Major Demo Update

Steam Next Fest is nearly here so we are rolling out a massive, feature-heavy update to the IKARUS demo! Massive thanks to everyone who has left a review or wishlisted the game so far!

Since our initial demo release earlier this year, we have been hard at work listening to feedback, tweaking the balance, and adding new content. Whether you are aiming for the top of the leaderboards or just trying to build the most broken combo possible, this update brings a whole new level of chaos to the ultimate mashup of classic arcade shoot 'em ups and roguelite deck-building.

Here is a look at the major improvements we’ve just pushed live:

• AddedUnleash Game-Breaking SynergiesWe’ve added new card effects, core mechanics, augments, and weapon upgrades. This means more options, wilder synergies, and truly devastating combos.

• Every Single Run Counts: You no longer need to defeat the final boss to secure your spot on the leaderboards! You will now earn points and rank up no matter how far you make it, ensuring no run is ever wasted.

• Boon vs. Burden Overhaul: We have completely revamped the risk/reward system. Activating punishing gameplay handicaps (Burdens) now directly boosts your damage output and score multipliers.

• AdjustedSmarter Foes & Lethal AttacksEnemy AI has been heavily tweaked. Expect a much more diverse challenge with a wider range of unpredictable attack patterns to dodge.
• AddedSweeping Audio & Visual PolishCombat is now cleaner and more satisfying than ever thanks to a massive round of polishing across the game's audio, visual, and UI elements. We've also added enhanced localisation for our players in China, Japan, and Korea!

• …and a whole lot more! Dive in to see all the under-the-hood tweaks and balance changes.

If you are new here, the current demo lets you test your mettle against the first few stages of the game -battling waves of enemies, elite mini-bosses, and a final boss.

What’s Next? The full version of IKARUS is scheduled to launch later this summer! The complete game will introduce more stages, an escalating Ascension system, a highly requested Endless Mode, and a massively expanded arsenal of archetypes, cards, and titanic bosses.

We will be unveiling the definitive launch date and launch-week timeline in the coming weeks. Until then, jump into the new update, break the game with some crazy synergies, and we will see you on the leaderboards!