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
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