Duskfade: The New PS5 Game Channeling Kingdom Hearts and Jak and Daxter Vibes

Duskfade is an upcoming action-platformer set to release in 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, drawing clear inspiration from beloved PS2 classics like Kingdom Hearts, Jak and Daxter, and Ratchet & Clank. The game aims to recapture the magic of the sixth-generation console era when 3D platformers ruled the scene, offering players a mix of vibrant worlds, sword combat, and fluid platforming challenges. Players control Zirian, a character inspired by Treasure Planet’s Jim Hawkins, who moves with a sword that recalls Kingdom Hearts’ Sora and his iconic keyblade.

The gameplay shown so far highlights a blend of styles: the visual design echoes Kingdom Hearts’ colorful and fantastical settings, while the core gameplay mirrors Jak and Daxter’s exploration and platforming. Duskfade also adds in Ratchet & Clank-inspired mechanics, including grinding on rails and tackling various environmental puzzles. This fusion of influences creates an experience that feels familiar but fresh, appealing to fans eager for a new classic-style platformer in a genre that’s largely quiet these days.

Many of the franchises that inspired Duskfade have been dormant for years. Ratchet & Clank hasn’t had a mainline release in four years, Jak and Daxter have been absent even longer, and while Kingdom Hearts 4 is officially in development, it remains far from release. This long wait leaves a gap in the market that Duskfade and similar indie projects hope to fill.

Meanwhile, Square Enix recently reassured fans that Kingdom Hearts 4 is still in development despite the cancellation of the mobile spin-off Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link. The main game, announced in 2022, remains mostly under wraps, with few updates on its release or gameplay. Fans know it will star Sora and take place in the Shibuya district, but there is no concrete timeline yet. The cancellation of Missing-Link removes the need for players to engage with spin-off titles to fully follow Kingdom Hearts 4’s story, which some see as a positive change.

Kingdom Hearts 4 has been in development since at least 2020, and while the lack of news has caused some concern, Square Enix insists the project is progressing. A larger reveal could come later this year, possibly at Summer Game Fest, but players should temper expectations for a quick launch. In the meantime, games like Duskfade are stepping up to deliver the kind of nostalgic action-platforming that fans have missed for years.

Duskfade will be playable at Gamescom this month, giving attendees a first chance to experience its blend of classic inspirations and modern design. If it lives up to the promise shown so far, it could become a must-play for fans of the genre and those longing for the days when PlayStation 2 platformers were at their peak. The game’s mix of combat, exploration, and stylized visuals aims to rekindle the excitement of titles like Kingdom Hearts and Jak and Daxter while bringing something new to the table.

This makes Duskfade a noteworthy title for PS5 owners and platformer fans alike, especially as the genre remains underserved on current consoles. The nostalgia factor combined with fresh gameplay elements positions Duskfade as a potential standout of 2026, bridging the gap until long-awaited sequels like Kingdom Hearts 4 finally arrive.