![Hands-On Report: “Iron Bramble,” a Gothic × Cyber Metroidvania. Blending Movement and Combat—Dance Through the Air Like a Ballet! [TGS 2026]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/7723.jpg)
![Hands-On Report: “Iron Bramble,” a Gothic-Cyber Metroidvania. Blending Movement and Combat, Dance Through the Air Like a Ballet! [TGS 2026]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/7726.jpg)
The "Tokyo Game Show 2026" (hereinafter "TGS2026") was held at Makuhari Messe from Thursday, September 17, 2026, through Sunday, September 20, 2026.
In this article, we’ll share our hands-on experience with “Iron Bramble,” a new Metroidvania game developed by the team behind “Rusted Moss,” one of the titles on display.
Players can choose between two control schemes for this game: “Agile” and “Traditional” (which can be changed freely later).The “Agile” layout is a bit unique but allows for simultaneous jump and aim controls, which are key to mastering *Iron Bramble* as they increase your freedom of movement. In contrast, the “Traditional” layout is the standard configuration but does not allow for simultaneous jump and aim controls.
For this playthrough, I selected the “Agile” layout.
The protagonist is Lilac, a young girl with lovely red hair wearing a beautiful dress. Her refined, ladylike speech makes her adorable right from the start. The figure floating behind Lilac is apparently named Pack. Is he something like Lilac’s guardian spirit? Even at this early stage of the demo, you can sense that she’s had her share of hardships.
In this game, you move by jumping and using the “grapple”—a wire-based action system.
This grapple mechanic is surprisingly tricky…! In the tutorial stage, you can see a holographic demonstration showing how it’s done, but depending on when you deploy the wire, you might not get enough distance or swing, causing you to fall.
However, once you’ve watched the hologram over and over and finally get the timing right… it feels absolutely amazing! A little further into the game, you’ll get a gun, and by combining its recoil with the grappling hook, you can make big leaps—or even pull enemies closer with the wire and blast them—allowing for some truly acrobatic movement!
The graphics are also eye-catching. Stunning, fluidly animated pixel art! With a vampire-like princess in a dress, an ancient castle, a mechanical sidekick, and mechanical traps scattered throughout the castle, it’s a Gothic-meets-cyber Metroidvania title.
After struggling a bit with the wire-swinging action along the way, my demo ended just as a mysterious being in a strange space spoke some cryptic words to me.
Looking at the equipment screen, you can equip weapons in three categories: Main, Sub, and Special. According to the official website, in addition to firearms, there will be plenty of stylish (or tacky) dresses and accessories. I’m really looking forward to seeing how Lilac enjoys these fashion elements!
*Iron Bramble* is scheduled for release in 2027 for PC (Steam) via PLAYISM, and a demo is currently available on Steam.
![Hands-On Report on the Gothic × Cyber Metroidvania Game “Iron Bramble.” Fuse Movement and Combat to Dance Through the Air Like a Ballet! [TGS2026]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/7731.jpg)
