#SHADE Protocol

[satoshi-mochida]

2D cyber-fantasy Metroidvania SHADE Protocol announced for PC - Gematsu

Developer Little Legendary has announced SHADE Protocol, a side-scrolling cyber-fantasy Metroidvania. It will launch for PC via Steam in 2026.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About

SHADE Protocol is a 2D cyber-fantasy Metroidvania where precision combat, fluid mobility, and an intricate narrative collide. Set in a dying world overtaken by Elythium, a sentient metal that has turned against the world, players assume the role of Zura, a prototype Replica that can recompile reality. As the last hope for humanity and free-willed machines, she must navigate the ruins of civilization, master lost technologies, and defy an enemy that has rewritten the fabric of existence itself. Seamlessly switch between DAWN and SHADE modes, altering combat styles and gameplay dynamics. Wield Instruments, powerful code-based weaponry inspired by music, each serving a unique role in battle and exploration. Engage in high-speed, skill-based combat, parrying and countering enemies in a world that demands mastery. Explore vast, interconnected Bastions, where every discovery alters the fate of the war between SHADEs and Xaviors, and the all-consuming SHADE Protocol.

Key Features

UNISON System: Rewrite Reality – The world of SHADE Protocol exists as code. Wield it to manipulate events, relive key moments, and choose their ultimate outcome, shaping the fate of entire factions.

Dynamic Combat System – Mix precision melee combat with specialized Instruments, executing devastating combos, parries, and counters. Swap between DAWN and SHADE modes to adapt to different playstyles in real-time.

Unique Defensive Mechanics – Perfectly timed parries and counters restore Echo, a vital energy source for powerful Instrument attacks and defensive maneuvers.

Instruments: Weapons That Sing – Wield an arsenal of musical weapons, including the Twilight Spear, Sunrise Great Axe, and Midnight Chakram, each with distinct combat and exploration abilities.

The war is lost. The song is rewritten. Will you take the stage?

Watch a new trailer below.

Announce Trailer

[linuxgamenews]

SHADE Protocol: Duality in a Stunning Metroidvania

SHADE Protocol is a new 2D cyber-fantasy metroidvania game working to make its way onto Linux and Windows PC. Thanks to the bold creativity of the team at Little Legendary, which is coming to life. Which is working to make its way onto Steam. Get ready, because something seriously special is coming your way. Little Legendary, a fresh indie studio from North America, has just pulled back the curtain on their debut title: SHADE Protocol, launching on Linux in 2026. And let us tell you—this isn’t just another 2D action platformer. This is a full-on cyber-fantasy metroidvania where music, code, and high-speed combat come crashing together in the most beautiful kind of chaos. At its core, SHADE Protocol is about duality, rebellion, and rewriting reality itself. You’ll take control of a hero who can switch on the fly between two forms — DAWN and SHADE. Since each has its own combat style, speed, and feel. Need precision and control? DAWN’s got you. Want to go full dark-mode berserker? Flip to SHADE and wreak havoc. This isn’t just a flashy mechanic; it’s also how you survive in a world falling apart from the inside. But here’s where it gets really wild: the Protocol system. This isn’t just about customizing your gear — it’s about rewriting the rules of this title. Equip specialized code fragments to alter your moves, empower your defense, change how enemies behave, and even straight-up reprogram the SHADE Protocol battlefield. It’s like if you could mod your loadout mid-battle and hack your enemies’ AI at the same time. Yeah. It’s that deep.

SHADE Protocol - World Reveal Trailer

You’ll fight using Instruments — literal weapons made from the echoes of a lost world’s music. Swords, axes, chakrams… each one sings its own battle theme, and each one feels powerful, responsive, and unique. We’re talking names like Twilight Spear, Sunrise Great Axe, and also Midnight Chakram — weapons that sound as good as they play. Combat is fast, skill-based, and all about rhythm—parries, counters, and split-second decisions are rewarded with Echo. Since this is the energy that powers your most devastating abilities. You’re not just hacking and slashing; you’re dancing with danger in every fight. Exploration takes place across massive, interconnected zones called Bastions — places dripping with history, secrets, and the looming threat of the SHADE Protocol itself. Since every discovery shifts the balance of the war between two ancient forces: the SHADES and the XAVIORS. And the deeper you go, the more this strange, musical world unravels. Until you’re not sure where the code ends and the soul begins. Here’s what the game director, Kendall Quinones, had to say: “We’re building SHADE Protocol as a love letter to the title that inspired us. It’s about breaking a game in half, reshaping it with your own hands. It’s for the players who want to explore a world made of code and music—and maybe save it.” So if you’ve ever wished you could crack a title open and really make it yours — if you’ve dreamed of a story-rich, combat-heavy cyber-fantasy metroidvania with style, soul, and a killer soundtrack — keep your eyes on SHADE Protocol via Steam. This one’s also shaping up to be something truly legendary for Linux and Windows PC.

[hellman55]

Shade Protocol - Official Reveal Trailer

[gamereporter]

SHADE Protocol - game indie promete revolucionar o gênero Metroidvania em 2026

O estúdio independente norte-americano Little Legendary anunciou que seu primeiro jogo, SHADE Protocol, será lançado para PC em 2026. Apostando em uma proposta ousada, o título combina elementos de ciberfantasia com jogabilidade Metroidvania, e promete surpreender ao mesclar música, código e combate em uma experiência 2D estilizada. No comando de um protagonista capaz de alternar entre duas…

[g4zdtechtv]

Cinematech's Trailer Park - SHADE Protocol (PC)

The war is lost. The song is rewritten. Will you take the stage?

[golyadkin]

in every universe...

[dyke-in-crisis]

me when two women absolutely despise each other 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩😍🫣

commissions patreon

[1brickat-atimes]

Spy X Family is the perfect choice Gwen, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

+Panel by Panel close ups

[drcaspiancrow]

I have a mutual who is into a fandom that I have Absolutely No Clue about and they reblog things and post about it and I'm just like yes babe. I have no idea what you're talking about but share your interests queen I love to see it. talk about your.... worm???? I think?????

small side effect, is seeing these reblogs and like my friends post makes tumblr think im into whatever it is. and I'm like no, but i love to see people liking things!!! wow art is so good! I have no idea what you're talking about!!!!

[squircatlies]

The scariest part of the episode is that someone actually named their baby Rupert.

[kaetor]

woahhh it's that time of year again (enough! I have a summer job I gotta get on the pride flag grind before it gets cut off) send me a character + a pride flag and I'll draw them w/ the flag as a lil ole color palette challenge :)

[cleriseph]

The blood for its strings need not be your own.

[thegrunglerr]

Ok listen theorize whatever you want it’s all fun and games but I swear tma fans are insane in the membrane. Like you’ll see someone go “no fucking way guys if you replace the I in Colin with an o it becomes Colon and Martin blackwood had a colon this means Colin HAS to be Martin Blackwood there’s no other way the evidence just makes too much sense”

[burke-juliet]

brutal 💀

[birb-boyo]

You guys wanna see me combine my two hyperfixations(TMA and LU) together :)

Because I like

Have a doc

And am willing to share

[cosmic-kinglet]

Just a little something based on a recent chapter ^^