The wait for the next installment in the Kingdom Hearts series continues, but a new title called Duskfade is emerging to fill the void. Developed by Weird Beluga, known for their work on Clid the Snail, Duskfade aims to capture the spirit of classic 3D platformers with a unique aesthetic.
The game follows the story of Zirian, a young boy who embarks on a quest to find his sister in the mysterious Clock Tower, a structure that has cast a dark shadow over the surrounding lands. Accompanied by his companion, Cuckoo, Zirian will navigate a variety of environments using abilities such as dashing, jumping, grinding, grappling, and gliding.
Duskfade incorporates gameplay elements reminiscent of popular titles like Kingdom Hearts, Mario, and Skylanders. Players will find themselves grinding on rails, similar to mechanics seen in Sonic or Skylanders games, and traversing environments with floating platforms over chasms and tall vertical shafts. The game's world features floating islands, rooftops overlooking villages with intricate gears, and imposing boss enemies armed with arm cannons.
The developers have described the game's visual style as "clockpunk," a label that aptly captures its aesthetic. This design blends homage to classic 3D platformers with intricate clockwork machinery, creating worlds that encourage exploration while maintaining a brisk pace of action.
Duskfade is scheduled for release on August 13 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. While it may not be Kingdom Hearts 4, it promises to offer an engaging experience for fans of the genre.