Developer Inti Creates has announced the launch of its new side-scrolling action game, Umbraclaw, which will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam on May 30. The news includes the announcement of versions for PlayStation and Xbox, as well as details about physical editions in Japan.
Release Date and Game Details
Today, January 23, 2024, Inti Creates has revealed extensive details, including the release date, for its new 2D action game, Umbraclaw. The release date is scheduled for May 30 and a demo will be available during Steam Next Fest in February 2024.
Umbraclaw tells the story of Kuon, a house cat who has died in the mortal world and wakes up in the Soulplane, a realm of the dead. He must brave the dangerous underworld to return home to his owner in this 2D action adventure. Leading the development of Umbraclaw is Satoru Nishizawa, director of Blaster Master Zero, who will prove that cats are not only cute, but also cool heroes.
Discover Hope in Death
Kuon, having perished in the mortal world, awakens in the Soulplane, where the player controls the cat in his quest to open the “Boundary” to the mortal world and return home. Any hit to the little felid means instant death, but it also gives her a new chance thanks to the power of “Anima Revive”, which revives her with new abilities. Skills acquired include the ability to absorb the souls of other animals, such as elephants, crows, and tyrannosaurs, enhancing their performance and providing new ways to face challenges.
Journey through a Delightfully Dark Underworld
Kuon’s journey home is presented with hand-drawn art, in a paper cutout art style. Each enemy and twisted environment has been carefully crafted by the Inti Creates art team, creating a visually stunning experience.
A Story that Will Leave a Mark on your “Soul”
The death of a single cat begins a cycle of rebirth. As Kuon fights to return home, she will encounter other fallen souls in the underworld, some similar and some different to her. The player’s actions and choices will affect the development of the story, with multiple possible endings. Can you maintain your humanity and Kuon’s felinity until the end?
Prominent figures
- Kuon: Feline Umbraclaw: A house cat that has died and woken up in the Soulplane. He must find a way to open the “Boundary” between the worlds to return to the owner of it.
- Kuon: Humanoid Umbraclaw: After repeatedly using Anima Revive, Kuon absorbs a human’s soul and transforms into a new body. This transformation affects both his body and his soul, with the risk of forgetting its owner and his true purpose.
- Tsukumo: The owner of Kuon in the mortal world. In a close relationship with Kuon, Tsukumo finds emotional support in his presence.
In Japan, Umbraclaw will be available in a standard physical edition for PlayStation 5 and Switch for 5,280 yen, while a limited edition, including an art book, a two-disc soundtrack CD, and an acrylic keychain, will be available for 9,980 yen. The release date promises to be a milestone for lovers of platforms and 2D action games.
Fountain: Gematsu