Publisher Dear Villagers and developers Sunnyside Games announced Nocturnal, a 2D side-scrolling adventure title that is set to arrive in the second quarter of 2023. The title is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Taking the role of Ardeshir, a soldier of the Enduring Flame, players will uncover the mystery behind his home island of Nahran. Befallen by a peculiar yet deadly mist, Ardeshir must cut through the fog to free his home from the clutches of darkness.
Nocturnal is described by its publisher as an action-adventure titled themed around the fire and your character manipulating flames to carve a path forward.
▍ Nocturnal Reveal Trailer
▍ Nocturnal Gameplay
Thematically, the use of fire can be seen in the gameplay segments of the trailer, where we see the protagonist Ardeshir setting his sword ablaze to ward off the noxious black mist. The pyromancer’s powers can also be used to uncover puzzles throughout the island, such as lighting up torches or triggering machinations that require a little ignition.
Secrets can be uncovered using fire as well, as the trailer shows Ardeshir torching a thicket of trees to burn away the foliage blocking a path.
The fire Ardeshir wields can be used to destroy his enemies, as beings from the dark mist are impervious to conventional weaponry. Environmental interactions were displayed in the trailers as well, with the character attacking an urn with his flames to cause a bright explosion taking out several enemies in a fell swoop. Enemies slinking in the dark can be revealed by setting them ablaze, as the burning effect highlights their presence.
The title features an upgrade path akin to action RPGs in the genre that sees you offering the ashes of your enemies to a phoenix statue to acquire power-ups and learn new skills. Nocturnal will also feature a Speed-run mode, where players can challenge themselves to beat the game as fast as possible!
