El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is a mish-mash of a host of different genres, mixing up combat as well as 2D and 3D platforming. The game puts players in the shoes of Enoch, and takes players through a story based on the events of the Old Testament’s Book of Enoch.

The Nintendo Switch release of El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD includes support for full HD resolution, as well as faster load times and other optimisations. The game also features post-ending novel Lucifer’s Fall Chronicles of Ceta and an art book as bonus content.

Originally released on the PS3 and Xbox 360, El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron has been a critical darling that was considered by most to be something of a cult classic title, especially being stuck on older platforms. 2021 saw the game’s HD version release on PC, however, with a host of enhancements, including visual upgrades, as well as English and Japanese audio.

Several years ago, it seemed impossible that El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron would ever return. But it’s finally happening, albeit as a PC port. Developer Crim has confirmed that the action game will release in mid-April for the platform via Steam.

Along with visual enhancements, the PC version will have English and Japanese audio and subtitles. More details have yet to be provided on how the graphics are improving though. Otherwise, the game’s combat is still intact, featuring several interesting mechanics like stealing weapons, counter attacks, guard breaks and more. Certain weapon types are also stronger against others and have “superior” and “inferior” qualities.

Stages are also broken up into two types – Movement and Battle – but sometimes you’ll have to battle enemies in Movement stages. There are also Action Stages which requires careful platforming. El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is currently available on PS3 and Xbox 360 (check out our review here). Stay tuned for more details on its PC release in the coming weeks.

Trippy action title El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron had been languishing on the PS3 and Xbox 360 since its launch nearly a decade ago. But Steam users will soon be able to experience it. According to the game’s director Sawaki Takeyasu on Twitter, Crim – which acquired the rights from Ignition Entertainment in 2013 – is working on a PC port.

Even more interesting is that the studio will offer English and Japanese audio and subtitles (though via a launcher). Visual enhancements also seem a given but we’ll have to wait for more details in the meantime. It should also be interesting to see if Takeyasu’s The Lost Child, which launched in 2018, will be coming to Steam as well.

In terms of mechanics, El Shaddai certainly had its fair share of unique mechanics. It featured real-time armor repair, stealing weapons and “purifying” weapons to keep them in tip-top shape. Stay tuned for updates on the PC version, including its possible release window.

【エルシャダイ Steam版経過報告 】
現在制作中ですが、進捗も知りたいと思うのでチョクチョクと現状を書いていきたいと思います。
ちなみに今は、Xbox、PS3からPCへとハードが変わるので
英語・日本語の音声と字幕切替えのためのオプション
オプション代替を兼ねたランチャなどを制作しています。 pic.twitter.com/dCHt7gzBm2

— 竹安佐和記(Elshaddaiの人) (@Sawaki_Takeyasu) December 7, 2020

The screen is awash with colour at times

The studio has announced its interest to develop future El Shaddai titles, so it’s a given that it will be popping up again somewhere down the line. However, Ignition Entertainment will still retain the rights to sell the original game in perpetuity.

Released in 2011 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, El Shaddai is an action adventure game inspired by the Book of Enoch, which featured the main character Enoch participating as much in armour repair as battling. Takeyasu Sawaki lead development on the game, and previously worked as a character designer for Devil May Cry and Ōkami.

Enoch has to save the world by sorting out some rogue angels

You see, some angels – the Grigori – have defected, succumbing to temptation and deciding to live on the wild side. They’ve headed down to earth and are stirring things up a little. Back in Heaven, there’s some dismay about the Grigori’s actions and they decide to purge the earth with a great flood. Enoch agrees to attempt to track down and capture these seven renegade angels so they can be returned to Heaven and suitably chastised. If he succeeds, the floodwaters won’t come and the earth will be saved. No pressure then.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that a story peppered with biblical mythology from the Book of Enoch, part of the Dead Sea Scrolls, may be a bit heavy going but you’d be wrong. Enoch and his escapades prove strangely compelling – and it’s an amazing journey.

It’s a beautiful game – with an aesthetic quite unlike anything else. The backgrounds look more like a PC screensaver or tech demo than an actual game – and are in many ways quite beautiful like some ancient Japanese painting. The screen is awash with vibrant colours yet it retains a minimalist quality – an expanse of white may be punctuated by only a few splashes of colour one moment only to erupt into a veritable visual feast seconds later.

