Indie publisher Digerati is delighted to announce Lilac 0, a new vertically scrolling shoot ’em up coming to PC early next year (exact date TBA). Set on the machine world of Molybdion, Lilac 0 puts players in the role of Rairakku, an ancient warrior and blade-wielding automaton deployed to destroy the planet’s mechanzied inhabitants.
Created by French developer Victor Pouderoux, Lilac 0 has a distinct, retro arcade feel that combines refined mechanics, challenging gameplay, stunning pixel art, and an industrial chiptune soundtrack. Unusually for a shmup, the game features a ‘dash’ move which, in addition to making the player momentarily invulnerable, is the only way to defeat certain enemies. Dash is also used to execute an ‘overkill’: a special, score-boosting attack that slices its target into pieces.
With a background in computer science and various game jam projects under his belt, Victor Pouderoux initially began work on Lilac 0 as a purely hobbyist endeavour. However, over time, and driven by his passion for shmups, it grew in scope and ambition.
“Developing Lilac 0 has been quite an impromptu adventure in my life,” Pouderoux explains. “It started as a small prototype and became something much bigger. I’ve learned a lot while working on it and I’ve had the chance to collaborate with some very kind and helpful people.
“Shoot ’em ups are often overlooked, even though they have the potential to be very deep and complex, and I believe there are still many unexplored possibilities within the genre. While Lilac 0 is a no-nonsense type of game with immediate, uncompromising action, there are nuances to the gameplay that I hope players will enjoy mastering.”
About the game
The machine world of Molybdion has fallen into disarray. As Nidhogg eats the root of the planet, unending wars rage on the surface, and machines fight endlessly in the sky above. Slice your way through hordes of metallic foes in five frantic levels, defeat fearsome bosses, and dodge countless bullets in this vintage vertical shoot ’em up.
LKey Features
5 increasingly complex levels
2 playable characters for different playstyles
3 difficulty levels for broader accessibility
8 different color pallets to choose from
Overkill enemies to gain more score
Chiptune metal soundtrack by Withered Media
Vintage pixel art and CRT style evocative of the arcade era