Belgian indie studio Badass Mongoose released a demo for their puzzle-adventure title, Helix: Descent N Ascent, on Steam on the 16th. The game is also slated to participate in the Steam Next Fest, running from February 23 to March 2, 2026.

The demo provides a 30-minute window into its monochrome puzzle-adventure gameplay. Players will utilize three specific abilities to navigate and solve puzzles, all while encountering a dark entity that hinders their actions. The full version of Helix: Descent N Ascent is set to launch on PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch in Q2 2026.

Helix: Descent N Ascent features a distinct monochrome art style, drawing inspiration from 1980s indie comics, 1990s animation, and 1970s Franco-Belgian comics. The soundtrack is composed by Jim Guthrie, known for his work on Sword and Sorcery, Nobody Saves The World, and Below. These elements combine to create an artistic journey set in Helix, a forgotten world where ancient powers are awakening, and players must combine abilities to unravel the mysteries of a lost civilization.

The game follows a protagonist on a quest for the truth. Players will encounter a doppelgänger and face various puzzles while uncovering their identity. Through solving these puzzles, players gain new abilities and combine them to explore the desolate landscape.

Helix: Descent N Ascent explores deep emotional themes such as identity, solitude, and relationships, delivering a narrative-free experience through its black-and-white artwork, 2D backgrounds, and Jim Guthrie's music. The game was produced with financial support from the Rayonnement Wallonie grant and Wallimage.