Summary:
Yars Rising, the upcoming release by WayForward, takes the iconic Atari title Yars’ Revenge and reimagines it as a thrilling Metroidvania-style adventure. In this sci-fi action platformer, players step into the shoes of Emi Kimura, a young hacker with latent powers, who embarks on an expansive mission to uncover dark secrets behind the shadowy QoTech corporation. Throughout the journey, Emi must navigate an intricate world filled with interconnected paths, stealth challenges, and complex puzzles, all while discovering her alien heritage.
The game’s distinct retro aesthetic, coupled with modern mechanics, creates an experience that blends nostalgia with innovation. WayForward’s masterful storytelling and signature anime-style art give new life to the Yars franchise, appealing to both longtime fans of the original game and newcomers alike. Alongside the main game, players can unlock and enjoy a modern take on the original Yars’ Revenge, adding an extra layer of nostalgia. With its mix of platforming action, hacking minigames, and evolving character abilities, Yars Rising offers hours of exploration and an engaging story-driven experience that will captivate players when it launches for Nintendo Switch.
The World of Yars Rising
Yars Rising is an upcoming Metroidvania-style game developed by WayForward that builds upon the classic Atari title Yars’ Revenge. This new entry combines 2D platforming, stealth gameplay, and retro-inspired minigames, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and modern game mechanics. In Yars Rising, players control Emi Kimura, a hacker tasked with uncovering a deep mystery tied to the shadowy QoTech corporation. As players navigate through the game’s sprawling interconnected world, they will unlock new abilities, face formidable enemies, and retrace their steps to explore previously inaccessible areas.
The game’s retro aesthetics, anime-inspired art, and a storyline steeped in sci-fi intrigue will captivate both old fans of Yars’ Revenge and those new to the franchise. The game offers not only exciting platforming action but also a layer of deep narrative mystery as Emi uncovers her connection to an alien race. Alongside this modern take on the Yars series, the game also includes a fully remastered version of the original Yars’ Revenge, offering a nostalgic journey for players.
The Storyline and Setting of Yars Rising
Yars Rising centers around Emi Kimura, a young hacker hired by an enigmatic patron to infiltrate QoTech, a powerful corporation hiding dark secrets. The game’s plot gradually unfolds as Emi uncovers a sprawling mystery that reaches far beyond the walls of the company. From sterile office buildings to hidden underground labs and even into the depths of space, players must unravel layers of intrigue.
As the story progresses, Emi’s journey reveals a connection to a distant alien race and a shocking discovery about her own lineage. Throughout the game, her evolving powers mirror her deepening understanding of the universe she inhabits. Each new power Emi unlocks not only aids in combat and exploration but also serves to progress the story, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
Metroidvania Gameplay – Exploration and Backtracking
Yars Rising follows the core principles of Metroidvania gameplay, where exploration is key. Players traverse an interconnected world, encountering areas that cannot be accessed until specific abilities are unlocked. This design encourages players to backtrack and explore previously visited locations with newfound powers, opening secret pathways and uncovering hidden treasures.
Emi’s abilities evolve over time, and each new power grants access to areas previously out of reach. From augmented jumping skills to hacking abilities, these powers are vital for progression. The sprawling, non-linear map ensures that exploration feels rewarding, with plenty of secrets, power-ups, and collectibles to discover along the way.
Stealth Mechanics – A Unique Approach to Combat
Unlike typical run-and-gun Metroidvania titles, Yars Rising incorporates stealth mechanics that play a crucial role in Emi’s survival. Rather than simply blasting through enemies, players must often rely on stealth tactics to evade security guards and other threats. This adds a layer of tension, as Emi must navigate environments carefully, ducking into shadows to avoid detection and using her hacking abilities to disable security systems.
The stealth sections are designed to break up the action, offering a change of pace that keeps the gameplay fresh and challenging. These moments of evasion require patience and strategy, and the consequences of failure can be severe, forcing players to plan their moves carefully.
Hacking Minigames – A Nod to Yars’ Revenge
One of the standout features of Yars Rising is the series of hacking minigames that pay homage to the original Yars’ Revenge. These retro-inspired minigames involve fast-paced, twitch-based mechanics that challenge players’ reflexes and strategic thinking. Each hacking minigame serves a purpose in the narrative, helping Emi to bypass security systems, access new areas, or uncover vital information.
