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Tag: #BeyondThePixels

  • Prepare for Launch! High-Octane Space-Cat Shooter ‘Astro Burn’ Exits Early Access on July 30th

    Prepare for Launch! High-Octane Space-Cat Shooter ‘Astro Burn’ Exits Early Access on July 30th

    Indie game fans and cat lovers, assemble! The wait is nearly over. London-based developer Beyond The Pixels and publisher Pixel Doors have officially locked in July 30, 2026, as the official 1.0 launch date for Astro Burn on both Steam and GOG.

    After months of collaborative fine-tuning during its highly active Early Access cycle, this colourful, retro-inspired “cute-’em-up” is finally ready to show off its ultimate, feature-packed definitive edition.

    Here is everything you need to know about this adorable yet delightfully chaotic space adventure!

    What is Astro Burn?

    If you ever wondered what happens when you cross classic side-scrolling shooters like Parodius and Pop’n Twinbee with modern bullet-hell intensity and a genetically enhanced cat, you get Astro Burn.

    The game follows Astro, a sassy space cat who was lured into experimental alien technology upgrades with the promise of delicious fish treats. Stranded far from home, Astro (alongside her chatty robotic companion AL) must blast through waves of absurd, screen-filling creature overlords to find a way back.

    A Community-Crafted Masterpiece

    The journey to the 1.0 launch has been nothing short of spectacular. Thanks to an incredibly passionate community, the game’s recent Kickstarter campaign blew past its goals, landing at over 150% funded.

    Because of this massive support, physical media collectors can look forward to a premium retro physical release (courtesy of 33 Games), complete with custom USB cartridges, cassette tape soundtracks, and exclusive lore-filled trading cards.

    Director HaZ Dulull and the development team have worked hand-in-hand with players—gathering feedback from Discord, Steam reviews, TwitchCon, and IGN Live—to elevate Astro Burn from a passion project into a highly polished, modern-retro masterpiece.

    What’s New in Version 1.0?

    The 1.0 update is absolutely packed with content, adjustments, and some of the most delightfully unhinged features we’ve seen in an indie game:

    • The Epic Conclusion: Guide Astro through Levels 8 and 9 to finally experience the end of her narrative campaign.
    • Couch Co-op & Competitive Play: Take on the alien hordes with a friend in local co-op across seven distinct levels.
    • Weaponised Snacks & Kitten Rescues: Standard bullets have been swapped out for delicious flying treats so you can defeat giant bosses (like PooBear on the Party Bus) with food! Plus, rescue lost kittens mid-run to trigger custom animations and score massive bonus points.
    • “Cat TV” & ASMR Modes: In one of the most unique additions yet, real-life cats can watch three specialised “Cat TV” channels on-screen. Meanwhile, humans can wind down between chaotic bullet-hell runs with a relaxing “ASMR Mode” featuring ambient ocean waves and cat purrs.
    • Speedrunner Paradise: Master the game with new high-risk “Speed Zones” (including a Turbo setting) and test out upgraded weapon spreads.
    • Steam Deck Verified: The game is fully optimised for on-the-go play on the Steam Deck and Valve’s Steam Machine, featuring highly readable custom fonts and localisation across eight new languages (including Japanese, French, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese).
    • “Meowcromatic” Mode: Originally designed as an accessibility color-blind option, this highly requested community favourite turns the game into a gorgeous monochrome homage to Mad Max: Fury Road – Black & Chrome Edition.

    Get Ready for Lift-off!

    Mark your calendars for July 30th! Whether you want to climb the leaderboards, save adorable kittens, or just let your real-life pet enjoy some Cat TV while you dodge neon lasers, Astro Burn promises an unforgettable, action-packed retro experience.

    Head over to Steam and GOG to wishlist the game today!

    Find out more here

    #AstroBurn #BeyondThePixels #PixelDoors #IndieGames #CuteEmUp #SpaceCat #RetroGaming #SteamGames #GOG #GamingNews

  • Catnip and Chaos: ‘Astro Burn’ Hits Steam Early Access After London Games Festival Triumph

    Catnip and Chaos: ‘Astro Burn’ Hits Steam Early Access After London Games Festival Triumph

    The “cute-em-up” is back, and it’s arriving with a hiss and a roar. London-based developer Beyond The Pixels and indie publisher Pixel Doors have officially unleashed Astro Burn into Early Access on Steam.

    Following a standout performance as an Official Selection at the London Games Festival 2026, where it drew crowds to the New Game Plus showcase, this neon-soaked side-scroller is already generating major buzz. If you’ve been missing the “bonkers” energy of 90s arcade classics like Parodius or Pop’n TwinBee, Astro Burn is the love letter you’ve been waiting for.

    Meet Astro: The Sassy Space Cat

    In Astro Burn, you take control of Astro, a space-faring feline trying to find her way home across a vibrant, hostile galaxy. Accompanied by her trusty (and surprisingly resilient) robot companion, Astro must blast through waves of enemies that are as adorable as they are deadly.

    The game features 10 diverse levels, ranging from the cold vacuum of deep space to underwater realms and sprawling futuristic cities. But don’t let the “cute” aesthetic fool you—this is a bullet-hell experience with teeth.

    Key Gameplay Features

    • Stackable Weaponry: Unlike traditional shooters, where you swap guns, Astro Burn encourages you to collect and fire everything at once. The “stack-em-up” system turns your ship into a screen-clearing engine of destruction.
    • Catnip-Powered Chaos: Trigger “Catnip Special Powers” to unleash anime-style finishing moves—essentially the feline equivalent of a “Meodoooken.”
    • Local & Competitive Co-op: Grab a friend for couch co-op. You can work together to survive or compete for the highest score to prove who the superior space cat truly is.
    • Retro Authenticity: From the Venice Bleach soundtrack to the classic three-letter initial leaderboard, the game oozes 90s arcade nostalgia.

    A New Breed of Developer & Publisher

    The brains behind the operation is HaZ Dulull, a veteran of the film and TV industry (Hellboy II, The Dark Knight) turned game director. His cinematic background is evident in the game’s “transmedia” vision, blending tight gameplay with a narrative that hints at a much larger mystery regarding Earth’s downfall.

    Partnering with Pixel Doors, a publisher founded on an “Ethical & Sustainable” model, the launch represents a shift in how indie games reach the market. Pixel Doors operates on a “Developer Eats First” policy, ensuring creators like Beyond The Pixels® retain their IP and creative control.

    “What HaZ and the team experienced at the London Games Festival is exactly why we do this,” says Jacek Pudlik, Co-Founder of Pixel Doors. “It captures the addictive chaos of classic arcade shooters but welcomes everyone to the party.”

    Jump Into the Fire

    Astro Burn is available NOW on Steam for PC and Mac. As an Early Access title, the developers are actively looking for player feedback to shape the road to full release.

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3810660

    #PixelDoors #BeyondThePixels #AstroBurn #LondonGamesFestival #EarlyAccess #Steam #sidescroller #arcade #videogames #gaming #gamers