Han’yo

Han’yo is a 2D side-scrolling action platformer set in ancient Japan, where players take on the role of Hiroko, a young samurai seeking revenge after her village is destroyed by the demonic Oni. The game features fast-paced combat, traditional samurai duels, and a visually striking ink-inspired art style, blending serene aesthetics with intense, lethal combat choreography. Developed by Hangover Studios, a student team at DigiPen Institute of Technology Europe-Bilbao, the game offers a short but atmospheric journey through a fantasy-infused feudal Japan.

Han’yo: A Masterclass in Student Game Development and Artistic Vision

Introduction: The Rise of a Revenge-Fueled Samurai Tale

In the vast ocean of indie games, Han’yo emerges as a striking testament to what a passionate team of students can achieve in less than a year. Developed by Hangover Studios—a collective of 11 second-year students at DigiPen Institute of Technology Europe-Bilbao—this 2D side-scrolling action game weaves a tale of vengeance, loss, and the indomitable spirit of a young samurai. Released on September 24, 2022, Han’yo is not just a game; it is a love letter to traditional Japanese art, a technical showcase of student ingenuity, and a narrative-driven experience that punches far above its weight.

At its core, Han’yo follows Hiroko, a young warrior whose village is obliterated by the demonic Oni. Her journey is one of retribution, but it is also a meditation on grief, resilience, and the cost of vengeance. What makes Han’yo remarkable is not just its premise but its execution: a handcrafted engine built from scratch in C++, a visual style inspired by classical Japanese ink paintings, and a combat system that demands precision and patience. Despite its short runtime (averaging around 30 minutes to an hour), the game has garnered widespread acclaim, boasting a “Very Positive” rating on Steam from over 340 user reviews.

This review will dissect Han’yo in exhaustive detail, exploring its development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, artistic direction, and lasting impact. By the end, it will be clear why Han’yo stands as one of the most impressive student-developed games of the past decade—a title that deserves recognition not just for what it is, but for what it represents in the evolution of indie and educational game development.

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Development History & Context: The Birth of a Student Masterpiece

The Studio and the Vision

Hangover Studios, the team behind Han’yo, was composed of six programmers and five artists, all second-year students at DigiPen Bilbao. The project was part of their academic curriculum, requiring them to develop a game from the ground up in just nine months—a daunting task for any team, let alone students still honing their craft. Yet, what sets Han’yo apart is the team’s ambition. Rather than relying on existing engines like Unity or Unreal, they chose to build their own engine in C++, a decision that speaks volumes about their technical prowess and dedication.

The vision for Han’yo was clear from the outset: a game that merges the aesthetic of traditional Japanese art with the visceral, high-stakes combat of samurai duels. Lead artist Leyre Fernández and the art team drew inspiration from ukiyo-e woodblock prints and sumi-e ink paintings, aiming to create a world that felt both historically grounded and fantastical. Meanwhile, the programming team, led by Iñigo Ojinaga (Engine Lead) and Elgar Pagnussatt (Lead Designer), focused on crafting a combat system that was both challenging and rewarding, emphasizing timing, precision, and the weight of each strike.

Technological Constraints and Innovations

Developing a custom engine in C++ within a nine-month window is no small feat. The team had to balance performance, flexibility, and ease of use, all while ensuring the engine could handle the game’s demanding combat mechanics and fluid animations. The result is a lightweight yet robust framework that powers Han’yo‘s fast-paced duels and seamless transitions between exploration and battle.

One of the most impressive technical achievements is the game’s animation system. Using Spine 2D for skeletal animation, the team brought Hiroko and her adversaries to life with fluid, dynamic movements that feel both weighty and responsive. The combat system, which relies on precise parries and well-timed attacks, required meticulous tuning to ensure fairness and depth—a challenge the team met with remarkable success.

The Gaming Landscape at Release

Han’yo entered a market saturated with indie platformers and action games, yet it carved out a niche for itself through its distinct art style and narrative focus. Released in late 2022, it arrived alongside heavyweights like Elden Ring and God of War: Ragnarök, games that also explored themes of vengeance and mythological conflict. While Han’yo lacks the scale of these titles, it compensates with intimacy and artistic coherence, offering a tightly crafted experience that resonates with players seeking something different.

The game’s free-to-play model also played a crucial role in its reception. By removing the financial barrier to entry, Han’yo reached a broader audience, allowing players to experience its beauty and challenge without hesitation. This decision, combined with its availability on Steam, ensured that the game could compete in a crowded marketplace, standing out through word-of-mouth and organic praise.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive: The Weight of Vengeance

Plot and Character Analysis

Han’yo opens with a scene of devastation: Hiroko’s village lies in ruins, its people slaughtered by the Oni and its minions. Her grandfather, her mentor and sole remaining family, is murdered before her eyes, leaving her with nothing but her katana and an unquenchable thirst for revenge. This premise is simple yet powerful, tapping into universal themes of loss, justice, and the moral ambiguity of vengeance.

