Astro Climber: New Sega Master System Platformer From Frontier Force Developer Launches October 20

Astro Climber, the latest project from homebrew developer badcomputer0—best known for modern Sega Master System titles Frontier Force and Blast Arena—is set to launch digitally for free on October 20, 2024.

The game’s release is timed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sega Mark III, known outside Japan as the Master System, a significant platform in gaming history.

Astro Climber is designed as a straightforward arcade platformer, crafted specifically for the iconic Sega console.

The game features 32 vertically-scrolling stages that challenge players with diverse enemy encounters and platforming hazards such as conveyor belts and collapsing floors.

To facilitate upward movement, players wield a grappling hook, enabling them to reach higher platforms and navigate complex obstacles.

Collectible oxygen pickups are also scattered throughout the game, forming a key part of scoring and life-extension mechanics, directly impacting both survival and replay value. In a discussion with badcomputer0, the developer explained: "I aimed to create a simple yet engaging arcade game, and vertical scrolling offered a fresh challenge.

The addition of the grappling hook served to enhance vertical gameplay and draw inspiration from classics like Bionic Commando and Ice Climber, especially with regard to enemy design." Initially, Astro Climber was conceived to fit within just 32Kb of memory—a nod to the constraints of the Sega Card format used by the Mark III/Master System—intended to fuel creativity while restricting unnecessary feature expansion.

However, the scope of the project shifted after composer Love Penguin (formerly Polaria Poyon) produced a more modern, dynamic soundtrack that resonated with the game's contemporary direction.

According to badcomputer0, "When I heard Love Penguin's music, it was clear the game needed to be expanded.

Increasing the ROM size for richer audio was the right choice, even though it moved us beyond the 32Kb target." Astro Climber is currently undergoing playtesting, with a group of volunteers assisting in translating the game’s manual into multiple languages ahead of launch.

The title will be available as a free download on itch.io starting October 20, directly commemorating the original release date of the Sega Mark III in Japan. Additionally, badcomputer0 confirmed that development on another eagerly anticipated project, the shoot 'em up Razing Core, is progressing steadily—now about 25% complete—with a planned release sometime next year.

A demo version of Razing Core is already available for download on itch.io. With Astro Climber, badcomputer0 continues to contribute meaningfully to the thriving Sega Master System homebrew scene, combining retro aesthetics with modern design sensibilities and community-driven accessibility.

Sega arcade Homebrew Sega Master System Master System itch.io platformer badcomputer0 Frontier Force developer Astro Climber Blast Arena Love Penguin Razing Core Sega Mark III