Developer: Minnapad Pte. Ltd.
Publisher: Minnapad Pte. Ltd.
Genre: Metroidvania, side scroller, 2D Platformer, fighting,
Price: Play test on Steam!
Release Date: 2027
Where to Try: Steam
Dhalman stands out as one of the most eccentric indie concepts in recent memory, blending side-scrolling Metroidvania exploration with 2D fighting-game encounters and curry restaurant management. Spearheaded by Minnapad with character designs by Capcom veteran Satoru Yamashita (Street Fighter II, Final Fight) and a soundtrack by Akari Kaida (Mega Man series), the title wears its arcade lineage on its sleeve. The game follows 15-year-old Dhalman—a descendant of Bodhidharma—as he travels the globe collecting exotic spices, battling street fighters, and upgrading his family’s restaurant. Across its core gameplay loops, visual identity, and structural mechanics, Dhalman delivers a flavorful fusion of classic arcade combat and modern simulation elements.
The fundamental exploration loop in Dhalman builds directly on traditional Metroidvania progression. As players navigate sprawling stages across India and international locales, collecting rare spices doubles as both a narrative driver and a character upgrade system. Acquiring new spices grants Dhalman signature abilities—ranging from limbs that stretch across screens to fiery breath attacks—that unlock previously inaccessible pathways and secrets. The level design balances platforming hazards with hidden collectibles, keeping spatial traversal engaging while consistently tying exploration rewards back into the restaurant’s operational needs.
Combat transitions smoothly from general side-scrolling skirmishes to dedicated, technical 2D boss encounters. Rather than standard platformer boss fights, Dhalman shifts into a traditional fighting game layout against a varied roster of combatants. Bosses actively adapt to player input patterns over time, requiring players to diversify their strategy rather than relying on repetitive combos. The combat mechanics evoke classic arcade fighters, rewarding precise spacing, rapid reaction times, and effective deployment of unlocked spice abilities during high-stakes street tournaments.
Between combat tours, the curry restaurant simulator provides a meaningful pace shift and resource sink. Players use harvested spices and tournament earnings to staff the shop, craft new menu items, and expand the family business. This management loop feels integral rather than tagged-on, as restaurant profits fund equipment upgrades and character boosts blessed by divine entities like Ganesha. The interplay between action phases and management upkeep establishes a satisfying rhythmic cycle, ensuring that every successful expedition directly reflects in the shop’s growth.
Visually and rhythmically, Dhalman oozes personality through its vibrant pixel art and Bollywood-inspired flair. Satoru Yamashita’s character designs bring expressive life to the cast, while Akari Kaida’s energetic soundtrack keeps the momentum high during platforming and fight sequences alike. While balancing three distinct genres—Metroidvania, fighting game, and management sim—presents inherent pacing challenges, the title unifies these ideas through cohesive thematic framing. Dhalman proves to be a distinctive, ambitious entry in the indie landscape, delivering arcade-fueled action wrapped in an undeniably unique package. We Look forward to the final product when it releases in 2027!
