Hack-and-slash Metroidvania Marko: Beyond Brave is preparing to showcase at gamescom (August 21-25) and to release on September 17, so ahead of a busy few weeks, Bulgarian indie developer Studio Mechka is taking the opportunity to share a little more about its game!
With GIFs and screenshots from the hand-drawn, in-game bestiary, the developer presents a closer look at some of the Slavic folklore-inspired characters and their ‘90s Disney cartoon-style designs.
Marko:
The eponymous young mustachioed warrior with a few tricks up his sleeve! Armed with a greatsword and an even greater mustache, the Hercules-inspired Marko must use his newfound powers to brave ancient evils, battle mythical creatures, and forge powerful alliances to restore the balance of Zagora.
Samovila:
The Samovili are the elegant, ethereal maidens of the forest, dressed in their free-flowing, feathered white gowns and long, loose hair, with the power of levitation. Known to be the protectors of nature, the Samovili are typically associated with bodies of water, although they can live inside trees, abandoned shacks, dark caves, or anywhere that connects them with nature. Often thought to be shrouded in a veil, it is believed that the veil is what holds a Samovila’s power together. If she loses the veil, she loses her power, too.
Kikimora:
The wretched kikimora is a small and scruffy old creature with disheveled hair and a beastly appearance. It might have the snout of a dog, the beak of a chicken, or even resemble a goat-like entity with glowing eyes and horns. In fact, it can take any part of an animal’s face or body.
The name kikimora is derived from the Eastern European Udmurt word kikka-murt, meaning scarecrow, and the suffix -morà translates to ‘nightly spirit, bad dream,’ better known in modern English as ‘nightmare.’ Legend has it that the kikimora frightens people, knocks travelers off the road, drowns them, and kidnaps children…so maybe ‘nightmare scarecrow’ is fitting after all.
Vodyanoy / Vodnik:
In Slavic mythology, the Vodyanoy, or Vodnik, is an evil and vindictive water spirit with a paunch belly and a face covered in slime. Don’t be fooled by its pudgy appearance; the Vodnik is referred to as the Slavic Boogeyman. Residing in his native body of water, typically a river with a strong stream or a swamp, he’ll pull in innocent passersby, trapping them underwater and dragging them to his underwater dwelling to rule under him.
Consequently, fishermen, millers, bee-keepers, and anybody with a holy allegiance to the Vodyanoy make sacrifices to appease him.
Key Features of Marko: Beyond Brave:
- The Vast Land: Explore Zagora, a huge non-linear map with hundreds of rooms. Solve puzzles and find hidden treasures, all within the Slavic-inspired fairytale setting.
- Traditional 2D Art: Zagora is brought to life in great detail, drawn and animated entirely by hand in traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
- Master New Abilities: Discover new skills that allow players to go toe-to-toe with the most brutal enemies. Learn how to crush foes with a single blow, jump and dash across enormous caverns, and end them in a flurry of attacks!
- Discover Every Secret: Delve deep into the world and discover hidden areas and unspeakable treasures. Collect all the pieces and puzzle together an ancient mystery.
- Small But Mighty: Marko may seem small in the face of great, grave dangers, but his power and ambition know no bounds. And never count out a character with such an impressive mustache!
Players can expect to team up with–or fend off–these creatures and more in Marko: Beyond Brave. Wishlist the game and try the demo today on Windows PC via Steam, and pick it up at launch on September 17.
To stay up to date with Marko: Beyond Brave, follow on X (Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, the official Studio Mechka website, and join the official Discord.
