2026’s Bloodiest Game Just Got a Release Date

While massive industry showcases typically steal the spotlight with triple-A blockbusters, they also frequently shine a light on standout independent projects. Among them, Acts of Blood turned heads during its debut at last year’s Summer Game Fest, immediately capturing attention as a martial arts brawler heavily inspired by high-octane action cinema like The Raid—essentially channeling Sifu, but dialling the gore up a notch.

Developer Eksil Team officially confirmed that Acts of Blood will launch for Windows PC on December 4. While the title was previously confirmed solely for PC, console enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as well, with ports slated to arrive on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X sometime in 2027.

Players eager to dive in early can sample the visceral combat firsthand through the Steam playable demo. The preview build has already amassed over 1,500 Very Positive user reviews, with fans praising its uncompromising brutality. “Impeccable animations, wonderfully impactful combat feedback, and straightforward yet deeply satisfying combos,” shared one enthusiastic reviewer. Another added, “The Raid remains an absolute masterpiece of a film, and this finally lets you live out those exact combat fantasies.”

Positioned neatly at the intersection of The Raid and John Wick, Acts of Blood follows protagonist Hendra on a relentless crusade for retribution, which primarily involves carving a path through hordes of adversaries across claustrophobic corridors and urban environments. The official synopsis outlines the premise:

When justice breaks down entirely, Hendra embarks on a deeply personal journey for vengeance, traversing the bustling thoroughfares of Bandapa, Indonesia. His mission: to expose the shadowy syndicate responsible for his family’s assassination and exact ultimate retribution.

Master and refine Hendra’s arsenal of combat techniques, unlock devastating new maneuvers, and evolve into an elite martial artist capable of dismantling waves of foes and formidable bosses to avenge your loved ones.

What began as an ambitious solo undertaking by creator Fajrul FN gradually expanded as friends came aboard, eventually establishing the core indie lineup known as Eksil Team. Discussing the game’s conceptual roots, Fajrul FN noted: “From a gameplay perspective, we’re blending the reactive counter mechanics of Sleeping Dogs with the structured depth of Sifu‘s combo system. Aesthetically, we draw heavy inspiration from the grit and grim tone found in titles like Max Payne and Manhunt.”

Martial arts serves as the mechanical heartbeat of Acts of Blood, supported by an expansive suite of defensive counters, strikes, and execution moves. Players are also encouraged to improvise on the fly by wielding improvised melee armaments, seizing firearms, and weaponizing the surrounding environment against hostile forces. “We are fully committing to unapologetic violence as a fundamental pillar of the experience,” Fajrul FN emphasized. “From brutal takedowns and dismemberment to our own distinct variation of X-ray finishers, we’ve made our stance clear to partners from day one: we aren’t holding anything back.”

For devotees of hard-hitting action cinema or fans raised on ruthless fighting franchises like Mortal Kombat, this uncompromising vision hits all the right notes. Acts of Blood is officially primed to start throwing punches when it arrives on PC on December 4.

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Source: Polygon