Sky Furnace is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up that blends roguelite progression with a dieselpunk setting on PC. Players take control of a warplane in short, intense sorties where three minutes of enemy encounters over varied terrain lead into a boss fight. The core loop centers on collecting XP from downed foes to level up and select abilities that shape each run into a unique build.
Gameplay
The action unfolds in a side-scrolling format where movement, shooting, and positioning matter against waves of enemies. Weather effects influence both the plane and projectiles, with wind altering trajectories, lightning strikes from storms, and updrafts affecting vertical positioning. Each sortie builds through card-based upgrades chosen from three options per level, allowing combinations that sometimes form powerful mega upgrades when specific sets align.
Seven distinct planes provide variety in starting loadouts and flight characteristics. Options range from agile scouts suited for quick maneuvers to heavy bombers and carriers that deploy supporting units. Each plane includes a dedicated right-button ability and unique handling that encourages different approaches to the same levels. Between runs, bolts collected during sorties fund permanent hangar upgrades, including access to additional planes, a talent tree for broader progression, and cosmetic paint schemes.
Game Modes
The campaign consists of 19 levels spread across seven chapters, each featuring tailored enemy types, bosses with multiple phases, and environmental challenges. Completion opens post-campaign options that extend playtime. These include twenty Ascension tiers for deeper roguelite challenges, an endless mode for sustained runs, and a weekly challenge that features a shared leaderboard for competitive scoring. A dedicated casual mode adjusts difficulty for players seeking a less demanding experience.
Cooperative play supports up to four players online in squads or two players locally on one computer using keyboard and gamepad combinations. Shared screen co-op emphasizes coordinated positioning and ability synergy during the brief but dense combat sequences leading to each boss encounter.
Progression and Builds
Roguelite elements reward experimentation across multiple sorties. Cards stack and interact in ways that reward planning toward synergistic combinations rather than isolated picks. The talent tree and plane unlocks create long-term goals that persist beyond individual runs, while the weekly challenge adds a recurring competitive element without requiring constant play.
Weather integration adds a layer of tactical consideration, as players must account for environmental shifts that affect both offense and defense. This system ties directly into the short sortie structure, where adapting to conditions in real time determines success against the arriving boss.
Is It Worth Playing?
Sky Furnace suits players who enjoy side-scrolling shoot 'em ups with roguelite depth and short, repeatable sessions. The campaign provides a structured single-player path through distinct chapters, while endless and challenge modes offer ongoing variety for those who prefer replayability. Co-op features make it accessible for local or online groups interested in coordinated aerial combat.
With its focus on build crafting through card selections and persistent hangar progression, the game appeals to fans of dieselpunk aesthetics and mechanics that reward adaptation over rote repetition. The upcoming Steam release follows an initial free availability on itch.io, allowing interested players to test the core loop before committing further. Those who value precise controls, weather-influenced tactics, and escalating boss encounters in a compact format will find the systems align well with the described genre blend.
