Annapurna Interactive, the studio behind hit titles like Outer Wilds and 2022's Game of the Year, Stray, is teaming up with developer Yarn Owl Studios for the brand-new action-adventure game Demi and the Fractured Dream. Boasting serious Legend of Zelda vibes with a familiar art style that hearkens to both retro games and modern releases, Demi and the Fractured Dream is set to launch for Nintendo Switch 2, plus other platforms, and will transport players to a fantastical world facing the threat of absolute ruin.

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The long-standing success of classic games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and indie hits like Journey helped to popularize a unique visual aesthetic that has remained popular among fans of the 3D exploration genre. Looking to join the ranks of beloved titles that craft heartfelt tales while challenging players with engaging gameplay, the official trailer for Demi and the Fractured Dream gives fans an early look at what to expect in this new adventure.

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Demi and the Fractured Dream Trailer, Story, and Gameplay

Demi and the Fractured Dream sees players taking on the role of a Voidsent, the titular Demi, who can harness the powers of a void curse. Demi is guided by a mysterious voice from beyond, offering insights as Demi traverses the wondrous yet perilous realms of the world of Somnus. From the wind-swept spires of the Desert Kingdom to the spiritual waters of the Marsh Kingdom, Demi must track down and slay three Accursed Beasts, in an effort to prevent a world-ending awakening. Similar to the Legend of Zelda series, players will need to tackle environmental puzzles and dangerous dungeons by wielding a full arsenal of weapons and spells to vanquish monsters and defeat the Accursed Beasts.

While journeying through each realm, Demi will be able to equip a wide-range of ability-enhancing charms that will allow players to adapt their loadout to their desired playstyle. More traditional gameplay mechanics like jumping, climbing, and dodging can be used in combination with dynamic platforming to reach treacherous heights and gain a new perspective on the world of Somnus. From its Zelda-inspired visuals to its epic battles reminiscent of games like Shadow of the Colossus, Demi and the Fractured Dream aims to balance nostalgic environments with a refreshing tale when it launches for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2026.

The legacy of action-adventure video games spans from the rise in home console sales in the 1990s to modern-day offerings from both AAA and indie studios, with standout entries greatly influencing the visual style and gameplay mechanics of eventual successors. Whether Demi and the Fractured Dream will live up to the already high expectations of fans remains to be seen, but interested players can stay tuned for more updates and details ahead of the game's launch.

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Nintendo Switch 2 Tag Page Cover Art
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Brand
Nintendo
Original Release Date
June 5, 2025
Original MSRP (USD)
$449.99
Operating System
Proprietary
Resolution
1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
HDR Support
Yes
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