Retro-gaming fans, it’s time to pack your bags for the afterlife. Publisher Valkyrie Initiative and solo developer 70`Strike (the creative mind behind Skelethrone) have officially pulled back the curtain on Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel, a fast-paced 2D platformer that’s looking to inject some serious 16-bit attitude into the modern era.
If you’ve ever felt like your morning commute was hellish, spare a thought for Mr K. He’s an ordinary office clerk who finds himself in the ultimate HR nightmare: a fatal accident sends him straight to Hell. However, in this universe, the underworld isn’t just fire and brimstone—it’s a chaotic, sprawling hotel where every floor has its own set of lethal rules.
What to Expect Behind the Lobby Doors
Inspired by the “weird energy” of ’90s classics like Earthworm Jim, Boogerman, and Sonic the Hedgehog, Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel aims for a balance of high-speed precision and satirical humour.
- Handcrafted Chaos: Explore 9 floors and over 40 levels of the Inferno Hotel, ranging from fiery industrial zones to parks populated by homeless souls.
- Grotesque Combat: Face off against bizarre enemies and bosses using Mr K’s signature weapon (and the game’s namesake)—the kettlebell.
- Retro Vibes, Modern Polish: The game features hand-drawn pixel art, frame-by-frame animation, and an eclectic soundtrack blending jazz, ’80s disco, and blues.
“After working on the dark and demanding world of Skelethrone, I wanted to create something lighter, stranger, and more playful,” says developer Ksayfar (Dmitriy Bukhtatov). “It’s my love letter to the ’90s… filtered through a bizarre vision of Hell inspired by The Divine Comedy.”
Join the Playtest
Think you have what it takes to get an S Rank in the underworld? Valkyrie Initiative has opened Steam Playtest sign-ups today.
Players who dive in early and complete the challenges can earn exclusive launch rewards, including:
- Golden Kettlebell Skin (Requires completing levels with an S Rank)
- Smelly Kettlebell Skin
- Stylish Yellow Shirt for Mr K
Platforms & Availability
While a firm release date is still under wraps (TBA), the game is confirmed for a massive multi-platform launch:
- PC (Steam & GOG)
- PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5
- Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
- Nintendo Switch
Keep your eyes on the Official Steam Page to wishlist the game and keep up with the latest developer updates.
Are you ready to check in, or will you be checking out early? Let us know your thoughts on this retro revival in the comments!
Find out more here – https://s.team/a/4032020
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