Heart Machine, the team behind Hyper Light Drifter, revealed their next game Solar Ash‘s release date to be October 26th.

The studio had already shown off the project, then titled Solar Ash Kingdom, back in 2019. At the time, little was known about the title.  The teaser only showed off a few shots of the game’s setting and scenery, as well as a new protagonist. The colors were very much reminiscent of Hyper Light Drifter‘s own flashy aesthetic, but Heart Machine was pointing towards a full switch to 3D.

During yesterday’s Annapurna Interactive showcase, Heart Machine showed off some more of their upcoming title, with an expanded trailer that included a release date. We will get to play as Rei, a Voidrunner that will traverse through colorful environments — fighting to save her home planet from the forces of the Ultravoid. The gameplay trailer reflects what the developer promises: fluid controls, including grappling, surfing, rail-grinding, and more.

Heart Machine game designer Alx Preston, earlier this year during a Sony State of Play event, had a few things to say about the game: “Solar Ash is Heart Machine’s vision of the adventure platformer. The giant spaces, the feel of movement, the flow of combat, and the high stakes battles atop enormous beasts all come together to bring players something we think is incredibly unique, and more importantly, fun.”

Solar Ash: Big Shoes To Fill

In an interview with RPS, the Solar Ash dev team had a few more things to add regarding the game’s inspiration. Game director Chelsea Hash mentioned Mario Galaxy, Shadow Of The Colossus, and Jet Set Radio as being some of the game’s key contributors. Solar Ash will also include “massive bosses,” each with an “area that supports that fight.” The game director also promises that there’s plenty to look forward to besides those epic boss fights.

Heart Machine already began working on Solar Ash a year before Hyper Light Drifter was finished. Creative director Alx Preston mentioned that the studio’s upcoming title was a chance to do things differently, especially with the switch from 2D to 3D. If Hyper Light Drifter‘s quality and level of polish are anything to go by, we can remain hopeful about what Solar Ash will bring to the indie table.

Solar Ash’s release date is set for October 26th as an Epic Games Store exclusive for the PC while also being available on the PS4 and PS5.