The curtains are pulling back, the lights are up, and a brand-new kind of chaos is coming to the multiplayer arena. Veteran Colombian independent developer Efecto Studios has officially pulled the wraps off their latest project: Bunraku.

If you are tired of the same old cookie-cutter fighters and are looking for something with serious artistic flair and frantic energy, this is one to put directly onto your radar. Destined for Steam, PlayStation 5, and the Nintendo Switch 2, Bunraku blends fast-paced platform brawler mechanics with a gorgeous visual style deeply inspired by the ancient art of Japanese puppetry.

What is Bunraku?

Named after the traditional form of Japanese puppet theatre, Bunraku places players in dynamic, shifting theatre arenas. But don’t expect a polite, quiet stage play. This is a high-octane multiplayer brawler where up to eight players can face off simultaneously—either via chaotic local couch play or online against rival puppeteers.

The core gameplay centres around swift ninja dashing, precise parrying, and environmental mastery. Players can find scrolls scattered across the stage to trigger powerful Jutsu abilities, turning the tide of battle in a single, cinematic stroke.

Key Features at a Glance:

• Frantic Ninja Fights: One-hit-strike mechanics driven by precision dashing and split-second parries.
• Up to 8-Player Chaos: Bring the whole squad with support for massive local or online PvP battles.
• Traditional Aesthetics, Modern Pace: A striking visual style that treats the game arena like a shifting theatre stage.
• Next-Gen Ready: In development for PC, PS5, and Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch successor.

Play Bunraku for Free This Weekend!

You don’t have to wait until launch to get your hands on the strings. Efecto Studios has just launched a free playtest on Steam, open from right now until June 14.

Whether you want to test your reflexes against the community or grab some friends for a chaotic couch-gaming session, the theatre doors are officially open. Head over to the Bunraku Steam store page, click “Request Access,” and start mastering your inner battle puppeteer.

Check Out the Game & Join the Discussion

• Steam Store Page: Search for Bunraku on Steam to wishlist and join the playtest.
• Developer: Efecto Studios

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