SEATTLE — Oct. 23, 2025 — THE SPIRIT LIFT, the retro horror deckbuilder roguelike set in a haunted hotel from prettysmart games, plays a calculated hand on PC via Steam on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, as revealed during the Indie Horror Showcase.
Ride a magical elevator through 13 levels of a haunted, ever-changing 3D hotel, as a group of ‘90s teenagers. Discover the secrets that lie behind every door in the ultimate search for the truth. Gather cards, gold, and gear while navigating the eerie corridors on the way to the top. Beware of unpredictable events and creepy enemies lurking in the shadows.
Select a trio of teenagers, watch their relationships unfold, and stack up their distinct abilities against the daunting task of a hotel ascent. Along the way, pick up firefighter axes, rollerblades, and night vision goggles to fend off fiends and increase the odds of survival.
Muster up the courage for a fighting chance against wandering ghouls and giggling ghosts. Engage in strategic card-based battles, power-up decks with newly discovered cards, and convert experience into life-or-death upgrades. Battle the creatures of the night, defy death, and reach the charismatic boss awaiting in the penthouse suite.
Met your maker in an attempt to reach the top? Lucky for you, death isn’t permanent around these halls; in fact, it’s encouraged! Experiment with different party members, collecting and combining new cards and gear to see how far you progress. Remember the lessons learned, ascend to the top, and seek the hotel’s true purpose.
“Be Kind, Rewind, and Seek the Truth Lost Behind…”
“Death is only the beginning here,” said Miko Charbonneau, Creative Director and Studio Lead at prettysmart games. “We wanted to create a roguelike deckbuilder that was both accessible to genre newcomers, with a fresh twist for veterans. We can’t wait to see who will be among the first to reach the top of this haunting experience!”
THE SPIRIT LIFT defies death on PC via Steam on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. For more information on THE SPIRIT LIFT, visit prettysmart games’ official website, check out the developer’s YouTube and Twitch, and follow the team on BlueSky.
About prettysmart games
prettysmart games is an indie game developer that collectively prioritizes mental health and team happiness alongside their dedication to providing creative interactivity to players. They usher in newcomers into the gaming space and help them expand their skillset while priding themselves on an absolute lack of AI-driven development. From PC games to mobile apps and even a retro MUD, the team continues to share their passion for unique gaming experiences in multiple formats, and even provide lessons learned as Skillshare courses to help aspiring devs break into the industry armed with insights from industry professionals.
For more information, visit the prettysmart games’ official website, check out the developer’s YouTube and Twitch, and follow the team on BlueSky.
