The Akatori demo is officially live on Steam, giving players their first hands-on taste of one of 2026’s most visually striking upcoming metroidvanias. The free demo arrives just in time for Steam Next Fest: February 2026 Edition (February 23 – March 2, 2026).
Developed by Contrast Games, Akatori blends staff-based combat, kung fu-inspired parkour traversal, and myth-infused worldbuilding into a fast-paced 2D adventure with 2.5D visuals.
If you’ve been searching for a new metroidvania that emphasizes movement as much as combat, the Akatori demo is ready to test your reflexes.
What Is Akatori? A Staff-Centric Metroidvania With Fluid Combat
At its core, Akatori is a 2D metroidvania where everything revolves around one tool: Mako’s mystical staff.
Players step into the role of Mako, a young monk raised in the Firebird Temple, who must confront the spreading corruption known as the Amber Storms. These storms distort living beings and threaten to consume her homeland. Accompanying her is a mysterious red bird sealed within her staff—an integral part of both the story and gameplay.
The staff functions as:
- A primary combat weapon
- A traversal tool
- A puzzle-solving device
- A narrative anchor
Combat in Akatori is highly mobile. Players chain ground and aerial combos, launch the staff as a projectile, and pull it back mid-fight to maintain fluid momentum. Movement and offense are tightly intertwined, encouraging constant motion rather than static positioning.
Kung Fu Parkour: Movement Is Everything
The defining feature of the Akatori demo is its “Kung Fu Parkour” system.
Traversal abilities include:
- Gliding
- Air dashing
- Double jumping
- Wall clinging
- Swimming
- Momentum-based sliding
Highly vertical level design pushes players to master these mechanics early. Instead of simply unlocking abilities to backtrack later, Akatori makes movement mastery central to both exploration and combat from the outset.
The demo’s three playable locations highlight this philosophy:
- Monk Forest – A lush canopy biome introducing core mechanics
- Bamboo Location – Vertical traversal using flexible bamboo stalks
- Underwater Location – Breath-limited navigation with environmental hazards
Each environment feels mechanically distinct while remaining unified by the staff-driven gameplay loop.
Living Enemy Ecosystems and Boss Encounters
Unlike many traditional metroidvanias, enemies in Akatori operate within a reactive ecosystem. They:
- Fight each other
- Trigger traps
- Respond to environmental hazards
This dynamic design adds unpredictability to encounters and rewards situational awareness.
The Akatori demo also includes:
- Over 10 enemy types
- A Chaos Arena challenge
- A high-speed Serpent chase sequence
- A climactic boss fight against the Bumblebee
Boss battles are designed to be unconventional, blending action, environmental awareness, and sometimes unexpected mechanics.
2.5D Visuals: Pixel Art Meets Modern Depth
Visually, Akatori stands out with its hybrid 2.5D presentation. Pixel art characters move through fully 3D environments enhanced with modern lighting and effects.
The result is a layered, myth-inspired world that spans:
- Medieval Asian-inspired landscapes
- Flooded underground mines
- Floating bamboo islands
- A volatile otherworldly dimension
Each biome introduces unique pacing, species, and mechanical twists, reinforcing the game’s emphasis on variety within a cohesive universe.
Narrative Themes: Growth, Resilience, and Discovery
While the Akatori demo focuses heavily on gameplay systems, the narrative foundation is already present. The story explores themes of self-discovery, growth, and resilience as Mako travels across interconnected realms to uncover the truth behind the Amber Storms.
Environmental storytelling blends with direct dialogue and character encounters, allowing lore to emerge organically through exploration rather than lengthy exposition.
Steam Next Fest Spotlight: Why You Should Play the Akatori Demo
With the Akatori demo playable throughout Steam Next Fest (February 23 – March 2, 2026), now is the perfect time to experience its movement-driven design.
The demo offers approximately 45 minutes of gameplay and supports both controller and keyboard. Language options include:
- English
- German
- Russian
- Japanese
- Simplified Chinese
For metroidvania fans, Akatori stands out by merging:
- Staff-centric combat design
- Expressive kung fu parkour traversal
- Living enemy ecosystems
- Myth-inspired biomes
- Striking 2.5D visuals
Platforms and Future Release Plans
Following the demo, Akatori is in development for:
- PC (Steam)
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- Nintendo Switch
While a full release date has not yet been announced, the demo provides a strong early look at the game’s direction and ambition.
