- The debut title from Melbourne 3-person studio S-Bend Games combines Tony Hawk, Bullet Hell, and a time-loop narrative.
- 16-bit arcade visuals + exaggerated blood effects + 90s soundtrack… “Reincarnation of classic arcade”
- 20 Demo Reviews, 100% Positive Rating, Gaming Bible: “The world needs more absurd games like this”
The airplane explodes in mid-air. A single survivor falls toward the ground. There are 60 seconds remaining. During this short fall, the player must perform backflips and somersaults, move as if dancing, and pick up objects scattered in the air to earn points.
‘Freefall ’95’, the debut work of S-Bend Games, a three-person indie studio from Melbourne, Australia ‘ 95′ will be officially released on Steam on June 1st. Inspired by 1990s extreme sports games such as ‘Tony Hawk Pro Skater’ and ‘SSX Tricky’, this title has garnered attention even before its release, recording a 100% positive rating during the demo phase.
16-bit retro vibes and dark humor… A reinterpretation of 90s arcades
Freefall ’95 put a retro vibe based on 16-bit pixel art at the forefront. It created a unique atmosphere by adding exaggerated blood effects and black humor to visuals reminiscent of classic arcade games.
From clear skies to stormy mountainous regions and erupting volcanoes, each level features distinct environments and hazards. Various obstacles, such as ice blasts, lightning, and fire projectiles, visually capture the tension characteristic of the Bullet Hell genre. Additionally, a 90s-style soundtrack naturally draws players into a sense of nostalgia for the arcade days.
Building tricks while falling… Combo-centric action design
The core element of the game is ‘falling stylishly.’ Players must perform various tricks while falling, picking up objects in mid-air such as wreckage, passengers’ belongings, and even snakes.
The combo system, where the score increases explosively as you continue to perform tricks such as backflips, somersaults, and worms while collecting items, may seem simple at first glance, but it creates increasingly deep gameplay by combining immediate retries, power-ups, and side quests.
In particular, by combining various abilities such as using electromagnets to attract items or push away obstacles, strategic gameplay utilizing the entire battlefield is also possible.
Stories Hidden Within Repetition… Expansion of Time Loop Narratives
When the descent ends, the player wakes up inside the airplane again. It is a time loop. And the game’s narrative is hidden within this repetition.
Players can converse with other passengers on the plane, complete quests, and purchase items and upgrades using coins earned from previous playthroughs. As new levels unlock, the story gradually expands, bringing players closer to the cause of the plane explosion and the secrets behind this recurrence.
The full version includes 5 levels with 3 difficulty levels (15 stages in total), various challenge modes, a roguelike gauntlet mode, global and friend leaderboards, and 25 types of ability items.
“We need more absurd games like this”… Positive reviews continued from the demo
Overseas media outlets are paying attention to the game’s unique concept. One media outlet stated, “We need more games with such ingenious ideas.” In its introduction, it highlighted the 100% positive evaluation of the demo. Another review gave a favorable review, stating, “The depth hidden beneath the retro vibe is much more solid than expected.”
In addition, the fact that it was first released on a browser-based platform also had a positive effect on community expansion. The game has broadened its user base by securing accessibility not only through the Steam demo but also on various casual game platforms.
The first challenge of a Melbourne 3-person development team adding experimentation to arcade vibes
Developer S-Bend Games is a three-person indie studio based in Melbourne, Australia, founded in 2024. Freefall ’95 is their first commercial release, focusing on expanding a simple idea into a unique game system based on the experimental approach characteristic of a small team.
Starting from the simple idea of a short fall, ‘Freefall ’95’ combines tricks, combos, and a time-loop narrative to create an immersive experience that defies appearances and goes beyond imagination. With this title combining the experimental nature and polish demonstrated in S-Bend Games’ debut, attention is focused on what kind of impact it will have on the indie game market and how it will lead to their next steps.
Information regarding ‘Freefall ’95’
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Developer / Publisher | S-Bend Games (Melbourne, Australia / 3-person team, established in 2024) |
| Genre | Arcade Trick Score Attack / Bullet Hell / Roguelike / Adventure |
| Release platform | PC (Steam) |
| Release date | June 1, 2026 |
| Demo Review | 100% Positive (20) |
| inspiration | Tony Hawk Pro Skater, SSX Tricky |
| Art style | 16-bit Pixel Art / 90s Arcade / Dark Humor |
| Main Content | 5 Levels × 3 Difficulties (15 Stages) / Challenge Level / Roguelike Gauntlet / 25 Types of Abilities |
| core system | Trick Combo / Time Loop Narrative / Electromagnet & Repulsor Combination / Passenger Quest |
| Language support | English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese |
| Main Keywords | Drop, Trick, Combo, Time Loop, 90s, Arcade, Bullet Hell, Score Attack |
| Official Channel | Discord·Instagram·YouTube |
| Steam Page | Shortcut |
