Roguelike Beat ’Em Up Ghost Vanguard Launches on Kickstarter, Demo Now Playable on Steam

Ghost Vanguard, a roguelike side-scrolling beat ’em up developed by Wombo Combo Games, has officially launched its Kickstarter campaign with a funding goal of $20,000.

The Kickstarter campaign offers rewards such as exclusive “legend cosmetics” inspired by the team’s favorite games, as well as opportunities for backers to leave personalized messages within the world or even design spells, relics, and statues that affect gameplay. Community stretch goals promise even more content, from new characters and NG+ modes to additional console ports and visual customizations.

Alongside the campaign, a brand-new demo is now available on Steam, giving players a first chance to experience the game ahead of its planned release in 2026. The full game is confirmed for PC and Nintendo Switch, with potential PlayStation and Xbox versions as stretch goals.

The playable demo delivers two to three hours of action with two boss encounters, multiple combat styles, ten spells, a wide range of relics, and unlockable advanced moves like parrying, air dashing, and double jumping. Players can experiment with builds ranging from Frost Mage to Aerial Combo specialist, testing the game’s fast-paced combat and roguelike progression.

Developed by a two-person team in Fukuoka, Japan, Ghost Vanguard blends the gothic atmosphere of Castlevania with the stylish combat of Devil May Cry and the replayability of modern roguelikes. Players will step into sprawling labyrinths filled with sinister forces, unleashing fluid combos, devastating spells, and tactical builds to reclaim a stolen soul.