Developed by Little Legendary, SHADE Protocol is described as “a 2D cyber-fantasy Metroidvania where music, code, and combat collide. Swap between DAWN and SHADE forms to unleash devastating abilities, wield Instruments as weapons, and rewrite reality itself in a world on the brink of annihilation by the SHADE Protocol.”
SHADE Protocol is the first game both developed and published by Little Legendary and is currently listed on the Steam marketplace. At the time of writing, the game does not have an official release date, though it is targeting a late 2026 launch window.
A Kickstarter campaign for SHADE Protocol is also listed as “launching soon” and has already attracted 1,447 followers.
The World of SHADE Protocol
The first thing you notice about SHADE Protocol is its art style. Bright, vibrant colors splash across the screen with every swoop, slash, and jump. The world evokes the feel of classic Sonic or Mega Man titles from the SEGA Genesis era, with a hint of X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse on the Super Nintendo thrown in—seasoned gamers will know exactly what that means.
Players take on the role of Zura, a replicate capable of recompiling reality in a dying world overrun by Elythium, a sentient metal that has turned against its creators. Combat revolves around two distinct forms DAWN and SHADE, which players can swap between on the fly. While details on how each mode functions are still limited, the system blends melee combat with specialized Instruments used as weapons.
The Future of SHADE Protocol
Some games immediately give you a sense of their potential, and SHADE Protocol is one of them. I’ll go out on a limb and say it has the potential to become a standout within its genre based on the art direction alone. The level of detail and care in every scene suggests a developer that’s deeply invested in bringing this world to life.
Little Legendary’s dev blog and social media channels are active, with consistent updates on the game’s progress, new features, and fresh artwork. A playable demo is also planned for release in the coming months.
While this style of game isn’t usually at the top of my radar, I’m a sucker for strong art direction, compelling stories, and beautifully crafted worlds. Keep an eye out for our full review of SHADE Protocol.
