Cyclos and Infini Fun have announced Karma Exorcist, an Eastern mythology-themed Metroidvania, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. A release date has not been set. A limited-time PC playtest is open, with Cyclos releasing 200 access slots per day at 6 PM CST from April 27 through April 30. Additional test rounds are planned in stages later in the year.
According to the game’s lore, which draws from Chinese mythology, karma acts as a force that maintains balance among the Three Realms. As evil karma builds up and spreads, it triggers widespread disasters across the realms. In response, gods and buddhas created the underworld to contain the overflow and protect the cycle of reincarnation. This includes Meng Po Soup, also known as the Potion of Oblivion, which wipes memories before souls return to life, and the Eighteen Levels of Hell, which serve to punish guilty souls. The player steps into this ruined realm to sever the corrupting karma, battle demonic forces as well as the Yama Kings and Ghost Emperors, and ultimately restore the proper flow of reincarnation. Confirmed locations include the Naihe Bridge, the Hall of Kings, the deserts beyond the Ghost Gate, the Five Ghost Emperor Mountains, and the banks of the River of Forgetfulness, which feature red spider lilies.
Combat uses a 360-degree Chain Hook, along with rolls, double jumps, dashes, and combat artifacts. According to the Steam page, enemies have their own combat mechanics, and boss encounters have varied designs. Players can equip multiple Soul Gems to customize their build, and consumables include talismans and elixirs.
Cyclos thanked Bilibili’s First Look event and asked the community for more time. “We know firsthand how brutal it is to make a Metroidvania game,” the studio wrote. The post described the project as being in the final phase of production, with current focus on polishing levels, combat, and balance.
Karma Exorcist is available to wishlist now on Steam, with playtest access offered through the store page.