Fallen Tear: The Ascension, the Filipino-developed Metroidvania RPG by Winter Crew and published by CMD Studios, has taken center stage at PAX West 2025 after winning multiple awards. The game proudly earned Gamerheads’ Podcast Best of PAX West 2025, Kurosh’s Pick of PAX West 2025, and CrossPlay Conversations’ Game of the Show, cementing itself as one of the event’s biggest standouts.
A Classic-Inspired Metroidvania with JRPG Depth
In Fallen Tear: The Ascension, players step into the role of Hira, a child fated to challenge ancient gods. The game merges the emotional storytelling and party-building of classic JRPGs with the exploration-driven freedom of Metroidvania titles, along with light roguelike elements where every defeat carries lessons forward.
Check out our interview with the creator here:
Players will explore over 20 interconnected biomes filled with secrets, hidden pathways, and dangerous foes. With a hand-drawn 2D art style, lush environments, and a world that shifts in response to Hira’s actions, Raoah feels alive and unpredictable.
Bonds, Battles, and Exploration
Combat emphasizes strategy and adaptability, allowing players to slash, parry, and swap weapons mid-battle. Beyond solo combat, the Fated Bonds system introduces over 16 fully-voiced allies, each with unique skills and backstories, making party dynamics as important as exploration.
Roguelike mechanics add replayability, while progress and upgrades carry through each run. Players can also customize their own Castle, unlocking minigames, upgrades, and forging relationships with allies that grow alongside the story.
A Love Letter to Classic JRPGs
With its gorgeously hand-animated art, voice-acted cast, and inspirations from both JRPG legends and modern indie greats, Fallen Tear: The Ascension has been described as “Final Fantasy meets Hollow Knight in a hand-painted world.”
Available Platforms
Fallen Tear: The Ascension is available on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. For more information about the game, visit its official website.
