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

 

I 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.

 + Sophi 

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MIO: Memories in Orbit — A Quietly Powerful Metroidvanian Journey

MIO: Memories in Orbit is available on Epic | Steam | Switch | PS | Xbox

There’s something special about MIO: Memories in Orbit that sneaks up on you. At first glance, it looks like a beautifully illustrated sci‑fi platformer. Thirty minutes later, you realize you’re wandering through a broken technological ark, piecing together forgotten memories, timing aerial attacks mid‑jump, and quietly wondering what you would sacrifice to restore a dying world.

You play as MIO, a nimble robot with extraordinary mobility, exploring The Vessel—an enormous technological ark overtaken by lush vegetation and malfunctioning machines. Once maintained by the Pearls, mysterious AI caretakers who have inexplicably gone silent, the Vessel is now a living ruin. No one knows why the Pearls stopped functioning. What is clear is that MIO is deeply connected to their fate… and possibly to the Vessel itself.

 Movement Is the Message 

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a Metroidvanian indie platformer that understands one core truth: movement is storytelling. Certain areas are only accessible if you plan your jumps and attacks carefully. As your skills improve, you’ll discover that striking enemies mid‑air resets your jump—letting you chain attacks upward and reach platforms that once felt impossible.

But here’s the catch: timing matters. Eliminate an enemy too early and you may lose your stepping stone to higher ground. Wait too long, and you risk being taken out before you reach your destination. This balance between precision and patience becomes one of the game’s most satisfying challenges.

MIO has serious aerial mobility, and the game wants you to use it. Hitting an enemy—or even certain objects—grants an additional jump. Don’t trip, either. As you progress, you’ll continue to grow, unlocking abilities like a grappling hook, air gliding, and more, each one expanding how you interpret the Vessel’s vertical spaces.

 Combat With Intent 

Combat is deceptively nuanced. You can aim attacks left, right, up, and down, but not all directions behave the same:

• Left, right, and upward attacks deal damage

• Downward attacks don’t deal damage—but they do grant you an extra jump

That design choice turns enemies into temporary platforms and makes combat feel like part of traversal rather than a separate system. Once it clicks, you’ll start seeing the battlefield as a puzzle instead of a threat.

 Preparation Matters: Meet Mel 

Before every boss fight, make it a habit to visit Mel, the ever‑useful shopkeeper. Mel can mean the difference between a clean victory and a frustrating retry. Stock up, prepare wisely, and treat each boss encounter like the event it is—because the game certainly does.

And yes, you’ll have plenty of bosses to face. Not four. Not five. Try around 15 boss encounters, with double that number in enemy types. This is an affordably priced game, but it doesn’t skimp on content.

Nacre is the game’s precious currency, and losing it hurts—unless you’re smart. You can preserve Nacre on death by solidifying it at set locations. If you’ve ever played a Metroidvania where one careless mistake wiped hours of progress, you’ll appreciate how much strategy this adds to exploration.

Nothing in MIO is marked. And that’s intentional, you get exploration without hand-holding.

Some secrets are small. Some are breathtaking. All of them reward curiosity. Revisit zones after unlocking new abilities. Look closely at walls, ceilings, and forgotten corners. Use the right analog stick to shift the camera, and you might spot paths you’d never see from a stationary viewpoint.

This is a game that trusts the player—and that trust pays off.

 Want an Easier Experience? Use Assists 

For players who want to focus more on exploration and story, MIO includes thoughtful Assist options:

• Eroded Bosses: Bosses lose maximum health with each encounter, increasing your chances of success over time

• Pacifist: Enemies won’t attack unless provoked (excluding bosses). You’ll still need to fight for progression, but it softens the learning curve

• Ground Healing: Stand still for 5 seconds to gain a temporary, non‑recoverable shield

These options don’t cheapen the experience—they make it more accessible.

 Friendly on Your Hardware (Seriously) 

With RAM and GPU prices being what they are, this part matters: MIO doesn’t demand much from your system. You can enjoy the experience with:

• 8GB RAM

• AMD Ryzen 3 1200 CPU

• AMD Radeon RX 460 GPU

Even better, the low preset isn’t far off from the highest settings, meaning you’re not sacrificing much visual fidelity to play comfortably.

