Indie platformers have a way of surprising us — and SPEAR looks ready to do exactly that. Launching on January 9, 2026, this clever 2.5D action-platformer drops players inside a videogame on the brink of deletion, where glitches are monsters and every second counts.
Developed almost entirely by Italian solo creator Andrea Cavuoto — known for the award-winning short film Underdog — SPEAR blends nostalgic platforming roots with modern mechanics, humor, and fast-paced combat.
A Game Trying Not to Be Deleted
In SPEAR, players take control of Default, a forgotten NPC who becomes the last unlikely hero in a project marked for erasure. Armed with a makeshift spear cobbled together from a broomstick and a mouse cursor, Default must:
- Hunt down bugs
- Outmaneuver deadly glitches
- Stabilize corrupted levels
- Prevent the developers from deleting the project when they return from lunch
It’s a tongue-in-cheek premise — and it works brilliantly.
Trailer Showcases Creative Combat and Movement
The latest launch trailer highlights just how technical and stylish SPEAR can be. The spear isn’t just a weapon — it’s a tool that opens up entirely new ways to move, fight, and outsmart pixelated enemies.
Players can expect:
- Precision spear throws
- Slow-motion sequences
- Teleportation tricks
- Skill-based parries
- Dynamic gliding
- Momentum-driven platforming
The result is a modern twist on classic platforming — quick, fluid, and surprisingly deep.
“We’ve spent years fighting real bugs… so we decided to make a game about it,” jokes creator Andrea Cavuoto. “Default is unlucky — but also the bravest one left. We can’t wait to see how Xbox players tackle the Glitches we unleashed.”
Built With Indie Passion — and Experience
SPEAR is developed under Cavuoto’s studio Polyhedric, based in Benevento, Italy. While primarily a one-developer project, select artists and composers contributed to sound, music, and a handful of assets.
Before founding Polyhedric, Cavuoto worked professionally in the industry as Cinematic Director and Senior Animator on major titles including:
- Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide
That experience shows — SPEAR feels polished, expressive, and creatively staged.
Why SPEAR Stands Out
SPEAR isn’t just another retro-inspired platformer. It stands out because it mixes:
- Story-driven urgency (save the game… literally)
- Technical combat depth
- Smart humor about game development
- A visually evolving digital world falling apart in real time
For players who grew up during the golden age of platformers — or anyone who loves tight, skill-based action — SPEAR could be one of January’s indie highlights.
Release Details
- Platform: Xbox Series X|S
- Launch Date: January 9, 2026
- Genre: 2.5D Action-Platformer
Keep an eye out — and get ready to fight bugs in the most literal way possible.
