The Watchlist: Rex Rocket

Title: Rex Rocket
Developer: Castle Pixel
Platforms: PC, Max, Linux, IOS, Wii U, XBLIG,
2014
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Paying tribute to classic NES platformers like Mario, Mega Man, and Metroid, old-school platformer fans will find Rex Rocket a breath of fresh air. Rob and Tyler, two passionate indie game devs, have a mission to keep the world of retro games alive. Rex Rocket features one-of-a-kind handmade pixel art, over 100 handcrafted levels connected in an expansive starship filled with a wide variety of puzzles, enemies, hazards and bosses.

Like Rain World, Rex Rocket is another game that I've been following on TIGForums, eagerly awaiting a new update or screenshot. After a successful Kickstarter last May, the game has made great progress, now steadily closing on release. 

Rex Rocket's appeal is two-fold. The charming retro aesthetic brings its colorful sci-fi world to life and imbues it with character. NPCs roam the game's spaceship setting and myriad aliens and robots are all out to destroy you. But don't be fooled by the visuals; Rex Rocket promises to deliver a action platforming experience that mixes tough platforming, combat, and puzzles. From wall-jumping between spikes, to using your diverse arsenal of rail guns, missile launchers, and more against enemies, and evading bullet patterns, and timing energy shots between reflector pads to hit hard-to-reach switches, the game seems to offer a well-rounded challenge. Aside from your weapons and agility, you'll also have a number of different gadgets at your disposal, ranging from your trusty jetpack to a teleporter device. 

Rex Rocket continues to impress with its colorful retro aesthetic and varied gameplay. You can follow the game on TIGForums and vote for it on Steam Greenlight. A public demo will be releasing soon, so look out for more in-depth impressions of the gameplay