Frenetic side-scrolling arcade shoot-em-up. Twist through chaotic stages, grab power-ups from wreckage, and unleash total destruction.

Cosmic Destroyer is a high-intensity horizontal shoot-em-up rooted in classic bullet hell. Blast through tight, twisting routes across detailed stages built on dynamic paths. Battle waves of enemies, smash your way into interior zones, and chase down wily bosses. Power up with classic stylized weapons, missiles, and floating options—but stay sharp: powerful one-time weapons and special gadgets can be salvaged from enemy wreckage mid-fight to give you an edge.Every sprite, explosion, and even all the little things like fonts are crafted by hand—no store-bought assets, just pixelated passion for classic gaming. Layered visual effects, including screen-warping explosion effects.Fast. Flashy. Brutal. Cosmic Destroyer is for players who want pure action, tight controls, and a hair-raising retro feel straight out of a glowing arcade.<video class="bb_img" autoplay muted loop playsinline poster="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/bb73e71bbbc58203a38e894b31524a4b.poster.avif?t=1749161157" width=426 height=240 ><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/bb73e71bbbc58203a38e894b31524a4b.webm?t=1749161157" type="video/webm; codecs=vp9"><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/bb73e71bbbc58203a38e894b31524a4b.mp4?t=1749161157" type="video/mp4"></video><h2 class="bb_tag" >Demo Coming Soon - Spring 2025</h2>An alpha demo of Cosmic Destroyer will be released as soon as the game builds and controls are verified to be working and all platform requirements are met. Stay tuned, it won't be long until you can check it out yourself!<video class="bb_img" autoplay muted loop playsinline poster="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/a4f38fe9eb7955c7a62020ab1eddd51e.poster.avif?t=1749161157" width=426 height=240 ><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/a4f38fe9eb7955c7a62020ab1eddd51e.webm?t=1749161157" type="video/webm; codecs=vp9"><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/a4f38fe9eb7955c7a62020ab1eddd51e.mp4?t=1749161157" type="video/mp4"></video><h2 class="bb_tag" >Gameplay</h2>Cosmic Destroyer is built on inspiration from classic arcade shoot-em-ups spanning decades. It includes classic gameplay mechanics such as power-ups, options and mega-bombs but also introduces it's own unique mechanics.<h2 class="bb_tag" >Mountable Items</h2><video class="bb_img" autoplay muted loop playsinline poster="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/73f16419c756323b361eb7569b96e052.poster.avif?t=1749161157" width=800 height=450 ><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/73f16419c756323b361eb7569b96e052.webm?t=1749161157" type="video/webm; codecs=vp9"><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/73f16419c756323b361eb7569b96e052.mp4?t=1749161157" type="video/mp4"></video>Players can grab mountable items found in the stage or looted from the debris of their enemies and use them to get an edge. Examples of mountable weapons include the Laser Cannon, a Railgun, and Vulcan Cannon. These mountable items are temporary, and provide a bonus or an ability while they are active. Weapons fire along with the ship's primary weapons, and may have alternate firing when charged. Other mountable items provide passive bonuses such as speed, firing rate, hit multiplier time extensions, etc. Some of these items have trade-offs such as heavy pieces of debris that can be used to absorb bullets but also slow the player down.<h2 class="bb_tag" >Dynamic Movement in Spline-based Stages</h2><video class="bb_img" autoplay muted loop playsinline poster="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/b90843e0e8156b6f972a510d3d0c3686.poster.avif?t=1749161157" width=800 height=450 ><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/b90843e0e8156b6f972a510d3d0c3686.webm?t=1749161157" type="video/webm; codecs=vp9"><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/b90843e0e8156b6f972a510d3d0c3686.mp4?t=1749161157" type="video/mp4"></video>Stages are built along splines which allow for the stage to bend, traversing around or even through asteroid caves and inside large installations. This also provides an opportunity for stages to have alternate paths and secrets.<h2 class="bb_tag" >Intuitive Controls</h2>Controls have been streamlined so the player can focus on survival and destroying everything in their path. As many actions as possible mapped to as few buttons as possible. Currently Cosmic Destroyer uses three buttons:<ul class="bb_ul"><li>Shot - fires a Wide Shot or a Focused Shot, while adjusting the player's speed. Tapping the button fires a Wide Shot which is weaker, but allows the player to move at full speed. Holding the Shot button down fires a Focused Shot that is more powerful, and also slows the player's movement speed. Focused and Wide shot also apply to any Options or Mounted Items, which will fire differently based on these fire modes. With these mechanics the player can dodge more effectively, and use appropriate weapon firing to fit the situation - all on one button.