The demo for Talaka, a hand-painted 2D action-roguelike that draws heavily on Brazilian culture and mythology, is now available to play during Steam Next Fest. The game replaces the typical Greek pantheon found in similar titles with Orishas, nature deities from the Afro-Brazilian Candomblé religion.
Talaka features a structure akin to Hades, where players select a weapon, clear rooms of enemies, and receive upgrades from deities. The game's visual style is distinct, characterized by its watercolor aesthetic and prominent hand-painted elements. Attacks are visualized with bold brushstrokes, and defeated enemies leave behind colorful splotches rather than gore, contributing to the game's vibrant art direction. Developer Potato Kid has created unique designs for the Orisha characters, such as Oshossi, the Orisha of hunting and the wilderness.
The game aims to immerse players in a less-explored mythological setting, with environments inspired by real regions of Brazil. The soundtrack incorporates traditional Afro-Brazilian instruments, adding to the cultural richness. Despite the engaging presentation, the demo presents a challenging experience. The player notes a tendency to struggle against bosses, suggesting that a careful approach is required, balancing offensive capabilities with defensive awareness.
While the combat and platforming in the demo may not yet possess the immediate feel of titles like Hades or Dead Cells, and the platforming is described as somewhat floaty, there is potential for polish. The visual flair of the combat is notable, and the developers have time to refine the gameplay mechanics to match the game's artistic quality. Talaka does not yet have a set release date, allowing for further development and adjustments to its mechanics and presentation.