Sky Dust Blends Cyberpunk Style with Metroidvania Action on Steam
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Orbit Studios' upcoming Steam action game Sky Dust combines Metroidvania exploration and Soulslike combat in a cyberpunk version of São Paulo, drawing praise for its striking visuals and fluid combat mechanics.
Developer Orbit Studios is turning heads on Steam with Sky Dust, an ambitious cyberpunk action game that blends Metroidvania exploration with Soulslike combat. Set in a futuristic, neon-soaked version of São Paulo poisoned by the moon and digital decay, players step into the boots of a violent mercenary wielding an energy blade. Early footage showcases a striking visual identity featuring fuchsia and blue hues, alongside fast-paced gameplay that includes stealth executions, fatigue mechanics, and high-speed motorcycle battles.
The project wears its heavy sci-fi inspirations on its sleeve, drawing clear visual and thematic cues from Cyberpunk 2077, Hyper Light Drifter, and classic anime like Akira. Beyond the action, the game promises a lived-in world where players can explore city neighborhoods, interact with street vendors and arcades, take on side quests from outcasts, and even dive into corrupted layers of the Cyberverse. Orbit Studios has a deep sci-fi pedigree, citing classic literature and cinema as core influences for their atmospheric world-building.
While the marketing leans hard into classic sci-fi tropes, the actual gameplay footage has managed to win over skeptics with its fluid combat and striking pixel art style. The biggest question mark right now is execution, especially given the rough history of highly anticipated pixel art projects in recent years. Sky Dust does not have a confirmed release date yet, but it is shaping up to be a project worth watching closely for fans of challenging, atmospheric action on PC.
Tags: Sky Dust, Orbit Studios, Steam, Cyberpunk, Metroidvania
Original article: Polygon