Ninja Kiwi and Astronaut Diaries Limited have announced Denari, a cel‑shaded isometric action game coming to Nintendo Switch on March 24, 2027.
The studio described Denari as a story-driven action title that centers on Taiu, a young warrior who develops telekinetic abilities while resisting a magitech empire.
The game will be distributed as a digital download for Nintendo Switch.
Game overview
Denari positions players as Taiu, whose telekinetic powers fundamentally reshape combat encounters.
Players can redirect enemy projectiles, hurl smaller foes into larger ones, and parry to return damage, creating a combat loop that encourages on-the-fly decision-making and experimentation.
The developers say combat tools and enemy interactions dynamically change across encounters, rewarding skillful timing and creative use of abilities.
Narrative and design influences
The increasing difficulty of battles is tied closely to Taiu’s narrative arc: as the Denari empire expands, Taiu endures loss and hardship that drive the growth of both sword techniques and psychic powers.
The studio highlights that friends and ancestral spirits guide Taiu in overcoming large group skirmishes and boss encounters, with progression designed to match the story’s emotional beats.
Developers also point to cultural and musical influences in the game’s presentation, noting visual motifs based on Māori bone carvings and percussion elements inspired by Indian tabla drums.
Soundtrack and contributors
Denari features an original score composed by David Mason, whose credits include Dredge, I Am Your Beast, Penguin Colony, and TMNT: Tactical Takedown.
Guest vocalist Emi Evans—known for work on NieR: Automata, as well as credits listed for Dark Souls and Monster Hunter—provides resonant vocal performances woven into the soundtrack.
Developer intent (paraphrased)
Game director Shrikkanth Sreedharan explained that the team intentionally designed enemies as both threats and usable resources, encouraging players to evaluate each foe as an opportunity or a hazard during combat.
He added that the studio invested deeply in story, music, and visual art to reflect the cultural touchstones informing the project and to deliver a heartfelt fantasy adventure.
Distribution and where to watch
An announcement trailer accompanies the reveal.
Denari will be available as a digital download for Nintendo Switch and is expected to appear on the Nintendo eShop upon release.
For updates, follow Ninja Kiwi and Astronaut Diaries' official channels and major Nintendo presentations such as future Nintendo Directs.
The studio described Denari as a story-driven action title that centers on Taiu, a young warrior who develops telekinetic abilities while resisting a magitech empire.
The game will be distributed as a digital download for Nintendo Switch.
Game overview
Denari positions players as Taiu, whose telekinetic powers fundamentally reshape combat encounters.
Players can redirect enemy projectiles, hurl smaller foes into larger ones, and parry to return damage, creating a combat loop that encourages on-the-fly decision-making and experimentation.
The developers say combat tools and enemy interactions dynamically change across encounters, rewarding skillful timing and creative use of abilities.
Narrative and design influences
The increasing difficulty of battles is tied closely to Taiu’s narrative arc: as the Denari empire expands, Taiu endures loss and hardship that drive the growth of both sword techniques and psychic powers.
The studio highlights that friends and ancestral spirits guide Taiu in overcoming large group skirmishes and boss encounters, with progression designed to match the story’s emotional beats.
Developers also point to cultural and musical influences in the game’s presentation, noting visual motifs based on Māori bone carvings and percussion elements inspired by Indian tabla drums.
Soundtrack and contributors
Denari features an original score composed by David Mason, whose credits include Dredge, I Am Your Beast, Penguin Colony, and TMNT: Tactical Takedown.
Guest vocalist Emi Evans—known for work on NieR: Automata, as well as credits listed for Dark Souls and Monster Hunter—provides resonant vocal performances woven into the soundtrack.
Developer intent (paraphrased)
Game director Shrikkanth Sreedharan explained that the team intentionally designed enemies as both threats and usable resources, encouraging players to evaluate each foe as an opportunity or a hazard during combat.
He added that the studio invested deeply in story, music, and visual art to reflect the cultural touchstones informing the project and to deliver a heartfelt fantasy adventure.
Distribution and where to watch
An announcement trailer accompanies the reveal.
Denari will be available as a digital download for Nintendo Switch and is expected to appear on the Nintendo eShop upon release.
For updates, follow Ninja Kiwi and Astronaut Diaries' official channels and major Nintendo presentations such as future Nintendo Directs.