Akatori Didn’t Come Outta Nowhere… But It Sure Felt Like It!

 

did kinda see Akatori coming… but at the same time, I didn't. It still hit me like it popped outta nowhere. Let me explain while you scratch your head in confusion.

So I was digging through our treasure trove of games this week (right), just scrolling, minding my business—and then boom—“Akatori: Chapter One.” I had to do a double take like, “Wait… how did I miss this?” And I’m not even gonna lie… once I clicked it to check it out, I liked what I saw and had to present it to... you.

That experience (which I haven't finished yet) had that “oh this might be something serious... in a good way” energy. And sure enough—next thing you know while seeing if there was more to the franchise (possibly a chapter two), I see... the full Akatori game is lined up for a 2026 release!

While you might not have access to Akatori: Chapter One, here’s some gameplay to give you a taste of the metroidvania action:

This gameplay is from April 2024’s Chapter One, so you should be able to expect the full release to be more polished, more expanded, and just overall leveled up.

But hey, if it ends up not being too far off from what we’re seeing here… I wouldn’t even be mad, because this is already a GOOD time. So they can add to it, but if it ain't broke don't fix it.


 What Kind of Game Is Akatori

Akatori is a metroidvania-style action-adventure, meaning:

  • You’re exploring a large, interconnected world
  • Unlocking abilities that open new paths
  • Backtracking—but in a way that actually feels rewarding

This game is built on movement and flow.

You play as Mako, a staff-wielding monk, and that staff?
It’s not just for combat—it's a platform helping you reach new heights, and more.

We’re talking:

  • Air dashes and glides
  • Wall interactions and fast traversal
  • Combat that blends directly into movement

 The Look & Feel 

That 2.5D mix of pixel characters and 3D environments is clean.

  • Bright, colorful environments
  • Smooth animations that match the speed of gameplay
  • A world that feels alive without being cluttered

This is one of those games where you can move fast… but still catch yourself thinking:
“Hold up… this is fire.” I would've loved playing this on the Nintendo 3DS, but... this experience is still saluted on the PC. I'm sure it will also be a Deck compatible title as well.

 From Code Wakers to Contrast Games — Passing the Baton 

Akatori was originally developed by Code Wakers and published by HypeTrain Digital—but somewhere along the way, the baton got passed to the indie devs over at Contrast Games.

And honestly?

That kind of transition can go either way…

But from what I’ve seen so far... it looks like the vision is still intact—and possibly even stronger.

So now I’m locked in to see how this version of Akatori really plays out.

Here’s where I land on it so far (after digging in further):

This is one of those games that didn’t start loud…
but is slowly building into something you don’t want to ignore if you're a metroidvania adventure lover!

  • Strong metroidvania foundation 
  • Fast, fluid gameplay 
  • Clean art direction 
  • Years in development with clear evolution 

So while we wait on that official release (listed as 2026)... go ahead and grab the new demo. If this demo leaves you wanting more, add it to your wishlist, and stay ready.

We might be looking at one of those sleeper hits and I'd hate for you to sleep on it if you want to support the team and the franchise.


Illustration of Blu with headphones and sunglasses.

 + Sophi 

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Folding Into Something Special with... Origament: A Paper Adventure!

You ever go into a game thinking, “Okay, this should be cute…” — and then it quietly turns around and surprises you in the best way possible? That was me with Origament: A Paper Adventure.

I knew I was stepping into an origami-inspired world. Paper mechanics, shape-shifting, maybe a cozy little puzzle experience — cool, I’m in. But what I wasn’t expecting was just how charming, thoughtful, and honestly delightful this adventure would feel.


 A Story Folded With Heart 

At its core, the story revolves around something simple and meaningful — a little boy who writes a letter. From there, you’re not just watching things unfold… you’re living it, as a piece of paper navigating the world tied to that message.

And instead of dumping a ton of exposition on you, the game lets its environments and mechanics do the storytelling. It’s one of those “feel it as you play it” kind of experiences — and those always hit a little different.


