If you like cinematic action games like The last of usthen there’s an upcoming release that should be on your radar. The Summer Game Fest 2026 gave me the opportunity to discover Blood messagewhich looks set to deliver a deadly mix of gripping stealth, visceral hand-to-hand combat, and intense preparatory moments.
Under the radar
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Set in ancient China, it follows an anonymous hero and his son on an epic 1,000-mile journey across the scorching deserts of East Asia to the historic city of Chang’an to deliver a vital message. The duo must survive against impossible odds, traversing vast sieges and escaping the clutches of relentless enemy forces.
An epic journey
Because it’s the first solo title of Naraka: Blade tip developer 24 Entertainment, I didn’t know what to expect when I sat down for my demo.
Showcasing an early segment of the game, the demo opens with our protagonist searching a house, desperate to retrieve an important letter as hostile soldiers roam the surrounding town. The high production values are immediately apparent: everything here is rich in detail, with plenty of high-fidelity objects to grab and examine. The architectural style of the building around you is also striking, with its terracotta walls, sand floors and reed-thatched roofs.
While ancient China is certainly becoming an increasingly common setting in games, I can’t remember the last time I saw its barren desert regions depicted. I desperately want to explore more of its incredibly exotic environments and absorb its unique aesthetic.
When playing with a DualSense wireless controller, I also quickly appreciate how the movement is very smooth and benefits from impressive animation which, like The Last of Us Part 2looks seriously cinematic and realistic without sacrificing responsiveness.
It’s not long before I find myself in combat with a group of enemies, and it’s just as excellent. You have a heavy attack and a light attack, as well as the ability to parry. It’s by no means a unique formula, but the impeccably fluid way in which the protagonist interacts with the environment leads to some of the most captivating encounters I’ve ever experienced. There’s real meat to your swings, making enemies realistically stumble and stagger.
Attacking an enemy next to a stacked wooden shelf will cause them to fall into it, dropping items onto the ground and stunning them for a moment. Land a powerful kick while your opponent is standing in front of a table, and they will be pushed over onto the ground, creating vital distance when you’re surrounded. If you’re unable to deflect an incoming strike yourself, you’ll often be forced to drop to your knees, pressing a button to throw anything heavy within arm’s reach to give yourself a few moments to escape.
Even though my combat time was limited, I was still impressed by the variety of ways fights could play out, especially when there was a companion ally in the mix. There were definitely moments that felt scripted, like when two enemies locked swords with me at the same time near the end of a brawl to spark a climactic struggle. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it helps introduce unexpected and exciting moments.
I really enjoyed going in with my sword drawn, but most of the time combat is entirely optional thanks to a robust stealth system. This is another area where Blood Message resembles The Last of Us Part 2forcing you to rush through tall grass and crouch to avoid patrols. Get behind one of your quarries undetected and you can initiate a brutal takedown, but be aware that any wrong move risks propelling you straight into open combat.
At times, getting spotted is inevitable, triggering explosive chase sequences that have you sprinting away from barrages of arrow fire, climbing up ledges, and jumping over perilous gaps. The path you need to take still feels very intuitive, although there are a few small alternative routes dotted around if you want to experiment.
Everything I’ve played could easily rival the output of a developer like Naughty Dog, and with Blood message slated for release on consoles and PC, this should be at the top of gamers’ wish lists.
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