Project Ants: A 3D Metroidvania inspired by Hollow Knight and Ninja Gaiden

The new Italian studio ANT TEAM has presented PROJECT ANTS with a trailer on its social channels, a 3D Metroidvania set in an interconnected world that combines exploration and technical combat in an experience built around mastering mechanics. Set in a ruined insectoid kingdom, the game tells the journey of an anthropomorphic warrior ant striving to traverse a hostile and layered world in search of a hidden truth within its depths. The experience is based on the interaction between combat, movement, and exploration, in a system that rewards player precision, timing, and skill.

A world marked by an ancient balance

The story unfolds in a universe where insects, evolved thanks to an ancient energy, have built complex and hierarchical societies. The world's balance is maintained by the Ant Queen, an entity that guards a fundamental power to sustain a barrier capable of keeping away a monstrous presence from the unknown. For generations, the protagonist's village has remained hidden and protected, until the day it is attacked and the Queen disappears. Driven by the need to find her, the protagonist embarks on a journey through decadent lands, populated by tragic creatures and ambiguous allies, with the goal of uncovering truths that should have remained buried.

EXPLORATION IN AN INTERCONNECTED WORLD

Project Ants proposes a 3D Metroidvania structure developed vertically, with intertwined paths that incentivize exploration. Progression is driven by the acquisition of new movement abilities, which grant access to initially unreachable areas and secrets. The combat system is designed with a dynamic and precise approach, inspired by character action games, with particular attention to speed, responsiveness, and character control. Among the game's distinctive mechanics is a pheromone-based system, designed to influence both combat possibilities and exploration dynamics.

PROGRESSION, RESOURCES, AND CUSTOMIZATION

During the adventure, players will traverse branching environments, facing hostile creatures and collecting useful resources to improve insect-inspired equipment and tools. Boss fights will unlock key abilities that expand movement possibilities and open new paths. NPCs will offer the chance to trade rare resources for items and upgrades, allowing for customization through amulets, map enhancements, and upgrades. Visually, the game aims for an evocative art direction, with a world of dark and fairy-tale atmospheres told also through the environment and indirect narrative.
There is no release date yet; the project is still in the early stages of development. Below we leave you useful links to follow the development team's work and the first released trailer.

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