In the last Dev Update we’ve talked about music being your companion throughout the game, anywhere you go, the music is there. Today we’d like to share more details about the pixel-art and cinematics that are present in Janosik 2, and spill some tea about their creation process.
Creating Sprites and Backgrounds
Janosik 2’s visuals are a love letter to classic games, combining retro pixel art with fresh animation techniques. The game’s sprites and backgrounds were drawn by hand, one pixel at a time in Aseprite. To keep the vibe of old-school platformer, Marcin used a limited color palette and focused on clean, and readable designs. The final pixel-art is simple, yet vibrant and expressive, mixing modern animations with retro charm.
Rotoscoping Magic
All cinematic sequences in Janosik 2 were created using the rotoscoping technique. This process involved recording short video clips of desired animation sequences, which were later redrawn frame-by-frame in Aseprite. Every movement - from running and weapons swings, to more complex gestures - was first recorded to make the animations as precise as possible. By doing so, Marcin was able to achieve smooth and lifelike animations, which are hard to achieve while drawing pixel art. It’s a bit like creating a flipbook, but with each pixel carefully placed in the sequence.
Thanks to rotoscoping and hand-drawing all pixel art, Janosik 2 is a game that feels both familiar and fresh, combining smooth, lifelike animations with the charm of classic pixel art. Every scene, movement, and background element was crafted with a dedication to detail and an appreciation for the art form, creating an experience that, we hope, will appeal to fans of pixel art and newcomers alike.
For those curious about the pixel art in a distinctly different setting check out Undead West—a gritty, black-and-white pixel adventure set in a haunted Wild West. Where Janosik 2 brings bright colors and lifelike rotoscoped animation, Undead West goes old-school with a bold, 2-bit palette inspired by classics like Downwell and Minit. It’s a different kind of retro: stark, shadowy, and packed with western action.
We've talked about Janosik's companions in the previous Dev Updates, but there is something else that will accompany you during your journey into the Highlands - the music!
The man behind Janosik 2's soundtrack is Juhani Junkala, a talented composer from Helsinki, Finland. We first came across Juhani's work on OpenGameArt, where several of his tracks immediately caught our attention. In fact, we liked them so much we reached out to him with a proposal to collaborate on Janosik 2. Thankfully, he was up for it, and that's how the music for the game came to life!
While Juhani has since stepped away from creating music for games, we’re thrilled that Janosik 2 was one of his last stops in the industry. His work quite literally puts the “fairy” in our tale, bringing the magic of the game to life in ways we couldn’t have expected.
When it comes to inspiration, we wanted the soundtrack to have the same folk-inspired atmosphere that we had in the original Janosik. The goal was to stay true to that vibe while evolving the sound to match the new gameplay in Janosik 2.
The sound design was an entirely different tale... A lotryt of sound effects you'll hear in the game, from the sound of coins being picked up, to punches, various effects, and even the character voices and... grunts - all of these were recorded by none other than Marcin "Onix" himself. In addition to the homemade sounds, we also obtained a fantasy sound pack, which included various magical sound effects, helping to round out the game’s audio experience.
If Janosik 2's folk melodies have you hooked, you might want to take a ride over to Undead West. VoltzSupreme’s soundtrack brings a whole new vibe with its spaghetti western tunes, blending banjos, trumpets, and even some heavy electric guitar riffs for the boss fights. It’s got that old-school western charm but with a modern punch, perfectly matching the game’s intense pace.
We’re excited to announce that Janosik 2: Prologue is now available! This free prologue introduces you to the world of Janosik 2, featuring a standalone story set just before the events of the main game.
Join Janka on her adventure as she prepares for a date night with her boyfriend. But her evening takes an unexpected turn when the sinister Baron de Blonde, servant of the wicked Countess Bathory, disrupts her plans.
Along the way, you’ll unlock new abilities like double jumping, freezing enemies, air dashing, illuminating darkness, and wall climbing. Use these powers to overcome obstacles and conquer 8 challenging levels!
For those looking for another adventure, our friends at Deathless Games have just released a demo for their western-themed roguelike bullet hell, Undead West. You play as a cowboy killed in a revolver duel against the Man in Red, but Death offers you a chance at revenge by bringing you back to life.
