For the science-fiction lovers and for the metal-heads, the developers at Steel Mantis are looking to bring Valfaris to consoles and PC by the end of the year. The studio describes the in-your-face indie as a “heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer.” An interesting combination from the team was a Unity Awards finalist for their previous title Slain: Back From Hell.

Valfaris revolves around Therion, a son of the grandiose citadel who has returned to his homeland to find a great darkness has taken over. The fortress of Valfaris had previously vanished from all galactic charts, but has now reappeared as the home to arcane evil instead of its previously beautiful paradise. Therion will mow down enemy forces with his arsenal of weapons as he travels into the depths.

In level or wave-like combat, players will have to take on ranks of foes and their bosses that are in the shape of some “grotesque” forms. The combat and level design should be accentuated by the pixel art style developed by Andrew Gilmour and by the powerful soundtrack created by former Celtic Frost guitarist, Curt Victor Byrant.

The artist and game designer, Gilmour recently sat down and answered 7 big questions about Valfaris this month on the game’s Steam page. He talks about knowing that his follow-up game to Slain: Back From Hell was always meant to be in space, saying “I knew exactly what was coming next even before the end of Slain. In fact, during the development of Slain, I did an April Fool’s tweet about changing Slain to more of a sci-fi vibe.” Gilmour then comments on Therion’s weapons and that his favorite set up is “Therion’s Call, Bloodaxe/The Bastard, and Hellwraith,” which are just some of the weapons and abilities that will be at the hero’s disposal.

While there is no set release date, Steel Mantis and Digital Uppercut are aiming to introduce the full version Valfaris on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam store by this year’s end.