Mark your calendars, The Siege and the Sandfox is officially launching on 20 May 2025 for PC, priced at $14.99 (around £12) across Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Store. Published by PLAION and developed by the indie team at Cardboard Sword, this 2D side-scrolling stealthvania blends slick parkour mechanics with rich pixel visuals and an ambitious narrative.
A stealth Metroidvania with serious style
This isn’t just another retro throwback. The Siege and the Sandfox takes inspiration from classic 16-bit platformers and infuses them with modern lighting, hand-painted normal maps, and tight stealth gameplay. Think fluid movement across massive interconnected environments, but instead of brute force, you’re relying on silence, shadows, and the shimmer of your iconic glass dagger.
You play as the Sandfox, an elite assassin falsely accused of regicide and cast into the depths of the kingdom’s underground prison. From there, it’s a climb back up through ancient ruins, deadly tombs, and guard-infested corridors to stop a hidden evil and uncover the Queen’s betrayal. There’s real narrative weight here: revenge, political intrigue, and an evolving world that shifts from dusk to dawn as your journey unfolds.
Smooth parkour meets deep stealth
The Siege and the Sandfox place a huge emphasis on mobility. You’re not just sneaking in the shadows, you’re wall jumping, sliding, pole swinging, and flowing through the world like a true desert phantom. Each new skill or item opens up previously locked areas, fitting that classic Metroidvania mould, but with a stealth-first twist.
Gameplay isn’t about fighting everything head-on. You can ghost through sections without being seen or take enemies out silently. The world reacts to your presence: leave a door open or a torch out, and guards will notice. That subtle tension is what sets this apart from more action-heavy platformers.
Visually striking with audio that pulls you in
The Siege and the Sandfox, aesthetic deserves its spotlight. It’s a blend of hand-animated pixel art and modern effects, offering a look that feels both nostalgic and fresh. From crumbling architecture to torch-lit tombs, it’s visually rich and purposefully crafted. The audio design also stands out, using dynamic cues to alert you to danger, build tension, or amplify key moments. It’s immersive in a way that pulls you right into the world of the Sandfox.
Key features at a glance
- A stealth-driven 2D Metroidvania set in one massive interconnected world
- Hand-animated pixel art with modern lighting and effects
- Parkour-heavy movement system—slide, swing, shimmy, and more
- Intelligent AI that reacts to subtle environmental changes
- Rich story with betrayal, revenge, and ancient secrets
- Dynamic sound design that builds atmosphere and tension
A debut worth watching
Cardboard Sword CEO Olly Bennett describes this as a “meaningful 2D stealth game” that’s been years in the making. It’s their first title, and it’s clear the studio poured both artistic heart and mechanical precision into The Siege and the Sandfox. The team set out to create something unique in the indie space—and from what we’ve seen so far, they might just pull it off.
With a fresh spin on the Metroidvania genre, The Siege and the Sandfox promises a fluid, smart experience built around timing, tactics, and tight traversal. Whether you’re into stealth games, atmospheric platformers, or simply looking for a new indie gem, this one’s worth a closer look.
Want more updates like this? Check out the gaming news section!