Dev Update: Embracing the Myths and Legends in Janosik 2
Hey everyone,
As we're getting closer and closer to the release of Janosik 2, we're happy to share more about the world we're building and the legends that inspire it. Aside from being an action-packed adventure, the journey you will soon embark on leads straight into the heart of Slavic folklore, where the history and myths intertwine.
Let's start with the man himself - Janosik was a real historical figure who lived in what is now Slovakia at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. Like a Slavic Robin Hood, Janosik was known for helping the poor by robbing the rich. As a leader of a band of outlaws – he became famous for his bravery and cunning.
However, Janosik 2 draws inspiration from folk legends surrounding Janosik, rather than true story of his life. In these stories, Janosik has often been portrayed with superhuman abilities – bullets couldn’t harm him, and he could leap great distances thanks to his shepherd's axe. Always one step ahead of his enemies, Janosik’s journey in the game will lead him to face not only human foes but also legendary creatures like witches, devils, and vampires.
You already know that Janosik isn't fighting alone—he's joined by Bogdan, the Werewolf, and Hugo, the (vegetarian) Vampire. Together, they stand against the resilient forces of the nefarious Countess Bathory and work to save Janosik's beloved, Janka, from the grasp of Baron de Blonde. As a formidable team, they will face countless challenges, combining their unique strengths and abilities to overcome the dark threats that lie ahead.
Speaking of Countess Bathory, she is the primary antagonist in the game, drawing inspiration from the historical figure Elizabeth Báthory, who was rumored to be a vampire. As Janosik's most significant challenge, she embodies the dark and eerie atmosphere that echoes through the Highlands, setting the stage for intense confrontations.
Janosik 2: Prologue Releases October 1st
We're excited to announce that Janosik 2: Prologue will release in just a few days, on October 1st. In this prelude to the main game, you'll step into the shoes of Janka, as she faces off against the cunning Baron de Blonde. This standalone adventure features 8 challenging levels filled with tricky enemies and environmental obstacles. Get ready to uncover the events leading up to Janosik’s dramatic encounter with Bathory's goons!
If you'd like to learn more about the brutal world of Undead West, we've just posted a Devlog describing the journey you will embark on in this upcoming roguelite shooter.
The Undead West Demo will also be available starting October 1st, so you can mark your calendars for a Double Feature gaming session of your own!
During your adventures in the Highlands, you will face a vast array of enemies, each more dangerous than the last. As you venture through treacherous mountains, dense forests, and dark dungeons, Janosik’s journey is filled with fearsome bosses, Countess Bathory’s goons, wild animals, and creatures straight from myths and legends, all determined to stop the fearless Highlander in his tracks. From cunning bandits to ancient spirits, every encounter is designed to challenge not just your combat skills, but your ability to adapt and strategize on the fly and think creatively. The toughest of your adversaries will often require you to switch characters and use their abilities in the right order to bring them down.
You meet the Crossbow Man early in the game. This enemy is much tougher and more dangerous than regular goons. He shoots two arrows when he notices you, but the good thing is that you’ll already be able to switch to Bogdan and block these attacks. Later in the game, you can also get a nice upgrade to reflect his arrows and use them against the Crossbow Man.
Rondel is the first boss in Janosik 2. He’s not a good man (obviously) and treats people really badly. When you first encounter Rondel, Janosik has no weapons. This is where a little creativity and use of the environment will come in handy.
A maniac in a rabbit mask. A giant at least 10 feet tall, mumbling something about sacrificing all the time. He’s a very powerful enemy that you’ll meet later in the game. Jan Rabbit has different types of attacks, like throwing hammers, causing huge stones to fall from the sky, and… well, you’ll see. We don’t want to spoil it for you.
As the dust settles after each hard-fought battle in Janosik 2, you’ll realize that every clash with an enemy sharpens your skills. From minor threats to towering bosses, each encounter is a significant part of your journey. The challenges you face are more than just obstacles; they are parts of a story, and each triumph brings you closer to rescuing Janosik and his friends from Countess Bathory’s grasp.
ONGOING STEAM PLAYTEST
In case you missed it, we’re running an open Steam Playtest for Janosik 2 and Undead West. Both games feature pixel-art, character-driven stories, with Janosik 2 focusing on fairy-tale platforming action, and Undead West opting for wild-west combat roguelite. The games are available to test out until September 23rd.
