Belgian indie studio Badass Mongoose has revealed new details about Helix: Descent N Ascent, an atmospheric puzzle-adventure set to appear during Steam Next Fest this February. The game will be playable via a public demo launching in the second week of February, ahead of its Next Fest showcase running from February 23 to March 2.
Rather than positioning itself as a traditional puzzle title, Helix: Descent N Ascent presents a more introspective experience—one shaped by contrast, ambiguity, and mood. The studio describes the project as a journey defined as much by its emotional tone as by its mechanics, emphasizing visual storytelling and atmosphere over explicit narration.
Helix: Descent N Ascent is an Upcoming Puzzle Adventure with a Unique Visual Style
Visually, the game draws inspiration from a wide range of influences, including 1980s black-and-white indie comics, 1990s manga, and classic Franco-Belgian graphic art. The result is a stark monochrome world built around the interplay of light and darkness, where environments feel deliberately sparse and symbolic rather than densely detailed.
That atmosphere is reinforced by an original score from composer Jim Guthrie, whose previous work includes Sword & Sworcery, Below, and Nobody Saves the World. In Helix, the music plays a central role in shaping the experience, complementing the game’s minimalist visuals and reinforcing its dreamlike tone.
At the center of Helix: Descent N Ascent is a solitary figure navigating a forgotten world shaped by fragments of a lost civilization. Early in the journey, players encounter a mysterious doppelganger, an entity that mirrors the protagonist while seemingly working against them. This uneasy relationship introduces themes of identity and opposition that unfold gradually through exploration rather than direct exposition.
Puzzle-solving forms the backbone of the experience, with progression tied to unlocking and combining abilities that allow deeper interaction with the environment. Rather than presenting solutions outright, the game encourages experimentation, asking players to interpret visual cues and environmental logic as they descend further into Helix’s world, and gradually ascend toward understanding.
According to the studio, Helix: Descent N Ascent is designed to be experienced at a measured pace, inviting reflection as much as problem-solving. Its narrative elements are woven into its environments, with meaning conveyed through imagery, sound, and player discovery rather than dialogue-heavy storytelling.
Players will be able to try Helix: Descent N Ascent during Steam Next Fest from February 23 to March 2, with the demo becoming available earlier in the month. The game is currently available to wishlist on Steam. The full release is slated for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch in Q2 2026.
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