On April 1st, Aether Studios hosted our annual Rivals Direct with yet another new twist. This year we brought in a plethora of talented game studios to celebrate the holiday and show off some of their incredible games and Aether Studios collaborations. Check out our trailers from our VERY real April Fool’s Rivals World:

Slingshell

Slingshell, by Muno, is an arcade high-score shooter / platformer where you play as a cloud-riding, gun-slinging snail and brave the dangers of enemy-filled, randomly-generated levels. Master the unorthodox controls of a varied cast of characters, all while enjoying beautiful pixel art and a jazzy soundtrack!

While you’re at it, check out guest character Orcane and the Fire Capital stage, along with other characters you might recognize from the Rivals Workshop!

Slingshell is planned to release on Steam in 2024. Be sure to wishlist Slingshell today:

Another Crab’s Treasure

Another Crab’s Treasure is coming out later this year with a whole new vibe on the shells-like genre. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to collect the trash around you to wear as shells to withstand attacks from enemies many times your size in this adventure set in a crumbling underwater world.
In this undersea society, trash is not only a way of life, but a valuable resource, used for everything from fashion to firearms. But with the presence of trash comes a mysterious infection known as the Gunk, which could spell doom for the entire ocean.

Designed to be an approachable experience for newer souls-like players as well as provide a challenge for hardcore fans, Another Crab’s Treasure offers something for any level of skill or time commitment. Assist options are provided for those seeking a less frustrating experience, but gluttons for punishment are sure to find the default game challenging.

Pick up new shells and use various special Umami Techniques to fight your way through the hoards in style with the newly announced Forsburn cosmetic!

Watch their section of the Direct to see more gameplay and an exclusive interview with their Studio Head and Art Director Nick Kaman.

Another Crab’s Treasure is planned to release later this year on Steam and Nintendo Switch. Be sure to wishlist Another Crab’s Treasure today:

Backpack Hero

Backpack Hero is a twist on your standard deck-building rogue-like. It isn’t just about what you carry, but how you organize items within your bag. Pack your bags and prepare for a challenge, as hundreds of items like Forsburn’s dagger or Maypul’s katars and their unique combinations can make or break your runs!

Duelists of Eden

A new fighting game from the creators of One Step From Eden! Fight in a fast-paced mix of strategy and real-time action using your own weapons and a unique combination of spells! You’ll need to react to opponents and think on your feet to take down the competition.

In a special collaboration, we’re over the moon to share that Maypul is joining the cast of Duelists of Eden! Her unique wrap mechanic transcends games and opens up combos trees no other character can achieve.

Make sure to check out their segment of the Direct for more gameplay and a fun interview with Thomas Moon Kang, the creator, and coder behind the series.

Duelists of Eden launches later this year on Steam and Nintendo Switch. Be sure to wishlist Duelists of Eden today:

Samurai Gunn 2

Ranno is joining Samurai Gunn 2! This online party fighter is easy to pick up and difficult to master. Utilize Ranno’s unique movement to tongue-sling across terrain and trap opponents in bubbles in this fast and complex one-hit combat system.

Check out their section of the Direct to see more than just the teaser, including an exclusive interview with “Beau”. Samurai Gunn 2 is in Early Access on steam right now – Check it out.