Astro Burn Aims to Revive Retro Gaming Magic on PC and Consoles

Astro Burn, the latest creation from acclaimed film and game director Hasraf 'HaZ' Dulull, is set to bring back the magic of retro gaming when it launches on PC, smartphones, and consoles next year.

Developed by Dulull's London-based studio Beyond the Pixels, Astro Burn embraces the roots of classic 2D shooters, combining fast-paced gameplay with modern features and a nostalgic aesthetic. Best known for his work on blockbuster films like Prince of Persia, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Dark Knight, as well as involvement on hit games such as Fortnite and Dune: Awakening, HaZ Dulull has established himself as a visionary in both cinematic and interactive media.

With Astro Burn, Dulull channels his lifelong passion for arcade games, inspired by the simplicity and fun of the '80s and '90s gaming era. Beyond the Pixels recently released a playable demo of Astro Burn on Steam, inviting players to experience what the studio describes as a "fur-filled-frantic shooter." In Astro Burn, players take on the role of Astro, a daring feline space pilot, accompanied by her robot companion AL.

The duo returns from a deep-space mission to find Earth surrounded by imposing A.I.

war machines, with humanity mysteriously absent.

The game's narrative forgoes lengthy exposition, instead dropping players directly into cosmic action reminiscent of classic arcade shooters. "Astro Burn delivers everything we loved about old-school games," Dulull shared in a studio statement.

"Back then, games didn't require lengthy commitments or subscriptions—you could just pick up, play, and enjoy without it feeling overwhelming.

That's the experience we're bringing back." Designed for accessibility, Astro Burn features 16-bit-style visuals, intuitive one-button controls, roguelite mechanics, and robust two-player co-op.

The gameplay introduces a unique 'stack-em-up' weapons system, encouraging creative approaches to combat.

The game is also set to branch into other media, with a dedicated animated series currently in the works. Physical editions will be made available for collectors and enthusiasts, supporting HaZ Dulull’s philosophy that "there’s something special about holding a game in your hands, just like the old days." Astro Burn's demo is available now for download on Steam, offering a glimpse at what Beyond the Pixels hopes will be a new benchmark for indie 2D shooters.

With versions planned for PC, smartphones, and key consoles like Nintendo Switch, Astro Burn is building anticipation among fans of retro-inspired games and newcomers alike.

PC consoles retro gaming Beyond Astro Burn HaZ Dulull Beyond the Pixels Steam Nintendo Switch animated series