 A Studio With a Painter’s Eye 

MIO: Memories in Orbit is developed by Douze Dixiemes, a small studio just outside Paris, France. Their passion for games with a strong visual identity shines through every frame. Inspired by the world of painting, the game features a sketch‑like, cel‑shaded aesthetic with fully hand‑drawn characters and environments.

Its artistic influences include:

• The works of Miyazaki

• The film Ernest et Célestine

• The sci‑fi novel series Hyperion

You’ll also feel echoes of Ori and the Blind Forest and Hollow Knight—not as imitation, but as respectful conversation. Some areas are breathtaking. Others are haunting. And yes—enemies lurk where beauty feels safest.

The campaign can be completed in around 25 hours, though most players will likely land somewhere between 25 and 40 hours depending on exploration habits. That’s a solid journey, but more importantly, it’s a meaningful one.

MIO: Memories in Orbit isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about momentum, memory, and mastering the space between jumps. Take your time. Follow your curiosity. And most of all—enjoy the ride and the OST.

 + Blu 

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FTS: ESDigital’s “Steel Seed” Launches April 10 on PC, Consoles - Steam Demo Out Now!

 

SCI-FI STEALTH-ACTION ADVENTURE STEEL SEED LAUNCHES APRIL 10 ON PC, PLAYSTATION 5 & XBOX SERIES X|S

Play the new Steam demo now and check out the latest trailer for a deeper look at the dark world of the future

LIMASSOL, Cyprus — March 10, 2025 — Today ESDigital Games and developer Storm in a Teacup are proud to announce the official release date for Steel Seed, out April 10, 2025, on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Check out the game’s new trailer for a glimpse of the sci-fi stealth-action gameplay, parkour and storytelling that await!

Can’t hold on till then? Play Steel Seed’s new Steam demo, available now until the game’s official launch. Explore the game’s introduction, experiencing key mechanics like stealth action, epic battles and more.

Steel Seed is a gripping action-adventure game from the visionary team behind the critically acclaimed Close to the Sun set in a dark sci-fi world where humanity stands on the brink of extinction. Join protagonist Zoe and her flying drone companion KOBY as they investigate the depths of a hostile underground facility in search of answers and the key to mankind’s survival.

“Steel Seed has been an incredible journey and a massive effort for our team,” said Carlo Ivo Alimo Bianchi, CEO & Creative Director of Storm in a Teacup. “We've poured our passion, creativity, and dedication into every detail to bring this world to life. This game is our homage to all the stealth-action players who thrive in the shadows, strategize every move, and embrace the thrill of the challenge. It’s been years in the making, and we can’t wait for you to finally experience it."

Key Features

• A Deadly, Post-Cataclysmic World: From towering industrial landscapes to eerie biodomes, the world of Steel Seed is as haunting as it is immersive. Explore a hand-crafted world and narrative that challenge the very definition of humanity.

• A Companion Like No Other: Zoe isn’t alone — her only ally is Koby, a prototype drone that becomes more than just a tool, but a crucial partner, offering guidance and helping to solve puzzles together. Koby is Zoe’s emotional anchor in an otherwise desolate world, creating a formidable duo in the face of any challenge.
• Stealth, Parkour & Dynamic Combat: Adapt your playstyle with a unique blend of stealth-action gameplay.

• Stealth & Strategy – Use shadows, distractions, and the environment to evade or take down enemies.

• Dynamic Combat – Face off against various enemy types and challenging bosses, each with unique abilities.

• Upgradeable Abilities – Customize Zoe’s playstyle with three distinct skill trees featuring 40 different upgrades.

• A Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi Adventure: Steel Seed isn’t just about survival — it’s about exploring the fine line between human and machine, trust and control, resilience and despair. With a story revised and edited by BAFTA-winning writer Martin Korda, the game delivers a deep and compelling narrative experience.

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