A previously PlayStation exclusive indie hit now has a demo on Xbox for the first time — just in case you’re not hyped by Hollow Knight: Silksong

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Amidst all the excitement surrounding the latest release of Hollow Knight: Silksong, it’s worth remembering that there are numerous other Metroidvania games brimming with similar creativity and diverse gameplay experiences, ready for you to explore.

In simpler terms, AWAKEN – Astral Blade, a 2D side-scrolling game in the Metroidvania genre, was launched on October 22, 2024. It’s exclusively available for the PlayStation 5 and can be purchased on PC through Steam.

The video game was developed under Sony’s ‘China Hero Project,’ an endeavor aimed at boosting and promoting Chinese game developers based in the country. Upon its launch, it garnered overwhelmingly positive responses from gamers.

Now, nearly a year later, AWAKEN – Astral Blade will be making the jump to Xbox consoles.

Just got some thrilling news, straight from the gaming universe! I just managed to get my hands on the playable demo for the Xbox version of AWAKEN – Astral Blade, and it’s ready for download from the Xbox Store, right this instant!

For further details about the title, here’s a breakdown on AWAKEN – Astral Blade:

1. AWAKEN – Astral Blade
2. Genre: Action-Adventure RPG (Role Playing Game)
3. Platform: PC (Windows)
4. Release Date: Q1 2022
5. Developer: Team Awaken
6. Publisher: Team Awaken
7. Description: AWAKEN – Astral Blade is an action-packed, open-world RPG that takes you on a thrilling journey through the mystical lands of Iria. Wield powerful weapons, cast devastating spells, and unravel ancient secrets as you battle hordes of enemies to save your world from eternal darkness.
8. Key Features:
– Immersive open-world environments filled with hidden treasures, puzzles, and powerful enemies.
– Deep, customizable combat system that allows for strategic gameplay and endless replayability.
– A richly developed storyline with intricate lore and multiple endings based on your choices throughout the game.
– Stunning visuals and animations that bring the world of Iria to life like never before.
– Original soundtrack composed by renowned video game music composers.
9. Trailer: Check out the latest AWAKEN – Astral Blade trailer on YouTube to get a taste of what’s in store for you!

In a different wording, the game titled “AWAKEN – Astral Blade” is a Metroidvania style creation, immersed in a world blending dark fantasy and sci-fi aspects. You control Tania, a girl with bionic enhancements, who was crafted by Dr. Herveus.

You are tasked with leading a search and rescue mission for a team of investigators who disappeared during their expedition on the Horace islands, where the native wildlife is transforming into aggressive creatures due to some unknown reason.

To finish your assignment, you should thoroughly explore every hidden corner of the Horace Islands in search of Aether. This enigmatic substance can be employed to enhance Tania’s battle skills or exchanged with merchants for valuable items.

In addition, you will be forced to engage enemies in fast-paced, real-time combat.

To triumph, you’ll have to become proficient in Tania’s extensive array of martial arts techniques and weaponry, enabling you to evade, block, and attack opponents effectively.

Additionally, you can combine various attacks into powerful combinations or utilize unique skills such as temporarily slowing down time or achieving temporal invulnerability to gain an advantage when facing the massive bosses in the game.

You can never have enough Metroidvania titles.

Although not globally renowned, AWAKEN – Astral Blade has developed a devoted fanbase on Steam, thanks to its stunning visual aesthetics, intricate battle mechanics, challenging gameplay, and immersive exploration that’s often lauded by players.

Despite varying opinions about its narrative, some viewers found it satisfactory at best, while others considered it rather uninteresting or lackluster.

Although I can’t vouch for the validity of the pros and cons since I haven’t had a hands-on experience with AWAKEN – Astral Blade, I must admit that the game’s trailer has certainly sparked my curiosity and made me eager to give it a try.

The combinations you execute exude a cool and fashionable vibe, and the bosses appear delightfully chaotic and enjoyable to battle.

I’ve consistently enjoyed games within the Metroidvania category that aren’t as popular yet still offer fresh takes on the genre. Titles such as Axiom Verge, with its mind-blowing sci-fi themes, and Guacamelee!, where combat is centered around wrestling, are just a couple of examples among many.

I’m planning to try out the free demo of AWAKEN – Astral Blade on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S to find out if its devoted fanbase has been right all along. It seems like we might be dealing with a hidden gem here.

As for AWAKEN – Astral Blade’s full release date on Xbox, nothing has been set in stone yet.

While ESDigital Games, the game’s publisher, has mentioned on X that “The right time is yet to come!”, this suggests that the Xbox port of AWAKEN – Astral Blade might be launching quite soon.

I’m really crossing my fingers that it becomes available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Cloud Gaming, since such a game fits wonderfully with their subscription service, and side-scrollers are delightful for playing on the move during travels.

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2025-09-09 15:41