Duskfade

Genre: 3D Platformer / Action-Platformer

Players: 1

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Review:

Duskfade is a 3D Platformer with some Action-Platformer elements released in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. This game puts players in the role of Zirian, a young lad trying to rescue his sister, who has apparently gotten herself locked away in some sort of magical clock tower of her own creation that can only be unlocked by breaking the chains binding it to various parts of the surrounding area, which has been torn into upheaval by the tower’s sudden appearance.

Speaking of appearance… Duskfade may well be the most graphically-impressive 3D Platformer I’ve ever seen. It’s not as mechanically-ambitious as games like Donkey Kong Bananza or as creatively-designed as Astro Bot, but it is an absolute feast for the eyes right from the start, with its incredibly-detailed and conceptually-imaginative environments combining fairy tale elements with complex clockwork machinery, with gorgeous use of lighting, atmospheric effects, and reflection effects, and its great character animations. How something so stunning was crafted by first-time developer Weird Beluga, I don’t know, but they managed something special here.

The soundtrack is lovely as well, though not quite as jarringly impactful. Mostly this game’s soundtrack seems filled with lovely orchestral themes that build up the game’s fairytale atmosphere rather than striving for something truly memorable, with battle themes often sounding more like a waltz than an intense battle theme. It may not be quite what you expect from a 3D Platformer, but as an accompaniment to the wonder of Duskfade’s visuals, the soundtrack feels pitch-perfect and helps to make the game feel even that much more special. Some examples of this include Ezarus Forest, Ezarus Battle, Timeflux Channeler, Starstone Mines, and Mount Cinder Battle. This is joined by some good voicework for the characters, though I think the rest of the presentation eclipses that element.

When it comes to the gameplay, Duskfade is a pretty typical 3D Platformer that doesn’t break the mold for the genre, but what it does, it does very well, with imaginative environments to explore, and good platforming that’s tricky without seeming unfairly so, and movement that makes the platforming enjoyable throughout, with new mechanics introduced along the way like a grappling hook that makes for some delightful chain mid-air grapples.

When it comes to complaints, I think the brunt of my complaint goes to the combat, which isn’t bad but merely “okay”, with enemies swarming you in a way that seems to heavily encourage a dodge-attack-dodge-attack pattern, though you do gradually unlock additional abilities as you progress. I’ll also note that there are times when it’s not entirely clear where you’re meant to go next, though thankfully these moments are uncommon and brief.

Apart from a few small gripes, Duskfade is a solid platformer elevated by a truly exceptional presentation. This game isn’t a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, but it feels like a perfect showpiece for the system, a game that can show off what the Nintendo Switch 2 is capable of graphically while giving players a fairly simple and straightforward 3D Platformer that feels like a perfect fit for the hybrid console. This is absolutely a game you’ll want to get on your Nintendo Switch 2.

tl;dr – Duskfade is a 3D Platformer with Action-Platformer elements that has players exploring a fantastical world with fairytale-style locales and elaborate clockwork structures. The gameplay here is largely a simple but well-made 3D Platformer elevated by a jaw-droppingly gorgeous presentation. Even the game’s decent but not great combat cannot spoil what a delight this game is to play through. Do not miss it.

Grade: A-

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