The retro-inspired shoot ‘em up Wings of Bluestar, originally released for PC in 2020, is taking flight on the PlayStation 5 with both a standard and a limited “Extra Edition” physical release. Preorders are now open, offering fans a chance to own a piece of the indie darling’s history.
Developed with a clear nod to classic arcade titles, Wings of Bluestar garnered a dedicated following for its hand-painted sprites, engaging story, and challenging bullet-hell gameplay. The game casts players as either Aya, a trainee pilot, or Zarak, a veteran ace, tasked with investigating a resurgent threat to free space stemming from the remnants of a mysterious artificial intelligence. The narrative unfolds through dialogue choices, leading to multiple endings for each character, adding a layer of replayability beyond the intense action.
The standard physical edition, priced at $34.99, includes the full game on disc and a “Certificate of Physicality.” However, for collectors and dedicated fans, the “Extra Edition” offers a significantly expanded package. Priced at $69.99, this limited run – capped at just 500 copies – includes everything in the standard edition, plus two enamel pins, a sticker sheet, a “Remove before Flight” keychain, a 5-inch vinyl record, and an 11” x 17” foldable poster. Notably, VGNYsoft, the publisher and distributor, has confirmed that the Extra Edition will never be reprinted
.
The release of physical editions comes after the game’s successful digital launch on various platforms. The move to physical media caters to a segment of the gaming community that appreciates owning a tangible copy of their favorite titles, particularly those with a retro aesthetic. The inclusion of collectibles in the Extra Edition further enhances its appeal to collectors and fans of the shoot ‘em up genre.
According to VGNYsoft’s press release on , the game combines elements of traditional side-scrolling arcade shoot’em ups with HD presentation
, aiming to strike a balance between nostalgia and modern gaming experiences. Beyond the core campaign, Wings of Bluestar features a boss rush mode, a training mode, and a shop where players can unlock in-game rewards, extending the overall playtime and offering additional challenges.
The standard edition is available for preorder through Amazon, with a release date of . The Extra Edition is available directly through the VGNY Store, with an expected shipping timeframe of Q2 2026. With only 2,000 copies of the standard edition and 500 of the Extra Edition being produced, interested buyers are encouraged to preorder quickly to secure their copy.
The success of Wings of Bluestar highlights the continued demand for well-crafted indie games that pay homage to classic genres. Its blend of retro visuals, engaging gameplay, and a compelling narrative has resonated with players, and the physical release offers a new way for fans to experience this critically acclaimed title. The limited nature of the Extra Edition is likely to drive demand and establish it as a sought-after collectible within the gaming community.
The game’s features include challenging eight stages of side-scrolling bullet hell mayhem, enjoying hand-painted sprites and story scenes, choosing between two playable pilots with unique ships, upgrading weapons as you progress, exploring a deep narrative with dialogue choices and multiple endings, and unlocking artwork, a sound test, extra game modes, and more. The Extra Edition builds on this foundation with a curated selection of physical collectibles designed to enhance the overall fan experience.
Preorders for the standard edition were briefly available through Videogamesplus.ca, but are now closed as of , according to their website. This underscores the early interest in the physical release and the potential for both editions to sell out quickly.
