Garuda Emblem is a 2D free-roam beat ’em up by Team Batalion, published by Vifth Floor, that mixes classic fighting action with RPG-style depth and open exploration. Its hand-drawn visuals and anime-inspired tone give it a distinct personality, making it stand out in the indie scene.
Beyond just gameplay mechanics, the game’s world radiates charm through small cultural touches and humorous details. This combination of retro gameplay and unique local flavor makes it both familiar and refreshingly new.
A First Day of College Gone Wrong
Players take control of Farid, a freshman at the University of Rungeon, ready to start his new academic life. That peace is short-lived when a gang of thugs storms the campus in search of a mysterious USB drive.
This sudden chaos catapults Farid into a journey filled with brawls, mysteries, and unexpected allies. What begins as a simple day at school quickly escalates into a city wide adventure.
Exploring a Living Campus and City
Garuda Emblem lets players roam freely across an open campus environment, speaking to NPCs and uncovering secrets in every corner. The exploration is more than just filler it’s packed with interactions that add personality to the world.
A day night cycle changes the atmosphere and activities available, making exploration feel dynamic. This system encourages players to revisit locations to see how they evolve over time.
Baca Juga! BadBee: Game Lokal Indonesia yang Bikin Deg-degan di Sarang Lebah
Combat Thrills Inspired by Streets of Rage
The combat system is fast-paced and satisfying, offering combos, special moves, and even the ability to use the environment as a weapon. It draws clear inspiration from beat ’em up classics like Streets of Rage, but with its own creative twists.
Whether playing solo or in co-op mode (local or online), the game delivers a challenging yet rewarding fight. Teamwork and timing become essential when facing stronger enemies or bosses.
RPG Elements That Set It Apart
One of Garuda Emblem’s most refreshing twists is its integration of RPG mechanics into a beat-’em-up framework. Through a skill tree, players can upgrade Farid’s abilities unlocking faster combos, stronger attacks, or better defensive options tailoring the gameplay to suit their preferred style.
Side quests and quirky mini-games keep the experience from ever feeling repetitive. From collecting trash in a timed challenge to using the campus photo mode for hilarious snapshots, these diversions add personality and pacing to the adventure. They also reward players with experience or in-game currency, making them both fun and worthwhile.
Baca Juga! Pikabuu Antar: An Indonesian Horror Game About Midnight Ambulance Driver
From Demo to Steam Presence
Garuda Emblem first appeared as a demo on Itch.io in September 2022, quickly attracting attention for its charm, humor, and unique mix of genres. Over time, the developers have continued to refine and expand the game, releasing updates that add new features, improve polish, and enhance replayability.
Now, the game has made its way to Steam, where a free demo lets curious players jump in immediately. The developers actively encourage wishlisting, promising more surprises and content as they move toward a full release. This ongoing development shows a clear commitment to keeping the community engaged.
Player Feedback and Future Improvements
The early reception from players has been overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the game’s art style, comedic writing, and the way it blends exploration with action. Many have praised the fluid combat and the sheer variety of activities available between fights.
That said, some players have noted areas for improvement, particularly in fine-tuning the controls and expanding customization options. The development team has been quick to acknowledge these points, sharing plans to address them in future updates and demonstrating a willingness to evolve based on feedback.
A Retro-Modern Blend Worth Playing
Garuda Emblem manages to capture the spirit of old-school beat-’em-ups while delivering the depth and charm of modern indie design. With its mix of stylish combat, open-world exploration, RPG upgrades, and comedic storytelling, it offers far more than just another retro throwback.
For fans of action games looking for something both nostalgic and fresh, this is a must-try. Whether you’re battling thugs solo or teaming up with a friend, Garuda Emblem is a colorful, character-driven adventure that deserves a place on your playlist.
References: