Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster Brings Old-School Metroidvania Back

What happens when you mix classic Metroidvania exploration, old-school fantasy, brutal swordplay, and the ability to transform into beasts? You get Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster, a colorful 2D adventure that looks like it escaped from another era and decided to bring some modern twists along for the ride.

Developed by Dormidin Studio and published by Selecta Play, Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster launched on September 9, 2026, inviting players to explore the dangerous world of Arborea. Available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, the game delivers a hand-drawn 2D experience designed for fans of traditional Metroidvania adventures.

Become the Beastmaster

Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster features a Metroidvania-style map where progression is closely tied to exploration and newly acquired abilities. Instead of simply following a linear sequence of levels, players are encouraged to return to previously visited areas and search for paths that were impossible to access before. The game's vibrant hand-drawn visuals give Arborea a distinctive personality. Its fantasy setting combines colorful environments with monsters, magic, warriors, and plenty of danger, creating an aesthetic that deliberately evokes classic 2D adventures while adding an anime-inspired flavor.

In Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster, you play as the last Beastmaster, a warrior capable of using the souls of animals and creatures to transform and progress through the adventure. Beastmaster abilities are used to open new routes and reach previously inaccessible parts of the map, making them an important part of the game's exploration and progression system. Of course, the Beastmaster also has a very large sword and isn't afraid to use it. Players can unlock new sword techniques, wield magic potions, summon curses, and improve their abilities as they travel through Arborea.

The story takes place after devastating wars between portals have left Arborea in turmoil. A new conflict erupts when the king of Imperia and the Sacred Kingdom wage war against non-humans, while the arrival of a prophecy points toward someone destined to unite humans and beasts. NPCs encountered throughout the adventure can unlock additional missions and story arcs, while player interactions can lead toward different endings.

The game also features some RPG-inspired customization systems. Players can collect beads for a ritual necklace, with items such as fangs, amulets, and plant roots capable of modifying attacks, vitality, and Mana. That means exploration isn't only about finding the next door or shortcut. Searching the world can also make your character stronger and provide new ways to approach combat.

One of the more unusual features is the game's Arena system. These encounters change the presentation by bringing the camera closer and introducing energy bars inspired by classic fighting games. The Arenas provide an opportunity to improve your skills and obtain unique items, adding another layer to the combat beyond the usual platforming and monster-slaying found throughout the main adventure.

An old-school Metroidvania with its own identity

Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster clearly targets players who miss the days when 2D action games were all about exploring interconnected worlds, discovering new abilities, fighting increasingly dangerous enemies, and wondering what might be hiding around the next corner. Its exciting features gives the game plenty of personality beyond its retro-inspired foundations.

For Metroidvania fans looking for an alternative to Castlevania: Belmont's Curse and Blasphemous 2, the game offers something colorful, unusual, and unapologetically old-school, and it could be one of September's more interesting indie releases. As usual, you can get your copy of Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster at the cheapest price with our comparator if you want to save cash on your purchase.