A love letter to the Golden Age of beat 'em ups.

Developed by indie studio Secret Mission Games, Mad King Redemption is a 2.5D pixel-art brawler that blends the button-mashing frenzy of arcade classics with modern roguelite loop mechanics.The game will launch in Early Access on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store on May 14, 2026, priced at $14.99.

Official site: https://www.madkingredemption.com/

Mad King Redemption is a game designed for veterans and newcomers alike. Inspired by legendary side-scrolling brawlers like Golden Axe and Final Fight, it delivers a high-intensity, "bite-sized" gaming experience that recaptures the adrenaline of classic 8-bit and 16-bit beat 'em ups.

"We wanted to recreate that feeling of long afternoons at the arcade with your friends, playing through an epic quest in 20-minute bursts," said Nicolo Girotti, co-founder of Secret Mission Games. "It's built for the busy player who still craves depth and high-quality retro action.”

Take Up Arms as a Warrior to Defy the Fallen King

Set in a realm shrouded in dark sorcery, the story follows a king who, in a desperate bid to resurrect his deceased queen, turned to forbidden arts. Consumed by shadows, he became the tyrannical "Mad King," plunging the kingdom into chaos and leaving the people displaced as enemies swarmed the land.

Players step into the boots of a warrior, taking up arms on a path of salvation and redemption to defy their former sovereign.

Relive the Glory Days with Friends

Featuring a striking 2D/3D pixel art style, the game supports both Steam Remote Play and local co-op, allowing players to reminisce about the "good old days" while diving into fast-paced combat and a robust roguelite progression system. 

For those who prefer a solo journey, the single-player mode offers a distinct way to explore the kingdom and its many challenges.

Beat 'em up gameplay with roguelite progression

The game blends classic hack-and-slash action with the unpredictability of roguelike mechanics, pairing a signature beat 'em up aesthetic with a white-knuckle combat rhythm.

Through its roguelite progression, every run offers the chance to unlock new heroes. With a roster of four playable characters, players must find the one that fits their style, crafting unique builds and unlocking hidden skills. 

Coordination is key in co-op - positioning and tanking damage are vital as you fend off swarms of enemies and survive the Mad King's real-time interference. Each warrior carries their own secret past, this is not just a battle to save a kingdom, but a personal journey of redemption.

Riding a wave of strong momentum, Mad King Redemption has already secured the prestigious "Very Big Indie Pitch" award and was hand-picked by Valve to be featured in the official Steam Next Fest trailer. Furthermore, the game will be showcased as a specially invited exhibit at Bit Summit 2026 in Kyoto as part of an elite developer delegation.