Hiroko is a compelling protagonist not because of her complexity, but because of her relatability. She is not a seasoned warrior but a young girl thrust into a world of violence, her journey one of both physical and emotional growth. The game’s narrative is sparse, relying more on environmental storytelling and visual cues than lengthy dialogue. This minimalist approach allows players to project their own interpretations onto Hiroko’s journey, making her struggle feel deeply personal.

The Oni, the game’s primary antagonist, is a formidable presence, both physically and symbolically. Representing the embodiment of chaos and destruction, the Oni serves as the ultimate test of Hiroko’s resolve. The game’s climax, set in the sacred mountains, is a masterclass in tension and payoff, with the final confrontation carrying the weight of Hiroko’s entire journey.

Themes: Revenge, Grief, and Redemption

At its heart, Han’yo is a meditation on the cost of vengeance. Hiroko’s quest is not glorified but presented as a necessary, if painful, path to closure. The game does not shy away from the emotional toll of her journey, using its visual and auditory design to underscore the loneliness and determination of her mission.

The theme of grief is ever-present, from the hauntingly beautiful landscapes that mirror Hiroko’s internal turmoil to the somber soundtrack that accompanies her travels. The game’s art style, with its ink-like textures and muted colors, reinforces this sense of melancholy, creating a world that feels both alive and haunted by the past.

Redemption, too, plays a crucial role in Han’yo‘s narrative. While Hiroko’s goal is revenge, her journey is also one of self-discovery and acceptance. The game’s ending, without spoiling details, offers a moment of catharsis that feels earned, a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.

Dialogue and Storytelling Techniques

Han’yo employs a minimalist approach to dialogue, with much of the storytelling conveyed through visuals and gameplay. This decision enhances the game’s immersive quality, allowing players to infer meaning from the environment and Hiroko’s actions rather than through exposition. The few lines of dialogue that do exist are delivered with weight, each word carrying significance in the context of Hiroko’s journey.

The game’s use of silence is particularly effective. Moments of quiet, whether during exploration or between battles, serve to heighten the tension and emphasize the isolation of Hiroko’s quest. This restraint in storytelling ensures that Han’yo never overstays its welcome, delivering its narrative with efficiency and impact.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems: The Dance of the Samurai

Core Gameplay Loop

Han’yo is, at its core, a combat-focused platformer. The gameplay loop revolves around traversing beautifully rendered environments, engaging in duels with enemies, and progressing toward the final confrontation with the Oni. The game’s structure is linear, with each level designed to test the player’s mastery of combat mechanics while gradually introducing new challenges.

The platforming elements are straightforward, serving primarily as a means to transition between combat encounters. Hiroko’s movement is fluid, with responsive controls that make navigation intuitive. The game’s side-scrolling perspective allows for precise jumps and dodges, ensuring that platforming never feels frustrating or unfair.

Combat: Precision and Punishment

The combat system is where Han’yo truly shines. Inspired by traditional samurai duels, the game emphasizes timing, patience, and precision. Hiroko’s katana is her primary weapon, and each swing carries weight, requiring players to commit to their actions carefully. The combat is deliberate, with a strong focus on parrying and counterattacking rather than mindless button-mashing.

Enemies in Han’yo are designed to challenge the player’s reflexes and adaptability. Each foe has distinct attack patterns, forcing players to learn and react accordingly. The game’s difficulty curve is steep but fair, with early encounters serving as tutorials for the more complex battles that lie ahead. The Oni, in particular, is a formidable opponent, demanding near-perfect execution to defeat.

One of the most innovative aspects of Han’yo‘s combat is its “lethal combat choreography.” The game encourages players to string together attacks and parries in a rhythmic, almost dance-like fashion. When executed correctly, these sequences feel incredibly satisfying, akin to performing a perfectly timed kata. This emphasis on flow and precision sets Han’yo apart from other action-platformers, making its combat system one of its most memorable features.

Character Progression and UI

Han’yo does not feature a traditional progression system. Instead, Hiroko’s growth is tied to the player’s skill, with mastery of combat mechanics serving as the primary form of advancement. This design choice reinforces the game’s focus on skill-based gameplay, ensuring that success is earned through practice and adaptability rather than statistical upgrades.

The game’s UI is minimalist, with health and stamina bars displayed unobtrusively. This design ensures that the player’s focus remains on the action, with no unnecessary distractions. The lack of a traditional HUD also contributes to the game’s immersive quality, allowing players to fully engage with the visual and auditory experience.

Innovations and Flaws

Han’yo‘s most significant innovation is its combat system, which blends the precision of Dark Souls with the fluidity of Ninja Gaiden. The game’s emphasis on parrying and counterattacking creates a high skill ceiling, rewarding players who take the time to master its mechanics. Additionally, the custom engine and handcrafted animations demonstrate the team’s technical prowess, setting a new standard for student-developed games.

