Starlair Aims to Fill the 'Metroid Maker' Void with Ambitious Player-Created Metroidvanias on Nintendo Switch and Steam

Starlair Seeks to Become the 'Metroid Maker' for Nintendo Switch and Steam Since the launch of Super Mario Maker in 2015, Nintendo fans have long wished for a similar user-generated experience for other beloved franchises.

While official titles have not materialized, aside from a few unofficial 'Zelda Maker' efforts from developers like Quest Master and Super Dungeon Maker, a new indie project is now stepping in to fill the gap for the Metroidvania genre.

Starlair, developed by Shooty Bazooky, is positioning itself as the spiritual 'Metroid Maker' that players have been waiting for, offering robust player-driven creation and exploration tools. A Universe Built by the Players According to Shooty Bazooky's official Kickstarter page, Starlair aims to grant players the ability to "explore a massive universe filled with player-created Metroidvanias." The premise is reminiscent of a Metroidvania sandbox: each in-game planet is a unique, handcrafted side-scrolling world designed by players themselves.

As new worlds are created, the universe within Starlair continually grows and evolves, ensuring an ever-expanding array of challenges and environments to navigate. Starlair stands out as Shooty Bazooky's first major title, and early impressions highlight its ambitious scope.

Players are given a suite of tools to develop intricate levels, complete with customizable environments, enemy types, and a variety of upgrades inspired by classic Metroid mechanics.

These user-made worlds aren't just static levels—they are open for exploration by the wider player base, drawing comparisons to the infinite, community-driven landscapes of No Man's Sky, but with an ever-growing selection of side-scrolling Metroidvania adventures instead of procedurally-generated planets. Blending Creation, Exploration, and Community The game is not just about building, however.

Starlair features a story mode centered around artifact collection, offering a narrative hook to engage new players.

Credits earned by conquering each level can be put towards ship upgrades and cosmetic enhancements.

Shooty Bazooky emphasizes that Starlair is as much about exploring these user-generated worlds as it is about constructing them. In an official statement, the developer explained, "Every world within Starlair is built entirely by the players.

With the community constantly adding new planets and levels, the experience offers an adventure that could take a lifetime to complete." Players assume the role of a bounty hunter navigating a storyline involving betrayal, revenge, and mysterious artifacts hidden within the so-called "asylum planets"—the user-made levels.

Social elements are integrated into each world's landing zone, allowing players to discuss secrets, compete for best completion times, and check various in-game leaderboards reflecting clears, monster defeats, and top percentages. Release Plans and Platform Support Starlair is currently seeking funding via Kickstarter, with a funding goal of £5,531 to be reached by July 19, 2024.

Should the campaign succeed, Shooty Bazooky plans to launch the game in early access for Steam in early Fall 2024, targeting a full version 1.0 release by February 2025.

Notably, the Nintendo Switch is included in the initial launch lineup—as showcased in early developer footage—alongside ambitions for 'Switch 2' support to harness more advanced hardware capabilities, pending official information from Nintendo. As Starlair continues its crowdfunding campaign, it represents an exciting opportunity for fans seeking a community-driven, endlessly replayable Metroidvania experience on Nintendo Switch, Steam, and next-generation hardware.

For gamers who have long wanted to create and share their own labyrinthine adventures, Starlair could soon answer that call. For more details and to support the project, visit the official Starlair Kickstarter page.

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