Horror-themed indie shoot-’em-up Remote Life is making its way to console later this month, with a Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox release set for May 27.
Originally released for PC in 2019, Remote Life is the work of solo developer Next Game Level. It’s a side-scrolling shmup inspired by arcade classics, but with “a modern approach of playing a 2D game in space”: twin-stick aiming, a wide array of weapons and enemy types, and varied mission types—including open, exploration-centric levels and some where you take control of special, extra-powerful vehicles. Coupled with a Giger-esque sci-fi horror aesthetic reminiscent of the likes of R-Type and Gynoug and the choice of detailed 3D models or 8- or -16-bit filters, it looks like a rather unique take on the genre.
The game spans 16 missions, as well as a tutorial stage, and offers three different difficulty levels. There’s also an AI-driven system that “will analyse your skills and help you with extra-lives if this is required”, and a variety of unlockables including an art gallery, video gallery, and a special mode where you can play as an enemy and customise your own monster. The PC release also had unlockable 3D-printable models and ready-to-print T-shirt art, but that might be a little trickier to wrangle on console. And in the developer’s own words, there are “No micro-transactions, but traditional IN-Game unlockable Bonuses ! No AAA Company policies that makes the Game unplayable. This is how it has to be ! Clear, Transparent and fair !”
The Remote Life console version is being published by Ratalaika Games. It’s coming to Playstation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on May 27. Next Level Games is also currently working on a action-platfomer sequel, aptly named Remote Life 2: Fearless.
