I really like the look of this one! Indie developer and publisher Alloy Mushroom has announced a brand-new demo for Super Alloy Crush, its frantic Mega Man-inspired 2D roguelike brawler, arriving on Steam on January 22.
Designed for both solo play and co-op, Super Alloy Crush blends side-scrolling platforming with fast, combo-heavy combat, promising a different experience every time players jump in.
Like Mega Man, but taken in a new direction
At first glance, Super Alloy Crush wears its influences proudly. The clean pixel art, tight movement and focus on precision combat immediately recall classic Mega Man-era action games, but the structure leans much more towards modern roguelike design.
Each run is built around high-speed encounters, branching upgrades and escalating difficulty, encouraging experimentation rather than memorisation. It’s less about perfecting a single level layout and more about adapting on the fly as the game throws new challenges your way.
Cosmic Hunters on a dangerous mission
The game is set aboard the Ranger, a spaceship travelling the Super Alloy universe in search of the ultimate cosmic prize: Planet AE-38. Standing in the way are hostile forces and rival hunters, all of whom are more than capable of ending an unprepared run.
Players take control of one of two “Cosmic Hunters”, each offering a very different playstyle.
Muu (Unit-02) is a close-combat robot fighter, built around agile movement, aerial juggling and relentless combo chains using energy claws. Muu thrives on staying airborne and pressuring enemies with continuous attacks.
Kelly, by contrast, is a high-skill enhanced human who mixes firearms with tactical martial arts. She’s more technical, but in the right hands can completely dominate the battlefield through positioning and precision.
Roguelike brawling with depth
Combat in Super Alloy Crush is built around side-scrolling brawler mechanics, but with a deep layer of customisation. Each character has access to 50+ Tech Arts, supported by hundreds of upgrade chips that dramatically change how they play. Multi-air jumps, infinite energy builds and layered health systems are all on the table, encouraging players to experiment with wildly different setups.
There’s also a strong emphasis on environmental interaction and enemy weaknesses. Machines are vulnerable to electricity, biological enemies fear fire, and the battlefield itself can be used to gain the upper hand during intense encounters.
Boss fights lean into this philosophy as well. These aren’t scripted pushovers, but enemies designed to match the player’s power level. Bosses can build energy and unleash devastating Overdrive Burst attacks, forcing players to learn their patterns, break their stance at the right moment, and turn defence into offence.
Solo or co-op chaos
The upcoming playable demo (currently not Steam Deck verified) includes three game modes — Story Mode, Battle Rush, and Ultimate Challenge — all playable solo or in co-op. A support system allows players to revive using portable recovery ships or call in battlefield allies, adding a tactical safety net without removing the game’s challenge.
Super Alloy Crush is developed by Alloy Mushroom, a studio founded by Mabimogu (Mogu), previously known for Super Alloy Ranger and as producer on The Vagrant. The studio’s focus on tight 2D action, pixel art and expressive animation is immediately evident here.
For fans of classic side-scrolling action who enjoy modern roguelike structure, Super Alloy Crush looks like one to watch. The new Steam demo launches January 22, offering the first proper chance to see how its retro roots and modern design collide.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
