The Behemoth Trilogy brings together three separate indie titles developed by a student team at The Game Assembly in Malmö, Sweden. This free-to-play collection spans action, racing, adventure, and platforming elements across PC, with each entry built on the same custom LAMP Engine using C++ and DirectX 11. The package includes extreme snowboarding in PEAX, 3D platforming in Maruk: Shipwrecked, and top-down hack-and-slash combat in Spite: Ashes of Ephtael. Players encounter distinct mechanics in each game while sharing the same underlying technology created from scratch over two semesters by 21 developers.
Gameplay
PEAX focuses on high-speed snowboarding runs down steep slopes. Riders grind rails, perform tricks, and activate boosts to maintain momentum and outpace competitors. The core loop centers on chaining movements to build speed while navigating challenging terrain in an extreme competition setting. Additional customization becomes available through a specific input sequence that unlocks extra character options.
Maruk: Shipwrecked places the player as a deckhand navigating an archipelago of islands. Movement relies on dashing and precise jumping to cross gaps and reach new areas after washing ashore without supplies. Exploration leads to interactions with a ghost captain that opens access to another realm, with the goal of gathering items and seeking a return path. A hidden challenge awaits in the deepest section of a vortex area for those who complete the main islands.
Spite: Ashes of Ephtael puts players in control of Cinder, a crusader clearing a corrupted swamp. Combat involves striking through groups of foul creatures while progressing through the environment to push back an opposing force. Strength and faith increase as the character advances, turning each encounter into a progression step toward reclaiming the land.
Game Modes
PEAX supports shared split-screen play for up to four participants on the same screen during runs. This setup allows direct competition on the slopes without requiring additional hardware. The other two games operate primarily in single-player format, with Maruk: Shipwrecked including one optional secret level beyond the standard archipelago traversal. Spite: Ashes of Ephtael remains focused on solo progression through the swamp areas.
Remote play together features appear across the collection, enabling shared sessions in supported modes. Single-player options cover the full experience in each title for those preferring solo runs. No additional named modes beyond these verified elements exist in the current descriptions.
Development and Technology
All three games rely on the LAMP Engine, a complete custom build created by the team without external middleware for core systems. Audio integration uses FMOD Studio, while physics simulation draws from NVIDIA PhysX. The project originated as an educational effort at The Game Assembly, resulting in a finished collection that remains free indefinitely. System requirements list Windows 10, 8 GB RAM, DirectX 11, and 6 GB storage, with notes on potential scaling issues for non-16:9 displays in fullscreen.
Is It Worth Playing?
The Behemoth Trilogy suits players seeking varied indie experiences in one package, particularly those interested in snowboarding mechanics, precise 3D platforming, or straightforward top-down combat. Its free availability removes any financial barrier, and the split-screen option in PEAX adds local multiplayer value for groups. The educational origin means focused, self-contained gameplay without ongoing seasonal content or expansions. Those who enjoy short, skill-based sessions across different genres will find the collection matches that preference directly. No user reviews exist yet due to the upcoming release status, so expectations should center on the described mechanics and student-project scope.
