Astro Duel 2 has space dogs fighting and space dogfighting

One of the standout games of PAX West 2022 was Astro Duel 2, a co-op and competitive multiplayer game that borrows from Smash Bros. and top-down space shooters.

Astro Duel 2 comes from Austin, Texas-based developer, Wild Rooster. This game focuses on local competitive or cooperative play, with a fully-fledged Versus Mode and Campaign.

In Versus Mode, up to six players battle it out in space, with the goal of surviving against other pilots. But Astro Duel 2 comes with a fresh twist.

The kicker? In the center of each stage is a large area with regular gravity, allowing players to battle against one another like a 2D action platformer. Use guns or melee items to take down opponents.

But if you jump outside of this zone, the game turns into a top-down space shooter, adding a layer of complexity that gives Astro Duel 2 a unique identity.

Being able to shift between both zones on the fly motivates competitors to move around each stage, rewarding those who master both styles of play.

Astro Duel 2 offers over 100 levels, a varied roster of ships, a slew of different powerups, and even destructible environments, making it chaotic in the best ways possible.

Each match feels explosive thanks to the fast-paced gameplay. It’s reminiscent of the most hectic Smash Bros. matches, and we’re excited for the full release.