Waxwing

A two-player cooperative navigation game where players work together to guide a series of tragic heroes through obstacle-filled corridors en route to a climactic confrontation with the sun. Using custom hardware, the game recontextualizes the classic “light gun” control scheme as a call-and-response mechanic for coordinated movement.

Establish a rhythm with your companion and put your rapport to the test across four unique chapters in this realtime death-driven kinetic waltz. Synthesizing fundamentals of lightgun, masocore, and bullet hell classics with the addition of real-time strategy and cooperative elements, Waxwing is a singular take on precision gameplay.

The game was developed in tandem with a custom arcade cabinet featuring a bespoke interface and responsive lights. A smaller, more portable “console” version of the control scheme was also produced for ease of transportation for exhibition.