With Steel Mantis’ Slain 2: The Beast Within now being pushed to 2026, the developer and publisher Silver Lining Interactive have sweetened the wait with the first gameplay trailer for the blood-drenched pixel-art action platformer. The trailer offers a first look at the game’s fast, visceral combat, gothic world design, and the return of the sentient sword Bathoryn, a weapon that has carved its legend across galaxies.
In the follow-up to 2016’s Slain, players take up the blade as Prince Akran, last of the Wolf Knights, bound to a curse that grants the strength and savagery of the Beast. Under the light of the full moon, Akran can transform into a monstrous werewolf, tearing through enemies with unmatched ferocity. Lord Vroll’s corruption has spread across the land, and only fire, steel, and a whole lot of metal riffs can stop it.
Embark on three interwoven journeys to recover ancient relics of immense power: The Eye, The Heart, and The Dagger. Each quest offers distinct environments, enemies, and challenges, from storm-lashed fortresses to spectral coastlines and the abyss itself. Lord Vroll’s dominion is protected by champions of nightmare, abyssal warlocks, vengeful witches, and creatures born of darkness. Every major encounter tests not just your skill, but your resolve.
Cut down your foes with a mix of heavy melee strikes, well-timed counterattacks, and devastating elemental powers from the sword Bathoryn. Switch between fire, ice, and raw magical force to adapt your approach to each monstrous foe. If that’s not enough, you can harness the power, and the danger, of the full moon. Transform into a towering werewolf mid-battle, ripping through enemies with speed, strength, and brutal claw attacks. You’ll need to master the balance between your human and beast forms to survive the most dangerous encounters.
Look for Slain 2: The Beast Within on PC via Steam.