Starnaut (PC) Early Access Review

Strap in and prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey into the eternal and dark expanse that we call space. The thrillingly energetic roguelike action sees us stepping into the clunky space boots of a lovable but fearless astronaut as we go head-to-head with waves of unrelenting enemies. Available now through Steam’s Early Access program, Starnaut delivers ample shots of adrenaline, mixed nicely with addictive game play and ‘pick-up-and-play’ approach.

Starnaut in a ‘Nautshell’

Created and helmed by Devil May Cry artist and developer, Sawakai Takeyasu, Starnaut follows the heroic protagonist and the title’s namesake as they embark on a journey into the multiverse after the destruction of Earth has led to the extinction of the human race. However, news comes that an Omega rocket carrying records from Earth has landed somewhere in the vast multiverse and our plucky hero takes it upon his (or her) self to travel to the site and launch the rocket to re-establish our beloved race, bless their heart.

Starnaut Brings Explosive Pace to the Table

Using a maximum of a whopping eight weapons simultaneously, Starnaut sees us battling it out with ever-increasing waves of enemies. Reminiscent of the hugely popular Vampire Survivors your weaponry works automatically and wrecks chaos and destruction on your foes in a barrage of deadly hail.

The weapons of Starnaut are both eclectic and powerful, with each bringing its own qualities onto the galactic battlefield. Furthermore, defeated enemies drop coins which you can use to upgrade your arsenal and become and even more formidable to your adversaries at the end of each level. This is where Starnaut makes you decide: do you upgrade your current weapons or buy new firearms to further vary your attacks? This is where you will get the perfect opportunity to tailor the game to your particular fighting style.

Starnaut is Worryingly Addictive

Starnaut is one of those games that you pick up with the intention of killing an hour and end up having to tear yourself away when the birds start singing and you have an hour before you’re due into the office. There’s an almost tangible quality in the game’s fluid mechanics and format. With 30 minutes at a time to play and an infinite slew of enemies closing in on you, there’s a distinct feeling of both panic and awe are you slay your foes with awesome prowess.

The captivating gameplay sees the hours flying away as you get lost in the world and it’s very likely that the words “just one more game” will be a reoccurring promise you will make to yourself for hours on end. But, hey, this is video gaming where addiction is the sign of a great title and to be thoroughly encouraged.

Starnaut Features a Spellbinding Soundtrack

Having worked previously on iconic game s like Super Smash Bros and Resident Evil: Outbreak , musical composer, Kento Hasegawa, brings Starnaut to life with a dramatic musical score that fits perfectly with the epic gameplay seen in Crim Co’s latest offering. With 10 tracks to build the atmosphere, there’s a lot of Hasegawa’s work on offer during the game’s campaign.

If you’re interested in taking a sneak peak at what the legendary composer has brought to the table, you can buy Starnaut’s soundtrack for around $10 on Steam. While I believe this to be worth the cost, I would heavily advise on spending the extra $10 to meet the price of the full game.

Starnaut – Summary

With it’s intense and thrilling gameplay, Starnaut is a gift that keeps on giving – relentlessly. It’s orchestral soundtrack gives the game a dramatic air that will keep you playing long after you finish your first battle.

Starnaut is available now on Steam, with the DX Bundle priced at just $20. Snap it up, ladies and gentlemen, this one’s a game changer.