WayForward will publish Canari Games-developed side-scrolling platformer LUNARK, the companies announced. It will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC via Steam, and Mac in late 2022. Limited Run Games will also distribute a physical edition for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Switch.
“Years ago, WayForward was one of the first companies to give me a chance as a freelance artist,” said LUNARK creator Johan Vinet in a press release. “Knowing the passion they put into their games, accepting this partnership was a no-brainer. LUNARK couldn’t be in better hands.”
WayForward “Tyrannical Overlord” Voldi Way added, “From impeccable level design to top-notch storytelling and animation, LUNARK is a perfect homage to the great cinematic platformers of the past, yet stands out as something exciting and new. It is our privilege to be teaming up with Canari Games to help bring LUNARK to players.”
Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:
About
A pulp adventure set in the midst of a rebellion against a totalitarian regime. LUNARK is a 2D cinematic platformer in the vein of the ’90s classics. Run, jump, and shoot your way through gorgeous and mysterious locations!
Story
Long time ago, Earth became increasingly unsustainable. The most optimistic forecasts predicted that the human race could survive for just another 10 years. On the International Lunar Station, a group of scientists built NOAH: an artificial intelligence driven supercomputer whose sole directive was to save humanity. It came up with a solution: transform the Moon into a giant spaceship using its core as a reactor to transport millions of embryos to the nearest superhabitable planet. This operation was called the LUNARK initiative.
Today, Humans are about to celebrate the 300th anniversary of their arrival on their new homeworld: Albaryne. NOAH rules over the settlers with its droid army, and LUNARK—in geostationary orbit over Albaryne—has become a symbol of oppression for a growing part of the population.
You play as Leo, a lonely young orphan with unique physical and physiological characteristics that arouse the curiosity – if not the hatred – of its fellow citizens. You’ll help him fulfill his destiny in the midst of a rebellion against LUNARK, and meet a wide cast of colorful characters, stuck on either side of the escalating conflict.
Key Features
- Single-player game.
- 12 levels to explore.
- Colorful and minimalist pixel art style.
- Lots of contextual cinematic cutscenes using the rotoscoping technique.
Watch a new trailer below.