[Stockholm, Sweden - July 31, 2025] - Indie developer Oldways Studios AB is proud to announce Cole Hunter: Payback, a retro-inspired 2D shoot’em up roguelite that blends skill, deep customization, and a high-stakes debt narrative. Players can now wishlist the game on Steam ahead of its Early Access release in Q1 2026.
Steam Page:https://store.steampowered.com/app/3086070/Cole_Hunter_Payback/
Announcement Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdZ5qWKlxaM
ABOUT THE GAME
You are Cole Hunter, a debt-dodging space outlaw trying to survive and pay off a Syndicate that’s always one step behind. Pilot customizable ships, salvage weapon cores, and blast through planets crawling with danger - while the pressure mounts with every missed payment.
Key Features:
- Bullet Hell Meets Roguelite - Face relentless waves of enemies while building insane upgrade combos each run.
- Custom Ships with Implicit Weapons - Start with a unique “personality” ship and evolve it into a wrecking machine.
- Implant System - Unlock perks via a branching system with synergies and risk-reward twists.
- Dynamic Debt Mechanic - Choose to pay or skip your Syndicate dues. Each decision reshapes future rewards, threats, and story.
- Streamer-Friendly, Infinitely Replayable - Designed to generate wild builds and epic fails that audiences love.
Developed by industry veterans Francisco J. Soler (“Maki”) and Aitor Roda (“aroda”), whose previous credits include Commandos, PAYDAY, Sniper Ghost Warrior, Pro Evolution Soccer and more, Cole Hunter: Payback is a passion project rooted in deep genre experience and creative independence.
“We wanted to create a game that feels tight and thrilling like a classic shmup, but with modern roguelite depth and narrative twists,” says Creative Director Francisco Soler.
PRESS & ASSETS
Press Kit: Cole Hunter: Payback PressKit 4K
Attached: 3-5 high-resolution images (please watermark if required)
For preview builds, interviews, or more information:
📩 aroda@oldwaysstudios.com
📩 fjsoler@oldwaysstudios.com
End of release