Max Trest, a genius boy developer featured on the BBC and CBC, has also drawn attention from PlayStation Japan for his 2.5D platformer.
Max Trest, a 16-year-old Canadian indie game developer, has officially announced that his one-man studio, Lost Cartridge Creations, will be releasing the platform action game Astrolander on PS5 and PC (Steam) in 2026. PlayStation Japan recently posted a new gameplay trailer for Astrolander on its official channel, raising expectations for the game.
An innovative 2.5D platformer “compared to Mario and Astro Bot.”
Astrolander is a platformer that seamlessly blends 2.5D and 3D environments. Its high-quality performance has earned it comparisons with Nintendo’s Mario series and Sony’s hit Astro Bot . Gaming publication GameRant praised the game, stating, “For fans waiting for a sequel to Astro Bot, Astrolander could be the perfect replacement.”
The game is set in a world beyond space. Once peaceful, cartridge-based robots known as “MVPs” (Most Valuable Programs) are forcibly deactivated by the “Cyberlution,” a force intent on conquering space, and face the threat of being recycled for parts.
The MVPs, who had been defending their freedom until the very end, created two experimental CD-based robots, “Haptic” and “Feedback,” and tasked them with rescuing their comrades and protecting the universe. Controlling these two robots, players explore diverse worlds and embark on an adventure to rescue their lost comrades.
DualSense Fully Utilized… Setting a New Standard for PS5 Platformers
Astrolanders is a platformer designed to take full advantage of the PS5’s DualSense controller . Various DualSense elements, including haptic feedback, audio effects, adaptive triggers, and gyro functionality, are widely implemented throughout the gameplay.
For example, when using Haptics, you can feel the sensation of a gentle breeze passing by, and when rolling Feedback, the texture of the surface your character is touching is transmitted to your hands. Also, when battling Cybersnap, you can tilt the controller to aim the Wazer, and when shaking the DualSense to appease the Cybergoy, various controller functions are closely linked to the game situation.
Game review media Game Raven Review commented, “Astrolander is a game that actively utilizes the features of the DualSense controller, and the vibration of the controller and the game environment are naturally synchronized, providing a more immersive and unique playing experience.”
Extensive gameplay and unique enemies
Astrolander combines platforming action with a variety of gimmicks and combat elements, incorporating a diverse array of elements. Players must climb swaying suspension bridges and dodge rolling Kedamas. Fire CDjectors to attack Kodamas, use the Wazer to squirt water at Cybersnaps, and use the Wavo to launch Cyberquax into the air. Each enemy requires a different approach.
The stage layouts are also diverse. Each stage presents new situations and actions, such as bumper boat races across a river or platforms floating above taiko drums.
During your journey, you can collect CDs to sequentially unlock ten unique abilities, including CDjector, Wazer, Vizray, and Wabo. You can also enjoy a unique gameplay experience in local co-op mode, where two players take on the roles of Haptic and Feedback characters.
A 16-year-old developer who started developing games at age 12 and captured the world’s attention.
Astrolander developer Max Trest is a 16-year-old indie game developer. He began his career in game development in 2022, when he founded his own studio, Lost Cartridge Creations, at the age of 12.
He is a self-taught developer who has mastered various development tools, including Unity, Blender, C#, GitHub, and Unreal Engine. He has had a deep interest in retro computing and classic games since childhood. In particular, he began developing Astrolander after being inspired by the 1979 Atari arcade game “Lunar Lander.”
Max has consistently showcased his work at various gaming events, including Emerald City Comic-Con (ECCC), Seattle Indie Expo (SIX), GeekGirlCon, and Pocket Gamer Connects. In 2024, he met the PlayStation Indie team while showcasing a playable demo at the Bay Area Maker Faire, which led to the opportunity to develop for the PS5.
An early demo version of Astrolander is currently included in the “Indie Game Revolution” exhibit at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle.
The project is also notable for its father-son development team . Son Max is in charge of game design, programming, 3D art, and sound integration, while father Bernard Trest is in charge of game design, concept art, sound, and music production, and they are working together on development.
A project that has garnered attention from the BBC, CBC, and PlayStation Japan.
Astrolander has been covered by major media outlets around the world. It’s been featured on BBC News, CBC News, CTV News, and GeekWire, and even former Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida, known for his support of indie developers, shared his interest in the project.
PlayStation Japan recently posted a new gameplay trailer for Astrolander on their official channels, and the PlayStation team was so interested that they invited Max to a meeting in person when he showcased a demo at the Bay Area Maker Faire in 2024.
In this announcement, Max also revealed plans to release a PC version via Steam following the PS5 release. “Many gamers have been consistently requesting a PC version,” he said. “Until now, high-quality platformer games like Mario and Astro Bot have been rare on PC. Astrolanders will bring that experience to PC.”
The Steam store page has already been released, and the game will support a total of five language interfaces : English, French, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Latin American Spanish.
Max Trest, who began developing the game alone at the age of 12, too busy playing with his friends to do so, has captured the attention of the global media and PlayStation. This year, his endeavor is finally poised to bear fruit. Astrolander is more than just an indie game; it will be a milestone, demonstrating just how far a genius young developer can take his endeavors.
Steam Store Page:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/4353450/Astrolander/
Developer’s website:
https://lostcartridgecreations.com/
