Little Legendary Crowdfunds New Cyber-Fantasy Metroidvania SHADE Protocol

June 18, 2026 Marc Szymanski

Independent North American developer Little Legendary has officially launched a crowdfunding campaign for SHADE Protocol. This upcoming cyber-fantasy 2D Metroidvania reached its initial funding goal in just 30 minutes on Kickstarter. Currently in active development, the team plans to release the title on PC via Steam and next-generation consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. While a specific release date remains unannounced, the successful campaign will allow the studio to expand the project with polished animations, extra bosses, and unique physical rewards.

The game follows Zura, a failed experiment fighting to protect what remains of humanity from a corrupting virus. Players will explore a handcrafted pixel-art world while utilizing a fast, reactive combat system. Additionally, the gameplay features special modifiers called Protocols that let you customize Zura’s defensive options and upgrade her abilities. This mechanics system ensures that players can experiment with different builds to suit their personal playstyles. To uncover hidden areas, you must return to earlier zones with new tools to reshape the environment around you.

What We Can Expect

Dynamic Combat and Dual Modes: Seamlessly blend precision melee attacks with unique musical weapons while swapping between DAWN and SHADE modes in real time.
UNISON Reality Rewriting: Manipulate the world’s underlying digital code to alter environmental events, relive key historical moments, and decide the ultimate fate of different factions.
Echo-Powered Defensive Mechanics: Execute perfectly timed parries and strategic counters to restore Echo, a vital energy source required to unleash devastating weapon abilities.
Weapons That Sing: Wield a versatile musical arsenal, including the Twilight Spear, Sunrise Great Axe, and Midnight Chakram, which double as essential exploration tools.

My Thoughts

Regular listeners of the show know that I love Metroidvanias, so SHADE Protocol already had my full attention. On top of that, I always love supporting independent studios that are willing to take bold risks with the genres we love. Seeing this project hit its initial funding goal in just thirty minutes is incredible. Looking at that gorgeous pixel art and the musical weapon concepts makes me want to jump on Kickstarter and crowdfund it myself. This is going to be one indie title to keep a close eye on.

Check out the trailer!