Publisher CRITICAL REFLEX (Mouthwashing, No, I’m not a human) and developer Ichthys have revealed a 2026 release window for their upcoming atmospheric metroidvania, Being and Becoming, alongside the launch of a brand-new open playtest on Steam. Players can jump in right now to experience the opening hours of the game and get a feel for its distinctive blend of exploration, combat, and narrative-driven worldbuilding.
The current playtest offers a substantial introduction to Being and Becoming, allowing players to explore multiple interconnected locations, experiment with several weapons and abilities, meet a range of NPCs, and take on two major boss encounters, as well as a variety of enemies. It’s an early but meaningful slice of the experience, designed to showcase the game’s core mechanics and tone ahead of its full release.
Set within the surreal and unsettling Collective Dream, Being and Becoming casts players as a would-be martyr pulled from a watery grave and thrust into a prophecy-bound world ruled by an oppressive force known as The Word. As you descend deeper into the Dream, you’ll confront corrupted beings, uncover the remnants of those who came before, and acquire new weapons and abilities passed down by fallen dreamers. While the world is visually striking, danger lurks beneath its beauty, with increasingly treacherous challenges awaiting those who press forward.
Gameplay centers on classic metroidvania progression, encouraging exploration, backtracking, and mastery of new abilities. Combat places a strong emphasis on experimentation, allowing players to assemble a diverse arsenal and weave together intricate attack combinations. Each weapon is tied to noble spirits trapped under the influence of The Word, reinforcing the game’s themes through both mechanics and storytelling.
Visually, Being and Becoming stands out with its meticulously crafted pixel-art aesthetic. Environments range from serene and dreamlike to grotesque and unsettling, each with its own visual identity and gameplay nuances. Boss encounters are a particular highlight, featuring distinctive personalities, dozens of bespoke animations, and environmental interactions that elevate them beyond simple combat challenges.
The experience is further enhanced by fully voiced characters and an atmospheric original soundtrack. The game’s OST dynamically responds to gameplay, while its voice-acted cast brings both charm and menace to the Dream’s inhabitants, deepening immersion throughout the journey.
The Being and Becoming playtest is available now on Steam. Players interested in atmospheric metroidvanias with strong visual identity and narrative focus can wishlist the game ahead of its planned 2026 launch. For more on the publisher and its upcoming projects, visit CRITICAL REFLEX’s official website.