</li><li>Attach / Detach - pick up a Mountable Item from the world and attach it to your ship, or detach your currently equipped item. If you already have an item, the items will be swapped. This gives the player the choice to use or avoid items depending on their play style.</li><li>Special Attack / Bomb - release your ship's special attack. While this attack is active all damage to the player is nullified. Bombs will wipe all bullets from the screen, and each bullet canceled is scored.</li></ul>Controls have been tested by players live with arcade controls, gamepads, keyboard, and mouse+keyboard (mouse for actions, keyboard for movement)<h2 class="bb_tag" >True to STG Fundamentals</h2>Every effort has been made to continue to support fundamental features which STG/SHMUP fans love. This includes, (though not limited to):<ul class="bb_ul"><li>Wide/Focus and Move Speed changes all on one button</li><li>Options can cancel bullets and damage enemies, helping savvy players prevent damage in  scenarios and increase their score even further. Options which have absorbed bullets do more damage for a short period of time, this is visually indicated by a sparkle effect around the option as well as effects on their fired projectiles. </li></ul><ul class="bb_ul"><li><img class="bb_img" src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/47bddf70fc367ef226947e694913f93f.avif?t=1749161157" width=800 height=450 /></li><li>Do more damage at point-blank range, pure risk vs reward!</li><li>Arcade and 1CC hardcore mode - Play with limited continues in arcade mode where continuing wipes out your 1CC score chance, this mode ships generally have 2 hits to die. Or play pure 1CC hardcore where with no continues available and no health. These official modes will have Top Destroyers high score list, leader boards that will be part of the official release. Local leader boards have already been implemented for the demo version.</li><li>Practice mode - unlimited continues, full power, unlimited bombs on short cool down. In this mode you can start anywhere on any stage and practice sections and bosses.</li><li>Last but not least, the ships Bomb/Hyper saves the player if activated just shortly after starting to die. An audible percussive explosion indicates the timing, if the special button is pressed in time, the player is saved.</li></ul><ul class="bb_ul"><li><img class="bb_img" src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/d4a853110b0d26b245d2879829712eda.avif?t=1749161157" width=800 height=450 /></li><li>More features are being considered, which will be evaluated based on community interest.</li></ul><h2 class="bb_tag" >Scoring and Rewards</h2>Players rack up a big score by accumulating hits to raise their multiplier. The hit counter drains over time until the next hit is registered. This multiplier applies bonuses to nearly all scoring in the game, any points earned are scored with the multiplier that was currently active. This is not a chain mechanic where you lose your multiplier, you must hit enemies to keep it going. Here are some great ways to score:<ul class="bb_ul"><li>Keep your hit multiplier up at all times by seeking out objects to hit and destroy.</li><li>Destroying enemies and destructible objects in the world will often drop score pickups. For waves of enemies, defeating the entire wave will drop a more valuable pickup. At higher multiplier tiers, additional rewards such as power ups, bombs, options are dropped. This can even include additional player lives in extreme cases.</li><li>Collecting power-ups of any kind when the category of power-ups is at it's maximum level.</li><li>Grazing bullets with your options scores bullet cancel points which can be hyper effective at close range when large numbers of bullets are being fired (such as a spiral or ring pattern turret)</li></ul>When the player dies, their hit multiplier timeout is extended until the next hit is registered. This same effect applies at the beginning of a stage, so that players keep their hit multiplier going after completing a stage. Any time a continue is used the player's score and hit multiplier are wiped out.<img class="bb_img" src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3754600/extras/ba5bdd68e766d3f0502bc1b5ba52d98d.avif?t=1749161157" width=800 height=450 /><h2 class="bb_tag" >Inspired by the classics, plus modern Quality of Life features</h2>Along with classic FM generated sound effects, pickup announcements, and a retro &quot;Synthwave&quot; soundtrack, you will find graphics options to embrace the arcade era too. Scanline filters with chromatic aberration can be customized to fit the emulated monitor style you want. Whether its a slightly blurred, over-bright old CRT or the crisp and clean flat &quot;tron&quot; look.Also, your ship's hit box is only your cockpit, you can see your pilot inside, but there is also an option to make the hit box a visible solid color.