The first-ever Janosik 2 Steam Playtest is now live! It is the first time you can play our game, and we strongly encourage you to try it out, and let us know your thoughts. We're eager to see, hear and read as much feedback as possible as it will help us make Janosik 2 the best game it can be.
At the same time, we're running another playtest for Undead West, an upcoming western-themed roguelite shooter. Both are pixel art character driven stories, with Janosik 2 putting emphasis on fairy tale platforming action and Undead West opting for wild west combat roguelite.
If you watched Janosik 2's trailer, you're probably familiar with the scene of Janosik blissfully running towards Janka, only to find out it's a trap and fall into the hands of Countess Bathory... But what led to that dramatic twist? That's where Janosik 2: Prologue comes in.
Set directly before the events of the main game, the prologue serves as a prelude to the unforgettable adventure awaiting Janosik. This time, you take on the role of Janka, Janosik's sweetheart, as she gets read for what was supposed to be a wonderful date with her boyfriend. However, her plans are rudely interrupted by the cunning Baron de Blonde, acting on behalf of the devious Countess Bathory,
In this bite-sized adventure you'll guide Janka through 8 challenging levels filled with tricky enemies, enviromental obstacles, and hidden secrets. As you progress through the prologue, Baba Yaga, who runs a magical shop filled with powerful upgrades, will help you learn how to freeze enemies, double jump, dash through the air, or scale walls without breaking a sweat. Each ability not only helps Janka overcome future challenges but also opens up new pathways and secrets in areas you've already explored.
Janosik 2: Prologue is more than just a teaser; it’s a full-fledged adventure on its own. A true prologue, one might say, as it gives you a unique chance to experience Janka’s side of the story and see what led to Janosik’s unfortunate encounter with Countess Bathory's goons.
We're happy to announce the upcoming Open Steam Playtest for Janosik 2. On Monday, September 16, we'll enable the option to sign up for playtest on the game's Steam Page. All you'll have to do is just click "Request Access" button to automatically add a Playtest application to your Steam library.
During this playtest you will be able to play the first couple of levels of Janosik 2, and let us know what you think about the game. On Monday we will post a link to the feedback survey, which is the best way for us to assess your feelings about the game, and we will also open dedicated sections in the Steam forums for the playtest.
The Playtest will last for a week, and will end on Monday, September 23. We hope to see as many of you as possible in there.
Another Playtest!
Next week, we’ll not only be playtesting Janosik 2, but also Undead West, another upcoming title from Retrovibe. It’s a roguelite bullet-hell filled with guns, whiskey, and tons of action, Check it out on Steam:
Make sure to join our Discord server to become a part of our Community and stay up to date with all things Janosik.
Until next time!
Dev Update: Fellowship of the Village
Hey everyone!
The Highlands are a beautiful place, flourishing with flowers, trees, and all kinds of plants, A sight to behold, you might say. Unfortunately, the presence of Countess Bathory and her goons makes them a really dangerous place. Janosik found this out the hard way having gotten captured and thrown into a dungeon when trying to make it to his date.
To help you survive the Highlands, and deal with the Countess' army, kind people around the village will offer to sell a variety of items that will surely boost your combat prowess, or make exploration easier. These items are not required to progress further in the game, but will surely come in handy when you want to become a treasure hunter, or explore all of the Highlands.
Map of the Village - Allows you to check your surroundings, and see where all cool people, including vendors, and certain people of interest, hang out.
Golden Compass - The magical compass unveils the location of treasures scattered around the levels on the map. Once you purchase this, all maps found in the future will have the treasure markers on them.
Harpoon - Janosik and his friends surely are great swimmers, but, unfortunately, they didn't learn how to use their weapons underwater. Instead, they rely on the Harpoon, which makes the underwater combat possible. Another advantage of buying this weapon is the ability to break rocks underwater to reveal hidden passages.
Eel Ring - Janosik once had the Sturgeon Ring in his possession. It allowed him to breathe underwater, Unfortunately, he lost it while he was taking a bath... Thankfully, the Witch at the Village has a similar trinket in her collection. The Magical Eel Ring will also let Janosik and his friends breathe underwater, hopefully they don't lose it this time.
Ring of Dexterity - Janosik would make a great Gymnast, as he has honed the ability to roll around to perfection. Ring of Dexterity is an icing to the cake, as it allows Janosik to dodge enemy projectiles, while rolling.
