Gorgeous Another World-esque sci-fi side-scroller Planet Alpha is out in September
Launching on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.
Team 17 has announced that the utterly gorgeous sci-fi side-scroller Planet Alpha will be launching on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC on September 4th.
Developed by Adrian Lazar, Planet Alpha, which was first revealed in 2013, is loosely inspired by classic sci-fi adventure Another World - its strictly side-on exploratory action unfolding across a mysterious alien planet rich in otherworldly flora and fauna. Planet Alpha's most immediately striking aspect is undoubtedly its unusual art style, which fashions vibrantly detailed environments from often low-poly, textureless pieces:
As for how it all plays, Planet Alpha is said to combine elements of classic 2D platforming, stealth, and puzzling, and one of its more intriguing mechanics sees hardy explorers eventually gaining the ability to directly control the planet's day and night cycle. With the game's ecosystems functioning differently depending on the time of day, that introduces the potential for all source of interesting puzzle scenarios.
"Giant mushrooms extend to reach the sunlight during the day," explains Lazar by way of example, "flowers open and close as time passes and some fruits (hint: that a particularly deadly insect enjoys) open their hard shell only at certain times."
Hopefully that all adds up to an adventure as entertaining as it is beautiful. We'll know more when Planet Alpha launches on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC in September.