Upcoming Metroidvania Blighted blends a twisting challenge with the sinister

Between the Guacamelee series and Nobody Saves the World, Canadian developer Drinkbox Studios has shown that it knows exactly how to make bright and expressive videogame worlds. They're some of my favorites, too, with the original Guacamelee one I consistently return to simply because of how stunning the team's luchador and Mexican stylings are. Well, I'm incredibly glad to report that Drinkbox has done it again, as the team's new game, Blighted, blends incredible visuals with the macabre in ways I never thought possible.

Drinkbox Studios describes Blighted as a "hardcore action Metroidvania set in a psychedelic Western nightmare." In this world, the dead are buried with seeds in their brains. These seeds grow into trees, with the fruit they produce containing the memories of the deceased. As you'd expect, though, things go wrong, as the dastardly Sorcisto has defiled this ritual by eating brains raw, unleashing the deadly Blight on the world. Naturally, it's up to you to stop Sorcisto and reclaim the memories of your people before the Blight claims you.

If you're as big a fan of Hades as I am, Blighted's isometric combat and visuals will feel instantly familiar. You've got to carefully time your attacks to weave between blighted beasts, while chaining together combos and setting up for powerful finishing moves. You're also infected with the Blight, though, and that means the world around you consistently changes. Drinkbox Studios is using the Blight as a dynamic difficulty system, where the enemies will become more or less challenging depending on your mental state. At least you can devour the brains of defeated bosses to become stronger, then.

The team also says that with enough layers of Blight you'll start to see new parts of reality, be able to reach previously hidden locations, and use even more gameplay mechanics. You're going to need all of these bonuses, too, as you'll be making your way through long-dead civilizations, manifested nightmares, and more. As with Drinkbox's previous games, Blighted is going to push your skills as far as they can go, so try not to lose your mind along the way.

This new Metroidvania might be quite the challenge, but there is a way to make the struggle just a bit more bearable. Drinkbox is working to make sure Blighted will have drop-in/drop-out co-op, which will make the Blight feel a little less overwhelming.

Drinkbox Studios says Blighted is coming to PC and consoles sometime in 2026, with a playable demo hopefully out later this year.

If you want more, we've also got all the best co-op games and Western games you can play today.

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