This week, Bulgarian indie developer Studio Mechka announced that its first original IP, Marko: Beyond Brave, an exhilarating Metroidvania inspired by ’90s Disney cartoons and Slavic folklore, is available now on Windows PC via Steam.
In Marko: Beyond Brave, entropy has escaped its prison and threatens to engulf the world. Step into the shoes of titular protagonist Marko, a Hercules-inspired warrior who uncovers a secret power hidden within. Armed with a large greatsword and an even bigger mustache, Marko must brave ancient evils, battle mythical creatures, and forge powerful alliances to restore balance to his homeland of Zagora. Suited with elemental powers and with every decision shaping the world’s fate, you will embark on a thrilling adventure where courage is your greatest weapon.
Watch the Marko: Beyond Brave launch trailer here:
YouTube | Download
Throughout the breathtakingly beautiful world of Zagora, hand-drawn in traditional 2D frame-by-frame style, you will encounter vivid and lively scenes, each inspired by Slavic mythology. Wander through lush forests and crumbling castles, battle corrupted creatures, and escape intricate traps. Jump, slash, and shoot your way through challenging bosses and mighty spirits inspired by Slavic legends such as Samovili, Koz’el, Urgl, Vlashko, Vodyanoy, and the wretched Kikimora, which loosely translates to ‘Nightmare Scarecrow.’
Traverse the massive non-linear map with hundreds of rooms, each as unique and strange as the next. Find hidden treasures, legendary artifacts, and crumbling monuments, revealing an ancient story. Team up with discoverable creatures and characters along the way, as they will be vital in helping you beat the odds. Craft, upgrade, and forge the weapons and tools necessary to carry Marko to victory.
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, allowing you to go toe-to-toe with the most brutal of enemies. Learn how to crush your foes with a single blow, jump and dash across enormous caverns, and end your foes 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!
Marko: Beyond Brave is out now on Windows PC via Steam for USD $19.50 / EUR €19,00 / GBP £16.34. The game is available with a 15% discount during launch week.
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.
About Studio Mechka
Studio Mechka is an indie game studio with deep roots in Bulgarian culture. Founded in May 2016 by a small team of artists, programmers, and gaming enthusiasts, the studio began life as an outsourcing partner for game development companies. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2021 and various award nominations at gamescom 2023, Dreamhack Beyond, Digital Dragons Accelerator, and Indie X Lisbon 2023, Studio Mechka is gearing up to launch its first original IP, Marko: Beyond Brave.
Learn more at studiomechka.com.