Mariachi Legends: Halberd Studios Unveils a Mexican-Inspired Metroidvania for Nintendo Switch and Next-Gen Consoles
Earlier today, Halberd Studios made waves at the 2025 Latin American Games Showcase with the release of a stunning new trailer for Mariachi Legends, the studio's latest metroidvania action platformer.
Drawing inspiration from classic PlayStation and Nintendo DS-era Castlevania games, Mariachi Legends imagines the atmospheric depth and gameplay style of Symphony of the Night transposed into the rich cultural backdrop of Mexico. Halberd Studios, headquartered in Guadalajara, Mexico, has previously garnered attention with their acclaimed pixel-art masterpiece 9 Years of Shadow.
Established as a force in the indie games scene, the developer is now channeling their expertise into Mariachi Legends, which was first revealed over two years ago.
The game is scheduled for release in 2026 across multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch (both current and upcoming Switch successor models), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Mariachi Legends follows the gripping journey of Pablo Cruz, a detective from the fictional town of Santa Mascota.
Motivated by the need for vengeance against a crime syndicate that has devastated his family, Pablo strikes a deal with Death itself.
In exchange for his commitment to tracking down an immortal fugitive, Pablo is granted transformative powers as 'La Sombra,' a masked, mariachi-styled figure of formidable prowess. According to Halberd Studios, the game features an extensive arsenal ranging from guns and swords to whips and magical abilities.
Players will explore a massive, interconnected world filled with hidden secrets and dynamic environments that shift between day and night, altering the landscape and revealing new pathways.
Additional gameplay systems include ingredient gathering and cooking to influence non-playable characters, as well as tarot card readings that unlock new powers for Pablo. The latest trailer also shines a spotlight on the soundtrack, featuring a newly arranged rendition of the traditional song 'La Llorona,' performed by acclaimed singer Yatzil Aguirre.
This artistic blend of folkloric music and vibrant pixel art is poised to offer a fresh and authentic experience for fans of the Metroidvania genre. With its bold homage to Castlevania and a unique celebration of Mexican culture, Mariachi Legends stands as one of the most anticipated indie releases on the horizon.
The title will be available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, as well as other major digital storefronts, when it launches in 2026.
Drawing inspiration from classic PlayStation and Nintendo DS-era Castlevania games, Mariachi Legends imagines the atmospheric depth and gameplay style of Symphony of the Night transposed into the rich cultural backdrop of Mexico. Halberd Studios, headquartered in Guadalajara, Mexico, has previously garnered attention with their acclaimed pixel-art masterpiece 9 Years of Shadow.
Established as a force in the indie games scene, the developer is now channeling their expertise into Mariachi Legends, which was first revealed over two years ago.
The game is scheduled for release in 2026 across multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch (both current and upcoming Switch successor models), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Mariachi Legends follows the gripping journey of Pablo Cruz, a detective from the fictional town of Santa Mascota.
Motivated by the need for vengeance against a crime syndicate that has devastated his family, Pablo strikes a deal with Death itself.
In exchange for his commitment to tracking down an immortal fugitive, Pablo is granted transformative powers as 'La Sombra,' a masked, mariachi-styled figure of formidable prowess. According to Halberd Studios, the game features an extensive arsenal ranging from guns and swords to whips and magical abilities.
Players will explore a massive, interconnected world filled with hidden secrets and dynamic environments that shift between day and night, altering the landscape and revealing new pathways.
Additional gameplay systems include ingredient gathering and cooking to influence non-playable characters, as well as tarot card readings that unlock new powers for Pablo. The latest trailer also shines a spotlight on the soundtrack, featuring a newly arranged rendition of the traditional song 'La Llorona,' performed by acclaimed singer Yatzil Aguirre.
This artistic blend of folkloric music and vibrant pixel art is poised to offer a fresh and authentic experience for fans of the Metroidvania genre. With its bold homage to Castlevania and a unique celebration of Mexican culture, Mariachi Legends stands as one of the most anticipated indie releases on the horizon.
The title will be available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, as well as other major digital storefronts, when it launches in 2026.
