The Archaic

The Archaic is a story-driven 3D action platformer that blends Metroidvania exploration with fluid traversal and momentum-based melee combat.

Play as a 17-year-old girl pulled several thousand years out of her own time, into a future where no organic humans remain. Explore a broken civilization governed by digital memory and false immortality, and reignite the forgotten oath of return.

• Traverse mysterious ruins and massive sky structures
• Unlock new abilities through Agitory, a central hub in orbit
• Fight rogue androids, corrupted systems, and the remnants of humanity
• Take control of a giant machine when a sword is no longer enough
• Explore a world full of secrets, memories, and danger

1. 3D Platforming X Metroidvania

The game follows classic 3D platforming rules — you’ll run, jump, wall-kick, slide, and perform light parkour.
You’ll interact with various environmental objects like springs, traps, and safety nets to traverse levels.

However, certain paths are initially unreachable.
This is where the metroidvania-style progression comes in: unlocking special abilities allows you to access previously unreachable areas.

There are 9 unique abilities, including:

2. TPS Shooting Mechanics

The game includes TPS (Third-Person Shooter) elements.
Players can aim precisely while moving quickly, allowing for fluid, responsive gunplay.

You can collect and combine Gun Modules, enabling you to construct different types of firearms.
These can fire specialized rounds with unique properties.

However, guns alone won’t kill most enemies — they can knock them back or stun them at best.

3. Momentum-Based Sword Combat

Swords are the most powerful weapons in this world.
Unlike guns, swords are the only way to defeat most enemies.

Combat revolves around:

• Direct 1v1 confrontations

Parrying and dodging

• Or, using momentum and aerial control to land decisive finishing blows

Mastering movement and momentum is key to success.

Core Identity

This game’s core identity is the seamless blend of:

• Ability-driven metroidvania progression
• Momentum-based combat
• Platforming traversal

The game includes a variety of collectible elements

• Various hairstyles and helmets
• Outfits with functional bonuses depending on what you wear
• Gun modules

A wide selection of swords with different characteristics