 Gameplay That Literally Shapes the Journey 

What makes Origament stand out immediately is how you move through the world. You’re not just running and jumping — you’re transforming.

  • Roll into a paper ball to get through tight spots
  • Glide as a paper plane across gaps
  • Float as a paper boat over water
  • Slice through obstacles as a paper shuriken

Each form feels natural, and once you get the hang of switching between them, everything just clicks. It’s smooth, intuitive, and super satisfying — like learning a new skill without the frustration.

And once your brain locks in? You’ll be folding like an origami pro in no time. Get cozy and lets play!



 Cozy… But Not Too Easy 

Now I did call this a cozy adventure — and it is — but don’t mistake that for “no challenge.”

There are definitely moments where you’ll pause, think, and maybe even retry a section a couple of times. But here’s the difference: it never feels stressful.

It’s the kind of challenge that encourages you, not punishes you. You mess up, you smile, you try again — and that loop feels good the whole way through.


 A Soundtrack That Wraps Around You 

Let me just say this… the music? Beautiful.

It gently pulls you into the experience and keeps you there. Whether you’re in it for a cozy session after a long day or just vibing through the levels, the soundtrack doesn't require time to grow on you — it grabs your ears effortlessly.


 Why It Stands Out 

What I really appreciate about Origament: A Paper Adventure is that it knows exactly what it is.

It’s not trying to be overly complex. It’s not chasing trends. It’s just a well-crafted, wholesome experience built around a creative idea — and that confidence shows. And because of that? It stands out.

I went in expecting something cute and relaxing… and walked away genuinely impressed.

Origament: A Paper Adventure is one of those games that sneaks up on you — wrapping you in its world, its music, and its clever design until you realize you’ve been smiling the whole time.

If you’re looking for something cozy, creative, and just a little bit magical…

This one’s absolutely worth folding into your library. Game on!


Illustration of Sophi, a young woman with long black hair, wearing a white top and pearl earrings, smiling with big brown eyes.

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All Will Fall – A Calm Start That Turns Into Hours of Survival Strategy

All Will Fall is one of those games that doesn’t look overwhelming at first. You start small. A few people. Limited supplies. A quiet setup. Then time disappears (at least for me).

What pulls you in isn’t just survival. It’s responsibility. Every decision you make affects whether your colony grows… or falls apart. And... with that said, let's play!



 Build First, Expand Later 

The game rewards patience. It’s easy to think more people means more progress. It doesn’t. More people means more mouths to feed, more pressure on your resources, and more problems if you’re not ready.

The better approach in my opinion:

  • Build your foundation

  • Secure your food supply

  • Fortify your structures

Then expand. If you rush it, you’ll feel it quickly... but take the route that works for you.


 Food Is Always the Real Problem 

You can manage a lot of things in this game. Food is the one that stays on your mind.

If you don’t have enough, everything slows down. Morale drops. Progress stalls. Mistakes start to stack up.

It’s better to have more food than you need than to be just getting by.

That buffer gives you options.


 Why It Keeps You Playing 

This is where the game gets you.

You’ll tell yourself:
“I’ll just fix this one thing.”

Then:
“I’ll just build one more structure.”

Then:
“I need to balance this before I log off.”

And just like that, hours are gone.

The systems are pretty simple to understand, but they connect in a way that keeps pulling you back in (hit pause to regroup as many times as you need). You’re always improving something, fixing something, or preparing for what might go wrong next.

All Will Fall doesn’t rely on chaos or constant action to hold your attention.

It builds tension through responsibility.

If you manage your resources well, take your time, and avoid overextending your colony, you’ll stay in control.

If you don’t?

The game reminds you quickly why planning matters.

Short version:
Take care of what you have before reaching for more.

That’s how you last.

Game on. 🎮 


Illustration of Blu with headphones and sunglasses.

 + Sophi 

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