Waxwing (AppID: 3328210)

Waxwing is a co-op 2D sidescrolling flying game where you and a partner shoot attracting flames to guide the hero through a series of harrowing challenges — but beware getting too close to the fire.

Influence, Not Control

Waxwing features a unique movement mechanic — you and your partner are not the hero themself, but instead the force that guides them. Fire flames to create guideposts that move the hero through the level and away from obstacles en route. But be careful — if they actually touch the flames, it's instant death and an automatic reset of the level. Establish a back-and-forth firing pattern with your partner in short, fast-paced levels. 

Pursue the Sun Across Lifetimes

Play through the hero’s four lifetimes, each with their own theming, art, and enemies. Wind the hero’s way through spiderwebs, barking teens, and black holes. Collect stars and confront the sun. One mistake and you’re dead!

A New Take on Classic Elements

Waxwing combines unexpected genre elements — the tight corridors and rapid respawning of precision platformers, the evasive maneuvers of bullet hell shoot ‘em ups, the constant motion of endless runners, and even a “click-to-move” control scheme reminiscent of CRPGs and RTS — to form a surprisingly intuitive and fresh angle on challenge, movement, and cooperation.

P.S. — Play In Person

A permanent arcade cabinet of Waxwing with custom lightgun controls exists at Wonderville in Brooklyn, NY!