Lightning-Fast Kunai Action: “INARI” Steam Demo to Launch January 13

South Korean indie developer 1HP STUDIO has officially announced its pixel-art action platformer, “INARI.” Characterized by high-speed movement and kunai-based combat, the game is set to release a playable demo on Steam alongside its Kickstarter campaign on January 13, 2026.

Divine Authority vs. Mortal Technology

INARI tells the story of Izna the Reaper, an enforcer sent by the divine “High Realm” to suppress a rebellion led by seven princesses known as the “Seven Daughters.” The narrative unfolds in an Eastern fantasy setting where divine power and advancing mortal technology clash in a massive conflict.

Gameplay: The Thrill of “1 HP”

Inspired by masterpieces like Katana ZERO, Nine Sols, and Celeste, INARI focuses on precision and momentum.

• Shuriken Teleportation: Players throw kunai and can instantly teleport to their location, allowing for fluid repositioning and chain attacks.
• Lethal Precision: Emphasizing its studio name “1HP,” the game forces players to face overwhelming odds with only a single life, making every encounter a high-stakes battle of skill.

A Rising Star in the K-Indie Scene

Despite being a young team formed by six university friends, 1HP STUDIO has already proven its mettle. The game won the BEST Student Award at BIC 2025 and the Grand Prize at GIGDC 2025, garnering praise for its “natural movement that feels like a dedicated physics engine was built specifically for it.”

The INARI Steam Demo and Kickstarter will launch simultaneously this Tuesday.

What about the indie development team ‘1HP STUDIO’?

This indie game development team, formed by former college classmates who went their separate ways after graduation, reunited to complete a project they had been working on together. Founded by six college classmates, the studio is currently developing the stylish action platformer “INARI.” Their development philosophy is to pursue extreme fun, embracing the belief that “games are most thrilling when you have only one stamina.”