Adventure of Samsara Turns The Retro Dial Back A Few Extra Notches

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When someone calls their game “retro,” they usually refer to a specific period in gaming history, spanning from the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) to the PlayStation. This era represents the peak of pixel-art gameplay and the initial phase of the 3D revolution. Generally, games don’t draw inspiration from periods much older than this, like the early days of home console gaming. However, Adventure of Samsara does just that, creating a unique mix of themes and mechanics.

The intriguing journey known as “Adventure of Samsara” boasts a rich and lengthy backstory. Initially presented on Kickstarter in 2016 under the title “Tower of Samsara”, it aimed for a relatively modest fundraising goal of $48,561. Regrettably, it fell short by more than two-thirds of this target. This setback might have signaled the end of its journey, like so many other indie games that never took flight. However, Brazilian game studio Ilex Games persistently pursued the project until they found a home with Atari. There, it underwent a transformation into a science fiction spin-off of the classic Atari 2600 title “Adventure”. Essentially, “Adventure of Samsara” is the fusion of these two worlds, according to an Atari representative who spoke with me. The game represents Ilex’s original concept, but it incorporates narrative elements from Adventure to establish its place within that universe.

The combination of influences results in a striking resemblance to the visual style seen in old Atari 2600 games. The large, chunky pixels and flat, vibrant color palette evoke memories of those classic games, yet the design is distinctly more sophisticated and contemporary than what the original Atari was capable of producing. This is a nod to retro pixel art, but it’s a fresh take on such an early form of digital artwork.

In much the same way, the gameplay and fight sequences resemble that of Adventure or Prince of Persia, or for a more contemporary comparison, Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery. The walk animation, as well as the swings of your sword, are all carefully designed to align with the visual aesthetic. A parry system is in place, encouraging swift reactions with a powerful counterattack. Given the methodical movement of the protagonist, this counterattack proves essential.

In this scenario, it falls under the category of a Metroidvania game, characterized by an expansive map for exploration as you gradually unlock new abilities and paths. I had a brief hands-on experience with a guided demo, with an Atari representative guiding me through specific areas to make the most of my time. The game gave me a feeling that it might have more hidden perils waiting in uncharted territories compared to many modern Metroidvania games, which have become more focused on guidance and safety for players. This old-school vibe suggests that the game may present more risks if I had ventured off in certain directions, offering a refreshing contrast to today’s more handheld and secure Metroidvania experiences.

In a unique twist, the original Atari elements stretch beyond just the visuals and playing experience of Samsara. Despite Samsara sticking to its initial concept of a science-fiction narrative set on Pluto, the collaboration with Atari has introduced narrative cues and hidden references from the game Adventure. I stumbled upon one such subtle nod during my brief playtime, by discovering a dragon nestled among the ancient ruins of Pluto. This fusion imbues the game with an unsettling, alien atmosphere, merging genres and timelines within the desolate environment. It’s an intriguing foundation for a game that, just nine years ago, seemed destined to remain unfinished.

Adventure of Samsara is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch in 2025.

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2025-06-17 21:39