These minigames are a delightful nod to the franchise’s roots, bringing a sense of nostalgia while adding variety to the gameplay. Fans of the original Atari game will appreciate the subtle references and mechanics that mirror the intense, quick-action gameplay of Yars’ Revenge.
Emi Kimura – The Protagonist’s Growth and Abilities
As the protagonist of Yars Rising, Emi Kimura’s character evolves significantly over the course of the game. At the beginning, she is a relatively inexperienced hacker, but as she uncovers more about QoTech and her connection to an alien race, her powers begin to grow. Emi’s progression is not just about combat abilities; her hacking skills also evolve, allowing her to tackle more complex puzzles and unlock more of the game’s world.
Her journey is both personal and universal, as she grapples with her identity while battling the external forces of QoTech and its alien connections. This growth is reflected in the gameplay, with each new power unlocking further exploration and depth within the game’s expansive world.
Combat and Enemy Design in Yars Rising
While stealth plays a significant role in Yars Rising, combat remains a key element. Emi faces a wide array of enemies, from robotic security drones to alien creatures, each with distinct attack patterns and weaknesses. The combat system is fast-paced and fluid, requiring players to master a combination of platforming and combat skills.
As Emi unlocks new powers, her combat abilities expand, allowing for more dynamic and creative approaches to enemy encounters. The enemy design is varied, ensuring that each new area presents a fresh challenge and requires players to adapt their tactics accordingly.
The World Design and Art Style of Yars Rising
Yars Rising boasts a beautifully crafted world that blends retro pixel art with modern 3D environments. WayForward’s distinct anime-inspired art style shines throughout the game, bringing the characters and world to life with vibrant colors and fluid animations. The game’s environments are diverse, ranging from high-tech corporate offices to eerie underground labs and vast alien landscapes.
This variety in setting helps to maintain player interest as they explore new areas, with each zone presenting its own unique challenges and aesthetic. The art direction plays a significant role in the game’s storytelling, with visual cues helping to convey the atmosphere and tone of each location.
WayForward’s Signature Retro and Modern Blend
WayForward is known for its ability to blend retro aesthetics with modern gameplay mechanics, and Yars Rising is no exception. The game’s design is a perfect mix of old-school gameplay elements with contemporary innovations. The inclusion of retro-style minigames alongside modern platforming and stealth mechanics creates a well-rounded experience that appeals to both fans of classic games and newcomers alike.
This balance between past and present is evident in every aspect of the game, from its art style to its gameplay. WayForward’s attention to detail and reverence for the original Yars’ Revenge is clear, while also pushing the franchise forward with new ideas and concepts.
Unlocking the Original Yars’ Revenge in Yars Rising
In addition to the main game, players have the opportunity to experience a modern take on the original Yars’ Revenge. This version is accessible directly from the game’s main menu and offers a faithful recreation of the classic Atari title. The inclusion of this original game adds an extra layer of nostalgia, allowing players to see where the Yars franchise began while also enjoying its modern evolution.
Fans of the original will appreciate the care that went into recreating the classic game, while newcomers will gain a deeper appreciation for the legacy of Yars.
Conclusion
Yars Rising is a nostalgic yet innovative addition to the Metroidvania genre, paying tribute to the classic Yars’ Revenge while pushing the franchise into new territory. The game’s rich narrative, intricate world design, and blend of stealth, combat, and hacking mechanics create a unique experience that will appeal to both fans of the original and newcomers alike. With WayForward’s distinct art style and engaging gameplay, Yars Rising promises to be a standout release that honors its roots while forging its own identity.
FAQs
- What platforms will Yars Rising be available on?
- Yars Rising will be available on the Nintendo Switch in both digital and physical formats.
- How much will Yars Rising cost?
- The game will be priced at $29.99 / £24.99 for both digital and physical versions.
- Can players access the original Yars’ Revenge in Yars Rising?
- Yes, players can access a modern version of the original Yars’ Revenge from the main menu.
- What kind of gameplay can players expect in Yars Rising?
- Yars Rising features a mix of 2D platforming, stealth mechanics, combat, and hacking minigames.
- When will Yars Rising be released?
- Yars Rising is set to release on September 10 for the Nintendo Switch.