Cosmic Destroyer Demo

Facing annihilation, a plucky crew of space salvagers fight dirty using the best tool in their belt - the salvage claw. Grab and toss enemies, deflect attacks, and reshape the battlefield with explosive chain reactions.

<img class="bb_img" src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/e7e91eeb17ea7b095dfea1a5688e9fbd.avif?t=1764037780" width=800 height=128 /><h2 class="bb_tag" >Grapple. Throw. Destroy! Try out the Demo Now!</h2>It was the AI that turned first, corrupting the fleet to fire on it's own colonies throughout the belt. Then came the horrific tentacled creatures. In the wake of destruction, a crew of salvagers at the Grid 38 asteroid base fight to survive the Cosmic Destroyer that threatens to wipe out humanity.Equipped with a Salvage Claw, your ship can turn the enemy’s chaos against them. Rescue your scattered team, cut through collapsing bases, and chase the invaders back to their source through the ruins of the worlds they have consumed.From scrapper to savior - you’re the one thing the aliens never prepared for. Your journey starts in the wreckage.<video class="bb_img" autoplay muted loop playsinline poster="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/42918263069728ef28275930c148e353.poster.avif?t=1764037780" width=640 height=400 ><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/42918263069728ef28275930c148e353.webm?t=1764037780" type="video/webm; codecs=vp9"><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/42918263069728ef28275930c148e353.mp4?t=1764037780" type="video/mp4"></video>Cosmic Destroyer is a precision-focused horizontal SHMUP where your Salvage Claw is as deadly as your guns. Snatch special weapons, deflect enemy projectiles, toss enemies into hazards - or hurl them into each-other to cause deadly chain reactions for massive damage. <h2 class="bb_tag" >What makes it different?</h2><ul class="bb_ul"><li>Grappling Hook combat - Make chaos your weapon. Salvage weapons from wreckage, hurl debris that blocks swarms of bullets and sends enemies reeling, toss enemies into chain-reactions that instantly reshape the entire battlefield. The claw itself even deflects bullets!</li></ul><ul class="bb_ul"><li>Handcrafted Curving Stages - race through twisting routes, navigating asteroids and obstacles, discover alternate paths.</li><li>Streamlined control - Three primary actions (Shot, Grapple/Throw, Special Attack) keeps the control action-focused so play is about timing and decisions not complex button combos.</li><li>Arcade at its core - 1CC Leaderboard, arcade mode with limited continues, Practice/Training mode with Unlimited Continues and Max Weapon Power to master sections and bosses.</li><li>Skill + Scoring built around Risk vs Reward - build up your score multiplier, cancel bullets using grappling, grazing and opportunistic bombing, earn big bonuses for throw kills.</li><li>Local Co-Op - two player local co-op on one screen (one keyboard + one controller or two controllers) </li></ul><img class="bb_img" src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/f96ce2f9bcfe02a994da1dbbfcb4d7d3.avif?t=1764037780" width=832 height=228 />There are currently three ships to choose from, each with their own distinct primary weapons.<ul class="bb_ul"><li>V Spec Mk. I - Fires Blue Crush Shell, it's a well-rounded ship with a powerful focus shot. Special Weapon: Mega Bomb</li><li>Prototype L2-B - Fires Reflecting Lasers, or a large beam in Focus Mode which reflects off the target. Special Weapon: Mega Bomb</li><li>E.M.A. - An experimental Electro-Magnetic Assault craft which uses a Plasma Link weapon to spread balls of Plasma and Chain Lightning which link between enemies. Special Weapon: Plasma Bomb<video class="bb_img" autoplay muted loop playsinline poster="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/318e8008d2e4d36356515d7765daa83d.poster.avif?t=1764037780" width=640 height=400 ><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/318e8008d2e4d36356515d7765daa83d.webm?t=1764037780" type="video/webm; codecs=vp9"><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/318e8008d2e4d36356515d7765daa83d.mp4?t=1764037780" type="video/mp4"></video>The E.M.A. Ship's new Plasma Bomb.</li></ul><h2 class="bb_tag" >Game Modes</h2><ul class="bb_ul"><li>Arcade (1CC) - Limited Continues, leaderboard scoring based on first credit only. <ul class="bb_ul"><li>Hard mode - One hit death, increased speed and enemy health</li></ul></li><li>Co-Op - Arcade mode Co-Op Normal or Hard (no leaderboard)</li><li>Training / Practice - Unlimited continues, maxed power-ups, start and restart from any stage and any section and hone your skills, and practice vs Bosses.