Tribute Games recently dropped this reveal trailer for their new project,Mercenary Kings, a 2D side-scrolling shooter in the vein ofMetal Slugwith what looks to be a deep weapon building system. Described on YouTube as being in an early prototype stage, there’s no information regarding platforms as of yet and there’s not too much to go on, other than Paul Robertson’s contributions in the animation department (which pretty much guarantees a sale from me regardless of the product).

I lovedWizorb, Tribute’s last title, because of how it created depth and complexity in one of the oldest types of videogame, block-breaking games, by cherry-picking elements from the action and RPG genres to create something fresh. This trailer suggests that they might be capable of doing the same thing with 2D platform shooters. I’m totally prepared to let them take their time and flesh it out. You don’t want to rush a thing like this.

Article image

John and Molly sitting on the park bench

Close up shot of Marissa Marcel starring in Ambrosio

Kukrushka sitting in a meadow

Lightkeeper pointing his firearm overlapped against the lighthouse background

Overseer looking over the balcony in opening cutscene of Funeralopolis

Edited image of Super Imposter looking through window in No I’m not a Human demo cutscene with thin man and FEMA inside the house

Indie game collage of Blue Prince, KARMA, and The Midnight Walk

Close up shot of Jackie in the Box

Silhouette of a man getting shot as Mick Carter stands behind cover