Akatori is a new pixel art Metroidvania from developer Contrast Games. It is due for release on Steam at a yet to be announced date, but a new demo will give players a glimpse as to what they can expect. Players take on the role of Mako, a young monk who embarks on a journey through interconnected worlds to save her homeland from the Amber Storms, a corrupting force distorting all living things, accompanied by a mysterious red bird sealed within her staff.

Gameplay in Akatori revolves around Mako’s staff, which serves as a weapon, a traversal tool, and a key to the world’s secrets. The staff is central to every encounter. Players chain combos on the ground and in mid-air, launch the staff as a projectile, and pull it back to continue attacking in a single fluid motion. Outside combat, the staff enables gliding, wall-hooking, sliding, and momentum-driven parkour across highly vertical environments.

“It was a real challenge to bring together such different worlds, in terms of atmosphere, mechanics, and gameplay dynamics. The goal was to create a distinctly unique experience for each location while still uniting them through a shared meaning. I hope we managed to achieve that.” Said Serge, Game Director, Contrast Games.

Key features in Akatori:

Kung Fu Parkour: Expressive, momentum-driven traversal across highly vertical environments

Movement-Driven Combat: A highly mobile combat system where players chain staff combos on the ground and in mid-air while staying in constant motion

Striking 2.5D Visuals: Pixel art characters set against fully 3D environments

Staff-Centric Design: One tool connects parkour, combat, and narrative

Various Myth-Inspired Biomes: Each with unique mechanics, species, and pacing

Living Enemy Ecosystems: Enemies fight each other, trigger traps, and react to hazards

Unconventional Boss Fights: From underwater escapes to rhythm-based challenges

Memorable Soundtrack: A rich and varied musical score with distinct themes for each location and boss encounter