Publisher Null Games and developer Mommy’s Best Games have released a new trailer for its side-scrolling action platformer ChainStaff. The trailer details the current availability of ChainStaff’s demo and Gematsu reports that’s it’s launch has been added to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in addition to the previously announced PC version in Fall.

The setting of ChainStaff is a warped version of Earth that’s been invaded by alien organisms called Star Spores. You will assume the role of a nameless soldier, who has a parasitic alien attached to their head with the goal of surviving this world overrun by alien mutated creatures.

Rusty Rupees interviewed ChainStaff developer Nathan Fouts and asked how important it was to utilize the game’s unique ChainStaff as more than just a weapon, Fouts responded  “…I think about it all the time when I’m designing. Basically I try to make sure there’s a lot of different interesting things the player can do so for each enemy, that each each enemy I make I try to make it as a way the player can, if they want use the ChainStaff.  You can basically Run and Gun the whole game but I wanted to try to make it fifty fifty so that like it’s not only a shooting game and it’s not only this melee game with the chain staff you can have a lot of options and the way you use the chain staff…”

You’ll master the ChainStaff as a spear, shield, and grappling hook all relegated to one button. You’ll decide whether to rescue stranded soldiers or devour their organs leading to alternate endings. ChainStaff is set across 10 unique hand-drawn levels. The title features a soundtrack from composer Deon van Heerden of Broforce and Warhammer 40000: Shootas, Blood & Teef fame. 

Mommy’s Best Games aims to create a title in the vein of Megaman and Contra, while steering clear of the ‘Metroidvania’ designation. With deep mechanics, including the ever-changing ChainStaff, Mommy’s Best may be able to capitalize on more than just the retro audiences come this fall.