May 25, 2026 | Radical Fish Games and Little Legendary are excited to announce a new collaboration between CrossCode, Alabaster Dawn, and SHADE Protocol, revealed through a new video that just premiered today, May 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM CEST.
The collaboration brings together three fast-paced, pixel-art action RPG worlds known for stylish combat, expressive characters, and a deep love for strange, spectacular worlds. Fans can get their first look at the collaboration in the reveal video, which will debut alongside the announcement.
The reveal also arrives shortly before SHADE Protocol’s Kickstarter campaign launches on June 4, 2026, giving players a first look at one of the collaborations and surprises planned around the game’s upcoming community campaign.
Useful Links:
- SHADE Protocol Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3581730/SHADE_Protocol/
- SHADE Protocol Kickstarter Page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/littlelegendary/shade-protocol
- SHADE Protocol Website: https://www.littlelegendary.com/
- Alabaster Dawn Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3110760/Alabaster_Dawn/
- CrossCode Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/368340/CrossCode/
- CrossCode Website: https://www.cross-code.com/
- Radical Fish Games Website: https://www.radicalfishgames.com/
SHIRAKUMO Nagi, original composer from CrossCode and Alabaster Dawn, crafted the beautiful track for this Collab Teaser Trailer. He returns as the lead composer for Alabaster Dawn and we hope to bring him in for guest tracks into SHADE Protocol as part of our Kickstarter goals!
“CrossCode and Alabaster Dawn represent so much of what we love about indie games: depth, charm, mechanical creativity, and a clear artistic identity,” said Kendall Quinones, Game Director at Little Legendary. “To have SHADE Protocol connected to those worlds in any way is incredibly meaningful for us. We are huge fans of Radical Fish Games, and we cannot wait for players to see what we have been working on together.”
The reveal video will offer a first glimpse at how the collaboration connects the games, with more details to be shared following the announcement.
SHADE Protocol is an upcoming 2D cyber-fantasy Metroidvania where players take control of Zura, a shield-wielding heroine fighting through a world of music, machines, memory, and loss. The game features fast-paced action combat, a system of instrument-based weapons, and reality-bending abilities that let players cut, shift, and reshape the world around them.
CrossCode, developed by Radical Fish Games, is a critically acclaimed 2D action RPG known for its fast combat, puzzle-heavy dungeons, charming characters, and retro-inspired pixel art. Alabaster Dawn, also from Radical Fish Games, is the studio’s new action RPG currently in Early Access, set in a world recovering from ruin and featuring exploration, elemental combat, and deep progression systems.
The collaboration will be officially revealed on May 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT / 5:00 PM BST / 6:00 PM CEST, ahead of SHADE Protocol’s Kickstarter launch on June 4, 2026.
KEY FEATURES
- Dynamic Combat System – Mix precision melee combat with specialized Instruments, executing devastating combos, parries, and counters. Swap between DAWN and SHADE modes to adapt to different playstyles in real-time.
- UNISON System – Rewrite Reality – The world of SHADE Protocol exists as code. Wield it to manipulate events, relive key moments, and choose their ultimate outcome, shaping the fate of entire factions.
- Unique Defensive Mechanics – Perfectly timed parries and counters restore Echo, a vital energy source for powerful Instrument attacks and defensive maneuvers.
- Instruments – Weapons That Sing – Wield an arsenal of musical weapons, including the Twilight Spear, Sunrise Great Axe, and Midnight Chakram, each with distinct combat and exploration abilities.
The war is lost. The song is rewritten. Will you take the stage?
ABOUT SHADE PROTOCOL
SHADE Protocol is a 2D Metroidvania from Little Legendary, blending fast-paced action, precise combat, pixel art, and a story about humanity, grief, music, and machines. Players take on the role of Zura, a young heroine inheriting a broken legacy as she fights to protect what remains of humanity in a world transformed by the SHADE virus.
ABOUT LITTLE LEGENDARY
Little Legendary is an independent game studio creating genre-defying experiences for PC and next-generation consoles. Our mission is simple: craft unforgettable games. We believe indie teams should challenge convention, take bold risks, and focus on delivering moments players will remember long after the credits roll. Specializing in single-player adventures, we build rich, fantastical worlds filled with compelling characters and unpredictable stories. By pushing the boundaries of the genres we love, we aim to inspire awe and wonder—reminding players why they fell in love with games in the first place.
ABOUT RADICAL FISH GAMES
Radical Fish Games is the independent studio behind CrossCode and Alabaster Dawn. Known for expressive pixel art, deep action RPG systems, and charming worldbuilding, Radical Fish Games continues to build beloved, mechanics-rich games for players around the world.
ABOUT STUDIO CLICKBOOM
Professional animation studio that has participated in anime projects like "Fate/strange Fake", "HoyoFair", "Hyakuemu" and more, created the spectacular animation for this Collaboration Teaser Trailer. Find more about them at: https://www.instagram.com/clickboomstudios/
Article by: Susan N.
