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The sci-fi drone 2D platformer Nullstar: Solus officially launches on April 16 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Priced at $9.99, the precision platformer from developer Smash Attack Studios and publisher indie.io challenges players to navigate a crippled megastructure at breakneck speeds. This release directly targets speedrunners and precision platforming fans looking for high-stakes, momentum-based gameplay.
Set in a distant future where volatile, near-infinite energy sources known as "Nullstars" threaten to wipe out entire worlds, players take on the role of a scav drone pilot. Hired by mega-corporations, pilots must retrieve priceless nullstar fragments from overgrown, forgotten chambers. According to Smash Attack Studios developer Dean Baron, the project began in mid-2024 as a personal game development goal before evolving into a global collaborative effort.
To survive the hostile environments and active security measures, players must master a unique set of traversal mechanics across a massive campaign. The development team has structured the game to reward both careful exploration and aggressive speed.
- Momentum-Based Navigation: The Flight Path System allows drones to move in any direction, requiring players to selectively disable thrusters for maximum speed and utilize air-brakes to drift around tight corners.
- Massive Campaign: The game features 100 hand-crafted levels spread across five distinct worlds, blending ancient ruins with evolving environmental hazards.
- Competitive Edge: Global leaderboards track the fastest completion times, while improving skills unlocks intercepted flight logs that expand the game's lore and reveal the fate of fellow pilots.
- All-Star Soundtrack: The atmospheric pixel-art environments are backed by a dark soundtrack featuring contributions from Amelia Jones (Hollow Knight) and Mariya Anastasova (Baldur's Gate III).
Why Nullstar: Solus Could Dominate the Speedrunning Scene
The inclusion of the Flight Path System - specifically the ability to toggle thrusters and air-brake - indicates a high skill ceiling tailored explicitly for the speedrunning community. By forcing players to manage their own momentum rather than relying on automated physics, the game creates a massive gap between casual playthroughs and optimized leaderboard runs.
At a highly accessible $9.99 price point and launching simultaneously across all major consoles and PC, indie.io is positioning the game to capture a wide audience immediately. Furthermore, the addition of musical talent from massive hits like Hollow Knight and Baldur's Gate III elevates its indie profile, making it a strong contender in the increasingly crowded precision platformer market.
