Dark Queen of Samobor has launched its Kickstarter campaign through Croatian developer Downtown Game Studio, which has also released the project's first public demo on Steam. The game is also taking part in the Games from Croatia festival, giving players an early opportunity to experience the adventure ahead of its full release.

Set in a world inspired by Croatian and Slavic folklore, the game pulls players into the pages of a storybook, turning its narrative into a tale lived from within. The journey follows a knight embarking on a raid into the realm of the Dark Queen, a feared ruler who has plunged his homeland into darkness and oppression.

The world is built around a haunting and immersive atmosphere, blending dark fantasy elements with cultural influences from the region. The experience explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and confronting the unknown, placing the protagonist against a threat that is as captivating as it is terrifying.

The handcrafted visuals draw inspiration from classic Disney animations and dark fantasy films from the 1980s. This artistic direction is enhanced by a cinematic camera system that uses environments and framing to strengthen the storytelling and highlight epic moments throughout the adventure.

Combat combines action focused encounters with hack and slash mechanics and axe throwing inspired by God of War, while exploration unfolds through a 2.5D side scrolling structure. Its oppressive yet contemplative atmosphere also recalls experiences such as INSIDE, reinforcing the focus on immersion and environmental storytelling.

The demo is currently available on Steam as part of Games from Croatia, while the crowdfunding campaign has been live since June 8. The full release is scheduled for early 2027, when this journey inspired by Slavic mythology and Croatian literature will arrive in its complete form.