Necrocosmos offers players an entire galaxy to explore, letting them choose which planets to explore and when, for sidescrolling Metroidvania action.
Max Weaver has been tasked with finding some missing scientists who could be anywhere in space, which means players will have some searching to do. Players will have a random array of planets when they play the game, although the areas on the planets themselves have been meticulously designed (only the available stages are randomized). To reach each of these planets, players will have to shoot their way through a shmup-like stage, using their upgradeable starship to shoot down the meteors, enemies, and bosses in their way.
Once on the planet, players will work through sidescrolling portions where they are free to explore multiple routes through each planet. These routes can be opened up using the player’s DNA gun, which harnesses collectible DNA types to create various effects. Equipping blue DNA can freeze water, yellow can create electrical shots to power machines, and equipping combinations of these colors can have other varied effects on the environments and enemies. With these, players can find different paths through each stage.
Players will also have a jetpack that will make platforming in these areas a bit easier. The pack uses a temporary charge, so players will only be able to hover short distances at first, but they can upgrade it over the course of the game to find even more hidden routes on each planet.
Every planet offers multiple puzzles to solve, areas to work through, and bosses to fight. Each boss carries a certain DNA weakness as well, and once players know they game, they may wish to take certain routes through it in order to have the best weapons to deal with a particular large enemy.
Necrocosmos is currently raising funds on Kickstarter for a release on PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
