Perth-based indie studio Mystic Road has unveiled their upcoming roguelike deckbuilder, Zodiac Mountain, slated for PC release via Steam in 2026. This innovative title invites players to join a determined Panda on a quest to prove their worth and join the revered Chinese Zodiacs.
The game draws deeply from Chinese cultural roots, offering players not just strategic gameplay but also immersion in rich mythological narratives. Set against the mystical landscapes of ancient China, Zodiac Mountain promises to deliver a unique gaming experience that balances challenging gameplay with cultural storytelling.
A Culturally Inspired Journey
At its heart, Zodiac Mountain explores a question that has intrigued many: why isn’t the Panda among the traditional Chinese Zodiac animals? Lead developer Kevin Jiang shares that this simple childhood question became the creative spark for the game’s concept.
“As my first indie game, I wanted to draw from my Chinese roots,” explains Jiang. “I’ve always wondered how the Zodiacs were chosen — and growing up, people often asked me why the Panda wasn’t among them. That simple question became the spark for Zodiac Mountain.”
The game isn’t just a personal passion project for Jiang but also represents a thoughtful blend of modern gaming mechanics with traditional Chinese philosophy. As a longtime fan of roguelike deckbuilders, Jiang aimed to bring something fresh to the genre by incorporating elements of Chinese mythology and philosophy.
Innovative Dual Hands Gameplay
What sets Zodiac Mountain apart is its unique “Dual Hands System” that draws from the concept of balance in Chinese philosophy. Players simultaneously manage two card hands—Yin and Yang—with the ability to move cards between them, changing their effects when played.
“The core mechanic draws from the concept of balance—players hold a ‘Yin’ hand and a ‘Yang’ hand, and moving cards between them changes their effects when played. We believe this system offers both flexibility and strategic depth, while also celebrating cultural stories and ideas that inspired it,” Jiang notes.
This innovative approach allows players to create powerful synergies and unlock a wide array of abilities, enhancing strategic decision-making during gameplay. By mastering the management of these dual hands, players can improve their capabilities against diverse Chinese-themed enemies and mythical creatures.
Strategic Turn-Based Combat
Combat in Zodiac Mountain features a strategic turn-based system that encourages players to carefully plan their moves, balancing offensive and defensive strategies to overcome various adversaries. The game introduces a Dynamic Turn Queue system that allows players to plan moves in advance, adding another layer of strategy as they work to outsmart enemies and grow stronger throughout their journey.
Visually Stunning Ancient China
The game’s visual design draws inspiration from traditional Chinese artistic styles, particularly ink paintings and watercolor art. Players will explore rich tapestries of Ancient China through procedurally generated mountains and ever-changing environments, ensuring unique playthroughs each time.
These environments are populated with intricately designed character depictions from Chinese mythology, further immersing players in the cultural richness of the game world.
Demo Coming Soon
While the full release is scheduled for 2026, eager players won’t have to wait long to experience Zodiac Mountain. A Steam demo is launching on September 29, 2025, giving players their first opportunity to climb the mystical mountain and test their strategic skills.
The game will also participate in the upcoming October Steam Next Fest, using the event to build momentum and gather player feedback before its full launch.
About the Developer
Mystic Road is an independent game studio based in Australia dedicated to creating thoughtful and visually distinctive games that blend strategy, storytelling, and cultural themes. Zodiac Mountain represents the studio’s commitment to developing games that not only entertain but also celebrate diverse cultural narratives.
For lead developer Kevin Jiang, the project represents both a professional milestone as his first indie game and a personal journey connecting with his cultural heritage.
Looking Ahead
As Zodiac Mountain prepares for its demo release later this month and full launch in 2026, it stands as a promising addition to the roguelike deckbuilder genre. By weaving together strategic gameplay, cultural storytelling, and innovative mechanics, Mystic Road aims to deliver an experience that resonates with both strategy game enthusiasts and those interested in culturally rich narratives.
With its unique dual-hand system, turn-based combat, procedurally generated environments, and cultural depth, Zodiac Mountain appears poised to carve out its own distinctive space in the indie game landscape—offering players the chance to help a determined Panda climb to legendary status among the Chinese Zodiacs.
