SHADE Protocol is a new 2D cyber-fantasy Metroidvania from Little Legendary, which is handling both development and publishing. The game is planned for Steam with its release date still to be confirmed, framing its action around precision combat, fluid mobility, music, and code. It is designed as a single-player project and is listed across action, adventure, indie, and RPG, with Steam achievements, captions, and commentary support. Its launch timing remains open rather than tied to a month or year.
The story takes place in a dying world consumed by Elythium, a sentient metal that has turned against reality itself. Players take on the role of Zura, a prototype Replica able to recompile existence and described as the last hope for humanity and free-willed machines. Her journey moves through the ruins of civilization, lost technologies, and the war between SHADEs and Xaviors, while the all-consuming SHADE Protocol continues to rewrite what remains.
Combat is built around seamless switching between DAWN and SHADE modes, changing fighting styles and gameplay dynamics in real time. Weapons are called Instruments and are presented as music-inspired, code-based tools with distinct uses in battle and exploration. The arsenal includes the Twilight Spear, Sunrise Great Axe, and Midnight Chakram, giving each option a clear identity beyond standard blades or firearms.
The defensive side focuses on timing, parries, and counters, with perfectly executed reactions restoring Echo, a vital resource for stronger Instrument attacks and defensive maneuvers. The UNISON System expands that idea into the world itself, treating reality as code that can be manipulated. Players can relive key moments and choose their outcomes, shaping the fate of factions rather than simply moving from one area to the next.
Exploration takes place across vast, interconnected Bastions, where each discovery can alter the direction of the war. The PC version supports Windows, SteamOS, and Linux, with modest minimum requirements and 1 GB of storage on Windows. Full audio is listed in English, while interface and subtitles include 13 languages, including Italian. SHADE Protocol is not available for purchase yet, but wishlisting and following are already open ahead of a more precise launch window.
