Hand-Drawn Metroidvania Solateria Launches March 12 on PC
Korean indie developer Studio Doodal has announced that their hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania action game 《火灵之源（Solateria）》 will launch on March 12, 2026, at 22:00 Beijing Time for PC platforms. The game, published globally by SHINSEGAE I&C, features a parry-focused combat system and a customizable progression structure. A Nintendo Switch version is currently in planning stages, with specific release details to be announced later. This marks the studio’s follow-up to their well-received 2D platformer LAPIN, which earned positive reviews for its hand-drawn art style and narrative design.
Solateria’s combat system revolves around precise parry timing as its core mechanic. Players must execute a parry at the exact moment of enemy attacks, which triggers a slow-motion effect and allows them to unleash a powerful counterattack skill called “Pyron Action.” This system provides both visual impact and tactical advantage during combat encounters. The game’s character progression offers high customization through collectible “Parts” that players can equip and combine to create personalized fighting styles, along with “Heat Core” and “Core Stone” systems that expand combat capabilities and unlock hidden areas.
The game is set in the fantasy world of Solateria, which was once protected and prospered under the “Primordial Flame.” However, civilization has declined due to the spread of the “Shadow Plague.” Players take on the role of Tott, a small flame warrior who awakens with no memory except for the mission to find the vanished Primordial Flame and save the world. The narrative follows Tott’s journey through this decaying world as they seek to restore balance and uncover the truth behind the spreading corruption that threatens all existence.
Studio Doodal has leveraged their experience from developing LAPIN to enhance Solateria’s hand-drawn visual presentation, particularly in lighting effects and visual layering. The game previously offered a demo version during a PC platform festival, with the development team incorporating player feedback to optimize the experience and operation convenience ahead of the full release. Solateria supports multiple languages including Korean, English, Japanese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, German, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. With its refined parry mechanics and hand-drawn aesthetic, Solateria represents an ambitious step forward for the Korean indie studio in the Metroidvania genre.
