Wonder Potion, the South Korean developer behind the critically acclaimed 2023 cyberpunk action platformer Sanabi, has recently unveiled a free prequel expansion titled Sanabi: A Haunted Day. The original game, celebrated for its stylish pixel art, Bionic Commando-inspired grappling mechanics, and compelling narrative, earned widespread recognition and favorable comparisons to titles like Katana Zero.
This new, complimentary DLC delves into events preceding the main game, placing players in the role of Major Song, a character with a minor presence in the original storyline. Major Song embarks on an investigation within an expansive robot scrapyard, a locale reportedly plagued by unusual occurrences. The expansion introduces a distinct gameplay experience, as Major Song forgoes the protagonist's iconic grappling hook, instead leveraging agile aerial maneuvers such as an endlessly recharging mid-air jump. Additionally, she wields a formidable shotgun and can uncover other weaponry scattered throughout the scrapyard, offering a fresh combat dynamic. While the developers haven't explicitly stated their reasons for making the expansion free, it is speculated to be a fulfillment of commitments made during Sanabi's successful crowdfunding campaign, which significantly surpassed its goals.
Despite its free status, A Haunted Day has received enthusiastic feedback, mirroring the success of the base game with a 96% positive rating on Steam. Players have lauded its ability to maintain the high-quality standards of the original while enriching the character narratives. Notably, the expansion's alternative moveset, incorporating a shotgun dodge, projectile parry, and double-jump, has been praised for providing a satisfying and equally complex experience in the absence of the grappling hook. The developers originally intended to release shorter, mini DLC episodes, but given Sanabi's unexpected success, they opted to create a more substantial and meaningful expansion, which now offers several hours of gameplay. As this is described as the "first" spin-off DLC, it hints at future expansions yet to come. To access A Haunted Day, players must own the base game, which is currently available at a 35% discount until December 10.
This endeavor by Wonder Potion exemplifies a commitment to player satisfaction and creative ambition. By not only fulfilling but exceeding initial crowdfunding promises, they have delivered a rich, engaging experience that stands on its own merits while enhancing the overarching narrative of the Sanabi universe. Such generosity and dedication foster a strong community and demonstrate how developers can elevate player engagement through thoughtful and well-executed content.
