#kernel hearts

Developer EPHEMERA and Whitethorn Games have announced that their action-RPG roguelike, Kernel Hearts, now has a free demo available on the Epic Games Store and Steam.

Kernel Hearts follows a M.A.H.O.U. unit, a team of magical android soldiers tasked with climbing the Tower of Babel and destroying a god.

Beyond roguelike runs, defeated players can return to the lab to customize their loadout using up to 256KB of skill chips. These permanent upgrades enhance the distinction between playable characters and ensure that future runs are more successful. Combat rewards timing and precision, with high-speed spellcasting, dashes, and combos.

Moreover, a magical transformation system allows players to clear out cursed enemies that grow stronger the longer they remain on each floor. Multiplayer co-op is also available.

Publisher Whitethorn Games and developer Ephemera have released the reveal trailer and first screenshots for Kernel Hearts, a multiplayer roguelike action RPG coming to PC via Steam. A release date was not announced.

Here is an overview of the game, via Whitethorn Games:

About

If the only way to bring a world back from the edge of the apocalypse was to destroy its god, would you have the power to do it? Kernel Hearts is an action-packed multiplayer roguelike game. Combining challenging hack-and-slash gameplay, role-playing, and roguelike elements with stunning anime aesthetics, you will battle your way up a deadly celestial tower, build your arsenal of skills with each mortal demise to eradicate monstrous angelic enemies and dethrone a god to save the world. As a member of M.A.H.O.U Unit—an elite fighting force of super-powered android magical girls—you and up to three allies are tasked with one thing: destroy a god to save the world from the brink of extinction. Starting from the base of the mythical Tower of Babel, you’ll fight your way through an array of powerful enemies from all sides, as you climb each level, gaining crucial skills and magical powers to help you surmount its pinnacle—and the new threats each floor brings with it. Defeat is no excuse; only the most resolute soldiers will reach the heavenly heights in order to dethrone their god—are you up for the task?

Key Features

Ascend to the Ultimate Being of Destruction – In every run, hunt for temporary skills that enhance your attacks, spells, and movement, empowering you to unleash devastating strikes and combos. Use these abilities to conquer the relentless enemies on each floor and exterminate the fearsome boss guardians that rule each domain.

The End is Just the Beginning – Facing enemies of biblical proportions requires persistence and grit, but a sudden demise isn’t the end. After each run, your unit returns to the lab, where you can use the rewards from previous missions to unlock and equip up to 256KB of skill chips. Customize your unit with these chips to match your unique playstyle.

Magical Transformations – The curse of the Tower is ever-present, and spending too much time in one area draws out even more powerful enemies. Harness the Tower’s energy to dispel the curses, briefly transform into your ultimate magical form and unleash annihilating attacks on any foes standing in your way.

Squad Up – Play alone or with up to three friends, honing and synergizing your skills to become the ultimate fighting force to get you to the top.

Friends in High Places – Each celestial domain hosts unique allies to help you on your journey. Befriend them to deepen your bond and maybe find love along the way!

Watch the announcement trailer below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.

Announce Trailer

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Cinematech's Trailer Park - Kernel Hearts (PC)