Metroidvania coming to Xbox and PS5 in 2026 G Trends

Developer Contrast Games and publisher Games Harbor have announced that Akatori, their upcoming Metroidvania action platformer, is now available for pre-order on Xbox One and Xbox Series

Players take on the role of Mako, a teenager raised in the Firebird Temple, who embarks on a mission to save multiple worlds from the Amber Storms, a mysterious force that infects and warps all living things. Along with her travels, Mako is accompanied by a red bird enclosed in a stick, whose origins and motivations remain unknown. The staff itself is central to the gameplay, functioning as both a weapon against enemies and a tool for exploration, allowing players to glide from heights, slide down slopes, solve environmental puzzles and discover hidden areas.

The game covers five distinct worlds, each with its own biome, story, and set of challenges. Contrast Games appears to have put considerable effort into the visual side of things, mixing crisp pixel art with fluid 3D models to create what they describe as breathtaking landscapes, from vibrant open vistas and bizarre levitating buildings to cave catacombs and twisted natural environments. The combat doesn’t seem to be a slouch either, with over 20 regular enemy types and several unique boss encounters promised to players. The soundtrack also dynamically adapts to what’s happening on screen, switching from intense to atmospheric depending on the situation.

Akatori is scheduled to launch for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Series

For those who use Xbox and want to secure their copy sooner, Akatori is available for pre-order now through the Microsoft Store. Readers interested in following developments can follow Contrast Games and Games Harbor for additional updates closer to the August launch.