Earthblade, the next gameCelestedeveloper Extremely OK Games, debuted gameplay during The Game Awards 2022. The “2D explor-action” game has keptCelestefans waiting since its announcement in April 201 and EXOK has made the most of the time since. But while it’s exciting to finally seeEarthbladein motion, it seems that some extra development time is going to be necessary before EXOK can release the final product.
The initial announcement ofEarthbladerevealed very little of the game, outside its genre and a promise of anotherCeleste-like pixel art world. Little more than teasers forEarthbladehas been shared since, with just a gif offering the only look atEarthbladein motion. Games take time to develop, however, and the team at EXOK was always going to ensure it only shared more regardingEarthbladewhen it was ready. It seems it’s now ready.
RELATED:Earthblade Reveal Teased for The Game Awards
The debut gameplay trailer forEarthbladewas shown during The Game Awards 2022. It opens with a mysterious, horned protagonist falling through a portal of some kind, where they’re questioned by an NPC who says they must “travel fate, too.” The rest of the trailer is dedicated to a scrolling camera that shows thesize ofEarthblade’s world, as well as the diverse flora and fauna waiting within. Quick sequences of combat are also shown, confirming that whileEarthbladeis certainly unique fromCelesteit still retains much of its predecessor’s platforming roots.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of theEarthbladetrailer, however, is the release window it confirms at its end. Unfortunately,Earthbladewill not be arriving in 2023 as many fans were hoping.Earthbladeis confirmed to be planned for launch in 2024. That may be a longer wait than some hoped, but if that’s whatEXOKneeds to complete the game then fans are certain to be understanding.
The initial look atEarthblade’s gameplay should provide plenty for fans to pore through and speculate on, at least. It presents a truly massive world, all appearing to be interconnected and seamless. Whether it’s the protagonist’s slashing attacks, double jump, or the gathering of what looks to be experience orbs, much ofEarthbladeremains to be detailed.
As for why EXOK decided to share more ofEarthbladedespite a significant amount of time before the game launches, it’s hard to blame the studio for not taking the opportunity to be showcased atThe Game Awards. It should help keep the indie explor-action game in people’s minds, at least until EXOK is ready to share more ofEarthbladepublicly.
