By Jordan Campbell If you’re a massive fan of Metroidvania titles and also platformers, then you may want to check out the upcoming title Akatori. The game is coming to Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on 12th August 2026, and you can pre-order HERE. I’ll leave you with the press release below detailing much more about what the game entails. Also, check out the YouTube trailer for an insight into some of the gameplay.
Contrast Games and game’s publisher, Games Harbor, are pleased to announce that Akatori is now available for pre-order on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Akatori combines the classic Metroidvania genre with a dynamic action-platformer, creating an engaging gaming experience.
Welcome to the vast and mystical world of Akatori, a captivating blend of classic metroidvania and intense action platformer. You will play as Mako, a teenage girl raised in the Firebird Temple, who embarks on a journey through all the worlds to save them from the Amber Storms that are infecting and distorting all living things.
A mysterious red bird sealed in a staff will accompany you on this adventure. While its background and motives are yet unknown, the staff it can transform into may prove useful: it can be a weapon to crush enemies or a tool to navigate and explore every corner of the places you’ll visit.
Key features
- Unlock all the abilities of your staff to explore every corner of the world.
Imagine using the staff to glide from great heights and slide down steep slopes. With it, you can easily solve tricky mechanisms and discover secret places. And in the hands of Mako, a battle monk, the staff is also a powerful weapon against monsters and mighty bosses.
- Explore the diverse in-game world
Your journey will take you through five unique worlds, each with its own biome, story, and challenges. Vivid landscapes, bizarre levitating buildings, cave catacombs, and the beauty of twisted nature will accompany you on your thorny path. But what will you find at the end?
- The Amber Storms
Since the Amber Storms hit the world, people and nature have lost their former appearance. But at the same time, priceless crystals have appeared. Amber is the foundation and heart of the civilisation’s development, but also its curse. Will you be able to uncover ancient secrets?
- Enjoy the views
The breathtaking landscapes of the game have been crafted with great attention to detail and combine crisp pixel art with smooth 3D models. Spare some time to appreciate the sights and take a couple of screenshots!
- Battle tough enemies and bosses
Prepare to be challenged by over 20 types of regular enemies and several unique bosses.
- Keep your ears open
The soundtrack of Akatori is not only diverse and beautiful, but also informative, as it adapts to what is happening on screen. Be it an intense fight or a moment of calm, the in-game music will reflect it.
- Follow the captivating story of Mako and bird
Step into the shoes of the young monk girl and, together with your mysterious companion, journey through all the twists and turns of this tale about inner strength, trials of fate, and a great mystery.
Details:
- Developer: Contrast Games;
- Publisher: Games Harbor;
- Genre: Metroidvania genre with a dynamic action-platformer;
- Platforms:
Nintendo Switch
(Planned for late Q3 2026 or Q4 2026).
PlayStation 4/5 (Launching August 12, 2026. Available to wishlist now).
https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10019019
Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S (Launching August 12, 2026. Available for pre-order).
https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/akatori/9NMDT29V25WL
Steam (Launching August 2026. Available to wishlist now).
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1442520/Akatori/
Fletcher Wilkinson