If you’re someone who loves retro-style games that blend classic gameplay with modern polish, Battle Princess Madelyn should be on your radar. Developed by Canadian indie studio Causal Bit Games in this pixel-art action platformer is more than just a tribute to the classics — it’s a game born from love, family, and pure nostalgia.
The Story Behind the Game
One of the most touching things about Battle Princess Madelyn is its origin story. The game was inspired by developer Christopher Obritsch’s daughter, Madelyn, who wanted to be in a video game where she was the hero. Not only did he make that wish come true, but he crafted an entire game around her, complete with her animated likeness, magical powers, and a loyal ghost dog companion named Fritzy.
This heartfelt origin gives the game a unique soul, and it’s one of the rare titles where the family connection is felt throughout the journey.
Gameplay: Classic Meets Modern
At its core, Battle Princess Madelyn plays like a hybrid between Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, Wonder Boy, and Castlevania. It’s a 2D side-scrolling action platformer filled with ghosts, skeletons, knights, and epic bosses. The gameplay is tight and challenging, offering both arcade and story modes.
- Arcade Mode: Fast-paced action with linear levels and old-school difficulty.
- Story Mode: More expansive, with exploration, NPCs, side quests, and Metroidvania-style backtracking.
Players wield spears, swords, and magic to defeat enemies, and the ghost dog companion can assist in various ways, such as reviving Madelyn or attacking foes.
Pixel Art Perfection
The visuals are gorgeous — handcrafted pixel art that oozes charm and detail. Whether you’re traveling through eerie forests, crumbling castles, or haunted crypts, each environment is beautifully rendered and full of surprises. The character animations are smooth, and boss designs are imaginative and menacing.
Soundtrack That Hits the Right Nostalgic Notes
The game features two full soundtracks — one orchestral and one retro-style chiptune — both composed by Gryzor87 (Maldita Castilla). Players can switch between them, depending on their preference. Both versions add depth to the emotional and epic feel of the adventure.
A Game with Heart
Beyond its mechanics and visuals, Battle Princess Madelyn shines because of the heart poured into it. It’s a celebration of childhood dreams, of gaming’s golden era, and of father-daughter love. That emotional foundation sets it apart from other retro-inspired titles.
Available Platforms
- PC (Steam)
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- Wii U (yes, seriously!)
- PS Vita (digital only)
Tips for New Players
- Try both modes: Arcade for a fast-paced, linear experience, and Story for a deeper, more exploratory one.
- Upgrade your magic powers — they can really turn the tide in tough battles.
- Expect to die often: this is old-school difficulty with no hand-holding.
- Use your ghost dog wisely — he’s not just cute, he’s powerful!
Final Verdict
Battle Princess Madelyn is more than just another indie retro game. It’s a lovingly crafted tribute to old-school platformers, built with personal passion and artistic flair. While the difficulty and structure may not be for everyone, fans of games like Shovel Knight, Ghosts ‘n Goblins, and Hollow Knight will find a lot to love here.
“A little girl’s dream turned into a battle for the ages.”