Slayblade: A Y2K Beyblade-Inspired Roguelite From the Developers of Kardboard Kings

There is an undeniable thrill to the classic arena-battling experience—the clatter of high-speed, metallic tops colliding in a plastic arena, building tension until a single champion emerges victorious. This electric nostalgia serves as the foundation for Slayblade, a Y2K-inspired roguelite that invites you to customize, launch, and dominate the competition.

Unveiled during the Frosty Games Fest—one of the many highlights from this year’s bustling summer showcase circuit—Slayblade is the latest project from the collaborative minds at Henry’s House (known for Kardboard Kings) and designer Oscar Brittain. The game pairs a vibrant, lo-fi Y2K aesthetic with a synth-heavy soundtrack, perfectly capturing the vibe of an urban adventure through PS1-era city streets.

Beyond the style, the core loop revolves around discovery and progression: players can hunt for over 60 distinct blade components to assemble their ultimate spinning weapon. You can catch a glimpse of the high-octane gameplay in the reveal trailer below:

The developer’s vision is clear: “Build your battle-top and become King of the Streets. Collect over 60 parts, merge their unique powers, and dominate opponents in this laid-back roguelite. Skate through a stylized Y2K metropolis, stack your cash, and upgrade your gear as you climb the ranks.” And, according to the official description, “If you die in the game, you die in real life.”

We assume that final warning is tongue-in-cheek—but there is only one way to find out. You can test your mettle right now, as the official Slayblade demo is now live on Steam.

Let us know if you survive your first run in the comments below.