Announcing Helix: Descent N Ascent - An Atmospheric Puzzle-Adventure That Weaves Light and Darkness
Demo launching soon + participating in Steam Next Fest. Early demo codes available upon request!
28 JANUARY 2026 - Belgian indie game studio Badass Mongoose is shifting into next gear for the upcoming launch of their atmospheric puzzle-adventure Helix: Descent N Ascent. It will participate in the February edition of Steam Next Fest, from 23 February to 2 March, and the demo is scheduled to launch in the 2nd week of February.
Helix: Descent N Ascent has a monochrome artstyle that draws inspiration from 1980s black-and-white indie comics, 1990s manga, and 1970s Franco-Belgian comics. Explore a world that evokes the dichotomy of light and darkness. With atmospheric music by Jim Guthrie (Sword and Sorcery, Nobody Saves The World and Below) added into the mix, it makes for an artistic journey to remember.
Helix: Descent N Ascent is planned to release on PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch in Q2 2026.
Helix: Descent N Ascent Reveal Trailer:
The public demo will go live around 10 February, but press & creators who want to be given exclusive early access, can request a Steam code now:
Request a Helix: Descent N Ascent Demo codeSteam Page: store.steampowered.com/app/2736370/Helix_Descent_N_Ascent
Press Kit: piratepr.notion.site/helix-descent-n-ascent
Press Contact: cedric@badassmongoose.com (Interviews welcome in English or French!)
About the Game
Journey into the forgotten world of Helix, where ancient powers awaken within you. Unlock and combine embodied abilities to unravel the mysteries of a lost civilization. Descend into a tale that will challenge your mind and soul, solving intricate puzzles as you ascend to the light of a new day.
Key Features
- In search of the truth: You awaken in a dull, dark, disembodied world. Though you're usually alone, you soon encounter another being who looks just like you, except he always seems to be at odds with you. Who is this doppelganger? Is he a friend or a foe?
- Puzzle your way out: Discover new powers as you progress through your adventure. Each one allows you to meaningfully interact with your surroundings and solve the many puzzles awaiting you.
- Combine your powers: Master the unique mix-and-match system that allows you to combine your powers while you explore the barren lands of Helix.
- A deep emotional journey: reflect on identity, solitude and relationships. Helix weaves each mystery and memory of a past existence with personal, cultural, and spiritual threads.
- An artistic journey: Experience a tale not told with words, but through stunning black-and-white artwork, living 2D scenery, evocative paintings, and powerful atmospheric music.
- Enchanting music: Helix was designed and developed with Jim Guthrie's incredible music in mind (and ear). The score takes the player to the edge of a dreamlike, serene, and strange universe.
For more updates on the game, wishlist on Steam or follow the devs on Twitter/X!
About the Studio
Badass Mongoose is a Belgian indie game studio that crafts intricate, hand-drawn worlds with mechanics that reward creative thinking. They are currently working on the game Helix: Descent N Ascent, an atmospheric puzzle-adventure game.
Helix: Descent N Ascent was made with the financial support of the Rayonnement Wallonie grant, an initiative of the Walloon Government, operated by St’art sa With the participation of Wallimage (Wallonia)
Copyright © 2026 Badass Mongoose, All rights reserved.