Focus Entertainment and developer Mad About Pandas have unveiled a fresh look at their upcoming puzzle-platformer, Yerba Buena, during the Galaxies Spring Showcase. Alongside a new gameplay overview trailer, players can now try the experience firsthand through a newly released demo on Steam. The full game is set to launch on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Yerba Buena follows Barb, a young woman who lives as an NPC inside a forgotten video game project. She sets out to save a fading version of San Francisco by navigating cleverly designed platforming challenges.
The gameplay revolves around the Oscillator, a tool that lets players scan objects and extract their properties. Players can then apply these properties elsewhere using the game’s standout Copy and Paste mechanic, actively reshaping the environment in creative ways.
This system opens up a wide range of possibilities. Players can transfer movement from vehicles to buildings, turn rigid surfaces into springy platforms with bounce effects, and even use environmental elements like gas to alter solid structures. The game also allows players to combine multiple properties, encouraging experimentation while letting them reset actions at any time.
The free Steam demo offers a solid introduction, featuring the tutorial and the first three levels, along with a glimpse of the game’s characters and mechanics. Progress made here will carry over to the full release.
With its inventive mechanics and distinct concept, Yerba Buena is shaping up to be a standout in the puzzle-platformer space. So, go ahead and try the demo right now!