A 3D action game with striking visuals and world-building reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts. Check out Duskfade, the winner of the IndieDevDay Grand Prize at BCN Game Fest.
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/900/G090093/20251015040/
Writer: Katsuura Umiya | 2025/10/15 08:18 (UTC)
The new 3D action adventure game “Duskfade” by Spain-based indie studio Weird Beluga Studio, which won the IndieDevDay Grand Prize at BCN Game Fest held in Barcelona, is now available.
Although a Japanese-language demo was showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2025, this article features impressions from playing the game’s first-ever public debut—its own local showcase version.
“Duskfade” was announced roughly half a year ago, drawing immediate attention for its graphics style and world design evoking Kingdom Hearts. The game is infused with affection for 2000s-era 3D action platformers like Jak X: Combat Racing and Ratchet & Clank, delivering a classic feel while still feeling refreshingly unique.
Image Gallery No.002 thumbnail / A striking 3D action title with visuals and atmosphere reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts. Check out “Duskfade,” winner of the IndieDevDay Grand Prize at BCN Game Fest Image Gallery No.003 thumbnail / A striking 3D action title with visuals and atmosphere reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts. Check out “Duskfade,” winner of the IndieDevDay Grand Prize at BCN Game Fest
The story unfolds in a beautiful, magical world created by “those who design time.” To rescue his sister from evil creatures known as the despair spirits—monsters seeking to freeze time and plunge the world into eternal night—a young boy named Jilian, carrying a greatsword on his back, sets out on an epic adventure alongside his mechanical companion, the quirky cuckoo-like robot Cook.
Image Gallery No.004 thumbnail / A striking 3D action title with visuals and atmosphere reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts. Check out “Duskfade,” winner of the IndieDevDay Grand Prize at BCN Game Fest Image Gallery No.005 thumbnail / A striking 3D action title with visuals and atmosphere reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts. Check out “Duskfade,” winner of the IndieDevDay Grand Prize at BCN Game Fest
Using smooth, responsive actions such as dashing and jumping, players navigate varied terrain—houses, rocky cliffs, and intricate clockwork structures—while collecting crystals scattered along the way. Encounters with floating slime-like enemies and powerful boss monsters that use long-range attacks or heavy hits add dynamic variety to combat.
Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / A striking 3D action title with visuals and atmosphere reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts. Check out “Duskfade,” winner of the IndieDevDay Grand Prize at BCN Game Fest Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / A striking 3D action title with visuals and atmosphere reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts. Check out “Duskfade,” winner of the IndieDevDay Grand Prize at BCN Game Fest
Despite its casual vibe, “Duskfade” offers a wide array of speed-based maneuvers: double-jumping to reach high places, rolling to create distance, and combining grappling hooks with sliding for fluid movement. The game delivers tight, fast-paced controls—such as dodging enemy attacks while unleashing shotgun-like power strikes—that feel satisfying and dynamic. It also includes progression systems, featuring boss battles reminiscent of Soulslike titles, making it enjoyable even for veteran players comfortable with classic gameplay.
Weird Beluga Studio, the developer behind “Duskfade,” first gained recognition in 2021 with “Clid the Snail”, a top-down action game featuring a snail as its protagonist. Originally composed of five core members, the team has since grown to around 14 people—yet they’ve maintained their focus on quality and precision. They continue crafting visually stunning 3D action platformers, using breathtaking graphics that highlight starlit skies and mountains glowing with icy blue light.
Image Gallery No.010 thumbnail / A striking 3D action title with visuals and atmosphere reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts. Check out “Duskfade,” winner of the IndieDevDay Grand Prize at BCN Game Fest Image Gallery No.008 thumbnail / A striking 3D action title with visuals and atmosphere reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts. Check out “Duskfade,” winner of the IndieDevDay Grand Prize at BCN Game Fest
As previously mentioned, Tokyo Game Show 2025 featured a playable Japanese-language demo lasting about 30 minutes. Shortly after, the game became available on Steam’s storefront page. The version I played was this demo build, allowing me to control Jilian and experience exhilarating action that felt like soaring through a beautiful night world.
Published by Fireshine Games, “Duskfade” is scheduled for release sometime in 2026. If you’re intrigued, try the demo first—then add it to your wishlist and keep an eye out for future updates.