Little Nemo and the Guardians of Slumberland, a cute, hand-animated 2D metroidvania inspired by Winsor McCay’s works, launches March 31 for PC via Steam and itch.io, with a Nintendo Switch version planned for later this year.

Set within the dreamlike world of Slumberland, the adventure follows Nemo as a once peaceful realm falls under threat from a mysterious force known as the Oblivion. This creeping danger transforms the vibrant dreamscape into a hazardous environment, forcing Nemo to confront increasingly dangerous creatures and restore balance before the entire world is consumed.
Exploration is at the heart of the journey, featuring interconnected regions filled with unique themes, secrets, and helpful allies that drive the narrative forward. Progression is fueled by collecting items like Nemo’s Toys, which unlock essential abilities for combat and traversal, alongside other collectibles that reward thorough discovery. While the game remains accessible through responsive controls, the challenge steadily scales, culminating in intense boss battles that demand total mastery of Nemo’s expanding skillset.
The project is primarily developed by DIE SOFT founder Dave Mauro, drawing inspiration from NES-era platformers while modernizing its gameplay systems. Complementing the visual style is an original soundtrack composed by Peter Berkman of Anamanaguchi.
A playable demo remains available on Steam ahead of launch, offering an early glimpse into Nemo’s surreal and increasingly perilous dream world.
