversed Giraffe: Walks upside down on its head, twisting neck bones with every move.

• Laughing Chimpanzee: Sounds human when laughing, mimicking voices you've heard before.

• The Absence: An invisible force that only appears in reflections or through your camera lens.

Behavior and Adaptation

Each anomaly learns your behavior. Standing still too long near an anomaly may:

• Cause it to forget it’s being observed (and become hostile)

• Shift its position when not being looked at

• React to your radio signals

5. Sound Design and Atmosphere: Terror Without Music

Zoonomaly uses silence and minimal audio to its advantage. No background music—only the natural (and unnatural) sounds of the zoo.

Key Techniques

• Sudden shifts in ambient noise when danger is near

• Spatial sound cues to indicate proximity

• Anomalous whispers in reversed audio

Environmental Horror

Cages creak even when empty. Signs flicker in Morse code. A child's laughter echoes from the reptile house—though no child is ever seen.

6. Puzzle Design and Game Progression

Puzzles in Zoonomaly are observation-driven, requiring players to use logic, memory, and creative thinking.

Sample Puzzle Types

• Match distorted animal behavior to security logs

• Follow anomalies by tracing static interference

• Restore power to observation towers using a color-coded circuit system

Progression System

The game has three major zones:

1. Mammal Enclosure

2. Aquatic Zone

3. Avian Research Tower

Each area contains:

• 3–5 anomalies to identify

• One exit challenge

• One optional “Truth Tape” collectible

7. Art Style and Visual Design

Zoonomaly opts for a retro VHS aesthetic combined with Unreal Engine’s modern lighting system.

Visual Features

• Scan lines, static interference, and VHS flicker overlay

• Distorted animal animations

• Unrealistically long shadows and surreal perspectives

Use of Color and Lighting

Each area uses minimal light to highlight fear:

• Red emergency lights in aquariums

• Green bioluminescent fog in reptile exhibits

• Strobe lights near animal escape zones

8. Player Choice and Replayability

While Zoonomaly is a single-player experience, it boasts extensive replay value due to its:

• Procedural anomalies

• Multiple narrative paths

• Branching escape outcomes

Moral Choices

Do you:

• Document all anomalies, even if it risks your life?

• Escape early and leave secrets undiscovered?

• Neutralize anomalies or let them continue?

Your choices affect the final log file sent to your agency... and determine whether the zoo stays sealed—or opens again.

9. Community Reception and Critical Acclaim

Despite being an indie title, Zoonomaly has earned praise from critics and fans alike.

Review Highlights

• PC Gamer: "A refreshing, mind-bending horror experience."

• IGN Indie Spotlight: "A game that knows fear isn't just about being hunted—but not understanding what you're seeing."

• Steam Reviews: 93% positive, citing:

  • Atmospheric brilliance

  • Smart AI behavior

  • Genuine replayability

Community Creations

The Zoonomaly subreddit features:

• Player theories about the zoo’s real purpose

• Fan-made creature expansions

• Custom difficulty mods

Final Rating

Conclusion: Enter the Zoo—But Never Expect to Leave the Same

Zoonomaly isn’t just a horror game. It’s a psychological labyrinth where perception is your only weapon—and your greatest enemy. By blending dynamic anomalies, tight resource management, and environmental storytelling, the game redefines what indie horror can achieve. Whether you're a hardcore horror fan or an adventurous gamer seeking the unusual, Zoonomaly offers a uniquely twisted experience you won’t forget.

In the zoo of the mind, every creature has a reason. And in Zoonomaly, every reason is terrifying.