Indie micro-studio Mad Fellows has revealed that Aaero2 will launch exclusively on Xbox Series X|S on October 15, 2024. The studio initially targeted a September release, but Creative Director Paul Norris acknowledged that this timeline was overly ambitious. With the long development history of Aaero2, the team is committed to ensuring the game meets their high standards before its debut.

Fight to the Beat

For those of us who haven’t played the first Aaero game, it is a rhythm-based shooter. In both games you pilot a mysterious spacecraft, tracing vibrant ribbons of light to harness the energy of the music. Aaero2 features a range of strange enemies and massive boss creatures set against stunning alien backdrops. You can unleash powerful missile barrages and heavy cannon fire, perfectly timed to the epic soundtrack provided by Monstercat. It features tracks from artists like MUZZ, Bossfight, Stonebank, and Hoaprox.

Norris shared details about the game’s multiplayer features, emphasizing that “if Aaero2 featured multiplayer, it would support both local and online play”. He noted that many co-op games often restrict players to local modes, which can be disappointing. Integrating online functionality posed several challenges, however, particularly in designing game mechanics that would mitigate latency issues among players. The certification process for online-enabled games is also notably more complex. Norris expressed excitement about the return of competitive leaderboards, saying, “I can’t wait to see score-chasers go head-to-head online”.

The partnership with Monstercat has been a highlight for the team. Norris expressed pride in the soundtrack, noting that they have collaborated closely with Monstercat since the project began in 2017. He praised the label for its extensive catalogue of tracks from talented artists across various genres and its commitment to sustainability and fair practices. “Working with a label that truly understands both game development and the nuances of streaming and content creation has made the whole process much smoother,” said Norris. This collaboration has streamlined the often stressful process of licensing music for games, making it significantly easier for Mad Fellows.

Pre-orders for Aaero2 are currently available on Xbox. Additionally, an exciting new demo will be featured in the Steam Next Fest, beginning October 14. It requires a controller to play, so make sure to have one available if you want to give this game a shot!