- The Vibe: A haunting, monochromatic puzzle adventure inspired by the golden ages of Belgian and Japanese comics.
- The Hook: A deep “Power Discovery” system where abilities must be combined to solve intricate, logic-based puzzles.
- Audio Pedigree: Features an original score by Jim Guthrie (Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP, Below).
- Release Window: Scheduled for Q2 2026 on PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch.
The shadows of a forgotten world are stirring. Badass Mongoose, an indie studio based in the Wallonia region of Belgium, has officially pulled back the curtain on its debut commercial title, Helix: Descent N Ascent. Participating in the February 2026 edition of Steam Next Fest, the studio has released a playable demo that promises a philosophical journey as striking as its ink-washed visuals.
Descent into the Self: The Story of Helix
Players awaken in “Helix,” a desolate, forgotten civilization that feels like a physical manifestation of a lost memory. As you navigate this silent world, you aren’t just solving puzzles—you’re reconstructing a shattered identity.
The narrative’s central enigma is the Doppelganger. This mirror-image of the protagonist constantly interferes with your progress, but the game leaves it to the player to decide: is this double an antagonist, a partner, or a manifestation of the protagonist’s own solitude? It’s a “Descent” into personal mystery and an “Ascent” toward spiritual clarity.
Gameplay: Logic, Not Just Reflexes
While many modern indies lean into twitchy platforming, Helix is a cerebral affair. The core gameplay loop revolves around discovering and combining powers.
- Discovery: Find ancient powers scattered throughout the ruins.
- Interaction: Each power interacts with the environment in specific, meaningful ways.
- Combination: The real challenge lies in weaving multiple abilities together to bypass complex environmental hurdles.
The demo offers roughly 30 minutes of gameplay and introduces three core abilities, giving players a taste of the logic-heavy challenges that await.
Game Profile: Helix: Descent N Ascent
| Category | Details |
| Developer | Badass Mongoose (Wallonia, Belgium) |
| Art Style | Monochromatic (Inspired by 70s-90s Manga/Comics) |
| Composer | Jim Guthrie |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch |
| Target Release | Q2 2026 |
| Key Inspiration | INSIDE, GRIS, 1980s Indie Comics |
A Hand-Drawn Masterpiece Supported by the Arts
The visual identity of Helix is a love letter to graphic novels. Drawing from 1980s B&W indie comics, 1990s manga, and the legendary 1970s Franco-Belgian comic tradition, every frame looks like it was plucked from a high-end art book.
This artistic ambition is backed by more than just passion. The project is supported by the Wallonian government’s “Rayonnement Wallonie” grant and Wallimage, highlighting Belgium’s growing reputation as a hub for creative indie development.
Early Reception: “The Next Great Indie Journey”
Early reactions from the Steam community have been overwhelmingly positive, with players comparing the game’s atmospheric weight to INSIDE and its artistic grace to GRIS. Industry critics have noted the “dreamlike tranquility” provided by Jim Guthrie’s score, which perfectly complements the game’s dialogue-free storytelling.
The developers at Badass Mongoose are staying highly active during the Fest, regularly pushing patches to the demo based on live community feedback—a sign of a studio deeply committed to its player base.
Steam Store Page: Helix: Descent N Ascent on Steam
