I’m seeking a partner to join me on a journey.
- written by Ollie Reynolds
Atari has revealed that its forthcoming nostalgia-fueled metroidvania Adventure of Samsara will arrive on Switch next month, September 4 2025.
Only loosely inspired by Warren Robinett’s 2600 classic Adventure, the new game looks fantastic and we’re loving its full-blooded retro aesthetic. Still, beyond a handful of dragons and a couple of nods, we’re honestly hard-pressed to spot direct ties to the 1980 original.
Yet the 1980 Adventure’s graphics were so sparse that many readings were possible, so we’ll reserve full verdict for next month’s release. As a reminder, it does look slick—brimming with clever abilities to uncover and imposing bosses to topple.
A quick rundown of headline features:
– Metroidvania Exploration – Trek across ten distinct biomes, ranging from frost-covered wastelands to industrial laboratories, each packed with unique foes, dangers and tucked-away upgrades.
– Classic Gameplay Feel – Marrying vintage mechanics with warped 2D pixel art, Adventure of Samsara channels the enduring spirit of titles like Prince of Persia (1989) while carving its own path.
– Original Worldbuilding – Delve into a sprawling, interdimensional fantasy realm steeped in spiritual lore.
– Adventure Easter Eggs – Familiar architectures, adversaries and references salute the classic Adventure, rewarding veterans and newcomers alike.
– Collectibles – Hidden pickups enhance health, mana, damage and flasks; dozens of augments tailor your approach to combat and exploration.
Beyond this, Atari is also revving up a reimagining of Fatal Run with Fatal Run 2089, a combat-heavy racer set to land on Switch later this year. Meanwhile Digital Eclipse—an Atari-owned studio—is putting the finishing touches on Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection for Switch and Switch 2, and it’s shaping up to be spectacular.
So what are your impressions of Adventure of Samsara based on what you’ve seen so far? Drop your take in the comments section below.
When Nintendo Life’s resident horror buff isn’t elbow-deep in Resident Evil or Silent Hill mythos, Ollie loses himself in a terrifying page-turner while cradling a steaming cup of tea. He also loves extended strolls and his playlists span from TOOL to Chuck Berry.
