STARBUSTER
A ruthless sport of exploitation & sabotage in zero-G.
HOW IT PLAYS
Two players face off in a zero-gravity arena filled with frozen blocks. Each player pilots a ship using a gamepad, aiming and thrusting through the arena. Your goal: mine gems from inside blocks and push them into your goal to score. First to 5 goals wins. Matches last 3–7 minutes depending on how aggressive you play.
CORE MECHANICS
Laser — Your primary tool. Hold to fire a cluster of 5 laser beams that apply heat to whatever they hit. Blocks thaw and activate after 0.3 seconds of heat, then shatter into halves at 0.5 seconds. Halves break into quarters, and quarters vaporize — each stage releasing any gem hidden inside. Your laser holds 3 seconds of charge and recharges slowly when not in use, so you must manage your energy carefully.
Forcefield — A tractor beam that pulls nearby objects toward your ship. Use it to drag gems toward your goal, reposition blocks as barriers, or steal objects your opponent is trying to control. It costs less energy than the laser, making it your go-to for maneuvering.
Projectile Explosives — Collectible missiles that spawn periodically on the board. Launch them to create massive explosions that scatter blocks, shatter fragments, and disable your opponent's ship. You can carry up to 2 at a time, and they accelerate after launch.
Heat & Disabling — Lasers and explosions apply heat to ships too. When your ship overheats (10 seconds of accumulated heat), you're disabled for 3 seconds — unable to move, shoot, or use items. As heat builds, your ship slows down, creating an escalating vulnerability. This is the sabotage: sustained laser fire on your opponent disables them, giving you a window to score.
THE ARENA
Each match generates a unique board layout using procedural generation. ~100 frozen blocks are arranged in organic clusters across an arena, with clear zones around each player's spawn point and goal. Blocks contain gems and pickups — laser them to break them open, then use your forcefield to guide the gem into your goal. Block fragments drift in zero-G, attract each other into loose clumps, and can be weaponized with explosions.
SCORING & MATCH FLOW
One gem exists on the board at a time. When it's scored, time slows for a dramatic moment, then a new gem spawns. Own-goals count — accidentally pushing a gem into the wrong goal gives your opponent the point. The first player to 5 goals wins, with configurable victory thresholds.
GAME MODES
Quick Match — Jump straight into a 1v1 local match. Customize player names, colors (8 options each), and victory threshold before each game.
Tournament — Full single-elimination bracket system for up to 32 players. Includes a web portal for contestant signup, bracket management, per-match stats tracking (goals, blocks busted, laser seconds, distance traveled, and more), and match outcome export/import.
FEATURES
Local 2-player competitive gameplay with gamepad support
Physics-driven combat: every laser burst, explosion, and forcefield push has real physics consequences
Procedurally generated arenas — every match is different
Dynamic camera that zooms to follow the action
Dramatic slow-motion on goals and victories
8 player colors to choose from with customizable names
On-screen keyboard for player name entry
Steam achievements, cloud saves, and rich presence
Multiple display modes including a retro low-res option (320×180)
Comprehensive stats: goals, own goals, blocks busted, laser seconds, missiles launched, distance traveled, match time, and more
BORN AT NOISEBRIDGE
Prototyped at Noisebridge hackerspace in San Francisco, specifically for the 1v1 Coffee Table — a custom-built dual-screen gaming station. Refined through weekly playtesting at Gamebridge meetups and showcased at Maker Faire Bay Area. A substantial portion of net revenue from Starbuster sales will be donated to Noisebridge, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more at
