Colorful 2D roguelike Talaka gets a handpainted demo

The structure of Talaka draws clear parallels to Hades: players select weapons, clear rooms of mythological minions, and receive upgrades from deities. However, instead of the Greek pantheon, the game features the Orishas—forces of nature from the Candomblé religion. The protagonist is an artist transported into this mystical realm, with the Orisha domain serving as a central hub for progression.

The game's presentation is defined by its watercolor art style. Melee swings and magic blasts leave thick, black brushstrokes in their wake, and defeated enemies burst into colorful splotches that stain the environment. The character designs, such as the hunting Orisha Oshossi, are highly distinct, complemented by a lively soundtrack featuring traditional Afro-Brazilian percussion.

While visually stunning, the gameplay mechanics are still evolving. The movement and platforming lack the immediate fluidity found in titles like Dead Cells, occasionally feeling somewhat floaty. The combat encourages an aggressive approach, rewarding players with bonus damage for chaining kills without stopping to heal. However, the current demo version still shows some polish issues, including English typos and boss encounters that require more refinement.

With no official release date yet announced, Talaka has the opportunity to refine its combat weight and movement to match its exceptional atmospheric and artistic quality.