Retro-Futuristic Shooter Kite Exits Steam Early Access

The twin-stick shooter Kite is now available as a full Steam release. Developed by Lab Cat Games, Kite is squarely aimed at fans of the golden age of 16-bit arcade shooters who fondly remember classics such as Zombie Ate My Neighbors and Smash TV. Are you ready for Kite’s neon-bathed visuals and synthwave soundtrack? For the sake of humankind, you’d better be!

“Kiting” is a gameplay strategy in which players run away from enemies while attacking them – as if they were flying a kite on a string. This mechanic was pioneered by Robotron 2084, the first “twin stick” shooter – although the term ‘kiting’ was originally associated with early MMOs.

Running & Shooting
After the revolution, humanity’s combined efforts to meld cold robotics with nature have paid off. Earth has revitalized itself – and now the global utopia once thought impossible has become a reality. This biomechanical paradise has emerged, thanks in no small part to a steady disarmament campaign.

Yet even in times of absolute peace, shadowy secrets lurk. Several weapon research facilities remain operational; hidden from the public eye, they’re kept alive as an ‘insurance policy’ against unforeseen threats. Within these clandestine halls, scientists work tirelessly to design powerful combat systems never before imagined by humankind. When a security breach threatens one of these secret facilities (Arch City), you’ll take control of the most advanced hardware ever developed – a Human-Operated Remote Droid (H.O.R.D.) prototype.

As Mags – a well-equipped H.O.R.D. pilot – your mission is to preserve the blanket of peace surrounding the world. To do so, you’ll engage in the gunplay-ballet known as ‘kiting’ – dashing away from mobs of rebellious bots while blasting through lush, destructible environments.

Mastering the fast-paced combat style means the difference between surviving… and becoming scrap! With a variety of swarming enemies such as Charge Bots, Slice Bots, Bouncing Betties, Crab Bots, Hyper Turrets and Prox Mines in your way, surviving won’t be easy.

Utilize 100+ craftable weapons and items to enhance your battle Droid. Bring your combat capabilities to the next level by learning skills from a vast 76-point skill tree. Power up a slew of upgrades and special abilities – providing all the tools necessary to kite enemies into oblivion!

“There are so many sources of inspiration for Kite – mostly my arcade days when ‘arcade perfect’ really meant something,” says James Treneman, solo developer and founder of Lab Cat Games. “Arcade games taught me that nailing the ‘easy to learn, but difficult to master’ mechanic is everything in a fast-paced game like Kite. Although complex systems are layered on top, the core gameplay is quite simple – really no different from the original twin-stick shooter Robotron 2084.”

Key Features

Smash and explode your way through destructible pixel art environments.
Craft 100+ items and weapons with help from rescued scientists.
Customize your Droid by investing levels in a massive 76-point skill tree.
Enhance your battlefield prowess with a vast array of upgrades and special powers.
Push forward with character-driven plot and in-game cinematics.
Activate Hardcore mode with permadeath for the ultimate challenge.
Unlock all 20 Steam achievements!
Enjoy an all-original synthwave soundtrack as premium DLC

Check out the Trailer: