Crowsworn is an upcoming Metroidvania game developed by Canadian[1] studio Mongoose Rodeo.[2] The game was funded on Kickstarter, and has not had a new release date announced since a delay in August of 2023.[3] It is planned to release for Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, and other consoles.[4]
Premise
Crowsworn is a Metroidvania with elements of the soulslike genre.[4] It takes place in Fearanndal, a fallen kingdom beset by a curse. The player takes control of a protagonist with the appearance of a plague doctor, who wakes up in a coffin suffering from amnesia. As the protagonist, the player must traverse the kingdom to uncover the origin of this curse.[3][4] The player character fights enemies in melee using a scythe, and at range using two guns. They can also utilize Corvian powers, magical abilities that can be used in combat. Use of Corvian powers requires the exertion of an energy called Malice, which can be recharged by attacking enemies with the scythe.[5] The game features platforming, side quests, and several bosses,[3] as well as a boss rush mode and a planned DLC expansion after launch.[5]
Development
The game was first announced on Kickstarter and raised over $1 million CAD by the end of its campaign in August 2021,[6] ahead of its planned funding target of $125,000 CAD.[4] The developers were influenced by the Metroidvania Hollow Knight, and drew further inspiration from Bloodborne and Devil May Cry.[5] Director Aleksandrar Kuzmanovic noted how the game was often compared to Hollow Knight, and desired to find ways to stand out from his inspirations.[4][1] The game was marketed by Matthew Griffin, who had previously done the same for Hollow Knight.[4] In August 2023, Mongoose Rodeo delayed the game from its planned release in December 2023, citing the game's increasing size as a result of raising more funds than planned during the Kickstarter campaign.[3]