This Upcoming Metroidvania Could Be the Next Silksong (& It’s Releasing Soon)

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Man, we’ve been waiting years for Hollow Knight: Silksong! It felt like forever, and during that time, awesome games like Blasphemous and Nine Sols kept us busy. But now that Silksong is finally here, it’s almost…weird? Like, what do I even do with myself now? The best Metroidvanias really nail that feeling of precise movement, satisfying combat, and a world that just feels full of secrets. But those games don’t come around often. Luckily, we already got one amazing one this year, and I’m keeping my eye on another title that I think Metroidvania fans are going to love.

Players eagerly awaiting the next big Metroidvania, potentially rivaling Silksong, should keep an eye on Emberbane. This pixel-art adventure has generated a lot of buzz by drawing inspiration from sources like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Devil May Cry, Celeste, and The Messenger. Emberbane uniquely combines elemental-based combat with smooth, fast-paced movement, offering a new experience within the genre. After years in development, the hype is understandable. With its powerful elemental abilities, exciting action, and immersive story, Emberbane could become a standout success in the Metroidvania world.

Emberbane Has the Makings of the Next Great Metroidvania

A key reason why Emberbane has the potential to be a major success in the Metroidvania genre is its compelling vision. The game follows Ophelia, a powerful Fire Sage and a character marked by tragedy, as she journeys through a world defined by four fundamental elements. The story is rich with mythology, ancient conflicts, and a prophecy connected to Ophelia’s family. This depth of narrative is crucial for a genre where players explore not just to upgrade abilities, but to uncover the world’s secrets and lore, especially when that information isn’t handed to them directly.

While the game draws inspiration from titles like Naruto and Avatar, particularly in its use of elemental powers, Emberbane forges its own path through rich worldbuilding. The game features beautifully detailed pixel art environments brimming with secrets, dangerous enemies, and frightening creatures. The story isn’t just told – it’s revealed through the design of each location, a technique that games like Blasphemous have mastered. Emberbane strives to create that same immersive and atmospheric experience.

Though challenging gameplay like precise combat and platforming is popular, storytelling has always been central to this type of game, and even more so lately. I particularly enjoy discovering a story through playing, rather than just being told it. Games like Hollow Knight did this brilliantly, and Emberbane looks set to continue that trend. While Emberbane’s story might be a little more direct than Team Cherry’s games, I anticipate plenty of hidden lore and mysteries to find.

Elemental Platforming and Combat

In Emberbane, controlling the elements is central to gameplay. Ophelia can seamlessly switch between Fire, Ice, Earth, and Storm, and each element alters how she fights and moves. This system is inspired by the fast-paced style-switching of games like Devil May Cry, letting players create amazing attack combinations. Plus, using the elements changes the environment, opening up new ways to navigate levels, solve puzzles, and explore.

Inspired by games like my personal favorite, Celeste, Emberbane focuses on precise platforming. As you play, you’ll unlock new abilities that let you move around the world in creative ways. The developers have made sure the platforming is challenging but achievable, giving you everything you need to learn the levels, adjust your strategies, and ultimately overcome tough obstacles. This focus on deep and skillful movement is a real highlight in a genre often centered around exploration.

I’m really excited about the combat! It sounds like you’ll fight all sorts of enemies, from powerful mages to huge, magically-corrupted monsters. But the boss battles are what really have me hyped – they’re not just about beating a tough enemy, but about facing characters that are actually woven into the game’s story. When a Metroidvania gets that right – the story, the fighting, and how you move – it’s amazing. And the fact that they’re using elemental powers to connect everything? That’s a brilliant way to make all the game’s systems feel unified and work together seamlessly.

An Epic Metroidvania Years in the Making

A big reason why Emberbane feels so well-made is how long it took to create. The developers spent years improving the game’s art, how it plays, and the story’s world. The pixel art is incredibly detailed, with diverse environments like icy palaces, ruined deserts, sunken cities, and spooky forests. Each area feels unique, making the world a joy to discover. While it hasn’t been in development quite as long as Hollow Knight: Silksong, many people have been eagerly awaiting its release.

The backstory of Ophelia and the forgotten King Diar deepens the game’s central conflict. Stories about tragic heroes are common in Metroidvania games, which often focus on themes of loneliness, strength, and uncovering secrets. Ophelia’s quest, driven by revenge, self-discovery, and fate, gives emotional weight to the larger elemental war. Players who enjoy games with strong narratives will likely be captivated, particularly those who preferred a clearer story in Silksong.

Lots of players are eagerly awaiting Silksong, and Emberbane arrives at a perfect time to potentially fill that gap, launching on multiple platforms. If the game lives up to its potential, it could be a major indie hit in 2026 and a fantastic addition to the Metroidvania genre. Given how popular Metroidvanias have become, I’m hoping Emberbane does well – it looks very promising.

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2026-02-11 01:14