- The Sensation: Developed by Max Trest, a 16-year-old developer who started his studio at age 12.
- The Hype: PlayStation Japan recently featured the game, sparking comparisons to Astro Bot and Mario.
- The Tech: Specifically designed to be a “DualSense Showcase” for the PS5, utilizing every feature of the controller.
- Platforms: Scheduled for a 2026 release on PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam).
While most 16-year-olds are navigating high school exams, Max Trest is preparing for a major console launch. His studio, Lost Cartridge Creations, has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated 2.5D platformer Astrolander will make its debut on both PS5 and PC in 2026.
A Love Letter to the Golden Age of Platformers
Astrolander seamlessly blends 2.5D and 3D environments, capturing the whimsical energy of Nintendo’s Mario series and the immersive polish of Sony’s Astro Bot.
The Premise: In a far-off corner of the galaxy, cartridge-based robots known as MVPs (Most Valuable Programs) have been hunted down by the “Cyberlution”—an evil force turning robots into spare parts. To save their kind, the MVPs created two experimental CD-based robots: Haptic and Feedback. Players control this duo as they journey through diverse worlds to rescue their fallen comrades.
“For fans waiting for the next Astro Bot experience, Astrolander might be exactly what the doctor ordered.” — GameRant
Setting a New Standard for DualSense Integration
What separates Astrolander from other indie platformers is its deep integration with the PS5’s DualSense controller. Max Trest has designed the game to ensure the player feels every interaction:
- Haptic Feedback: Experience the sensation of a light breeze when using Haptic or the gritty texture of different surfaces when rolling Feedback.
- Adaptive Triggers: Feel the tension of launching “CDjectors” or the resistance of water when blasting the “Wazer.”
- Gyro & Motion: Tilt the controller to aim or shake it to calm down certain creatures like the “Cybergoy.”
- Local Co-op: Two players can team up, each controlling one robot, requiring precise coordination to solve puzzles.
Game Profile: Astrolander
| Category | Details |
| Developer | Lost Cartridge Creations (Max Trest) |
| Genre | 2.5D/3D Platformer |
| Primary Features | DualSense Haptics, Local Co-op, 10 Unlockable Abilities |
| Platforms | PS5, PC (Steam) |
| Language Support | English, French, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish |
| Release Window | 2026 |
The Journey of a Teen Genius
Max Trest’s path to PlayStation is nothing short of extraordinary. He founded his studio in 2022 at the age of 12, teaching himself Unity, Blender, C#, and Unreal Engine. Inspired by the 1979 Atari classic Lunar Lander, Max began building a world that combined retro-computing nostalgia with modern technology.
The project is a family affair; while Max handles the design, programming, and 3D art, his father, Bernard Trest, contributes to the concept art and music.
After showcasing a demo at the Bay Area Maker Faire in 2024, Max caught the eye of the PlayStation Indies team. Since then, the project has been featured by BBC, CBC, and CTV News, and has even received a nod from Sony legend Shuhei Yoshida.
Why PC Gamers Should Care
Despite the heavy focus on PS5 features, Max is excited to bring the experience to PC. “Many gamers have been asking for a PC version,” Max stated. “High-quality, polished platformers like Mario or Astro Bot are rare on PC. I want Astrolander to provide that level of joy to Steam users as well.”
Steam Store Page: Astrolander on Steam
Developer’s website:
https://lostcartridgecreations.com/
