Would you sacrifice yourself to save the life of the one you care about most?
The story of a friendship between a girl and a fox, painfully separated at birth but connected by a deep and eternal bond that, unbeknownst to them, will once again change their lives forever. These intriguing premises introduce TIES: Soul Link, an action-packed, brutal Metroidvania set in a dystopian world straddling the line between antiquity and modernity, past and future.
Developed by North Tokyo, a small collective of independent Spanish developers based in Málaga, TIES is an emotionally charged, hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania that seamlessly blends action RPG and platform adventure elements with a compelling, immersive narrative.
After its announcement this past summer and an intensive development phase, the project has finally launched on Kickstarter, with a campaign that will play a crucial role in determining the game’s future. Eager to learn more about this captivating project? Perfect! Step aboard our trusty time machine (there’s room for everyone) as we travel to the year 2097, uncovering the fate of humanity after all these centuries…
Is there still hope for humanity?
Revealed on June 25th with a dedicated trailer, TIES: Soul Link is the upcoming project from North Tokyo, an independent studio making its debut in the video game industry. This small team of creatives was founded with the mission of “developing games that tell great stories, with the ambition to create the greatest indie games around,” according to the description at the top of their official website.
It is the year 2097. Four decades have passed since humanity barely survived the ravages of climate change. Humans are making their way in a new world shaped by nature and machines. The relentless pace of life and the unchecked ambitions of megacorporations caused a global collapse, resulting in catastrophic shifts in Earth’s delicate balance. The machines, originally designed to increase productivity, eventually became corrupted and evolved into synthetic beings determined to protect the planet from all threats, including humanity itself.
A tragic fate, easily avoidable were it not for humanity’s humanity’s insatiable thirst for wealth, superiority, and greed. Alas, now it is too late. The Earth as we once knew it no longer exists; it is now but a distant memory. The only sanctuary from this inevitable destiny, from becoming mere cogs in an insatiable production machine, is to hide—to cut off from the world, praying not to be uncovered, trapped in an endless whirlpool of doubts and insecurities. Here, there is plenty of time to reflect on one’s mistakes, the far-reaching consequences of their actions upon humanity, until one day, death inevitably calls.
However, there is one aspect we haven’t yet addressed that could unexpectedly change humanity’s fate. In 2057, forty years ago, humanity started developing a new form of life centered around technological progress that led to the creation of the largest city on Earth, Neon City, governed by a council of thinkers, scientists, and experts from all disciplines. During the first decade, advancements in research and technology uncovered a unique connection between certain humans and animals, referred to as the “Soul Link.”
But what exactly is it? It’s a delicate symbiotic, natural, and spiritual bond between a human and another animal species. This connection allows both entities to share sensations, emotions, and a vital essence without compromising their individuality of thought. However, science has overlooked the most crucial aspect of the Soul Link: the realization that the key to understanding this phenomenon lies buried in the past.
A resource of boundless potential, capable of forever reshaping the world’s future yet destined to fade into darkness. Just when hope seemed lost and time appeared to have irreversibly passed, the unexpected happened. As if guided by fate, knowledge of the Soul Link was bestowed upon the paws of the most unlikely of creatures: a small, innocent white fox bound by the Soul Link to a nine-year-old girl, who will change the world’s fate forever.
A Closer Look at the Two Souls of TIES
We’ve given you a glimpse of the two unfortunate protagonists in the story of TIES: Soul Link, Kiro and Chloe, but we have yet to reveal enough about who they are, their past, and the bond they share. Don’t worry; we’ll remedy that now.
Following a tragic accident, Kiro and Chloe find themselves abruptly separated, having been inseparable since their earliest days. This separation leaves Kiro utterly weakened, while Chloe falls gravely ill. Kiro must embark on a quest to reunite with Chloe, striving to save both his friend and himself. However, the path ahead is fraught with peril, as the world beyond Neon City is wild and dangerous.
Kiro’s adventure will lead him across the globe, revealing the ruins of a forgotten civilization and uncovering the secrets of the Soul Link—mysteries previously unknown to humanity.
Kiro, whom you will come to know well as the true protagonist of this story, is a wild white fox adorned with striking blue markings, a testament to his deep connection with Chloe. Throughout their lives, they have always stood by each other, shielding Chloe from any threats. Kiro possesses a fearful yet affectionate spirit; he’s energetic and protective, though his mischievous nature often leads him to become easily distracted.
