Indian studio Tathvamasi has released the first gameplay trailer for its upcoming side-scrolling rhythm action platformer, SURI: The Seventh Note. The game is being developed under the PlayStation India Hero Project, which supports local game developers. The game is currently in development and a release date has not yet been announced. It will be released for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam.
SURI: The Seventh Note combines rhythm-based gameplay with the exploration style of classic Metroidvania games. Players step into the world of Ragamandala, where everything, from flames to massive waterwheels, moves to the pulse of a mysterious rhythm. Only a few beings, including the main character, are free from this spell and must uncover the secret behind it.
The game’s art direction stands out with its pen-and-ink style, inspired by India’s diverse culture and architecture. Each area draws from different parts of the country, such as the deserts of Rajasthan, the temples of the Himalayas, and the caves of Ajanta and Ellora. The developers aim to give the Metroidvania genre a distinctive Indian identity while staying respectful to mythology and tradition.
Music plays a major role in the experience. Tathvamasi has drawn inspiration from India’s folk music traditions, tying sound and rhythm closely to the gameplay and world design.
The studio cites influences from games like Hollow Knight, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Hades. It aims to create a mix of challenging action, atmospheric storytelling, and visual artistry.