The game often switches from 3D to 2D

But while good-looking, the graphics do feel somehow basic and retro. Switching between 3D and 2D, the appearance of the levels varies enormously – shaking things up a little and offering some welcome variety. The 2D elements of the game feel like something available on the PSN or XBLA – Enoch wandering into the screen one moment and then horizontally the next. It feels truly epic in places, the camera panning in and out to provide a real sense of scale and space. Must admit, visually, I think I preferred the gloriously designed 2D sections.

Besides the baffling story and arty graphics, a nod should also be given to the sound effects that really add to the atmosphere. Booming in places and subtle in others, they are always perfectly suited to the surroundings and the action that’s taking place.

Perhaps a little less positive is the actual gameplay, however, which amounts to basic hack and slash. Combat initially involves a series of punches, kicks and jumps – get hit too often by enemies and your shiny coat of armour is shed leaving you somewhat exposed (it’s very Ghosts ‘n Goblins circa 1985). Although you only need to master the timing of a single button press, combo attacks can be pulled off that result in a satisfying swirl of animation. Blocks and jumps are also key to your progress and attacking ability.

Progress a little further and three weapons can be collected from stricken enemies – each with differing attributes. The Arch is a bow-like blade weapon, Gale allows you to throw darts, whereas the Veil is a powerful impact weapon that also provides a handy shield.

The screen is awash with colour at times

El Shaddai certainly comes from a good pedigree, developed by the guys behind the Devil May Cry and Okami franchises. Japanese influences are on display from the very beginning through its unique art style, voice acting and storyline. As such, it’s a refreshing change from the current crop of games – it’s as mad as a box of frogs but charming with it.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 3.

Thanks to Joystiq for the info.

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is Now Available for PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. Check out the trailer above for this unique title and the full press release below.

Marina Del Rey, Calif. – August 16, 2011 – UTV Ignition Games proudly announced today that El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is now available at retail stores across North America for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

“We are absolutely thrilled to finally bring El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron to gamers across North America,” said Shane Bettenhausen, Director of PR and New Business Development UTV Ignition Games. “The development team in Japan poured several years of passion and creativity into this project, and we are extremely proud that their uncompromising, unique vision carries through into the final user experience.”

Developed by a hugely-talented, Tokyo-based team headed by the legendary Sawaki Takeyasu (Devil May Cry) El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, draws players into a rich storyline inspired by events in the Old Testament’s apocryphal ‘Book of Enoch.’ In the game, players take on the role of Enoch and must harness his natural combat skills to master a range of powerful and Heavenly weapons under the guidance of the watchful Archangels. Through a mesmerizing combination of combat, 2D and 3D platforming, Enoch must deliver the souls of the Fallen Angels and spare the world from a great flood ordered by Heaven.

Critical reviews for El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron have been stellar thus far.  Some of the title’s initial accolades include:

• “This is easily the most beautiful game I’ve played this generation. El Shaddai is a rare treat of a game and a celebration of video games as an art form. 9/10″ Game Informer
• “El Shaddai is an absolute masterwork; the perfect combination of gameplay and a Zen-like state of virtual oneness. 9.5/10” GameFan
• “If ever there were a game that embodied ‘visually stunning,’ El Shaddai is it.  Its consistently fascinating story and ever-evolving world-along with its minimalist and elegant gameplay-make saving the world a magnificent endeavor. 9/10″  PlayStation: the Official Magazine
• “Japanese style and substance are what make El Shaddai stand out among all action games. A+.” Sci Fi Magazine
• “Stunning, gorgeous El Shaddai is action-gamer bliss.” Wired.com
• “We always appreciate innovation in a game and El Shaddai‘s story is unlike anything we’ve ever played before.” Maxim

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB, and is currently available in North America for the suggested retail price of $59.99.  El Shaddai will release in Europe on September 8, 2011.

UTV Ignition Games released a new full-length trailer for the upcoming fantasy game, El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron at their Comic-Con panel.

The new trailer reveals new images of the upcoming action title. The new footage includes a first look at the game’s later chapters of one man’s journey “into the depths of hell”.

The game will release next month on the Xbox 360 and the PS3.

UTV have announced that El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron will be available in North America on July 26, 2011 and September 9 in EU.

To celebrate the street date announcement, Ignition released a brand-new trailer and series of screenshots that reveal gameplay and combat details that have yet to be seen.   In the trailer, viewers will be introduced to Uriel, one of four Archangels assigned to watch over and guide Enoch throughout his quest to capture the souls of seven renegade angels who have abandoned Heaven for Earth.   In times of especially stressful combat, players will be able to summon Uriel and deliver even more powerful attacks against the game’s mightiest foes.

The game will be on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.