Exclusive Hands-On: Second Stone - Nostalgic Platformer Meets Modern ARPG Magic!

In today’s video game landscape, there is always a plethora of shooters to choose from. Whether it’s the latest craze of extraction shooters like ARC Raiders or Marathon, or FPS titles such as Call of Duty or Battlefield, there is one guarantee in gaming: another shooter is always waiting in the wings, just around the corner from release.

That’s why, after speaking with Miko, the CEO of Skyward Ent, and getting my own hands on the sticks with Second Stone, this nostalgia trip to games of old - with modern controls - felt like a breath of fresh air. The action‑platformer feels like a good old home‑cooked meal. Miko’s excitement and enthusiasm were infectious as he spoke about making his “dream game,” with Skyward Ent working toward launching their debut title later this year.

This may be the studio’s first game, but it’s hardly Miko’s first project. He was previously the art director on Oceanhorn 1 & 2, which instantly made sense once I saw the art direction of Second Stone: The Legend of the Hidden World.

I played a pre‑alpha build of the game, and even at this early stage of development, the team is clearly bringing their vision to life using Unreal Engine 5. The experience already runs smoothly, and I’m looking forward to playing more once the finished game is released. The world is bright and colourful, bellowing echoes of days past that Miko and I reminisced about during our discussion – titles like Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter, classic platformers calling for a new era. That’s exactly what Miko and the Skyward Ent team intend to deliver: a game built on childhood memories, but with a modern touch.

Though I only played a brief slice of Second Stone, I was already impressed. The combat is fun and easy to mash through enemies, but with a little practice, that button‑mashing evolves into well‑thought‑out magical movement combos. I found myself dancing through the air and crashing down upon my foes below. There were a few areas that could benefit from tutorials to help onboard new players, but these were minor issues compared to the pure fun and excitement of exploring the world. Everything I noticed that was currently missing, I was assured, would be added before final release.

In Second Stone: The Legend of the Hidden World, a narrator tells the story of Sheirn, our main protagonist - abandoned at birth, rescued, and brought to a village where he begins his training. His journey leads him across the world in search of his missing Guardian Spirit as he strives to become a grand adventurer. The game blends action‑platforming with RPG elements, allowing players to fuse weapons and magical abilities, which only added to the chaotic, fast‑paced fun I was experiencing.

Upgrading gear is simple yet satisfying. For example, enhancing a level‑one Magic Armlet by adding the Eternal Fine Sparkstone not only increases its power but also introduces a Chain Lightning effect, calling down lightning upon my enemies. It’s incredibly rewarding when fighting off foes - just wait until my armlet reaches level six; nothing will stand in my way!

One of the most noticeable aspects of the game is its impressive sound design. Every movement, paired with the background score, is met with perfectly timed musical notes that act as the final layer of polish. Sound design is an element that can sometimes be overlooked, but here it feels like the icing on the cake, enhancing the overall player experience. Ultimately, the audio is outstanding.

Traversal is key in this hidden world, and it often reminded me of Super Mario Bros. as I platformed from one moving tile to the next in search of chests to upgrade my growing arsenal. The platforming hits all the right notes. Timing my jump as I bounced off a blob‑like creature to reach the spinning tabletop above felt intuitive, and if I fell short, I could quickly grab the ledge - saving me from exposing my poor platforming skills as I climbed back to safety. There isn’t any fall damage per se, but ledge‑grabbing certainly saved me from repeating sections more than once.

Second Stone: The Legend of the Hidden World is a game fans of nostalgic platformers should absolutely keep an eye on when it releases later this year. It brings the charm and personality of beloved games from the past while delivering modern, responsive controls. The story is intriguing and encourages players to explore every nook and cranny, all while battling dragon‑like creatures, lizards, and more across floating platforms and shifting terrain. This is a must‑play indie title in the making as you search for your lost Guardian Spirit.