Indie Castlevania-Like Infernax Gets Free DLC, Adds Couch Co-op

Indie 8-bit adventure Infernax was one of the most acclaimed retro-style games of 2022, and now it's getting a major update in the form of free DLC. The upcoming "Deux Or Die" update will add couch co-op to the game, along with a new character, Cervul the Squire.

By default, Cervul sports Hammer Bros.-like arcing projectiles and other tools. However, if you choose to follow the game's evil path, he will gain a new set of abilities, including bombs and other high damage-dealing tools. This new mode will entirely rebalance the game for two characters, as well as giving you a single-player option that allows you to swap between heroes Alcedor and Cervul at will.

The game's secret gun mode will also receive a co-op-themed makeover. Similar to the classic Contra games that the mode serves as a homage to, you'll now be able to team up with a friend in order to take on the game with machine guns rather than maces and swords. This isn't Infernax's first piece of free DLC--back in 2022, the game added the horror-inspired playable character The Stranger to the game.

As a metroidvania with a smaller map, Infernax is often compared to cult 8-bit games Zelda 2: Adventure of Link and Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest. It usually retails for $20, and has a "very positive" rating on Steam.