DaRmaZat In a genre drenched in nostalgic pixel art and haunted castles, Chronicles of the Wolf howls just loud enough to turn heads. Developed by Migami Games and published by PQube and PixelHeart, this dark platforming adventure releases on June 19, promising a gothic quest deeply rooted in 18th-century France. You play as Mateo Lombardo, the final apprentice of the Rose Cross Order, on a relentless mission to track and kill the legendary Beast of Gévaudan. It’s a tale of curses, blood, and burning vengeance—and it doesn’t flinch.
A Grim World That Watches Back — and Rewards the Brave
Chronicles of the Wolf‘s premise is instantly evocative: a beast lurks in the woods, and only you have the will, audacity, and weapons, to face it. The game borrows heavily from the classic DNA of Castlevania and Dracula-inspired adventures, though instead of vampires, it’s the terror of the wild that rules these forests. With a real-time day and night cycle—and even alternating weather—the villages and other locations you pass through aren’t just window dressing; they feel eerily lived-in. Locals offer quests that aren’t just for gold but sometimes essential for narrative progress—handing over keys or rare items that lead you deeper into the mystery.
While its difficulty won’t catch genre fans off guard, Chronicles‘ wolf wastes no time showing its teeth. From the moment you step into the French wilderness, the NES-style brutality is on full display. Spikes that demand pixel-perfect platforming, hovering skeletons pelting you from above, or classic blue orbs drifting toward you in relentless waves—this is the type of game that punishes both inaccuracy and hesitation. And yet, it weaves in more modern systems with grace. Secondary weapons like bombs and daggers offer tactical depth, while RPG-like gear with resistances evoke a retro-Diablo feeling.
As you battle your way through corrupted ruins and cursed forests, the game gradually unveils its RPG undercurrent. Mateo earns automatic level-ups, gaining strength and resilience without the need to micromanage stats. A range of potions—anti-poison, health restorers, and strength boosters—allow for strategic preparation, while elemental gear upgrades grant protection against specific hazards. It’s a system that quietly adds depth without breaking the game’s retro rhythm.
Pure Metroidvania Territory
New abilities like sliding open up entire routes previously blocked off, further cementing its metroidvania structure. You’ll stumble into save statues to store progress and find potions that grant buffs like poison resistance or strength boosts. Over time, you unlock the use of mana, setting your sword ablaze and using enhanced strength to break barriers or enemies alike. There’s even a shotgun—yes, a shotgun—waiting for those willing to grind.
Eventually, you can purchase maps that pull back the curtain on just how complex the world truly is. This is pure metroidvania territory, with labyrinthine castles, secret walls you must blast open, and winding passages that demand memory and method. Unfortunately, some environmental puzzles tie too tightly to the time of day, occasionally blocking progress in frustrating ways.
When the Blade Falters, the Music Soars
Chronicles of the Wolf‘s combat is one of the game’s more uneven elements. While it feels crunchy and deliberate in most cases, the limited attack radius of some weapons makes it difficult to hit enemies positioned just above or below you. It’s a design choice that creates friction at all the wrong moments—especially when multiple foes occupy different vertical lanes. Still, the boss fights are among the better combat moments, requiring pattern recognition and precise timing.
But where Chronicles truly sings is in its atmosphere. The soundtrack strikes a moody chord with gothic organ swells, tense piano lines, and electric guitars that feel like echoes from the long-lost NES era. At times, surprisingly modern pop textures creep in—and they work wonderfully. Nope, the score isn’t background; it’s propulsion. Even combat, flawed as it may be, feels more alive with this kind of pulse behind it.
Final Thoughts
Chronicles of the Wolf thrives on its retro inspirations and wraps them in enough modern design to stay relevant. The storybook cutscenes, voiced segments, and beautiful pixel art elevate it from mere homage to a full-blooded experience. It stumbles at times—combat precision and progression logic most notably—but when it works, it becomes hard to put down. This isn’t just another beast hunt. It’s a grim fairy tale written in blood.
Additional Information
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by the developer and publisher.
Developer: Migami Games
Publisher: PQube, PixelHeart
Website: https://pqube.co.uk/games/chronicles-of-the-wolf
Relevant Links: Chronicles of the Wolf on STEAM
