Costumenaut

About

Costumenaut is a top-down shooter with roguelike mechanics. You control a nerdy everyman stuck on a hostile alien ship. Every level is randomly generated, forcing you to adapt as you battle through waves of enemies. Your main tool is a collection of silly costumes, each one unlocking a different weapon or ability. Switching outfits mid-fight changes your playstyle, but you only get so many uses before they’re gone for good. It’s fast paced and unforgiving, with permadeath keeping tension high between runs. The game’s charm comes from its absurd sense of humor and the sheer variety of outfits. Some let you shoot lasers from your hands, others turn you into a living bomb. With over 50 different costumes and randomized loot drops, each session feels distinct. Though it didn’t get massive attention at launch, fans of tough, replayable shooters often praise its clever mechanics and goofy tone. The 2017 release still holds up as a brisk challenge that packs a lot into its simple premise.