Publisher Deck13 and developer A Grumpy Fox have announced a September 2, 2022 release date for retro 3D platformer Lunistice on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam and GOG. Lunistice ranks among a few retro-flavored platformers currently in development, with this one taking inspiration specifically from PlayStation 1 and Sega Saturn games. It’s pretty plain to see in the chunky polygonal goodness of the Lunistice release date trailer.
You will play as Hana the Tanuki, who will “jump and fight through her dreams” as she ventures to discover the secrets of the moon. Gameplay-wise, it looks pretty typical, with a swirling tail attack, but it also looks fast-paced way in a way that evokes Sonic the Hedgehog at some points. A Grumpy Fox originally developed Lunistice as a challenge to create a “commercially viable game in only 30 days,” but its actual development time has ballooned to more than a year.
Players have a lot of attractive options for 3D platformers these days. There is the fantastic Kirby and the Forgotten Land, as well as the solid Demon Turf and its surprise standalone expansion Neon Splash. On the retro platformer front, you should also keep an eye on Frogun, another game with major PS1 vibes. And lastly, there is Kao the Kangaroo, which… exists.
