When I first got my hands on Outrider Mako at the Playism booth during PAX East 2025, I was immediately transported into a world that felt like it was pulled straight from a Studio Ghibli film. Specifically, it reminded me of Spirited Away—a personal favorite. The ethereal, dreamy atmosphere, the hand-crafted world design, and the emotional storytelling instantly took me back to that magical Ghibli headspace.
If you’re searching for a cozy, Ghibli-esque experience with touches of Zelda-style gameplay, then Outrider Mako is a must-have for your game library this summer.
What is Outrider Mako About?
You play as Mako, a young girl who unexpectedly falls into the Mayoi World—a mysterious place that exists between the human world and the spiritual one. After arriving, she finds herself at a strange location known as the Bumon Delivery Center. It’s here she meets Mozu, a curious creature who claims the place is a package delivery service.
With little explanation, Mako is enlisted as an Outrider, tasked with delivering packages across this surreal world. Her objective? Complete deliveries and collect seal stamps in a special notebook given to her by Mozu. Those stamps might just be the key to finding her way back home.
A World That Feels Like a Playable Ghibli Film
The graphics in Outrider Mako blend retro and modern design sensibilities. It has a polished pixel-art style with a soft color palette that gives the world warmth and depth. It’s not overly detailed or flashy, but that’s part of its charm. There’s something intentional about the design—it invites exploration rather than overwhelming the player with visual noise.
Think of old-school top-down adventure games with a distinctly Japanese cultural influence. From rustic towns to hidden spirit-filled zones, the world feels spiritually alive and layered with meaning. Shrines, floating structures, and unusual characters make it feel as though every corner holds something sacred or forgotten.
Hands-On Demo Experience
Getting into the demo for Outrider Mako was a real treat—and one of the biggest surprises was how combat stood out as a core focus of the gameplay. While the game has cozy and narrative-rich elements, make no mistake: this is an action-forward experience with tight, satisfying combat mechanics that keep you constantly engaged.
The demo kicks off with a short tutorial to get you familiar with the basic movement and how to handle yourself in the Mayoi world. Movement feels light yet responsive, with a unique bounce to how Mako navigates the environment. But it’s when the enemies start showing up that the game truly comes alive.
Combat revolves around a fast-paced blend of jumping, dodging, and striking, using red nectar to slow or trap enemies mid-fight. This isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a strategic tool that plays into how you handle groups of enemies. Jumping onto enemies has real weight and purpose, letting you stun them, create space, or follow up with a well-placed hit. Chaining attacks and using nectar tactically to control the battlefield felt both fluid and fun. It reminded me a bit of platform fighters mixed with adventure game timing.
What stood out most was the variety of encounters, even in a short demo. There were smaller enemies you could bounce on quickly, and others that required a bit more finesse—like timing your nectar use or attacking from certain angles. I also noticed elements like Divine Blessing Talismans, which boost Mako’s abilities and influence combat strategies. These kinds of upgrades suggest there’s depth in customizing your approach as you progress.
I enjoyed how well the action was paced. You’re not constantly in combat, but when it happens, it matters. Whether you’re protecting a package route or unlocking an area, defeating enemies often rewards you with loot or access to key items you’ll need to complete deliveries. I look forward to what is to come for main Bosses for its final release.
More Than Just Deliveries – Narrative Feel and Emotional Tone
Much like Spirited Away’s Chihiro, Mako is a girl caught between two realities. She doesn’t fully understand the world she’s in, but she’s learning to navigate it with courage and curiosity. There’s no heavy-handed exposition—just simple storytelling layered with emotion.
Mako delivers to players in the game Outrider, and this feature has meaning that goes beyond gameplay. Every delivery is a step in the process of Mako regaining her identity. Through this subtle storytelling, the top-down action game makes an impact on the player.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Wishlist Indie Gem
Playing Outrider Mako wasn’t just a demo. It was like stepping into a modern folktale. And if that notebook of seal stamps is anything like Chihiro’s train ticket or Haku’s name, then I’m fully on board for the rest of the journey. This adorable and extremely fun top down 2D action game that is filled with so much that will keep you hooked from start to end so definitely wish list as it releases June 23rd, 2025.
Stay tuned for more of our PAX East 2025 adventures.