Cosmos: Stella Returns

About

A metroidvania set on the enigmatic planet Memoria, Cosmos: Stella Returns tasks you with navigating treacherous terrain and uncovering hidden paths. You play as Stella, a space explorer armed with a basic weapon and a need for upgrades. The core loop revolves around collecting resources to enhance abilities, allowing access to previously unreachable areas. Platforming challenges mix with combat as you battle alien creatures and environmental hazards. The pixel art style gives everything a retro sheen, blending smooth action with a throwback vibe. Players note the tight controls and thoughtful level design, making exploration rewarding. While the story unfolds through sparse dialogue and environmental clues, the focus stays on progression and discovery. Early reviews on Steam highlight the game's addictive upgrade system and vibrant color palette. With around 8 hours for the main story and more for completion, it offers a compact but dense experience. The 2023 release from SEEP has steadily gained traction among fans of action-platformers with a nostalgic edge.