VGSources / Games / Introversion Software
adventure video game
Scanner Sombre
By Introversion Software, released 1 Jan 2017
- Microsoft Windows
- macOS
- walking simulator
What it is
Scanner Sombre is a single-player cave exploration game from Introversion Software, built around darkness and a handheld LIDAR scanner. The scanner reveals the surrounding cave gradually, turning the environment into colored points that help show depth and uncover concealed hazards and areas. Exploration centers on moving through a hidden world while piecing together clues from symbols and remnants of the past. The game uses a distinctive point-cloud visual style inspired by industrial LIDAR scans, with the scanner’s light defining what can be seen. It is listed as an adventure and indie game, with Windows and macOS versions. Steam features include full controller support and VR support, as well as tracked controller support and DualShock and DualSense controller support. The listing identifies Introversion Software as both developer and publisher. Its story is conveyed indirectly through the cave environment rather than through a stated linear account.
What players like, and what they don't
- LIDAR scanning gradually reveals the cave.
- Colored point clouds indicate depth.
- Environmental remnants hint at a deeper story.
- Full controller support and VR support are listed.
- Single-player only.
- Windows and macOS are the only listed platforms.
- The cave is explored in oppressive darkness.
Who it suits
It may suit players who enjoy solitary cave exploration, environmental clues, and navigating by revealing the surroundings with a scanner. Controller and VR support are listed for players seeking those options.
Scanner Sombre makes scanning the central tool for exploring its cave and finding clues. Its single-player format and darkness-focused navigation define the experience.
