Windblown is yet another announcement that found its way out of TGA 2023. It is a souls-like and rogue-like hybrid from the makers of Dead Cells
Windblown is a Souls-like/Rogue-like Hybrid by the Makers of Dead Cells
Coming right out of nowhere during The Game Awards 2023 was Windblown, the next passion project from legendary indie developer Motion Twin. This time around, the team is forgoing their signature pixel art side-scrolling style from the highly-successful Dead Cells in favor of an isometric (though still extremely colorful) action game.
It has been over five years of Dead Cells since its original release back in 2018, which Motion Twin still supports to this day. But now, they have what looks to be another smash hit coming our way.
Windblown Through the Air
Windblown is an extremely fast-paced action roguelike. The players are peaceful souls who live upon their floating rock known as The Ark. Yes, you hear that right – the players with an “s”. Because Windblown is a cooperative game that can have up to three players in a group.
Their very existence is put into jeopardy when The Ark, which revolves around a deadly vortex and its sentinel minions, begins to get consumed. It will be up to the Leapers, nimble and agile warriors who can glide through the environment, to save everything that you hold dear.
What makes the Leapers a bit more special in Windblown is the fact that they can gain the memories of those who fell in battle before them. With that knowledge, they can add various moves and other abilities to their repertoire, making them just a bit more deadly the next time around. This system of memory collection would probably be the game’s “meta-progression” and permanent upgrades and other unlocks.
I Gotta Go Fast
Windblown will also bring unparalleled speed into combat, requiring much in the form of skill and concentration from its players. The deadly Leapers can zip around the battlefield with ease, becoming literal streaks of lightning in the environment. They will need their speed, however, as the islands around the Ark are teeming with danger and death (we don’t like death).
Battles eventually become a dance of balance and relentless rhythm. It will become a nice symphony that’s balanced between unleashing dozens of attacks in as little time as possible as well as dodging enemy fire.
Just like in Dead Cells, it looks like the Leapers in Windbound will have quite a wide arsenal. In the trailer alone, we see three different weapon types at play: a greatsword, dual daggers, and a crossbow. Players can swap through different weapon sets mid-combat, adding even more depth to fights. This will let you express your murderous self much more, as you will have a lot of options at your disposal. In line with the game’s memory absorption, absorbing memories will unlock the knowledge to wield and master even stronger weapons.
Death is Not the End
As true to the Rogue-like nature, death in Windblown is not the end and is merely an inconvenience. Motion Twin claims that while the combat can be very challenging, it will always be fair. This would probably mean that there’s no moment in the game where your death was not preventable. Or that if you die, it’s entirely your own fault.
The live-fight-die-repeat roguelike cycle is also put on full display in the game’s reveal trailer. It shows a trio of overly eager young cadets that get haplessly slaughtered by the first enemy they encounter right out of the gate. Their teacher, some kind of wise old fox, instructs them in the usage of the lightning booster they can use to pull off their quick tricks.
Just like other Motion Twin trailers, the one for Windblown is well-animated, creating such a spectacle that’s a sight to behold. It also seems to perfectly capture the feel of what’s to come, albeit a bit gory at times.
Windblown is the Tune
Just like Dead Cells, Windblown will be released in an Early Access period before committing to a full release. The team at Motion Twin has come to understand and appreciate the inner workings of an Early Access release and value the thoughts and ideas that their legions of fans would share.
The cherry on top of launching Windblown? Hearing what YOU think! We can’t wait to dive into Early Access and work with you to shape this bad boy. Your insights, your wild brainwaves, your unhinged ideas – they’re what will turn this mischievous little game into something monumental.
Motion Twin, from the Game’s Steam Announcements
While we don’t know when exactly Early Access will be, we can confirm that it’s being planned for sometime in 2024.
In other news, check out Dave the Diver Gets Spooky Crossover with Dredge Free DLC, and Visions of Mana Announced at The Game Awards 2023.
