Cat-and-Mech Metroidvania ‘Bolt of Whalington’ Lets You Turn HP Into Keys; Free

Developer Orca Studio and publisher UltraPlayers have released a free Steam demo for Bolt of Whalington, an upcoming Metroidvania where players can rewrite environmental rules while exploring a floating whale-city. The game follows a Siamese cat named Bolt and his mech as they solve puzzles, explore interconnected areas, and experiment with mechanics that change how they interact with their surroundings. The full game is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam in 2027.

One of the game’s main mechanics involves Rule Terminals, devices that let players alter specific environmental rules. These can produce unusual effects, such as transforming a cat into a rat or converting health points into keys. The game also features puzzles with multiple solutions. Players might use soap to break through certain walls, launch Bolt from his mech to reach higher platforms, or take advantage of shotgun recoil to gain extra height.

Bolt and his mech can exist separately in the environment, allowing players to switch between them and combine their abilities. Bolt can squeeze through narrow passages that his mech cannot access, while the mech provides heavier equipment and additional traversal options. Other areas introduce mechanics involving gravity changes and platforms that respond to light, giving players different systems to experiment with as they explore.

Exploration also extends to combat encounters. Bosses have individual attack patterns and weaknesses that players can learn about through NPC conversations, item descriptions, and documents scattered throughout Whalington. Hidden upgrades and equipment can provide additional options during these fights, making exploration useful beyond finding new paths.

The free demo includes four areas of Whalington: Sardine, Kitchen, Cabins, and Residence. Players can explore the complete Kitchen area alongside portions of the other three regions. A standard playthrough takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes, while those searching for every secret can spend up to two and a half hours exploring.

Bolt of Whalington is currently planned for release on PC via Steam in 2027, with the free demo available now.