Development of the game began in 2007 and was first demonstrated in March 2011 at Penny Arcade Expo East.[1] The game is set on an alien planet and includes exploration elements similar to Metroid and Castlevania.[2] Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet was released on August 3, 2011.[3] The game features music by Dimmu Borgir during cinematics;[4] the songs "Progenies of the Great Apocalypse" (orchestral version) and "Eradication Instincts Defined" play during the game, while the trailer featured "Blood Hunger Doctrine".