There is something unusual about walking home after school. One wrong turn drops you into a forest that feels alive, whispering secrets and hiding mysteries. This is where Ghost Parade begins. Released on Halloween night in 2019, this Indonesian-made adventure drew attention with its mix of folklore, fantasy, and ecological awareness wrapped inside side-scrolling action.
Players join Suri, a little girl who stumbles into Svaka Forest, and rally a group of ghostly allies to protect their home. What begins as a simple walk home grows into a fight for balance, community, and the survival of the natural world.
Spirit Companions
One of the strongest hooks lies in the companion system. You recruit up to 30 different ghosts, each designed with striking originality and inspired by cultural myths. These spirits feel whimsical, warm, and oddly endearing instead of frightening.
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Every spirit contributes unique abilities. Some let you slip through walls, while others unleash magical attacks or open paths to hidden areas. With these companions, exploration stays exciting. Instead of repeating the same moves, you experiment with new strategies and combinations that reveal fresh surprises.
Ecological Message
Beneath the layers of magic and folklore, the story reflects a struggle between preservation and exploitation. Greedy humans plan to flatten the forest for profit, so Suri and her ghostly friends stand in their way.
The theme flows naturally inside the adventure. Players notice the importance of protecting nature while enjoying the thrill of side-scrolling action. The developers turned a serious subject into an engaging experience, showing that fun and awareness can walk hand in hand.
Artistic Visuals
Visuals keep players hooked from the first scene. Towering trees, dim caves, and mysterious wooden homes fill Svaka Forest with life and mystery. Shadows and light blend together to create an atmosphere that feels magical yet grounded.
The ghost designs shine as a highlight. The developers drew inspiration from Indonesian folklore but reimagined the spirits into approachable and friendly forms. These allies carry cultural depth while fitting into a fantastical setting. The result gives Ghost Parade a world that feels authentic and inviting to players everywhere.
Side-Scrolling Play
Ghost Parade uses the classic side-scrolling formula but pushes it further. Players jump, dash, and solve puzzles while drawing on the powers of their companions. This rhythm keeps the pace flowing without slowing the momentum.
The game challenges you to think and act. Each enemy requires a different approach, so your choice of companions often shapes the outcome. Because no two ghosts share the same ability, replaying levels with different tactics reveals new paths and secrets. The replay value makes Ghost Parade feel fresh long after the first playthrough.
Global Flavor
Although Lentera Nusantara developed the game in Indonesia, Ghost Parade matches international standards. The studio paid close attention to character design, atmospheric music, and narrative consistency. The result places this title alongside global metroidvania releases.
Overseas players praised its artistic visuals, varied mechanics, and bold use of folklore. Ghost Parade joins other successful Indonesian titles that prove local stories can thrive worldwide. The game reflects a growing confidence in the Indonesian game industry.
Join the Parade
Ghost Parade invites players to step into a world where folklore meets fantasy, and where nature deserves protection. With its charming companions, meaningful themes, and strong global appeal, the game remains one of Indonesia’s standout releases.
You can play Ghost Parade today on Steam, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. Download it now and join the magical parade of spirits waiting in Svaka Forest.
Reference:
Lentera Nusantara – Game Developer
Ghost Parade Steampage
Ghost Parade Trailer