Contrast Games released an official animated launch trailer in July 2026 for its upcoming title, Akatori [1].
The release marks the final promotional push for the title as it enters the market across multiple platforms. The game aims to attract fans of the metroidvania genre through a focus on momentum-based combat and exploration.
Akatori is a side-scrolling, pixel-art 2D metroidvania and action-platformer [1]. Players control a character named Mako, who wields a staff to explore various worlds and battle enemies to stop the Amber Storms [1]. The trailer highlights the game's colorful art style and the traversal mechanics used to navigate different eras [2].
According to Gematsu, the game launches on PC via Steam on Aug. 5, 2026 [3]. The title is also scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on Aug. 12, 2026 [3]. A release for the Switch 2 is planned for 2027 [3].
"Check out this slick animated launch trailer for Akatori, the side‑scrolling, pixel‑art 2D metroidvania/action‑platformer in which you wield Mako's staff to explore and battle your way through all the worlds to save them from the Amber Storms," IGN said [1].
MSN Technology said the project is a "very colorful pixel‑art side‑scrolling metroidvania where you, as Mako, use your staff to traverse and battle through different eras to stop the Amber Storms" [2].
Hey Poor Player said Contrast Games is bringing a momentum-based experience to the genre starting in August [4].
“Contrast Games is bringing a momentum‑based Metroidvania starting in August called Akatori.”
The staggered release schedule, starting with PC and following with a broad console rollout, allows the developer to manage initial technical stability before expanding to a wider audience. The planned 2027 release for the Switch 2 suggests the developer is targeting next-generation hardware to support the game's visual and mechanical requirements.
