By Sagar V. Mankar Pahdo Labs, a newly formed indie studio, unveils its debut game, Starlight Re:Volver. This highly anticipated co-op roguelike action RPG promises to transport players back to the golden era of ’90s and 2000s anime and gaming.
Masterminds Behind Pahdo Labs
Pahdo Labs is not your average indie studio. Founded in 2021 by industry veterans from renowned companies like Capcom, Ubisoft, Riot Games, and WayForward, this New York and Vancouver-based team brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Their expertise has not gone unnoticed, as the studio recently secured an impressive $15 million in funding from notable investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Global Founders Capital, and BoxGroup.
What Is Starlight Re:Volver?
Starlight Re:Volver is a unique fusion of Japanese action RPGs and Western roguelites, with a dash of social elements similar of MMOs.
Set to launch on PC via Steam Early Access in 2025, the game’s pre-alpha trailer showcases the game’s eye-catching style, which combines vibrant “electro city pop” music with “hyper-stylized” anime-style combat.
Game Setting:
The game is set in the futuristic world of Nishi Island Metropolis (NIM) and its virtual counterpart, So Mi. Players will explore the neon-lit streets of NIM, where advanced technology and traditional culture collide, as well as venture into the dreamlike world of So Mi.
The characters, known as Divers, use futuristic tools called Re:Volver, giving the game a magical girl-meets-cyberpunk feel. One of the central characters is Ren Amagi, who guides players through the story as they unravel the mysteries of So Mi and the Re:Volver
Roguelike Element:
The roguelike elements of the game come in the form of unlockable abilities, craftable gear, customizable outfits, and random charms that change each time you play. This ensures that no two playthroughs will be the same, offering plenty of replay value.
Social Features:
Beyond its action-packed combat, Starlight Re:Volver is designed for up to four players in co-op mode.
Social features like mini-games and virtual hangouts will also allow “dozens of concurrent players” to interact in the online servers, giving the game a lively multiplayer experience.
According to the press release, players can perform “Magic Combos” to break through enemy defenses and execute team strategies.
While an exact release date hasn’t been announced, Starlight Re:Volver is slated for Early Access on Steam in 2025. In the meantime, you can add it to your Steam wishlist.
Overall, Starlight Re:Volver promises to deliver a colorful, engaging adventure that combines elements from multiple genres and taps into the nostalgia of classic anime and retro gaming.
For more information, visit the official X page of Pahdo Labs. And remember to subscribe to Gaming Foodle for more news!