Soulshard steps quietly into the space between life and death, launching on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch for £4.99.
Published by the ever-prolific Ratalaika Games and developed by Nibb Games, this gloomy 2D puzzle platformer invites players to guide a lost soul through a dark realm shaped by regret, traps and hard-earned redemption.
At first glance, it’s minimal. But beneath its pixelated shadows lies a focused challenge built around precision and cooperation.
At A Glance
- Game: Soulshard
- Developer: Nibb Games
- Publisher: Ratalaika Games
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Price: £4.99
- Genre: Puzzle Platformer
A Journey Through A Forgotten Realm
Soulshard places you in control of a confused soul trapped in a liminal world suspended between existence and oblivion. There’s no grand exposition dump. Instead, the atmosphere does much of the storytelling.
Each of the game’s 30 levels unfolds in hauntingly morose pixel art, with environments that feel deliberately desolate. Progression is about escape, and finding the exit while navigating a series of traps, obstacles and environmental puzzles designed to test timing and observation.
The premise is simple: reach the end. The path, however, is anything but.
Six Mechanics, Thirty Trials
Soulshard builds its challenge around six core mechanics that gradually layer complexity onto its platforming foundation. Expect shifting hazards, environmental triggers and sequences that demand careful positioning rather than reckless movement.
The design encourages experimentation. Sometimes survival comes from patience. Other times it requires reading the environment quickly and committing to movement without hesitation.
It’s not about speedrunning but about understanding how each level’s layout functions.
Solo Reflection Or Shared Redemption
One of Soulshard’s most appealing features is the option to tackle its 30 levels either alone or through co-op multiplayer.
Playing solo heightens the sense of isolation and introspection. Every mistake is yours alone. Every success feels earned.
In co-op (local only), however, the experience shifts. Coordination becomes essential. Communication matters. The puzzles feel different when solved together, turning what could be a solitary journey into a shared effort toward redemption.
At £4.99, that flexibility adds significant value for players looking for a short but engaging cooperative experience.
A Compact, Focused Experience
Soulshard does not attempt to overwhelm with sprawling worlds or complex RPG systems. Instead, it leans into tight, deliberate puzzle platforming wrapped in a sombre aesthetic.
Available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One (through the Xbox Store), PlayStation (here’s your Playstation Store link) and Nintendo Switch (via the Nintendo eShop), it offers a small but carefully crafted experience for those who enjoy atmospheric platformers with a thoughtful edge.
Sometimes the path forward isn’t about defeating enemies – it’s about understanding the world around you.
You can check out the launch trailer…
