DaRmaZat Mariachi Legends, a pixel-art, combat-focused side-scrolling Metroidvania from Halberd Studios, the creator of 9 Years of Shadows, will launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC via Steam.
Set in the heart of Mexico, the game follows detective Pablo Cruz, who enters a pact with Death and gains the ability to transform into La Sombra. This supernatural power allows him to confront the criminal forces threatening his hometown while pursuing an immortal man who defied Madre Catrina. The experience emphasizes intense melee encounters, parry-driven combat, and a wide arsenal ranging from guns and swords to whips and magical abilities. Progression is tied to new skills, equipment, and upgrades that deepen combat versatility as the narrative unfolds.
Players explore Santa Mascota, a vibrant and troubled town filled with colorful characters, investigative opportunities, and side quests. As Pablo unravels the mystery behind a series of deaths, the community evolves, opening shops, delivering new leads, and offering optional challenges. A fortune-telling system, tarot-based abilities, and a dual-structured map enriched by Day, Night, and Full Moon variations further shape progression. Temporal shifts alter enemy presence, unlock new routes, and introduce nocturnal threats that refresh familiar locations. Additional mechanics include cooking traditional Mexican dishes to gain strength, gathering ingredients across the world, and discovering secrets hidden behind Sun and Moon gates.
Halberd Studios plans to bring the title to all announced platforms in Q2 2026, though a precise release date has not yet been confirmed.
