Maddy Thorson, co-creator of Celeste, is developing City of None, a Game Boy-inspired Metroidvania that already looks stunning in its early footage. The pixel art captures that classic handheld aesthetic while delivering the kind of intricate level design Thorson proved she masters with Celeste's brutal platforming.
City of None trades Celeste's vertical gauntlet structure for horizontal exploration. Players navigate interconnected areas, uncover abilities, and backtrack through familiar spaces with newfound powers. The monochrome art style is deceptively gorgeous, with sharp sprite work and fluid animation that respects the 1990s Game Boy hardware limitations Thorson embraces rather than fights against.
This matters because the indie scene needs more auteurs making games on their own terms. Thorson built Celeste into a phenomenon through raw design chops and willingness to tackle mental health themes without preachiness. City of None signals she's not resting on that success, instead pushing into unexplored genre territory.
The game doesn't have a release window yet, which stings. The footage showcases something rare: a developer operating at peak creativity with a clear artistic vision. Thorson gets the fundamentals right. Every animation reads clearly. Exploration rewards curiosity. The whole package whispers competence.
When City of None launches, it will demand attention. For now, the wait burns.