The Messenger, a new action platformer for Windows, the games also coming to Linux via Steam. Since we reached out the games developer Sabotage Studio. This is an indie studio that specializes in combining retro aesthetics and modern game design. Which is clearly apparent in the teaser trailer below.
So Sabotage Studio just announced The Messenger. A game with generation-leaping visuals. Which will be available for Windows PC and console later this year. Hence the 8-bit action platformer and an epic ninja tale. While taking the hero forward in time, supported visually by a shift to 16-bit. Combining adventure and gameplay mechanics. Also a much deeper game than players would expect.
Alright, so that’s the elevator pitch.
Linux support?
“The Messenger is made in Unity. And yes you can expect a Linux port.”
In The Messenger, players take on the roll of a young ninja. One tasked with carrying a powerful scroll through a cursed world. One which holds the key to the clans survival.
While battling the demon army that besieged his village. What also appears to be a simple homage story and love letter to 8-bit platformers. This slowly evolves into a clever time travelling tale. Revealing itself as a 16-bit Metroidvania game. Packing in some deep replay value and deadpan humor. Do you have what it takes to decipher the secrets of The Messenger?
The Messenger Teaser Trailer (Linux, Windows):
Since The Messenger is design and development hails a talented team of industry veterans. There is also a love for classically-inspired arcade games. And gaming experiences optimized for streaming and speedrunning communities.
The Messenger has also received industry recognition among the indie game community. While recently winning the Best Music Award and Best Gameplay Design Award at the Montreal Independent Games Festival in November 2017.
“The Messenger is Sabotage’s first game and a love letter to the beloved retro-console games from the late 80s and early 90s,” said Martin Brouard, Co-Founder of Sabotage Studio. “The early feedback we received at the Montreal Independent Games Festival and the Montreal International Game Summit has been overwhelmingly positive. Now we can’t wait for the rest of the world to experience The Messenger later this year!”
The Messenger platformer Features:
- The Way of the Ninja: Challenging retro-inspired gameplay with tight platforming controls put players on the path of becoming an ultimate ninja master.
- Nostalgic Art Design: Travel seamlessly through time with shifts between authentic 8-bit and 16-bit pixel art environments and gameplay reminiscent of fan-favorite NES and SNES games.
- Colorful, Over-the-Top Characters: The Messenger features a memorable cast of (often silly) villains, bosses and low-level goons.
- Catchy Soundtrack: Renowned musician and audio wizard Eric “Rainbowdragoneyes” Brown is responsible for all of The Messenger’s audio, most importantly its trademark chiptune soundtrack. The entire soundtrack was made using Famitracker, providing an authentic and timeless NES vibe.
- Play, Play and Play Again: Replay the game with all upgrades from previous runs to discover hidden levels and new story arcs.
Steam release:
So The Messenger action platformer will debut on Steam. While already set for Windows, we can expect a Linux release well.