Enter Neo Nyokyo

In a far flung future, cat people rule Neo Nyokyo, a city run by corporations where many poor souls have moved hoping to change their fate. In the midst of countless corporate wars, the founder of Nekanica Incorporated has made a shocking move; they'll give up all of their assets to whoever wins his tournament. Drawn by the possibility of life changing wealth, the strongest warriors of Nyokyo have come together to compete in:

The Shadow Duel

Meet the Shadows

Nyattori

Nyattori is the conceited heir to a long line of ninjas going back to ancient times. While rude on the surface, they mean well and intend to use the fortune to help the unions unable to stand against the corporations. They fight by outmaneuvering their slower opponents before coming in for deadly attacks with their kicks and laser knife.

Special Moves

Light Kunai: ⇓⇘⇒ A/B 
Disappearing Slash: ⇓⇙⇐ A/B (Death Blow)

Toragana

Once a feared mercenary, Toragana fell into debt and eventually had to sell his body. Now a cyborg slave to the Tigrim Company, Toragana is entered into the tournament on behalf of his masters. Wielding powerful arm blades that can slice through all opponents, he boasts powerful ranged attacks and devastating combos.

Special Moves

Executioner's Slice: ⇒⇓⇘ A/B (Death Blow)
Opening Cut: ⇓⇙⇐ A/B
Beheading Blow: ⇓⇙⇐ A from Opening Cut
Leg Trimmer: ⇓⇙⇐ B from Opening Cut

How to Play

Shadow Duel is a traditional 2D fighter built around constant powerful mix-ups and defensive options. Those familiar with other 2D fighters like Street Fighter will adjust quickly. The following is a brief overview of the systems in Shadow Duel.

Controls

Note: Controls can be rebinded in game.

Keyboard

Player 1
WASD: Movement
F: Confirm/A (Light Attack)
G: B (Heavy Attack)
H: Dash Button
Space: Start/Pause

Player 2
Arrow Keys: Movement
.: Confirm/Light Attack
/: Heavy Attack
,: Dash Button
Escape: Start/Pause

Controller

D-Pad: Movement
A/Cross: Confirm/Light Attack
B/Circle: Heavy Attack
RB/R1: Dash Button
Start/Options: Start/Pause

Offense

In Shadow Duel, every character has access to powerful offensive tools, although they aren't made equal. Every character's standing B is a Thrust attack, an attack that can't be blocked while crouching. In turn, every character's crouching B is a sweep attack, an  attack that can't be blocked while standing. These vary in effect, with some of these attacks causing a knockdown, while others can be special canceled for combos. Additionally, many characters possess additional mix-up tools with their special moves.

Defense

Alongside the health bar, characters in Shadow Duel also have a Posture bar. When filled, the character enters a stagger regardless of what they were doing before it was filled. To avoid having your Posture bar filled, in addition to avoiding getting hit, you can Deflect attacks. To Deflect an attack, block it within 6 frames of beginning your block. Deflecting not only prevents any Posture damage, but inflicts posture damage onto the opponent and reduces the block stun of their attack, allowing you to turn the tables. Furthermore, when a player is staggered, you can use your Death Blow special to go in for an instant kill. 

Disclaimer

Shadow Duel was made as part of the Fighting Game April Jam 2026 in just over a month. Accordingly, the game likely has multiple bugs and balance issues that weren't fixed. If you find any while playing, please comment about them! Feedback is appreciated.

Credits

Mibeador
Team Leader and Head Designer

Zael
Lead Programmer

HyenaBreezy
Art, UI Design, and Voice Acting

ILikeChoc
Animation and Art

NilVO
Music and Voice Acting

Dunlop
Sound Design

pimen
Visual Effects