There are a lot of 2D 'Metroidvanias' kicking around, but there's a reason for that - they're often enjoyable and the better entries in the genre can be top-notch experiences. Another that's heading to Switch in late 2022 is Afterimage, which is the work of developer Aurogon Shanghai.
It has some extremely handsome hand-drawn visuals, with the hope being that it'll optimise well for Nintendo's system - we do have some gorgeous 2D titles on the Switch already. The concept and setting look rather promising, and you can see some of the official details and screens below.
Explore Engardin, a mystical world created by a supreme deity full of beautiful sights and myriad secrets. Traverse over 15 hand-drawn environments ranging from towering volcanos to the ruins of an ancient metropolis. Guide Renee, an intrepid heroine, across a 25-30 hour adventure filled with mystery. But be wary, for as wondrous as the sights of Engardin are, corrupted creatures and dangerous foes abound.
Move through Engardin’s different regions, challenging adversaries and encountering new gameplay mechanics in each area. Fight against more than 150 foes using various weapons and ten character abilities. Outfit Renee with two primary weapons and one secondary, swapping between them during free-flowing combat encounters to create custom fighting styles on the fly. Face off against strange creatures, avoid deadly traps, and overcome bosses while traversing Engardin.
Uncover the world’s deepest secrets by sliding, leaping, and climbing through complex environments. Encounter roaming bests, warm spirits, and friendly characters learning their stories and piecing together information about Engardin’s history to understand what befell the sublime landscape. Scour each map for secret paths, hidden chests, and powerful new abilities that increase Renee’s skills both in and out of combat to help her become the greatest warrior in the land.
It's a little while away but we'll certainly keep an eye on it; let us know what you think of it in the comments.
Comments 40
Hmm. Cool. Looks nice.
I am interested in this
Anime person why must always run? Why?
Omg stop making these, I'm over 200 games behind on my Metroidvania games completion goal. Haven't come close to even starting Ender Lilies, Ori 2, and Axiom Verge 2 yet.
Metroidvania = instant pass
@BloodNinja More like Metroidvania = instant buy. You're missing out for no reason!
@BloodNinja Have you played The Messenger?
Looks great
Yet another one to add to my watchlist.
As saturated as the genre is, hopefully this one is a unique entry in the genre. I love metroidvanias when they’re good.
The artstyle and spritework look beautiful, i'll say that much.
Really looks beautiful. I’ll definitely consider this.
I love the level design/backgrounds and the monsters seen, but I cannot stand the main characters appearance.. =/
@JoeSooper Never heard of it.
This looks super pretty but my goodness is the market flooded with 2D Metroidvanias
@BloodNinja Right, but you know what I'm implying. Usually people put things they like as their profile pic, so is the back half of that game an instant pass?
A new Metroidvania, and it has an actual attractive-ish human, female protagonist that has normal proportions? Looks great, sign me up.
Metroidvanias are my faves. Never stop making them.
At the very least, the visuals look great. That run cycle animation is nice looking.
One to keep an eye on.
That's not a Castlevania game and thus it can't be a "Metroidvania". 🧐
(Some day, I will get bored fighting the term "Metroidvania". BUT NOT TODAY!)
Looks pretty! I haven’t gotten a metroidvania since Bloodstained. And that game was… well, that game. On switch at least…
Take my money!! Better have a physical release one way or another.
@JoeSooper Not really. The Messenger came out 3 years ago, so I didn't feel inundated by the genre at the time and enjoyed it very much. I'm happy with what I have, as I don't constantly look for new, redundant games.
Doesn't look too bad
Assuming the platforming is good, I'll be very interested. Metroidvanias with attractive art styles are very hard to resist.
It's got a good look and you can see a lot of effort went into the visuals. I also appreciate the amount of gameplay shown in the trailer.
Looks very pretty...but I've just seen too many of these to care anymore.
@BloodNinja Everyone needs to know that you don't like Metroidvania's. Pertinent Information.
This looks good!
I wonder when we will see The Last Faith.
@Primarina Yea, but unfortunately modern journalism thrives on those clicks and engagements. People get conditioned to do it because every other article headline has some kind of little stinger to get people revved up.
I don't like it any more than you do, but this is the nature of the beast at the moment.
@TMNHertl Thanks for caring! <3
I have too much on my wish-list. Maybe in 3 years.
Hopefully it doesn’t feel “floaty” like Bloodstained does.
Looks good, will keep an eye on this one. Still need to play the real Metroid first.
@BloodNinja Wouldn't that logic have led you to believe that The Messenger, upon first seeing it, was a "redundant" game due to the existence of Ninja Gaiden?
@JoeSooper No, actually.
I love 2d metroidvanias as long as they aren't pixel art, no matter how much people try to convince me about Axiom Verge and everything alike.
@BloodNinja Okay then.
@Longondo Exactly. On the one hand, perhaps the clarity of genres these days is good for folks like us that either hate a specific genre, or have had enough of one. Like rogue-likes! Yikes, I played the hell out of those in the 80's and 90's...
Certainly looks really nice.
@Longondo Same here. I'm glad the genre exist since a lot of people enjoy them. But I just can't stand losing all of my progres everytime I make a dumb mistake.
Well this looks nice, so er.. maybe
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