However, Han’yo is not without its flaws. The game’s short length, while intentional, may leave some players wanting more. Additionally, the lack of enemy variety and the linear structure can make the experience feel somewhat repetitive. Some players have also reported bugs and optimization issues, though these are minor and do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

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World-Building, Art & Sound: A Feast for the Senses

Setting and Atmosphere

Han’yo is set in a fantastical version of ancient Japan, drawing heavily from the country’s rich cultural and artistic traditions. The game’s environments are inspired by classical Japanese landscapes, with rolling hills, dense forests, and mist-shrouded mountains serving as the backdrop for Hiroko’s journey. Each level is meticulously crafted, with attention to detail that brings the world to life.

The atmosphere of Han’yo is one of quiet intensity. The game’s visuals, with their ink-like textures and muted color palette, create a sense of melancholy and introspection. This aesthetic choice reinforces the game’s themes of grief and vengeance, immersing players in Hiroko’s emotional state. The environments are not just backdrops but active participants in the storytelling, with each location reflecting the progression of Hiroko’s journey.

Visual Direction: A Living Painting

The art style of Han’yo is its most striking feature. Inspired by traditional Japanese ink paintings, the game’s visuals are a blend of simplicity and complexity. The use of bold, flowing lines and minimalist color schemes creates a sense of elegance and fluidity, while the detailed animations bring the world to life. The result is a game that feels like a living painting, with each frame worthy of admiration.

The character designs, too, are a testament to the art team’s skill. Hiroko is rendered with a delicate balance of strength and vulnerability, her expressions and movements conveying a depth of emotion that words cannot. The enemies, from the lowly minions to the towering Oni, are equally impressive, each designed to evoke a sense of dread and respect.

Sound Design: The Symphony of Silence

The sound design of Han’yo is understated yet impactful. The game’s soundtrack, composed of traditional Japanese instruments, enhances the atmosphere without overpowering it. The music is sparse, used strategically to underscore key moments and heighten tension. This restraint ensures that the soundtrack never feels intrusive, instead serving as a subtle companion to the visual experience.

The sound effects, too, are meticulously crafted. The clash of steel, the rustle of leaves, and the distant cry of crows all contribute to the game’s immersive quality. The lack of voice acting is a deliberate choice, one that allows players to focus on the visual and auditory cues that drive the narrative forward.

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Reception & Legacy: A Student Game That Punches Above Its Weight

Critical and Commercial Reception

Han’yo was met with widespread acclaim upon its release, earning a “Very Positive” rating on Steam with over 80% of its 349 reviews being positive. Players praised the game’s stunning art style, challenging combat, and emotional narrative, with many highlighting its impressive technical achievements given its student-developed origins. The game’s free-to-play model also contributed to its success, allowing it to reach a broad audience without financial barriers.

Critics, too, were quick to recognize Han’yo‘s strengths. The game was a finalist in multiple awards, including the 2023 Rookie Awards for Game of the Year (Console & PC) and the 2023 BIG Festival for Best Student Game. Its art direction and animation were particularly lauded, with the Ibero-American Animation Quirino Awards nominating it for Best Video Game Animation.

Evolution of Reputation

Since its release, Han’yo has continued to garner attention, both as a standalone experience and as a showcase of student talent. The game’s reputation has only grown, with many citing it as an example of what can be achieved with limited resources and a clear vision. Its success has also highlighted the potential of educational institutions like DigiPen in fostering the next generation of game developers.

Influence on Subsequent Games and the Industry

While Han’yo is not a commercial blockbuster, its influence can be seen in the growing trend of student-developed games that prioritize artistic vision and technical innovation. The game’s custom engine, handcrafted animations, and minimalist storytelling have set a benchmark for future projects, demonstrating that ambition and creativity can overcome limitations in budget and experience.

Moreover, Han’yo has contributed to the ongoing conversation about the role of educational institutions in game development. By showcasing the talent and potential of student developers, the game has helped to elevate the profile of programs like DigiPen, encouraging more aspiring developers to pursue their passions.

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Conclusion: A Triumph of Vision and Execution

Han’yo is more than just a student project; it is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and technical skill. In just nine months, Hangover Studios crafted a game that stands toe-to-toe with professional indie titles, offering a tightly woven narrative, a visually stunning world, and a combat system that demands and rewards mastery. Its themes of vengeance, grief, and redemption resonate deeply, while its art style and sound design create an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

While the game is not without its flaws—its short length and occasional bugs chief among them—these are minor quibbles in the face of its many strengths. Han’yo is a triumph of student game development, a shining example of what can be achieved with limited resources and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

In the annals of video game history, Han’yo may not be remembered as a commercial juggernaut or a genre-defining masterpiece. But it will be remembered as a game that punched far above its weight, a labor of love that showcased the talent and potential of its creators. For that alone, it deserves a place among the most impressive indie games of its generation.

Final Verdict: 9/10 – A Masterful Blend of Art, Combat, and Emotion

Han’yo is a must-play for fans of action-platformers, samurai tales, and games that prioritize artistic vision. Its short runtime belies its depth, offering an experience that is as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning. For a free game developed by students, it is nothing short of extraordinary—a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring appeal of a well-told story.