A Roguelike with a Cultural Edge

With the roguelike genre quickly becoming one of my favourite ways to enjoy games, I needed to check out Mexican Ninja at Gamescom 2025. First revealed back in July as a 2.5D beat ’em up with a distinctly cultural twist, seeing it in action is one thing — but getting hands-on with it is an entirely different experience.

The project, developed by Madbricks, Amber, and REDRUM, is still a work-in-progress. But after speaking with franchise writer and director Carlos Rincones and creative director Darío Hoyo, it was clear that passion runs through every aspect of the game. Mexican Ninja isn’t just about delivering satisfying gameplay loops; it’s also about creating a cohesive package where art direction, music, and mechanics all come together seamlessly.

Taking the Fight to the Narkuzas

The narrative foundation remains under wraps, but the demo started in Nuevo-Tokyo, a hybrid metropolis under siege by the Narkuzas — an unholy alliance between Mexican Narcos and Japanese Yakuza. Equipped with a katana, I dove straight into the action with little need for tutorials.

Combat is fast and responsive, built on a mixture of swordplay, dodging, and memorising enemy attack patterns. Smaller foes fell quickly, but tougher enemies demanded precision and patience. With each stage, the intensity ramped up, filling the screen with threats that tested both timing and reflexes.

Spirit Powers and Mexican Jutsus

What sets Mexican Ninja apart from other roguelikes is the variety of powers at your disposal. Beyond the katana, players can tap into abilities and spirit techniques that open up new tactical options.

A spinning slash often saved me from being overwhelmed, while unique Mexican Jutsus unlocked as I progressed. One run gave me the ability to rain down knives with each skill, while another turned my dash into a damaging strike. This evolving build system hints at strong replayability, with strategic decisions shaping each attempt.

Stage selection also plays a big role — choosing more challenging routes promises greater rewards, but at the risk of an early death. During my demo, greed got the better of me more than once.

Nuevo-Tokyo’s Striking Fusion

The visuals of Nuevo-Tokyo deserve special mention. Madbricks has done an impressive job blending Mexican and Japanese cultural aesthetics into a neon-lit playground of destruction. Street signs, decorations, and vibrant environments set the stage for chaos, while over-the-top combat call-outs add comic-book flair to the action.

It’s a world that feels distinct, and one that keeps players engaged run after run.

A Roguelike Worth Watching

In a genre overflowing with contenders, Mexican Ninja makes its mark by leaning into cultural fusion, high-octane combat, and clever progression systems. The hands-on session suggests that it has the right mix of accessibility and depth, with enough flair to stand out.

If Madbricks can continue refining its blend of roguelike challenge and cultural storytelling, Mexican Ninja could well be a breakout hit when it launches in 2026.