ILLBLEED: Same Dream, Different Approach
Sometimes it's interesting to look back at something you wrote years ago and realize just how much has changed.
Recently, I returned to the GameFAQs ILLBLEED board and revisited an old topic of mine:
Back then, I was trying to get something moving. I was looking for people who might want to help, discussing possible staff positions, exploring the possibility of funding, and trying to figure out how a fan-made project could become something more substantial.
I had ideas. I had ambitions. I even had several possible directions for where the franchise could go.
But I was also trying to figure out how to make all of it happen.
Looking back, I don't think there was anything wrong with wanting that. I wanted to see ILLBLEED return. I wanted to explore its world, its characters, and the strange horror attraction that made the original Dreamcast game so memorable.
I just didn't have the same perspective I have today.
A Different Kind of Update
Fast-forward to November 2026.
I opened a new topic:
Illbleed Revival / Sequel Ideas
This time, I approached things differently.
I wasn't asking people to join a production team. I wasn't promising a release date, asking for money, or pretending that a game was already in development.
Instead, I wanted to share how the creative side of the project had developed.
The concept has grown beyond simply remaking the original game. I've been exploring a larger narrative, almost like a collection of VHS recordings.
The idea begins with a prelude told from William Christy's perspective, continues through the events of the original ILLBLEED, and potentially moves into a sequel. There are also possibilities for smaller stories and mini-games.
One direction I'd particularly like to explore is telling the story through the eyes of a madman: William Christy himself, and the events that led to the creation of his horror park.
I have story material, character outlines, and a work-in-progress script. I'm not a programmer or technical developer, but I enjoy the creative and narrative side of game development.
And that's where the difference lies.
I'm Not Trying to Assemble a Production
I'm trying to start a conversation.
I'd like to connect with people who enjoy ILLBLEED, horror games, game development, storytelling, or simply discussing what a revival could look like.
Maybe someone has an interesting idea. Maybe someone sees something in the story that I haven't considered. Maybe a conversation leads somewhere unexpected.
Or maybe nothing comes of it.
That's fine, too.
I'm not expecting strangers to commit themselves to something they know nothing about. I'm not asking anyone to take on responsibilities or make promises.
I'd simply like to exchange ideas and explore the possibilities with people who share an interest in this unusual little Dreamcast horror game.
The Person Behind the Posts Has Changed, Too
There's another reason this return feels different.
When I made that older post, I was in a different place in my life. I was trying to find myself, and I didn't have the same creative outlets or the same ways to express what was going on in my head.
I didn't have the Boris persona, the Glitch Council, or the little collection of characters and ideas that eventually grew around me.
I didn't have Jerry "The Ankle-Biter" Silverhand.
I didn't have Mr. and Mrs. Catford.
And I certainly didn't have a Lawfully Neutral Paladin sitting around trying to keep the old thuggish instincts from filing complaints with the Department of Petty Affairs.
But I did have ILLBLEED.
I had this strange game that I couldn't quite let go of, and I wanted to do something with it.
I still do.
The difference is that I don't feel the same need to force all the pieces together before anyone has even had a chance to sit down and talk.
I've learned that sometimes you need to open the door first.
If People Come, They Come
I don't know whether anyone will respond to the new topic. Maybe somebody will remember the game. Maybe someone will be interested in the story material. Maybe a conversation will lead in an entirely unexpected direction.
I'm not going to pretend I have all the answers.
I also understand that ILLBLEED belongs to its original rights holders. Having ideas for a fan project doesn't mean I own the property or have permission to release an unofficial commercial game using it. Those are separate matters, and any actual project would have to respect those boundaries.
But that doesn't mean I have to stop exploring ideas, writing stories, or talking with other people who enjoy the game.
For now, the invitation is simple.
If you're interested in talking, sharing ideas, or taking a look at some of the material, feel free to reach out.
Discord: MrCatford
I'd love to hear from other people who still remember this game.
It's been a long time, but I don't think ILLBLEED deserves to be forgotten.
— Mr. Catford
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