The lead playtester from Hollow Knight is at work on a new Metroidvania project, which boasts influences from a variety of classic titles.
Hari ‘Graig’ Dimitriou, who collaborated with Team Cherry on the original Hollow Knight and contributed to its much-anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight Silksong, is now developing Roc’s Odyssey. This forthcoming side-scrolling Metroidvania features a comic book aesthetic set in a post-apocalyptic world and incorporates many beloved elements from Hollow Knight: engaging combat, refined platforming mechanics, a winding map, and hidden secrets in every nook and cranny.
Watch On YouTube
Sunshine Festival Studios, the developer behind Roc’s Odyssey, takes inspiration from various sources, not just Team Cherry. The game combines “the stylish combat of Marvel vs. Capcom, the NPC interactions of Persona, the high-flying chaos of Super Smash Bros., and the level design mastery of Donkey Kong Country…this game is tailored for players who seek action, challenge, and discovery,” as noted in its Kickstarter description.
It’s somewhat challenging to visualize what a game combining ‘Persona and Hollow Knight’ entails, but it’s essentially a blend of floaty platforming and combat within an exploratory world where players can find and enlist NPCs to join their cause. “Call allies into battle, each bringing unique abilities and devastating attacks to the fight,” the description elaborates on the game’s mechanics. “Strengthen your bonds through shared struggles, unleashing their full potential as friendships deepen.”
Currently, Roc’s Odyssey’s Kickstarter campaign has successfully garnered approximately $6,000 towards its initial target of around $74,000. If they can reach this goal within the next 57 days, Sunshine Festival will secure sufficient funds to bring the game to PC, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2. Furthermore, additional stretch goals may lead to the possibility of Xbox and PS5 ports.
For those interested, a free demo is available on Steam for a sneak peek at the game.
Roc’s Odyssey is projected for release in 2027, so why not explore other upcoming titles for the Switch 2 during this wait?