MANILA, Philippines – Feb. 19, 2026 – Fallen Tear: The Ascension, the story-driven, hand-animated sidescrolling Metroidvania from developer Winter Crew and publisher CMD Studios, forms fated bonds on PC via Steam Early Access on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Fallen Tear: The Ascension will arrive on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One at a later date.
To forge a high-quality, distinct Metroidvania experience for its loyal community of fans and Kickstarter backers, CMD Studios and Winter Crew plan to work with their community to provide early access updates over the coming months. With 15-20 hours of content, the Early Access release includes 10 interconnected regions, six main bosses (and three optional bosses!), and the story’s opening act.
Rove through the lush forests and expansive caves of Raoah as Hira, a mysterious child burdened with the task of facing ancient gods. Befriend allies to establish Fated Bonds, and harness their powers to utilize their abilities in both combat and traversal. Upgrade skills and masteries throughout Hira’s journey to take on ferocious monsters.
Presented through meticulously hand-drawn 2D animation and full voice acting, explore Raoah’s ever-changing map, transforming in response to Hira’s actions, and uncover every secret buried within. Beloved JRPG elements weave seamlessly into the Metroidvania formula: discover new party members strewn across Raoah, and call upon their combined power with a Fated Rush attack. Seek out hidden pathways, learn enemy attack patterns, and master deep mechanics.
“The world of Fallen Tear: The Ascension has evolved so much over the years,” said CMD Studios founder Stephen Manalastas. “The Early Access release is packed with areas to explore, bosses to face, and Fated Bonds to enhance Hira’s adventuring prowess. We’re excited to hear the passionate voices of our incredible community throughout Early Access, and can’t wait to shape Fallen Tear into an experience like no other.”
Fallen Tear: The Ascension backdashes onto PC via Steam Early Access on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, for $19.99 USD. Visit the official website for more information, keep up to date with the game on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and Reddit, follow its conversations on Discord, and wishlist the game on Steam.
About CMD Studios
Founded in Manila, Philippines, CMD Studios sets out to recreate the great memories and experiences of gaming’s past. The studio’s name is its ethos, highlighting the Creative Minds and Designs as the foundations upon which truly memorable experiences are built, to build with greatness, work with kindness, and inspire with purpose.
