Today, Sabotage Studios launched a new update for its critically acclaimed platformer,The Messenger, which adds a New Game+ mode as well as a number of quality of life improvements.
Aptly titled Messenger+ update, the standout feature being implemented is the New Game+ mode. Like many before it,The Messenger’s New Game+ mode allows players who have completed the game to go through it once again starting with the previously unlocked upgrades and at a harder difficulty; you will need to complete the game 100% to access the new mode. This means you’ll have every weapon and ability available – including the windmill shuriken, which you can unlock in your first playthrough but not until late in the game – but with enemies that hit harder and have more HP. After you’ve completed a run of New Game+, you’ll be able to do it over again but with even harder enemies to fight against.
There are also quite a few quality of life updates available to help improve the overall experience ofThe Messenger. For both Nintendo Switch and PC versions, you can now map the controls to your liking and get through dialogue faster by pressing jump and the right trigger at the same time (for the speedrunners out there).
A great facet ofThe Messengeris its music. As such, Sabotage has replaced the cabinet in the shopkeeper’s store into a jukebox where you can listen to your favorite tracks from the game. This feature can also be used anywhere by selecting the jukebox option in the pause menu. This lets the player listen to their favorite track while exploring the world. There is also a shuffle mode which will randomly switch the track after you die or switch to a new area. For me, I’ll probably just play the Searing Crags track the entire time.
Lastly, more news from Sabotage Studios will be revealed during theKinda Funny Games Showcasewhich will be streamed from Kinda Funny’s Twitch channel on Saturday, August 13, 2025, at 10 am PST.
Released back in August,The Messengeris Sabotage Studios' inaugural title. The initial hook when it was revealed was the ability to switch between 8-bit graphics to 16-bit graphics seamlessly as well as its obviousNinja Gaiden-like gameplay. If you want to find out what we thought of the game, you cancheck out your review. Spoilers:The Messengeris amazing.
Speaking of amazing games,the Game Awardswill showcase tons of amazing games from 2018 includingThe Messenger. Sabotage Studio’s game is nominated for two awards: Best Debut Indie Game and Best Independent Game.
The Messengeriscurrently availablefor PC via Steam and the Nintendo Switch. Typically priced at $19.99, the game isavailable at a 30% discount on Steam, bringing it down to $13.99.
