PIO: A Robot’s Story Will Combine the Soulslite Genre with a Powerful Story

PIO: A Robot’s Story is a new science fiction adventure that has caught the attention of gamers with its demo shown at the Tokyo Game Show. Developed by Black Caviar Games, the game puts you in control of a young inventor named Kir. The story revolves around Kir’s journey to find his kidnapped father. Beginning in a retro-futuristic Moscow, the adventure expands to much larger and more diverse regions in later chapters.

PIO: A Robot’s Story Combines Soulslite Structure with Exploration

In terms of gameplay, PIO doesn’t stick to a single genre. The game combines third-person action, platforming, parkour, and soulslite systems. While environments are largely linear, different paths, side quests, and hidden areas encourage exploration. Thanks to Kir’s mobility, it’s also possible to climb industrial areas and sneak behind enemy lines.

The combat system is also based on diversity. Players can use electric-based ranged weapons, melee weapons, and a special glove that provides area-of-effect attacks. Enemy robots have different attack styles, while various resources can be collected by dismantling boxes and machines in the environment. These materials are then used in the equipment crafting and upgrade system.

One of the game’s real strengths may be its story. Kir, already a troubled child known to the authorities, is drawn into a much larger event when his father is kidnapped. The development team states that the narrative initially progresses slowly but quickly develops into a more mysterious and emotional structure.

Moscow is only the starting point of PIO’s world. A significant portion of the game is said to take place on remote islands in the North Pacific, with vast areas open to exploration. PIO: A Robot’s Story is planned for early access release in 2027, with a demo also targeted for release before the end of the year.

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