What Is “Metroidvania+”? Chronoscript: The Endless End Developers on Expanding the Genre Through Hollow Knight and Blasphemous

Shueisha Games revealed on September 25 a 2D adventure titled Chronoscript: The Endless End. Developed by DeskWorks, the project promises a renewed perspective on the Metroidvania formula, highlighted by the studio’s distinctive hand-drawn art and animation.

Project director Tom Fujii, designer Nam Namboy, and producer Masami Yamamoto discussed the game’s inspirations and defining features.

“When tracing the game’s roots, it’s impossible not to mention the Metroid and Castlevania series. We also looked to Hollow Knight, Blasphemous, and ENDER LILLIES: Quietus of the Knights… There are many other excellent Metroidvanias that are rewarding to play and expand upon, and we examined them as reference points. Hollow Knight particularly struck me with its portrayal of an insect world,” Fujii said.

Producer Yamamoto notes that DeskWorks remains committed to its signature artistic direction.

“While we take cues from those titles, originality is always our priority. Chronoscript inherits the spirit of RPG TIME: The Legend of Wright but adopts a more mature, dark-fantasy tone that complements player mastery.”

The team says the game introduces its own twist on the genre — they describe Chronoscript as a “Metroidvania +”.

“We love Metroidvanias and pour everything we have into them. The ‘+’ emphasizes the studio’s strengths and the project’s distinctive features,” Fujii explains.

One innovation is the map. In most Metroidvanias players consult a flat map because exploration is nonlinear. In Chronoscript the map is constructed from linked pages in 3D while the core gameplay plays out in 2D. To determine your position you zoom out from the playfield, merging 2D action with a 3D perspective — both views are equally important.

Chronoscript: The Endless End is planned for release in 2026 on PC and PlayStation 5.

Source: iXBT.games