Astro Burn: New Indie Studio Beyond the Pixels Launches Retro Bullet Hell Shooter Starring a Space Cat

The new London-based indie studio, Beyond The Pixels, has announced its debut title, Astro Burn, an adrenaline-fueled, retro-inspired, side-scrolling bullet hell shoot ’em up (SHMUP).

The studio, founded by film, TV, and game director HaZ Dulull, aims to “reinvent retro” for a new generation. Astro Burn is their love letter to 16-bit arcade classics, complete with modern pixel art, a synthwave soundtrack, and chaotic, fast-paced action.

Game Details

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Retro-Inspired, Side-Scrolling Shoot ‘Em Up (Bullet Hell/Roguelite elements)
• Plot: Players take on the role of Astro, a fearless feline space pilot, who returns from a deep-space mission with her robot companion AL to find Earth in ruins, surrounded by A.I. war machines, and all humans gone. Astro must blast her way through waves of enemies to uncover the mystery behind humanity’s “cat-aclysmic demise.”
• Key Features:
  • Nostalgic 16-bit style with modern slick pixel art.
  • Roguelite challenge elements.
  • 2-Player Co-Op Arcade mode (Competitive or collaborative).
  • A unique “Stack-em-up” Weapons System that lets you fire a massive arsenal simultaneously.
  • Special power-ups, including Catnip Mode (bullet time in space).
• Platforms: Expected to launch on PC (Steam), Mac, mobile, and consoles.
• Availability: A free demo for Astro Burn is currently available to download on Steam.

Beyond The Pixels has also signaled a transmedia vision for the title, with an animated TV series adaptation of Astro Burn already in development.