GNAW Unveiled: Pre-Apocalyptic Saurian Metroidvania Bites Onto PS5, Xbox, Switch, & PC in 2026

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REDSTART INTERACTIVE CONFIRMS MULTI-PLATFORM LAUNCH FOR DINO CITY ACTION-ADVENTURE. The world of action-adventure gaming just got a massive bite taken out of it with the official announcement of GNAW, a uniquely positioned pre-apocalyptic, side-scrolling title. Developed by Redstart Interactive, this Metroidvania-style game thrusts players into the chaotic heart of a saurian civilization on the brink of self-annihilation. The game is slated for a 2026 release across all major platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, promising a blend of ’90s-style combat and deep, modern exploration.

The premise is as compelling as it is absurd: in a bustling metropolis known as New Dino City, a catastrophic ‘MEATeor’ strike has undone millions of years of societal evolution, reverting the dinosaur population to a primal, cannibalistic state. Players assume the role of Mack Ripley, an insatiable raptor and the sole survivor of a bizarre scientific experiment, whose newfound superpowers are the city’s last hope against total collapse. This blend of prehistoric setting and dark, comedic apocalyptic theme positions GNAW as a unique offering in the crowded indie gaming market.

Core Gameplay: Dynamic Combat and Metroidvania Exploration

Redstart Interactive has emphasized that GNAW is designed around fluid, skill-based gameplay, reminiscent of beloved classic side-scrollers while incorporating the depth expected of a modern Metroidvania. The traversal and combat mechanics are deeply intertwined with the central theme of consumption.

The Power of the Bite: Mack Ripley’s abilities are literally fueled by his appetite. Chomping on feral enemies and critters is the core mechanic for refueling health, recharging projectile slugs, and unlocking new moves. This establishes a constant, aggressive feedback loop that drives the dynamic combat system.
Customizable Dino Powers: Players gain an arsenal of over 16 combat and traversal abilities, allowing for highly personalized playstyles. Whether players prefer close-quarters melee combat or ranged attacks using “gobshots,” “boombasts,” and “gumbooms,” the upgrade tree allows for intricate customization and build diversity. This depth is a crucial feature for high replay value.
ParkSaur Traversal: New Dino City is a vast, interconnected vertical cityscape. The platforming challenges will require players to master Ripley’s fluid moveset, including bouncing for vertical ascent and agile dipping to avoid enemy attacks. Exploring the seven distinct, sprawling regions—from the seedy Underbelly to the overcrowded Sky Square—will unlock new areas as Mack’s abilities expand, a hallmark of the Metroidvania genre.

A Lore-Rich World on the Brink: New Dino City

Beyond the frenetic action, GNAW promises a compelling narrative set in a richly detailed pre-apocalyptic world. The city’s collapse is not just a backdrop for the action; it’s a mystery for the player to unravel.

Jon Lawitts, the sole developer behind Redstart Interactive, noted: “We wanted GNAW to be more than just a throwback. It combines the strong, satisfying combat of ’90s mainstays with a deep, lore-rich world full of societal unrest. Mack’s journey through New Dino City is about saving a civilization that was already imploding, adding a layer of tragic depth to the chaos.”

A Cast of Strange Characters: The city is populated by strange allies, twisted villains, and over 150 unique, snarling creatures. Engaging with these denizens and encountering terrifying bosses will expose millions of years of hidden lore and the deep-seated primal intentions that led to the city’s self-destruction.
Unraveling the Diabolical Mystery: The central plot revolves around solving the mystery of the ‘MEATeor’ and the strange scientific events that transformed Mack Ripley. This narrative focus elevates the title from a simple platformer to an immersive action-RPG adventure.

SEO and CPC Keywords in the Action Platformer Space

The game’s specific genre combination targets several high-value keywords for digital marketing and game promotion:

High-CPC Keywords: Next-Gen Metroidvania, 2026 Video Game Release, Action Platformer PS5, Best Indie Games 2026, New Xbox Series X Adventure, Nintendo Switch Action Titles, Steam Early Access Demo (Demo currently available), Customizable Gameplay.
SEO Keywords: pre-apocalyptic side-scroller, saurian civilization game, dinosaur action adventure, Mack Ripley raptor, New Dino City, 2D action-RPG, retro-inspired combat, fluid moveset, challenging boss fights.

Developer Commitment and Immediate Player Access

The announcement also highlighted the availability of a playable demo on Steam, a strategic move that allows PC gamers to experience the core mechanics immediately, generating valuable word-of-mouth and building a wishlist base ahead of the full release. This transparent approach, combined with the commitment to fluid, ’90s-style controls on current-gen consoles and PC, has generated significant enthusiasm in the gaming community.

Conclusion: GNAW is poised to deliver a fresh, satisfying, and mechanically deep experience. By blending the beloved formula of a Metroidvania with a refreshingly dark and humorous prehistoric-meets-apocalyptic setting, Redstart Interactive has created a title that warrants attention from all video game enthusiasts. The 2026 launch on PS5, Xbox, Switch, and PC is highly anticipated, promising a truly memorable, skill-testing, and lore-filled journey into the end of days for the saurians. Prepare to sink your teeth into one of the most intriguing action adventure games of the upcoming release cycle.

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