If first impressions go a long way, Team17 Digital and SISMO GAMES nailed their introduction to Skinwalker. The publisher and developer revealed the 2D side-scrolling hack-and-slash action game as part of the Galaxies Showcase, presenting plenty of horrific samples of its gameplay and narrative in the debut trailer.

Skinwalker Announce Trailer

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The pixel art, animation, atmosphere… there’s a lot going on here and it all looks great so far.

The story has you forming an alliance with a beast in order to save your ailing daughter. Throughout your journey you’ll transform between human and beast modes to stop anyone who gets in the way of your mission, making tough choices and contending with your waning humanity along the way.

Publisher Team17 currently has it penciled in for a 2026 launch on PC and consoles. Here’s another look at the features:

• Fast-paced fighting
  You will play in two modes – Human and Beast. Activating beast mode, you will gain increased strength and agility, allowing you to skillfully dodge enemy attacks and swiftly navigate hostile environments. But like your human self, you are not invincible.
• Rich and emotional storytelling
  Experience an emotionally impactful narrative experience, where your decisions affect the plot and the fate of your daughter. The player faces moral dilemmas and intense emotional situations that require reflective and empathetic responses throughout the game
• A quest of hope
  From a high security laboratory through lush forests and mountains you’ll take on missions with clear objectives and encountering multiple characters.

Source: Press release