Tiny Barbarian DX is one Barbarian’s “Sword-‘em-Up” quest for vengeance. Inspired by heroic fiction classics, Tiny’s journey offers a musclebound medley of engaging 2D platforming and 16-bit inspired pixel art, complemented by a catchy chiptune soundtrack. The action is broken into four individual episodes—not unlike fantasy stories in pulp magazines—each boasting its own unique setting, enemies and music.

The presentation may be pixel-art perfection, but Tiny Barbarian DX is not afraid to take a few liberties with the retro-gaming aesthetic. You might see the occasional transparency effect or hear more instruments in the soundtrack than you probably remember from your old 16-bit game cartridges...and the super-widescreen aspect ratio is an obvious concession to modern displays. But it’s all done with great taste and supreme reverence for the games that paved the way—some of which are directly referenced in the level designs or gameplay.

"I'm not saying I hate tutorials in video games,” says designer Michael Stearns, “but this game starts out by telling you the functions of two buttons and then sets you on a mountain surrounded by enemies where you will surely die." 

Key Features:

• Fast and addictive 2D platforming: leap, grab, hang, ride and climb past a plethora of perilous platforms and pitfalls
• Varied swordplay: Flay enemies with savage swordplay and finish off foes by skillfully ending three-button combos with a Sword Dash, the Spinning Sword or a Ground Slam
• Unique locales: muscle through four distinct episodes, each spanning across various landscapes including a snake worshipping temple, the mysterious Ruins of Xanadu, an altitudinous Sinister Spire and beyond!
• Bad bosses: use Barbarian brutality, brains and dexterity against epic bosses. Boss battles will truly test players’ ability to master Tiny’s skills!
• Exclusive content: included with the game on top of the main episodes is also an additional bonus episode , The Domain of the Ice Queen!

The initial print run of physical retail copies of Tiny Barbarian DX will include several free bonuses, including a full-color instruction booklet and a PVC keychain of the Tiny Barbarian in a microfiber pouch branded with the game’s logo. As previously revealed, the game’s box art was created by Susumu Matsushita, the beloved cover artist for hundreds of issues of Famitsu, Japan’s leading video game magazine.

Tiny Barbarian DX will be available for Nintendo Switch on October 10, with the complete Steam version to be released soon after, for $29.99.