Potions - The witch is carefully brewing Potions in her hut, and offers them to people in need. These magical concoctions will completely refill your Health. Make sure to always have some tied to your belt, they will come in handy in the midst of battle.
To tackle the dangers of the Highlands, preparation is key. Whether you’re searching for hidden treasures, battling underwater foes, or when bullets are flying right at you, the right tools will make all the difference. Equip yourself wisely and take advantage of the items offered by friendly villagers. With their help, you'll be ready to face the challenges ahead, uncover the secrets of this treacherous land, and take fight directly to Countess Bathory.
Make sure to join our Discord server to join our Community and stay up to date with all things Janosik.
Until next time!
Free Prologue Coming Soon!
Hey everyone,
We're thrilled to announce the upcoming Janosik 2: Prologue. This free prologue serves as a prelude to the main game, offering a unique and standalone adventure that sets the stage for the epic journey ahead.
Janosik 2: Prologue tells the story of Janka, Janosik’s beloved, as she prepares for a romantic date night. However, things take a turn when her plans are interrupted by the evil Baron de Blonde, acting on behalf of the even more wicked Countess Bathory.
Get ready to explore vibrant levels, uncover hidden secrets, and face a variety of challenges that will test your reflexes and wit. The prologue provides a taste of the unique gameplay that Janosik 2 has to offer.
Don’t miss your chance to get an early look at the exciting world of Janosik 2 and experience the beginning of an exciting new chapter. The prologue will be free to play, so be sure to add it to your wishlist now to stay updated and be among the first to know when it becomes available! 👇
In most stories, heroes are rarely after riches and glory, it’s rather up adventurers’ alley. But who said you can't be both... Let’s be real - who doesn’t love a little bling? In Janosik 2, the heroes can certainly put the gold they find to good use. The world of Janosik 2 is filled with golden coins, hefty treasures, and precious gemstones waiting to be collected. These, however, are not just a collector’s delight. During your adventure, you will encounter characters who possess powerful items and are happy to trade them if your coin pouch jingles loud enough.
Riches beyond compare
When exploring the picturesque highlands, grim dungeons, twisted corridors, and even underwater, you will often stumble upon shiny treasure. Each collectible adds a certain amount of gold to your pouch upon pickup. Here’s a rundown of how much they are worth:
The rarer the treasure, the more it’s worth. But the real worth of the gold is defined by the items you can buy with it.
A journey worth every coin
You will encounter various characters on your journey. Some of them inhabit a nearby village you can visit, while others can be encountered around the levels. There is a clear distinction between them. The characters you meet outside of the village will offer you items necessary to progress further. Some of them include:
Double Jump Boots
Shepherd’s Axe
Repeater Beater
Rock Climbing Boots
Electro Shock
Items acquired from the encountered characters will be crucial, as they enable you to overcome certain obstacles or reach otherwise inaccessible places.
You will also be able to purchase items in the village - they are not required to progress in the story, but it doesn’t mean they are any less useful. Everyone in the village has heard the tales of brave Janosik, and his fearless companions, and wants to help them. The blacksmith is eager to upgrade your weapons, the inventor will be able to increase the size of your ammo pouch, while villagers are willing to sell a variety of items (for a fair price, of course), such as:
Map of the Village
Ring of Dexterity
Golden Compass
Eel Ring
Harpoon
Potions
You might also be interested in obtaining Treasure Maps, which indicate how many treasures are left on the level, and where to find them. Those are just a few examples, and the rest will be up to you to discover.
While working on Janosik 2, one of our goals was to make the exploration rewarding, and inviting. If we were to give out a single piece of advice, it would be to check every nook and cranny, as it may hold a treasure hoard. As you gather gold, think of it not just as a currency, or a collectible required for an achievement, but rather as a tool to overcome challenges, and welcome new possibilities.
You will be able to start your journey in Janosik 2 soon, and when you do, remember to keep your eyes peeled and your gold pouch filled, as every treasure you find and deal you make, will bring you closer to the glory you seek, and the victories you’ll take.
Upcoming Playtest
Staying on the topic of being able to give Janosik 2 a try soon...
Over the next weekend (September 5 - September 9) we will be playtesting Janosik 2, along with another upcoming retro title - Undead West a western-themed bullet hell roguelite, in which you’re on a quest for vengeance against the mysterious Man in Red. Check it out on Steam:
