Independent developer and publisher Asteristic Game Studio has announced DekaDuck, a retro-inspired 2D action platformer available on PC via Steam. Still in active development, the game mixes a fast-paced platformer with a sci-fi setting full of conspiracies, hand-drawn art, and a protagonist who is, quite literally, half duck and half robot. A fully playable demo is already live on Steam and a Kickstarter campaign is currently underway to help develop and refine the final game.
The story centers on Dr. Less, a wanted man who finds himself stranded on an uncharted planet after his ship crashes during a chase with the intergalactic police. Using his scientific know-how and his daughter’s pet duck, he builds DekaDuck, the waterfowl robot that players will control throughout the game. The core mechanics revolve around DekaDuck’s detachable mechanical arm, which can grab enemies, objects, and elements of the environment itself. It feels like the kind of system that rewards creativity, with the developers describing the gameplay as being built around agility, speed, momentum, and experimentation rather than simple shooting.
DekaDuck has six stages, each accessible by flying to different regions aboard Dr. Less’ ship. Levels are packed with secret areas, distinct enemy types, and giant boss encounters, all rendered in hand-drawn digital art. Players will also encounter a colorful supporting cast along the way, including Aiko, an intergalactic police captain who has a somewhat awkward crush on Dr. Less, and Ekos, an arms dealer who happens to be quite literal about the job title. A recently released trailer offers a look at how movement and combat flow together, highlighting quick traverses and encounters that seem to reward improvisation.
Fans of classic action platformers will likely find inspiration here. Asteristic Game Studio has cited MegaMan and Alien Soldier as key influences, and the game’s emphasis on momentum and expressive movement certainly fits that lineage. The game also features a soundtrack composed by Dominic Ninmark, which should add to the overall atmosphere that the developers are clearly aiming for.
DekaDuck doesn’t yet have a confirmed release date, but the Kickstarter campaign is now live and backers can get involved to help shape the scope of the final product. A free demo is available on Steam for anyone who wants to get a feel for the game before committing, and the Steam page is open for wishlists. More information, including a full press kit, can be found via the links below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DekaDuck?
DekaDuck is a retro-inspired 2D action platformer developed and published by Asteristic Game Studio. Players control a half-duck, half-robot character in a sci-fi world, using a removable mechanical arm to fight enemies and navigate levels.
On which platforms is DekaDuck available?
DekaDuck is coming to PC via Steam. A free playable demo is already available on Steam ahead of the full release.
When is DekaDuck coming out?
No specific release date for DekaDuck has been announced yet. The game is still in development, with a Kickstarter campaign underway to support its completion.
Is there a DekaDuck demo I can play?
Yes, a fully playable demo for DekaDuck is available now on Steam, for free.
How can I support the development of DekaDuck?
Asteristic Game Studio is running a Kickstarter campaign for DekaDuck, where backers can pledge their support, access campaign rewards, and track development updates. You may also like the game on Steam.
