Cobalt (v136b – Gold)

A tiny blue cyborg turns every firefight into a frantic stunt show, where incoming bullets are as useful as they are dangerous. Cobalt is a fast 2D action-platformer set around a strange abandoned colony, with vanished humans, bizarre wildlife, space hamsters, and an intentionally playful sense of mystery. Its pixel-art presentation looks approachable, but the action demands sharp reactions and smart positioning. The mood moves easily from colorful slapstick to tense arena combat, making each bizarre encounter feel unpredictable rather than merely silly.

Combat revolves around the signature roll, which automatically triggers dramatic slow motion when danger closes in. A well-timed dodge can deflect bullets, redirect explosives, create an opening for a headshot, or send the player flying through a room with a rocket-powered punch. Story mode supports solo play and local co-op, combining platforming, environmental puzzles, boss fights, and collectible pets with its shooting. Beyond the campaign, Survival mode asks players to outlast escalating enemy waves while upgrading gear, while combat and speed challenges reward efficient runs with leaderboard placement. Competitive options include free-for-all and team Deathmatch, the tactical no-respawn rounds of Team Strike, and Plug Slam, a violent sports mode built around forcing a plug into the opposing goal.

What makes Cobalt memorable is the way its slowdown system changes the rhythm of a shooter: success comes less from raw aim than from turning chaos into carefully timed counterattacks. More than 80 maps, a large selection of ranged and melee tools, shields, armor customization, and six multiplayer modes give it substantially more variety than its compact visuals initially suggest. Local and online multiplayer both suit quick sessions, while challenge modes provide a tougher long-term target for score chasers and speedrunners. Players who enjoy the acrobatic precision of TowerFall, the arena mayhem of Soldat, or the reactive combat of action-platformers will find plenty to like, though veterans will get the most from mastering its unusual movement and deflection rules.