Astronaut Diaries Limited, in partnership with publisher Ninja Kiwi, has announced that its debut title Denari, a stylish cel-shaded isometric action game, will launch on Nintendo Switch and Steam on March 24, 2027.
In Denari, players step into the role of Taiu, a young warrior whose developing telekinetic abilities redefine the flow of combat. Using these powers, Taiu seeks to save his nation from the ruthless magitech-powered Denari empire who crush all resistance. To defeat the invaders, players must turn enemy strengths against them. Redirect enemy fireballs, blast smaller enemies into larger ones, and parry attacks on time to return damage. The result is a playful combat system where the tools at your disposal change with every encounter.
The increasing difficulty of combat challenges and the growth of Taiu’s abilities are deeply intertwined with the narrative of the game. With the encroaching empire increasing its territory, Taiu will face hardships and loss that shape his journey, pushing him to develop more powerful sword skills and telekinetic abilities with the guidance of his friends, and the spirits of his ancestors. To overcome the variety of challenging group battles and boss fights, Taiu must grow to become the hero his people need. Combined with its striking cel-shaded visual style and fluid isometric gameplay, Denari rewards player skill and experimentation as players journey through an vibrant and heartfelt fantasy adventure.
“With Denari, we wanted to make an action game where enemies don’t just represent challenges to overcome, but resources that can help you to succeed. We want players to think on their toes, and consider which enemies represent a threat, or an opportunity during every moment of combat”, said Shrikkanth Sreedharan, founder and game director at Astronaut Diaries, in a press release. “We’re proud to have poured ourselves into the story, music and artwork of the game; from weapons based on Māori bone carvings to Indian tabla drums in the soundtrack, to a narrative inspired by the experiences of indigenous and immigrant kids growing up in New Zealand. We can’t wait for players to experience the world we’ve built!”
Denari features an original soundtrack composed by David Mason (Dredge, I Am Your Beast, Penguin Colony, and TMNT: Tactical Takedown) with guest vocals from Emi Evans (NieR: Automata, Dark Souls, Monster Hunter), who lends her voice throughout the soundtrack.