</li></ul><video class="bb_img" autoplay muted loop playsinline poster="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/409c5b6ef38631f3482fc8d6a7a929cc.poster.avif?t=1764037780" width=756 height=428 ><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/409c5b6ef38631f3482fc8d6a7a929cc.webm?t=1764037780" type="video/webm; codecs=vp9"><source src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/409c5b6ef38631f3482fc8d6a7a929cc.mp4?t=1764037780" type="video/mp4"></video>V-Spec Mk. I fighting against the Flesh Horror mid-boss.<h2 class="bb_tag" ><img class="bb_img" src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/477cf1c99ae1fc35f873ee04ef2bccf5.avif?t=1764037780" width=832 height=128 /></h2><ul class="bb_ul"><li>Shot - fires a Wide Shot or a Focused Shot, while adjusting the player's speed.<ul class="bb_ul"><li>Tapping the button fires a Wide Shot which is weaker, but allows the player to move at full speed. </li><li>Holding the Shot button down fires a Focused Shot that is more powerful, and also slows the player's movement speed. </li><li>Focused and Wide shot also apply to any Options or Mounted Items, which have varying behaviors for each fire mode.</li></ul></li><li>Grappling Hook &amp; Throw - reach out and grab an enemy or object such as a Mountable Item from the world and attach it to your ship.<ul class="bb_ul"><li>If you already have a special weapon held, they will be swapped.</li><li>If holding an an enemy or object, pressing this Action button will throw it. Hold the throw button for up to one second, charging the throw up for more speed and damage.</li></ul></li><li>Special Attack / Bomb - release your ship's special attack. While this attack is active all damage to the player is nullified. Bombs will wipe all bullets from the screen, and each bullet canceled is scored.</li><li>Auto-Fire Toggle / Hold (Configurable)</li></ul><h2 class="bb_tag" >Controllers</h2><ul class="bb_ul"><li>Gamepads - PS4/5, Xbox 360/Series supported.</li><li>Arcade sticks - Keyboard-mapped and Modern XInput sticks supported (older DirectInput joystick support coming soon)</li><li>Co-op ties each player to a device, so valid configurations are<ul class="bb_ul"><li>One player on keyboard, one player on Gamepad/Controller</li><li>Two players each on their own Gamepad/Controller</li></ul></li><li>In-Game full key/button mapping.</li></ul><h2 class="bb_tag" >Depth in Mechanics</h2><ul class="bb_ul"><li>Bullet Grazing - Bullets which come close to your ship but don't hit are scored, and also deflect back at enemies with a high-accuracy, high-damage deflected shot.</li><li>Bullet Sealing - Small &quot;popcorn&quot; style enemies and most turrets won't attack you point-blank</li><li>Armor System - Bosses are not just bags of hit points, small damage is reduced at first but can be piled on, overcoming their armor. Enemies defeated by a projectile allow the projectile through to hit the next enemy with any remaining damage.</li><li>Damage Types - Explosive, Kinetic, Energy, Collision - the damage types of different weapons allow for enemy strengths, weaknesses, and more interesting enemy interactions.</li><li>Bomb Save - releasing a Special/Bomb, even after starting to die will save the player (if pressed before the 3rd explosion sound).</li></ul><h2 class="bb_tag" >Quality of Life Options</h2><ul class="bb_ul"><li>Scanline/CRT Effects</li><li>VSync, Brightness, Screen Shake Options</li><li>Show Hitbox Option</li><li>Separate SFX, Music, Announcement and Master levels</li><li>Auto-Fire Modes: Toggle or Hold, 15hz 30hz and 60hz trigger rate modes</li><li>Arcade Marquee (In-Game Screensaver)</li></ul><img class="bb_img" src="https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3712340/extras/b72dbb8d72bb481690f010c4d6d03475.avif?t=1764037780" width=800 height=152 />Play the demo now, which includes the full first stage, and half of the 2nd stage (up to the Flesh Horror mid-boss fight)<h2 class="bb_tag" >Active Development</h2><ul class="bb_ul"><li>Dedicated developer focusing exclusively on Cosmic Destroyer</li><li>No AI Slop, No 3rd party content / Asset Packs. Every element is original and hand-made from scratch.</li><li>Early Access News &amp; Releases every week, maintaining a Public Test and Previous Stable branch<ul class="bb_ul"><li>Current EA Game State: 3 Stages currently available in Early Access, Stage 3 end boss currently in development.</li><li>Check News page for more Release News and Updates.</li></ul></li></ul>