2027's Most Stylish Action Game Looks Spectacular in First Official Gameplay
Tsarevna is an upcoming hack-and-slash action game that uses motion capture from a real ballerina for its dance-inspired melee combat.
Last year, Tsarevna made its debut, instantly catching the eye. Described as the world's first ballet-inspired action game, it boasts motion capture from real-life ballerina Alyona Kovalyova for its hack-and-slash gameplay. In a recent gameplay trailer, the ballet-infused action truly shined, propelling Tsarevna onto my list of most anticipated 2027 titles.
The trailer showcases player character Swan engaging with enemies inspired by Slavic folklore and fairy tales. "Dance is the language of death," Swan declares before wielding her dance moves to dispatch foes. She maneuvers across the battlefield with the poise of a prima ballerina, albeit with a twist - the end of her pointed toes now bears sharp magic attacks she unleashes through her dance moves.
Developers at Watt Studio describe the game's combat system as a blend of simplicity akin to Bayonetta or Devil May Cry. The combat encourages stylish play, versatile combos, and player expression. As players creatively fight, their combat rank elevates, and their attacks grow stronger. The story behind Tsarevna is one of inspiration - the five-year-old daughter of Watt Studio's CEO and her passion for ballet sparked the development team's creativity.
The studio states that "Ballet movement can tell a story" and can also result in stylish, lethal gameplay. The new trailer concludes by inviting players to wishlist Tsarevna on Steam. However, the game's website indicates that it will be available on all modern platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam Deck, suggesting Watt Studio aims to launch Tsarevna in early 2027 across these platforms.
Written by urgent.news from Polygon's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.