Hobart-based game development studio Smash Attack Aus, in collaboration with indie publisher indie.io, has announced the upcoming launch of their sci-fi precision platformer, Nullstar: Solus. Slated for a 2025 release, the game will be available on PC (via Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox One/Series X|S. This marks an exciting new entry into the platforming genre, promising challenging gameplay, an engaging atmosphere, and a nostalgic yet innovative approach to 2D gaming.
Explore a Forgotten World in Nullstar: Solus
In Nullstar: Solus, players take control of a drone tasked with descending into the depths of forgotten, overgrown chambers and corridors. The mission: to locate the universe’s most powerful energy source. Along the way, players must navigate through 80 meticulously designed, bite-sized levels filled with mechanical traps, organic hazards, and ancient dangers.
With speed as the key, Nullstar: Solus challenges players to make split-second decisions and master their drone’s movements to progress. The game strikes a delicate balance between accessibility for casual players and advanced challenges for those seeking to perfect their skills.
Gameplay: Easy to Learn, Difficult to Master
Nullstar: Solus is designed with all players in mind, offering an intuitive control system that ensures the game is easy to pick up. At the same time, its precision platforming mechanics provide an opportunity for skilled players to master their thruster systems, shave off precious seconds, and achieve faster completion times.
Dean Baron, a team member from Smash Attack Aus, explains, “Nullstar: Solus is all about freedom and creativity. Each level gives players the option to choose their path, whether they’re looking for a more accessible experience or seeking to uncover hidden secrets and master advanced routes.”
For players eager to push their limits, a darker, more challenging set of levels awaits. This secondary world of harder content encourages deeper exploration and provides replayability for those who enjoy testing their skills.
Precision and Tension: The Hallmarks of Nullstar: Solus
One of the key design philosophies behind Nullstar: Solus is the creation of tension and determination. The compact level design allows players to attempt challenging sections in short bursts, leading to that addictive “just one more try” feeling. With each attempt, players grow more confident in their abilities, learning how to better handle the game’s intricate hazards and tight spaces.
Whether it’s dodging mechanical traps or maneuvering through organic dangers, the satisfaction of clearing a tough level is a core part of the game’s appeal. The focus on precision platforming puts Nullstar: Solus alongside beloved classics in the genre, while its unique sci-fi setting and drone mechanics give it a distinct identity.
A Game Born from Passion and Community
For the team at Smash Attack Aus, Nullstar: Solus represents more than just a game—it’s a passion project born out of a desire to reconnect with the joy of game development. Dean Baron reflects on the studio’s motivations: “We chose to make this game as a way to come together and bring back some of the joy a few members of our team had lost in game making.”
Based in Tasmania, Smash Attack Aus is committed to fostering sustainable game development within the region. The studio’s work on Nullstar: Solus not only showcases local talent but also highlights the growing potential of Australian game studios to make their mark on the global stage.
The game’s partnership with indie.io has also been a critical factor in bringing the project to life. Known for supporting creative and innovative indie titles, indie.io has provided the resources and reach needed to bring Nullstar: Solus to multiple platforms.
A Sci-Fi Experience for All Ages and Skill Levels
One of the standout features of Nullstar: Solus is its universal appeal. The game is designed to be accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Its clean, intuitive mechanics and short level structure make it an inviting experience for beginners, while its precision-based challenges and alternate, harder levels cater to hardcore gamers.
With a focus on providing freedom of choice, players can approach each level in a way that suits their playstyle. Whether exploring leisurely or racing for the fastest times, Nullstar: Solus offers a flexible experience that rewards both creativity and skill.
Anticipation Builds for Nullstar: Solus
As the 2025 release date approaches, excitement for Nullstar: Solus continues to build. The game’s combination of precision platforming, compelling sci-fi storytelling, and nostalgic 2D gameplay is sure to attract players from a variety of backgrounds. Its release across multiple platforms ensures accessibility for a wide audience, making it one of the most anticipated indie titles of the coming year.
With 80 levels of fast-paced challenges, an emphasis on replayability, and a passion-driven development team, Nullstar: Solus is poised to be a standout entry in the platforming genre. Whether you’re a fan of precision gameplay, sci-fi adventures, or just looking for your next gaming obsession, Nullstar: Solus promises to deliver.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
For those eager to learn more about Nullstar: Solus, additional updates and gameplay previews are expected as the 2025 release date approaches. Keep an eye on Smash Attack Aus and indie.io’s social media channels, as well as the game’s official page on Steam, for the latest news.
Prepare to pilot your drone, explore forgotten worlds, and master the art of precision platforming when Nullstar: Solus launches in 2025. Whether you’re a speedrunner or a casual gamer, this is one sci-fi adventure you won’t want to miss.
