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The Murals game brings classic fairy tales into a colorful action adventure, pairing familiar storybook inspiration with original characters and fast-paced combat. Developed by Dlala Studios, the game was revealed at Gamescom 2026 and is expected to launch next year. Its early preview suggests a linear, story-focused experience rather than a roguelite, with combat and exploration shaped by distinctive painted environments.
What to expect from the Murals game
Players take the role of The Hero, a mostly quiet protagonist who encounters stories inspired by works such as The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, and Rumpelstiltskin. Dlala’s version is not based on Disney’s adaptations; instead, it draws on classic fairy tales and gives them a distinct interpretation. The adventure also introduces original characters, including Toast, a sketch brought to life amid the chaos caused by creatures known as The Distorted.
In the preview, The Hero tries to help the Little Mermaid, who is seen traveling in a moving bathtub. Toast provides much of the dialogue, while The Hero speaks only occasionally. The short demonstration offered only a glimpse of the story, so the wider plot and the roles of these characters remain to be revealed.
Practical takeaway: Players interested in the narrative can expect a mix of recognizable fairy-tale references and new characters, rather than a direct retelling of a familiar film version.
Combat, weapons, and customizable abilities
Combat marks a major change from Dlala Studios’ earlier Disney Illusion Island, which did not include combat. In Murals, players fight groups of enemies in isometric arenas. The action takes cues from games such as Hades, while the different enemy types are designed around distinct behaviors. The arenas are relatively compact, with barriers and environmental hazards that influence movement and positioning.
The Hero’s equipment includes the Dixie Cut, an all-around melee sword, and the Dragon Medallion, a magical projectile weapon. The preview also showed the Wolfhammer, another melee option. Choosing when to attack at close range, when to use projectiles, and where to move around hazards appears central to each encounter.
Players can collect Eeries from Magic Dave, a scarecrow voiced by British comedian Bob Mortimer. These combat modifiers can be equipped or removed freely and remain available throughout the adventure. One Eerie gives projectiles a chance to freeze enemies; another can let the Wolfhammer electrify foes on impact. Experimenting with combinations may help players tailor their combat approach.
Progression and special attacks
Defeating enemies awards experience points, with additional bonuses for kill streaks. Leveling up can improve attributes such as damage and health. Enemies also drop Distortion, which fills a meter beneath The Hero’s health bar. Once the meter is full, players can unleash a powerful area-clearing move accompanied by a hand-animated visual effect.
The preview also showed The Hero skating through the environment on shoes resembling Heelys. Together, movement, weapon choices, Eeries, and the Distortion ability give players several elements to consider during fights.
Difficulty options and release plans
Dlala Studios says the game will include settings that let players adjust the challenge, making the adventure easier or harder. The studio expects it to be welcoming to a broad audience, while its combat systems offer room for players who want a more demanding experience. Because the preview did not include hands-on play or a full look at the settings, the precise options have not yet been detailed.
The Gamescom demonstration lasted about 30 minutes and ended before its showcased boss encounter. More details about the story, difficulty settings, and later stages are still to come. For now, the Murals game stands out as a painterly fairy-tale adventure with a linear story, lively arena combat, and flexible combat modifiers. Players following its development should watch for further announcements ahead of its planned launch next year.
