Lightgun Dungeon: OlliOlli 2 Designer Reveals Retro-Inspired Shooter Built in GameMaker

Lightgun Dungeon: OlliOlli 2 Designer Reveals Retro-Inspired Shooter Built in GameMaker Veteran game developer Andreas Yiannikaris—renowned for his lead design roles on genre-defining hits such as OlliOlli 2 and Rollerdrome—has unveiled an exciting new project titled Lightgun Dungeon.

Created using GameMaker, this game combines the nostalgic appeal of 1990s light gun shooters with the strategic depth of classic dungeon crawlers, promising a fresh experience for both retro enthusiasts and new-generation gamers. Lightgun Dungeon draws inspiration from landmark titles, blending mechanics reminiscent of Dungeon Master with the undead-blasting excitement found in House of the Dead.

Players navigate labyrinthine corridors from a first-person perspective, encountering random events where quick reflexes and sharp aim are needed to fend off zombie hordes.

By eliminating these enemies, players collect gold that can then be used to purchase upgrades, channeling familiar RPG progression systems.

Andreas Yiannikaris described Lightgun Dungeon as "Dungeon Master meets House of the Dead," highlighting its unique hybrid of exploration and arcade action. Yiannikaris, who previously contributed to the critically acclaimed OlliOlli 2 and the award-winning Rollerdrome, is no stranger to inventive design.

His most recent gameplay footage showcases the core mechanics of Lightgun Dungeon, detailing how the game's random encounter system delivers tension and unpredictability.

"Gold earned during these battles serves as a currency for upgrades," explains Yiannikaris, a nod to the traditional RPG loop that encourages strategic planning and replayability. Games journalist Andi Hamilton likened Lightgun Dungeon’s genre mash-up to Ocean's Platoon, a cult favorite from the Commodore 64 era released in 1987.

This comparison underlines the game's roots in classic design, ensuring retro gamers will feel right at home—while innovative gameplay ensures modern audiences remain engaged. Until its closure in early 2024, Yiannikaris was a key creative force at Roll7—a UK studio celebrated for its original approach and successful titles for platforms including Nintendo Switch and PlayStation.

Roll7 operated under Take-Two’s Private Division label before Take-Two sold the division to an undisclosed buyer. Lightgun Dungeon is still in its prototype phase, with development captured and shared on social media platforms, sparking early excitement in the indie and retro gaming communities.

While there is no word yet on a potential release window or supported platforms such as the Nintendo Switch or eShop, the project reflects the enduring passion for inventive game development within the indie scene.

As Yiannikaris continues to experiment and share updates, many in the industry are hopeful that Lightgun Dungeon will evolve into a full-length release, bringing its compelling mix of mechanics to gamers everywhere. Stay tuned to our site for verified updates on Lightgun Dungeon, further developments from Andreas Yiannikaris, and all the latest in Nintendo Switch and retro gaming news.

OlliOlli Lightgun Dungeon GameMaker Andreas Yiannikaris OlliOlli 2 Rollerdrome Roll7 Take-Two Private Division Ocean Platoon House of the Dead Andi Hamilton