Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster is a 2D action-adventure Metroidvania developed by Dormidin Studio and published by Selecta Play. Released on September 9, 2026, for PlayStation 5 along with other platforms, the game places players in the role of the last Beastmaster in the fantasy world of Arborea. A prophecy drives the central conflict as the new king of Imperia allies with the Sacred Kingdom and the wizard Trece XIII to wage war on non-humans, forcing the chosen warrior to unite humans and beasts through transformation abilities and combat prowess.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around exploration of a connected 2D map where new paths open through acquired Beastmaster abilities. Players collect souls from animals and creatures to transform, gaining powers that allow access to previously blocked routes and vertical traversal options. Combat centers on sword strikes learned from an old Sensei, supplemented by magic potions, summoned curses, and a block mechanic that requires precise timing for parries rather than sustained defense. Ranged options like fireballs drain a mana or stamina meter, while mid-air attacks add risk due to hitbox overlaps that can lead to mutual damage trades.
Customization comes from gathering beads to assemble a ritual necklace. Fangs, amulets, and plant roots slotted into the necklace alter attack patterns, vitality, or mana capacity. Save rooms function as checkpoints and fast-travel points, easing repeated trips across the map. Enemy designs mix cartoonish proportions with darker, menacing details, and boss encounters demand observation and timing over button mashing. The hand-drawn art style emphasizes bold fantasy visuals with a retro sword-and-sorcery tone.
Game Modes
The game operates entirely in single-player format with no multiplayer components. Progression occurs through the main Metroidvania campaign, where exploration, ability acquisition, and combat drive advancement. Arena duels appear as integrated challenges featuring a closer camera angle and energy bars reminiscent of classic fighting games. These encounters allow skill upgrades and unique item rewards while fitting into the larger adventure structure. NPC interactions expand the experience by unlocking side missions and story arcs that influence available paths and conclusions.
Story and Progression
The narrative follows the Beastmaster as the prophesied figure who must navigate wars between portals and the current conflict against non-humans. Multiple endings result from choices made during NPC conversations and quest completions, creating branching arcs similar to episodic storytelling. The world features evil and sorcery in every area, with the heart-devouring sword serving as a central tool for both combat and progression toward god-like power through collected techniques. Backtracking remains essential as transformations reveal shortcuts and secrets across the continuous map.
Is It Worth Playing?
Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster suits players who enjoy skill-focused 2D Metroidvanias with ability-gated exploration and responsive controls. A review from Technetbook awarded it 7.5 out of 10, highlighting tight controller inputs, strong enemy variety, and convenient fast-travel saves while noting that strict healing limits and occasional hitbox issues in aerial combat may frustrate some players. The minimal story depth appeals less to those seeking extensive narrative layers. Early areas can appear visually plain before the map expands, yet the overall package delivers a solid experience for fans of classic side-scrolling action adventures. Availability on PlayStation 5 makes it accessible for console players interested in indie Metroidvania titles with transformation mechanics and customizable combat options.
