A fan made 2D fighting game of puzzle dating sim Helltaker is in development, with the original creator’s approval.

The free puzzle game launched in May 2020, and along with a 1st anniversary update and the creator’s own comics, the game’s fan community has been continually pumping out content. One fan is taking things further with a full blown game of their own.

Kyo-hei announced they are working on a Helltaker 2D fighting game. According to the project’s Patreon; the final game aims to have 11 playable characters, online battles, “various fun animation expression like Skullgirls,” and “beautiful graphics and battle tempo like Guiltygear [sic].” Extra goals include the Examtaker as a playable character, and a simple story mode for each of the game’s characters.

You can find the concept for the character select screen below; which notably has 15 characters rather than the originally proposed 11 to 12.

WIP animations have also been shared by Kyo-hei on Twitter. Those fearing the game will be slammed by a DMCA can relax; Helltaker developer Vanripper has approved of the project. “I always love your art, Kyo! Good luck on the project!”

Fighting game Them’s Fightin’ Herds started as a fan-made 2D fighting game of My Little Pony; before a cease and desist letter from Hasbro. The game was reworked with original characters, with My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic creator Lauren Faust offering to design the characters.