Reimagine horror through Filipino quiet dread with Dere Evil Exe maker Darius Guerrero.
At first glance, Dere Evil Exe appears to be a charming pixel-art platformer. But as you guide the silent hero, Knightly, through its surreal landscapes, it becomes clear: something is terribly wrong.
The game begins to glitch. Messages distort. A cheerful AI guide named A.I.D.E. offers advice – but her tone shifts, becoming unsettling. Then, a new presence emerges: Yanna, a malevolent force who warns you not to trust the developer. The fourth wall shatters, and you’re no longer just playing the game – you’re part of it.
We spoke to Darius Immanuel Guerrero, the Filipino solo developer behind the game, about the unique flavour of his haunting game.
Horror with a Filipino soul
“I’m most drawn to meta horror. The kind that makes you feel like the game is alive. That maybe you were never really in control,” says Guerrero.
That’s the kind of psychological terror that defines Dere Evil Exe and the interconnected pixel-art horrorverse crafted by Guerrero. Known for games such as HopBound, Puzzling Peaks Exe and Dere Vengeance, Guerrero has built more than just standalone titles. He’s built a chilling universe – one that quietly unfolds across each game, filled with rogue AIs and ghostly forces.
I’m most drawn to meta horror. The kind that makes you feel like the game is alive. That maybe you were never really in control.
“I wanted the experience to feel charming and familiar, but subtly wrong in an uncanny way, as if there’s something sinister hiding in plain sight.”
This approach reflects a deeper cultural influence, too. Growing up in Catholic schools in the Philippines, Guerrero was surrounded by ghost stories – some whispered in hallways, others fuelled by late-night amateur ghost hunts with friends. That sense of the unseen, the unspoken and the unknowable continues to shape his work.
“Filipino horror has a very distinct tone,” he says. “A mix of faith, silence, occult and tragedy. Even when I don’t use creatures from local mythology, that atmosphere finds its way in.”
A universe of glitches and clues
It’s not just the themes that connect his games – it’s the world itself. Players who delve deeper in the Dere Evil Exe universe will notice recurring characters, cryptic references and unexplained artefacts. Easter eggs hide in plain sight, and dialogue shifts meaning when viewed through the lens of HopBound and Dere Vengeance.
“Some titles even change how you see the ones that came before,” Guerrero says. “I love rewarding players who notice.”
Take Spooky Pixel Hero, for instance. Released as a prequel, it recontextualises earlier games, shedding new light on villains’ motivations and giving past moments an unexpected emotional punch. According to Guerrero, Dere Vengeance is best experienced as a kind of “season finale” – a narrative payoff for players who’ve followed the full arc.
I wanted the experience to feel charming and familiar, but subtly wrong in an uncanny way, as if there’s something sinister hiding in plain sight.
But even if you’re jumping in for the first time, there’s plenty to latch onto. Guerrero’s games are tough, but fair – platformers that build skill and suspense in equal measure. And if it gets challenging? “Don’t rush,” he advises. “These games are meant to be experienced, not just beaten.”
Tips for surviving the Dere Universe
New to Dere Evil Exe or Guerrero’s other thought-provoking platformers? Here are some tips straight from the developer himself:
Stay curious. Every level is beatable, but some secrets require patience and attention to detail.
Explore the full universe. The more games you play, the more the shared world opens up – and becomes even more fun to explore.”
Expect the unexpected. Players have found bugs, lore clues and alternate paths Guerrero didn’t even plan. The game may not always behave the way you think it will – and that’s part of the thrill.
Discover Guerrero’s full slate of meta-horror games: