Nullstar: Solus [Game Showcase]

Nullstar: Solus: A Gritty Sci-Fi Platformer for the Precision-Obsessed

In Nullstar: Solus, players enter a dark, sprawling universe where scavenger drones battle through the remnants of a decaying mega-structure. Developed by Smash Attack Studios, this 2D precision platformer offers a high-stakes experience on PC and consoles, sending players on a mission to retrieve shards of the Nullstar – a powerful energy source sought by everyone but controlled by no one.

This game centres around skill and speed. Players take on the role of a solitary, cutting-edge scavenger drone, navigating treacherous environments that demand razor-sharp precision and impeccable timing. Using an innovative “Flight Path System,” players can reroute power to boost speed in specific directions, allowing for swift turns and precise landings. Mastering this system is essential for anyone aiming for top spots on the global leaderboards, where each player’s speed and finesse are ranked against others.

The journey isn’t just about reaching the end, though. Every level reveals fragments of a haunting story through codex logs, recounting the desperate survival of another scavenger in a world ruled by a brutal, capitalist society. These logs and decryption challenges invite players deeper into the universe, where countless drones and scavengers risk their lives for a wage in deadly environments.

For those who thrive on fast-paced gameplay, this world delivers a highly competitive experience, offering unique ship skins, medals, and decryption rewards for those who excel at speed-running. Meanwhile, casual players will find their own rewards, moving at a pace that suits them and enjoying a richly crafted dystopian world. This universe is dark, rusted, and layered with relics of a long-gone age, and each new world reveals another piece of its haunting beauty.

As players advance, they’ll face environmental hazards and opponents that test their reflexes, such as pits of molten metal, razor-sharp robotic arms, and more. The mega-structure itself becomes an enemy, with hazards standing out clearly against beautifully detailed backdrops that enable players to assess each challenge with ease. Smash Attack Studios’ commitment to an immersive experience is evident in every detail, from the buzzing, ominous ambience of each level to the whirring sounds of decaying robots. Together, these elements capture the eerie void of space and the enduring pain of long-forgotten machines.

The soundscape, crafted by Alec Shea, mixes high-intensity electronic music with ambient, space-inspired tracks. Vocals from Amelia Jones (known for Alan Wake II and Hollow Knight) and Mariya Anastasova (from Baldur’s Gate 3) add a haunting depth, infusing the atmosphere with a sense of cosmic loneliness and a bleak reflection of scavenger life. Tracks alternate between high-energy beats and somber passages, each sound capturing the almost uninhabitable world players are called to navigate.

This immersive journey is the work of a talented team within the Australian indie game industry. Led by Dean Baron, the team includes Art Director Ryan Gee and Narrative Designer Anniemay Parker, each bringing years of experience from titles like Broken Roads and Espire 2. Together, they aim to blend tight, rewarding mechanics with a world that feels alive, or teetering on the edge of collapse.

Community engagement will play a major role, with social goals allowing players to unlock exclusive ship skins and extra content. Whether through backing, wishlisting, or joining the community, players can help bring this universe to life. Smash Attack Studios has designed the game to be accessible, offering flexible controls for one- or two-handed play. This approach lets players experiment with the Flight Path System, whether they’re aiming for top leaderboard positions or diving into the game’s layered story.

With its high-speed gameplay, challenging mechanics, and intricate story layers, Nullstar: Solus is set to become a standout entry in the indie game world. For players who crave a game that rewards skill, speed, and a willingness to explore the depths of a brutal, beautifully crafted universe, this journey is an invitation to prove themselves in a world where survival is never guaranteed.

Nullstar: Solus is set to launch on Kickstarter on 23rd November 2024. Although the game is fully self-funded and already has a publisher, this campaign offers a chance to enhance the game’s quality and scope. You will have an exclusive opportunity to back the project and gain access to special rewards available only during the campaign, making this a unique moment to be part of Nullstar: Solus’s journey.

Features

Intense Sci-Fi World: Navigate a dark, sprawling universe as a scavenger drone, recovering fragments of the Nullstar energy source within a decaying mega-structure.
Skill-Based Gameplay: Designed for precision, with tight controls and a unique “Flight Path System” allowing players to reroute power to boost speed and execute sharp turns, perfect for leaderboard chasers.
Layered Storytelling: Each level unveils fragments of a haunting backstory through codex logs, depicting a society where drones and scavengers risk everything for survival.
Competitive & Casual Modes: Supports both speed-running with leaderboards and a more relaxed experience, rewarding players with unique ship skins, medals, and in-game decryption rewards.
Challenging Environments: Encounter hazards like molten pits and robotic arms, integrated within highly detailed backdrops that elevate immersion and clarity.
Immersive Soundscape: Features high-intensity electronic music and ambient tracks by Alec Shea, with haunting vocals from renowned artists, creating a profound, atmospheric experience.
Flexible Controls: Designed for one or two-handed play, giving players control options that suit varied playstyles and mastery of the Flight Path System.
Community Engagement: Offers exclusive in-game content through social milestones, inviting the community to shape and unlock aspects of the game.