URANUS Launches on Android With Roguelite Progression and Classic Breakout-Style Combat

Japanese developer Code and DESIGN has released URANUS, an unusual arcade action game that combines classic brick-breaking mechanics with science-fiction combat and roguelite progression. The game is available through Google Play, Steam and the Mac App Store, with its November 2 release receiving fresh coverage from Japanese gaming industry publication gamebiz. Players command a small squadron of futuristic aircraft piloted by five young characters.

Before entering battle, they select three active pilots while assigning the remaining two to support roles. Combat revolves around automatically launched projectiles that ricochet between enemies and environmental obstacles. Players must position their formation carefully to intercept returning projectiles and send them back toward approaching enemies. Different enemy shapes influence the direction of ricochets, creating opportunities for elaborate combinations and devastating chains of attacks.

URANUS includes thirty-nine projectile types and twenty-two passive abilities, encouraging experimentation with different builds. Between battles, players can develop eleven base facilities and progress through a ten-episode science-fiction storyline. Additional progression systems include investigation levels and an endless mode intended to extend replay value beyond the main campaign. The game is listed as free to begin, although pricing arrangements may differ between storefronts.

URANUS offers an interesting example of how familiar arcade mechanics can be expanded through modern progression systems. Apparently somebody looked at Breakout and decided that bouncing a ball around was considerably more exciting when an entire squadron of anime pilots was involved.