The tweet below got me. When I saw the reference made to Devil May Cry, and saw the game looks like a 2D arcade side-scrolling beat ’em up which has a demo, I had to try it out. I am not disappointed. The game definitely feels like the love child of an orgy between DMC, Dead Cells, and Dragon’s Crown. With a little tweak to the default control mapping, it felt awesome. The combos feel true Devil May Cry style. Definitely try out the demo on Steam.
Ghost Vanguard: A Look into the Upcoming Roguelike Beat ‘Em Up
Ghost Vanguard is an upcoming 2D action title developed and published by WOMBO COMBO GAMES INC. Blending the fast-paced combat of a “spectacle fighter” with the replayability of a roguelike, the game invites players to reclaim a stolen soul from the clutches of darkness. With a planned release window of 2026, the title has already garnered attention for its stylish pixel art and fluid combat mechanics, earning an official selection spot at BitSummit Drift 2024.
Premise and Gameplay
Set in a dark fantasy world, Ghost Vanguard tasks players with navigating treacherous dungeons to defeat sinister forces. The core gameplay loop revolves around a “stylish” combat system that emphasizes high mobility and magnificent combos. The developers describe it as a fusion of a classic beat ’em up and modern action roguelike, where precision and creativity in combat are paramount.
As players progress through the game, they encounter randomized maps and diverse room types. These include standard combat encounters, intense boss fights, challenge zones, and even arcade-style mini-games, ensuring that no two runs feel exactly the same.
Key Features
- Deep Build Variety: A central mechanic of Ghost Vanguard is the ability to create unique “signature combo styles.” Players can unlock and combine various weapons, spells, and relics to discover powerful synergies that suit their playstyle.
- Fluid 2D Combat: The game is tagged as a “Hack and Slash” and “Spectacle Fighter,” suggesting a focus on looking cool while fighting. The animation system is designed to support fluid, high-speed action.
- Roguelike Elements: To enhance replayability, the game features randomized levels and roguelite progression, meaning death is a part of the learning process as players slowly become stronger.
- Visual Style: The game utilizes a detailed 2D pixel art style to bring its dark fantasy world to life.
Development and Release
As of late 2025, Ghost Vanguard is in active development with a planned release date on Steam for 2026. The developers have engaged with the community through a Kickstarter campaign, which was reported as fully funded in an update from October 2025. The game is currently available to wishlist on Steam, and a demo has been made available for download on the store page.
