Clarissa | making Enigma HeartClarusPlusPlus@gamedev.lgbt

Jun 30, 2026, 3:40 AM

If you're a newer follower or just not familiar with Acronia, it's a side-scrolling run 'n' gun based on an old DOS prototype/demo of mine. It's inspired by Contra, Bio Menace, Rise of the Triad, and even a smattering of Commander Keen.

It ran in mode 13h: 320x200 resolution, with non-square pixels, and ran at only 35hz -- half the VGA's native framerate of 70.

It's gonna be fun to re-imagine for modern systems at 360p60.

Character selection screen in Acronia. Most of the text is in glowing neon green on dark green with scanlines, evoking old terminal monitors. Roslyn is the currently-selected character out of five possible playable characters: Allie, Roslyn, Dad, Harry, and Buddy. Her full-length portrait shows her standing at the ready with a shotgun.

Side-scrolling scene in Acronia. It's rather chaotic, with several monsters, including one mutant and two Hopsis, running up a sloped platform toward Roslyn. There's a teleporter behind her. The level is industrial, full of yellow-and-black striped hazard tape, pipes, and diamondplate.

Side-scrolling scene in Acronia, showing another player character, Allie, standing inside an office complex. There are potted plants, plush chairs, and carpets. A mutant has fired a plasma ball at Allie, and it doesn't appear she'll have enough time to duck under it.

Side-scrolling scene in Acronia. Another player character, Harry, a huge, beefy man with blond hair, stands in an office complex, in the reception area. There's blood everywhere, and a dead worker slumped over their desk. There's an open closet, American flags, lamps, a checkered floor, and a bulletin board. A sign on the back wall reads "ACRONIA - Campus 12, Sengana"

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