THQ Nordic and Weappy Studio invite players to step into a breathtaking, hand-drawn world. The demo is live now, offering a substantial look at the 2D adventure that looks like a painting come to life.
In an era dominated by high-fidelity 3D graphics and procedural generation, there is something profoundly arresting about the human touch of hand-drawn animation. Today, THQ Nordic and developer Weappy Studio have officially released the first public demo for The Eternal Life of Goldman, a vibrant 2D platform adventure that has been turning heads since its reveal.
The demo arrives as a centerpiece for Steam Next Fest, which runs from February 23 to March 2. However, in a generous move for those with a packed gaming schedule, the developers have confirmed that the demo will remain available for a limited time even after the festival concludes, before being taken offline at a later date.
Ninety Minutes of Hand-Drawn Wonder
The demo for The Eternal Life of Goldman isn’t just a vertical slice; it is a substantial journey through the game’s opening section. Boasting approximately 90 minutes of gameplay (varying based on how much you choose to explore), it provides a deep look at the mechanics, atmosphere, and the “pogo-stick” style traversal that defines the experience.
Playing as an elderly man armed with a multi-purpose cane, players must navigate a world inspired by ancient fables and myths. While the game supports keyboard and mouse, the developers strongly recommend using a gamepad to truly master the precision required for the game’s rhythmic platforming challenges.
Content Creator Friendly: Custom Music and Multilingual Support
In a refreshing move for the streaming community, Weappy Studio has highlighted that all in-game music is custom-created. This means creators, streamers, and YouTubers can play the demo on their channels without fear of copyright strikes or demonetization—a frequent headache for those covering modern releases.
Furthermore, the game is launching with an impressive array of localization options. While the voice acting is in English, the UI and subtitles are available in 13 languages, including German, French, Japanese, Russian, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Brazilian Portuguese, ensuring a global audience can dive into the mystery of the island.
Demo Highlights & Achievements
For the completionists among us, the demo isn’t just a casual walk. It includes three unique Steam Achievements, allowing players to prove their platforming prowess and secure a piece of “Goldman” history before the full game launches.
What to expect in the demo:
- Breathtaking Visuals: Every frame is hand-drawn and traditionally animated, resulting in a fluidity rarely seen in modern platformers.
- Exploration: Discover hidden paths and secrets tucked away in the island’s intricate architecture.
- Smooth Performance: Optimized for a variety of rigs, though the artistry truly shines on higher resolutions.
The Journey Ahead
The Eternal Life of Goldman is being developed for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It represents a significant departure for Weappy Studio (known for the This Is the Police series), moving from gritty management drama to a whimsical, yet haunting, fantastical adventure.
The demo is a testament to the studio’s ambition to create a “living painting.” With its release, fans finally get to feel the weight of the cane and the rhythm of the world for themselves.
Watch the Steam Demo Trailer: YouTube Link
Play the Demo and Wishlist Now:
- Steam Store Page: The Eternal Life of Goldman
- PlayStation: Store Link
- Xbox: Store Link
