Recently, Atari unveiled Adventures of Samsara, a brand-new Metroidvania game that serves as a spiritual sequel to the popular 1980’s Atari 2600 title, Adventure. Crafted by Ilex Games, Adventures of Samsara offers an expansive world filled with intriguing lore, much of which is uncovered through exploration and combat. During Summer Game Fest 2025 Play Days, I was given a sneak peek at this exciting new game behind closed doors.
The distinctive charm of Samsara caught my attention right away, with its lively pixel landscapes. As players journey through various dimensions, they’ll encounter unique, intricately designed ecosystems. During the demo, I primarily explored a snowy biome. Many indie games have embraced the retro aesthetic, and Samsara manages to do so while also honoring the spirit of Adventure. Fans of the Atari 2600 game will find numerous references and Easter eggs hidden in Samsara’s enemies and structures.
The 2D Metroidvania style game left me quite impressed. It skillfully combines action and navigation elements to keep players on their toes. A unique parrying mechanism takes some practice to master, but once you get the hang of it, it responds with a strong counterattack, proving very useful in my battle against the demo boss. Reminiscent of Soulsborne games, being patient is crucial as you learn and remember enemy behaviors, attacking only when the opportunity arises.
In the demo, I stumbled upon a tiny, trailing ember that followed me around. I had control over its movements using the right joystick, confined to my immediate vicinity. By igniting it, I was able to clear away dangerous obstacles within the environment. It seems that, as a Solar Champion – a revived Plutonian reborn from the ancient light of the Sun – I possess this extraordinary ability. This intriguing concept left me with plenty of questions, and even brief encounters with NPCs in the game’s central hub offered tantalizing glimpses into its rich lore and world-building.
In more recent times, the Metroidvania style of gaming has gained significant popularity. However, what sets Adventure of Samsara apart is its visually striking design and mechanically innovative elements that pique my interest. I’m eager to experience the complete game when it launches on consoles and PC later this year.
The sneak peek we’re showing you comes from the initial demonstration held at Summer Game Fest: Play Days. Keep in mind that the finished game might have some differences.
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2025-06-11 22:57