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.

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.

Swarm team members Pete and Joel bring us through a level of the game while commentating in this action-platformer from developer Hothead Games seeing if one can beat the others score. Published by Ignition Entertainment, in Swarm you can run, bash, huddle, boost, stack, jump, push and throw your way through gauntlets of death and destruction as you guide your swarm of 50 pudgy blue aliens through a danger filled world.  Swarm comes out for the Xbox 360 Live Arcade and Playstation 3 Network early this year.