Windswept — this '90s-inspired platforming adventure about a duck and turtle finding their way home will have you reliving the glory days of the old Mario Universe games in no time.
Windswept is being developed by WeatherFell, while exclusively published and ported to all platforms by Top Hat Studios, Inc. Weatherfell is brought together by seven incredibly talented human beings, Jayce (lead dev), Dae, Zach & Pat, Alex, Daniel, and Danielle.
Inspired by some of the most renowned platformer games of the '90s and modern times including, Donkey Kong Country 2, Super Mario World, Yoshi's Island, Celeste, and many more, WeatherFell have made a nostalgia trip for the ages and innovated in a way that feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre that has endured the test of time.
The newest trailer for Windswept revealing a 2025 release date across all platforms was shown on June 4, 2024. A demo for Windswept has been available for quite some time though, so let's dive into everything about the Windswept demo!
Windswept is set in a world where you are just a little baby duckling swept away by a storm - with no recollection of where your home is. Marbles (duckling), now sets out on a perilous journey to discover the events that lead up to the storm in the first place.
So, we get back to the famous question… (once again) Why not? Why not try the demo for Windswept?
The art style that is portrayed in Windswept is a unique gentle homage to the '90s platformers we all knew as kids. The attention to detail is second to none with beautifully crafted hand-drawn pixel art that cannot be overlooked. The environments in which you traverse with Marbles and Checkers (turtle) are rich with vibrant colors and artistic decisions that have you feeling as if you are truly one within the world of Windswept.
Following the artistic beauty of Windswept we have the incredibly designed gameplay of this tranquil yet chaotic world. As you take control of Marbles and Checkers jumping, spinning, and fluttering your way through the world you'll encounter uniquely designed levels that offer challenges, hidden secrets, dynamic environments, puzzles, collectibles, power-ups, and boss battles that will have you tested in every skillful way possible. Now let's take a step back and talk about the game mechanics that make Windswept a truly special experience.
Between the engaging puzzles and challenges that will grace you upon your journey through Windswepts world, you will also have the option to earn hidden collectibles and bonuses throughout each level. The collectibles is what brings this game to life in a very unique way so let’s go into a quick deep dive of all the current collectibles in the demo and what to look forward to come full release.
Throughout the world of Windswept, you will find an abundance of collectibles. Now, if you're a do-it-all, need-it-all, loot goblin like me, you'll want to know all about these delectable collectibles.
Firstly, we have the cloud coin. This is a must-have, as they will be hidden throughout the levels (usually about three), and you won't be able to move on to other worlds without them.
Second is the moon coin. This is the reward for completing a bonus challenge, which subsequently appears at the end of the bonus stage. Again, make sure you are keeping a keen eye because these bonus warps you jump into in the real level are hidden as well. Once you step into them, you are thrown into the timed bonus challenge stage.
Third is the comet coin, always floating above at the end of each stage, but only if you find the other five comet coins that can be placed anywhere in the level.
Fourth are the star coins, or what I like to call "the catch-them-all coins." These coins are going to be used as a currency at a merchant called the "Laamp's Shade." At the Laamp's Shade, you can exchange star coins for action figures of friends and foes found throughout your journey, which you can put on display. Though this feature is not in the demo, it's exciting to think about how they will implement it in the full release.
Windswept has so much to offer a variety of different players, whether you are a cozy, laid-back gamer like myself, a speedrunner, or someone who wants to relive the nostalgic era of '90s platformers, this game is for you. One thing I have not mentioned, for you devilish speedrunners out there... Weatherfell has made sure to keep you in mind too. In the game options, you'll find both a game timer and a stage timer to help you perfect your runs.
I played through the demo for Windswept more than seven times, and I can confidently say this game does not disappoint in delivering a wonderfully playful experience. With the release date set for 2025, it's time to mark your calendar, wishlist on Steam, or anywhere you can to make sure that you don’t miss out on the beauty that is Windswept. If you haven't already tried the demo yourself, go ahead—ask yourself, why not?