Press release:
30 JUNE 2026 – Belgian indie game studio Badass Mongoose is excited to share that their atmospheric puzzle-adventure Helix: Descent N Ascent on Steam and Nintendo Switch is ready to release on 23 July 2026.
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. 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 features no violence but focuses on puzzles and exploration. Discover new abilities as you progress through your adventure and combine them to interact with your surroundings to solve the many puzzles that await!
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.
badassmongoose.com 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)
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Jonas “O.J” Ek
The Gaming Ground
Twitter: @TheGamingGround
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Tags: Adventure, Badass Mongoose, Descent N Ascent, Helix, Indie games, Nintendo Switch, PC games, Puzzle, Steam