Chloe, as you have already gathered from the introduction, is a 9-year-old girl who embodies empathy, love, and cheerfulness, although she can be shy and reserved. She is the only child of two scientists dedicated to studying the Soul Link. From the very first day, her parents nurtured the bond between Chloe and Kiro, which has only intensified their relationship. Consequently, Chloe has learned the true essence of friendship and love from a remarkably young age.
Another captivating character—still shrouded in mystery—is Raven, a name that hints at his identity as a pitch-black raven adorned with striking neon pink markings. Throughout our journey, we will cross paths with Raven, yet his role in this story remains elusive, as do his true intentions.
What does the gameplay of TIES: Soul Link have in store for us?
If the gripping narrative—at the heart of the experience—the charming art design that pays homage to various epochs of human history, or the irreverent preview of the original soundtrack have not yet captivated you, then the key features that underpin the gameplay of TIES: Soul Link undoubtedly will.
The game is anchored by three pillars that exemplify the core strengths of North Tokyo’s creation: an intense, visceral, and brutal combat system that stands in striking contrast to the whimsical art style; a dynamic platforming and puzzle-solving experience system and exploration and crafting—each of which will be key to your success in the game. Let’s explore these elements briefly:
- Combat System: The battles in TIES: Soul Link are brutal and bloody, combining fast-paced action with strategic depth. Players must carefully select their weapons and armor to prevail against their foes. Kiro wields a variety of katanas and armor that can be upgraded and customized. The katanas differ not only in power and range but also in elemental effects, expanding combat options. Armor provides both physical and elemental protection, allowing players to adapt to specific threats encountered throughout the journey. Furthermore, runes play a vital role in customization, enabling Kiro to unleash powerful elemental attacks and unlock new areas in the game. Players can swap these runes to tailor gameplay to their preferred style.
- Platforming and Puzzle-Solving: The game offers a seamless blend of platforming and puzzle-solving, requiring players to harness their skills and elemental powers to overcome obstacles and uncover secrets. The puzzles range in complexity, from logic-based challenges demanding clever thinking to trials that require specific abilities, encouraging exploration and replayability. A key element during this phase are the protagonist’s abilities, including double jump and dash, as well as advanced techniques like Fox Vision, which reveals hidden traces and footprints. These abilities are gradually acquired throughout the adventure, essential not only for combat but also for solving puzzles and accessing new areas, making Kiro’s progression closely tied to the evolution of his skills.
- Exploration and crafting: As we traverse a world rich with hidden secrets and alternative paths, we’ll uncover new areas and routes that connect different cities. Each city and environment offers unique resources vital for crafting weapons, armor, and other items, making thorough exploration vital. Along the way, players will encounter shops and establishments where they can buy, sell, or upgrade equipment, recover health, or simply relax and engage with the locals. To truly discover everything the game has to offer, it will be essential to explore every corner and unlock all hidden connections between cities.
Lastly, we must not overlook the significant role played by the day-night cycle, a dynamic system that introduces even greater variety. This cycle not only differentiates collectible items and unique rewards between day and night but also significantly increases the number and resilience of enemies after dark, making your nocturnal ventures decidedly more challenging.
How’s the Crowdfunding Campaign progressing?
In its first two days since launching on Kickstarter, TIES: Soul Link has already made significant strides, swiftly approaching its funding goal of €15,000 (approximately $16,451). Currently, North Tokyo has raised €9,082 (around $9,961) from 137 enthusiastic backers, underscoring the overwhelming support for the Spanish studio’s vision. If this momentum continues, it will likely be only a matter of hours before the campaign reaches its target and unlocks the first stretch goals.
As we await updates on North Tokyo’s upcoming goals, we encourage those interested to visit the campaign page and contribute to the developers’ journey.
Scheduled for release on PC via Steam and consoles, TIES: Soul Link unfortunately does not yet have a confirmed launch date. For further updates on the game and the progress of the campaign, stay tuned with us, and make sure to check out the game’s official website and its dedicated X account for the latest developments. Furthermore, if you’re eager for a preview of the experience, don’t miss the free demo available for download on the game’s Steam page.
That’s all for now. Until next time!
