HomeMain MenuPress ReleasesWayForward to Publish Cinematic Platformer LUNARK

WayForward to Publish Cinematic Platformer LUNARK

Be part of the revolution in Canari Games’ epic sci-fi adventure

Valencia, Calif. and Montreal, Quebec, Canada – June 6, 2022 – Independent game studio WayForward and developer Canari Games are thrilled to announce that they have entered into a partnership in which WayForward will handle the digital publishing duties for Canari’s highly anticipated cinematic platformer, LUNARK. Inspired by 2D classics from the 1980s and ’90s such as Prince of Persia, Flashback, and Out of this World, and given life via a successful Kickstarter campaign, LUNARK is a retro-style sci-fi adventure that is expected to release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, the Xbox family of systems, Mac, and PC in late 2022.

Steam Store Link: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1050370/LUNARK/

Set in a far future where Earth’s moon has been transformed into a vessel for humanity’s survival and a totalitarian regime reigns supreme, LUNARK puts players in control of Leo, a courier with unique abilities and a mysterious past. As he gets unwittingly caught up in the rebellion against LUNARK’s iron fist, Leo must run, jump, hang, climb, roll, and shoot his way out of one life-threatening situation after another as he navigates impressively animated pixel-art environments ranging from a dystopian megalopolis to eerie caves to an alien forest. Using their reflexes and their wits, players must overcome traps, solve puzzles, earn upgrades, and battle enemy droids, and when they aren’t fighting for survival, they’ll find themselves interacting with a cast of colorful characters who will put Leo’s allegiances to the test.

“Years ago, WayForward was one of the first companies to give me a chance as a freelance artist,” says Johan Vinet, creator of LUNARK. “Knowing the passion they put into their games, accepting this partnership was a no-brainer. LUNARK couldn’t be in better hands.”

“From impeccable level design to top-notch storytelling and animation, LUNARK is a perfect homage to the great cinematic platformers of the past, yet stands out as something exciting and new,” adds WayForward Tyrannical Overlord Voldi Way. “It is our privilege to be teaming up with Canari Games to help bring LUNARK to players.” In addition to the digital version of LUNARK, a physical edition, published by Limited Run Games, will be released on select platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Further details will be announced at a later date.

For more news on LUNARK, as well as information on other titles, please visit www.wayforward.com and www.canarigames.com, and follow @wayforward and @CanariGames on Twitter and Facebook.

Key Features

  • Experience a modern 2D cinematic platformer, featuring precision gameplay and stunning animation
  • Immerse yourself in a compelling sci-fi story of survival, revolution, and mystery
  • Intuitive but versatile controls: Run, jump, hang, climb, roll, and shoot your way to freedom!
  • Explore glorious pixel-art environments, including mysterious alien ruins, a flying penitentiary, a high-tech megalopolis, and an alien forest
  • Solve puzzles, overcome traps, and interact with a variety of characters
  • Discover hidden upgrades to expand your health and weapon capabilities
  • Yes, you can pet the dog

About WayForward

Based in Valencia, California, WayForward was founded in 1990 and has remained an independent game developer for more than 30 years. It is home to many talented individuals including programmers, environment artists, animators, modelers, illustrators, audio wizards, designers, and team leaders. With new avenues for distributing games directly to fans, they are finally able to make the games they have always wanted to.

About Canari Games

After years of providing his expertise to other game studios as a pixel artist, animator, or sound designer, it was in 2018 that Montrealer Johan Vinet founded Canari Games to work on his passion project, LUNARK.