Blending 2D and 3D gameplay, Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is launching next month

With graphics and gameplay inspired by classics across the PS1, PS2 and N64 for the 3D design as well as the 2D art of the GBA and SNES, Anodyne 2: Return to Dust certainly looks and sounds good.

Nano Dust infects the islanders of New Theland, distorting their emotions and desires. You play as Nova, a Nano Cleaner who must explore the island, seeking out the sick and shrinking inside their bodies to suction up the Dust.

Anodyne 2: Return to Dust combines the thrilling scale and cinematic storytelling of 3D games with the tight design and easy-to-pick-up satisfaction of 2D Zelda-like adventures. With art that re-imagines the PS1 and N64 era, explore 3D cities, valleys, and wastelands then shrink into the varied 2D mindscapes of characters, from snowy, aurora-lit valleys to perilous volcanic construction sites!

The developer just recently announced that it's going to be launching in August, although they haven't yet given out an exact date as to when, will let you know when they do.

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Feature Highlight:

• In 3D, jump, drive, and walk across gorgeous and haunting locales, speaking with strange and memorable characters.
• In 2D, use your Nano Vacuum to collect dust, suck up and fight enemies, all while overcoming mind-bending challenges related to the characters’ inner lives.
• Experience the thrilling and emotional story of Nova. Her destiny is clear: she is the Nano Cleaner who will save New Theland. But strange characters & painful experiences will put her loyalty to the test...
• Choose where you want to go! The sweeping vistas of New Theland quickly open up to exploration.
• The Cards you find on your journey will allow you to access the outer reaches of New Theland.
• No waiting for horses! Instantly transform into a car to quickly drive around the world.
• Use your Spark to shrink into the bodies of the infected, explore the 2D Zelda-like dungeons within, and heal them.
• Enjoy the lush, dreamy and breathtaking 3D and 2D landscapes painted and pixeled by artist Marina Kittaka.
• Listen to over 50 new songs influenced by countless genres by Sean Han Tani, perfectly fitting the varied landscapes of Anodyne 2.

The good thing is you don't need to have played the first one. They said it's similar to Final Fantasy, so you won't be confused be the new story, however fans of the first may see some connections between them.

As for the Linux release, as they stated previously they will only be supporting Ubuntu and SteamOS. Since it's a Unity game, it should be fine across all distributions but don't expect full support if you're not on those two.

You can follow it on Humble Store, GOG, itch.io and Steam.