Just when you thought the golden age of pixel-perfect platformers was behind us, Aureole – Wings of Hope soars in to prove otherwise. Launching today on Steam and debuting soon on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox, this throwback from Team Stargazers and JanduSoft aims to recapture the magic of 16-bit classics-while adding plenty of new tricks to its angelic arsenal.
Channeling the spirit of Sonic, Celeste, and Super Meat Boy, Aureole swaps out traditional run-and-jump mechanics for an impulse-based system, demanding both skill and creativity as you launch your character through tricky terrain. With speedrunning in its DNA and a nostalgic Mega Drive prototype tucked in as a free bonus, the game delivers a mix of modern challenge and retro flair.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | JanduSoft |
| Release Date | May 15, 2025 (Steam, Switch, PS5); May 22, 2025 (Xbox); following week (PS4) |
| Genres | 2D Platformer, Action |
| Platforms | Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 |
At the heart of Aureole – Wings of Hope is a gameplay system that asks players to “launch” their way through levels rather than sprint or dash. Think pinball meets precision platformer: every move is a calculated impulse, making success a matter of timing, trajectory, and quick reflexes. This physics-forward approach is a bold twist, reminiscent of how Celeste tweaked platformer dynamics for a new generation-offering accessibility on the surface, but a sharp skill ceiling for those chasing speedrun glory.
The game’s world is broken into six themed zones, each introducing unique hazards, enemies, and platforming mechanics. Hidden levels, mini-games, and a bounty of secrets invite exploration beyond the critical path, while global leaderboards and time trials ensure there’s plenty to come back for long after the credits roll. The pixel art visuals channel the vibrancy of the Mega Drive era, and the soundtrack hits all the right nostalgic notes without feeling derivative.
Story-wise, players join celestial angels Ramila and Ryleth as they battle to reclaim their home from the Demon King. While the premise plays it safe, it’s the gameplay that steals the spotlight. For veterans of platformers, Aureole’s promise of “simple and precise controls” is welcome-but with its unique impulse system, there may be a learning curve for newcomers used to more forgiving movement. The game’s inclusion of a free digital manual and a playable Mega Drive prototype ROM on Steam is a love letter to collectors and retro enthusiasts alike, though it remains to be seen how much the extra content impacts the broader experience.
With pre-orders open now for Xbox and a PlayStation 4 release on the horizon, Aureole – Wings of Hope is positioned to find an audience across every major platform. Its retro aesthetics and challenging, innovative movement may not be for everyone, but for fans of hardcore platformers or anyone nostalgic for the 16-bit era, this could be a new obsession.
Will impulse-based movement carve out a new niche in the platforming pantheon, or will Aureole remain a delight for genre diehards alone? As always, the only way to know is to take the leap—literally.
TL;DR: Aureole – Wings of Hope is a 2D platformer that blends retro visuals, impulse-driven gameplay, and speedrunning challenges. With six worlds, secrets galore, and a free Mega Drive prototype on Steam, it’s a deep dive for fans of precision platformers and 16-bit nostalgia.
Source: JanduSoft via GamesPress