23 Apr 2025
In a world where teacups are towers and leaves are umbrellas, Elusive invites players to see the familiar through an entirely new lens. Developed by Chibig - the indie team known for titles like Summer in Mara and Mika and the Witch’s Mountain - Elusive is a narrative-driven adventure set in a beautifully stylized, oversized world.
At its core, Elusive is a story about discovery, connection, and courage. The protagonist, Zoe, is a tiny "Elusive" - a race of small beings living hidden among us. After the disappearance of her father, Zoe sets out on a journey that will take her across towering gardens, winding interiors, and forgotten spaces in search of answers.
The game draws heavily from The Secret World of Arrietty and The Borrowers, blending that small-in-a-big-world magic with the emotional resonance of Ori and the inventive gameplay of It Takes Two.
Elusive’s gameplay mixes side-scrolling exploration with more open 3D segments, offering a dual-perspective experience that mirrors Zoe’s journey from small-time scavenger to bold explorer.
Hybrid 2D/3D Exploration: Zoe’s adventure transitions between 2D side-scrolling platforming and more open 3D environments. This creates dynamic gameplay where you’ll sneak under floorboards one moment and scale kitchen counters the next.
Tool-Based Progression: As she explores, Zoe finds and upgrades tools to aid her traversal. From grappling hooks to harnessing the wind with moth dust, every item you collect opens new paths and possibilities.
Creature Companions: Bugs and small animals aren’t just background characters - they’re allies. Some help Zoe navigate terrain, others play a part in puzzles or offer snippets of story.
A Living, Breathing World: The Red-Watering Can serves as the central hub, a community of Elusives that grows and evolves as Zoe collects resources and helps her fellow kin. Players will see it flourish with every success, reinforcing a sense of impact and progression.
Heartfelt Storytelling: With themes of family, belonging, and self-discovery, Elusive weaves a narrative that aims to be both heartfelt and adventurous - inviting players of all ages to connect with Zoe’s story.
Like Chibig’s previous titles, Elusive is being developed in Unity. The team’s expertise with the engine allows them to craft lush environments, expressive character animations, and clever level designs that emphasize both scale and intimacy.
The development hasn’t been without challenges. Multiple structural changes over time forced the team to rework elements of the game. But rather than derail the project, these shifts helped sharpen its vision. With a reinvigorated team and a clearer direction, Elusive has emerged stronger than ever - and it shows.
Launched on Kickstarter with a modest funding goal, Elusive quickly captured the hearts of thousands. The campaign not only smashed its initial target but unlocked multiple stretch goals, a testament to the community’s trust in Chibig and excitement for this tiny tale.
Elusive is set to release in 2027 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch (and its successor), and PC via Steam. It promises a deeply immersive journey packed with vibrant visuals, intuitive gameplay, and emotional storytelling - all wrapped in a world that feels as magical as it does massive.
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