Publisher 110 Industries and developer Soleil have released a side-scrolling shoot ‘em up Space Runaway on Steam PC… and it’s completely free.

Yep. Free. Frei. مجانيًا

Why free, though? Because it’s only part of the upcoming third-person action/adventure game Wanted: Dead, which is due out in February.

According to 110 Industries, Space Runaway is more than just a mini-game turned demo. It’s a full, seven-stage space shooter inspired by the classic arcade and 16-bit shoot ‘em ups of the 90, complete with a throwback gameplay mechanics and a 2D pixel art visual aesthetic.

Here’s the official breakdown of Space Runaway from 110 Industries:

Space Runaway, a compelling intergalactic journey soaked in bullet hell. Enemy vessels, lasers and larger than life bosses coming at you full speed in a 16-bit authentic arcade experience like no other. Not only an integral part of Wanted: Dead, Space Runaway is a standalone game that features 7 unique stages that will test your reflexes.

Space Runaway will be available as an arcade mini-game within Wanted: Dead and is now available for free to give a taste of things to come on Valentine’s Day 2023.

Key features:

• 7 challenging levels to test your arcade skills to the limit.
• 7 epic bosses that each require a unique approach
• 7 nostalgic chiptunes to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Voyager 1, a space probe launched by NASA on September 5, 1977, as part of the Voyager program to study the outer Solar System and interstellar space beyond the Sun’s heliosphere and deliver a message to a possible extraterrestrial life. The Voyager message was carried by a phonograph record, a 12-inch gold-plated copper disk containing sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth. Message received.

200 years later. Planet Corot, one of the few habitable worlds discovered in the second age of space exploration, houses a military research facility where a super secret project known as XR-110 is being commissioned. A giant combat mech capable of interstellar travel is the brainchild of Dr. Lincoln Maverick, the last hope for humanity to resist the wrath of The Toliman Empire.

A group of spies from Proxima Centauri swiftly discover that XR-110 is extraterrestrial in its design as well. The mech, that soon will set the galaxy on fire, is a long-lost relic from the Toliman’s past. The Empire launches a surprise attack on Planet Corot before Dr. Maverick manages to refurbish the mech. In order to secure the ancient weapon all forces are thrown into battle.

Corot is scorched in mere seconds. General Scaph launches the assault and assumes control over the planet. Before the research facility is levelled to the ground and Dr. Maverick and his team fight off the aliens until the last breath, Lt. Brooklyn Landers of The Earth Confederation Defence Force mans the mech and escapes the facility unharmed.

Lt. Landers, reckless and diffident, unwillingly shoulders the fate of humanity. General Scaph, now enraged, orders The Toliman Empire forces to pursue and annihilate the Space Runaway.

Of course, you could always wait for Wanted: Dead to release next year. Wanted: Dead is described as a “love letter to the sixth generation of videogame consoles” (that’s Nintendo GameCube, PS2 & OG Xbox) developed by some of the creators of Ninja Gaiden. Neat.

Space Runaway is available now via Steam PC. It will also be playable as a minigame in Wanted: Dead when it releases for PC, Xbox and PlayStation on St. Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2023. Wanted: Dead is available for pre-order now.

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