Sometimes the best stories begin with everything going wrong. S.P.E.A.R., launching today on Xbox Series X|S, opens like a classic fairytale before tearing itself apart in spectacular fashion. The game crashes, the world corrupts, and almost everyone disappears – leaving one unlikely hero standing amid the broken code.
That hero is Default, a background NPC suddenly thrust into the spotlight. Armed with nothing more than a makeshift spear built from a broom and the mouse cursor itself, Default must fix the bugs before the developer comes back from lunch and wipes the entire project from existence.
A Platformer Built From Broken Code
At its heart, S.P.E.A.R. is a 2.5D action-platformer with a clever twist. The game world is actively falling apart, invaded by flying glitch-squids and corrupted enemies that twist fairytale logic into something far stranger. What begins as a simple rescue mission soon spirals into a self-aware adventure that pokes fun at game development while delivering tight, demanding gameplay.
You’ll explore a fully realised 3D overworld, unlocking new regions and levels as you piece the world back together. Each area hides collectibles, side quests, and secrets that reward curiosity rather than rushing to the finish line. The digital decay is constant, but so is the sense of discovery.
One Spear, Endless Possibilities
The spear is where S.P.E.A.R. truly separates itself from the platforming pack. Initially, it’s a simple thrown weapon. Over time, it evolves into a multi-purpose tool that reshapes how you move, fight, and think about each encounter.
You can embed the spear into walls to create temporary platforms, hurl it mid-air to redirect momentum, glide across gaps, parry attacks, teleport to its location, and even slow time. Combat and traversal become a fluid dance, rewarding experimentation and precision in equal measure.
Boss fights and mini-boss encounters lean heavily into these mechanics, pushing players to master movement as much as raw combat. It’s fast, demanding, and deliberately playful with its ideas.
Secrets, Side Quests, And Hidden Functions
Each level hides three Functions, optional challenges that unlock secret content for those willing to hunt them down. Scattered pieces of code act as currency, letting you shop for upgrades, unlock bonus stages, and access even more hidden areas if you follow the right clues.
Quirky NPCs populate what remains of the world, offering side quests, upgrades, and plenty of humour as the digital apocalypse unfolds. There’s a surprising amount of optional content tucked away, making S.P.E.A.R. feel generous rather than disposable.
A Love Letter To Platformers
S.P.E.A.R. wears its influences proudly, but it never feels derivative. Instead, it blends classic platforming fundamentals with modern movement design and a playful meta-narrative that keeps things light even when the challenge ramps up.
By the time you’re gliding through corrupted levels, teleporting between spear throws, and uncovering the darker secrets buried in the code, it’s clear this is a game built with affection for the genre – and just enough absurdity to keep things unpredictable.
“We’ve spent years fighting real bugs… so we decided to make a game about it,” jokes Andrea Cavuoto, founder and game director of Polyhedric. “Default is the only character unlucky enough to be in the wrong project at the wrong time, but also brave enough to try and save it. We can’t wait to see how Xbox players take on the monstrous Glitches we’ve unleashed.”
S.P.E.A.R. Launch Summary
- Title: S.P.E.A.R.
- Platform: Xbox Series X|S
- Genre: 2.5D Action-Platformer
- Developer: Andrea Cavuoto
- Publisher: Polyhedric
- Key Features: Spear-based traversal and combat, 3D overworld exploration, hidden Functions, bonus levels, side quests, and glitch-infested enemies
Ready To Fix The Buggy Fairytale?
With its inventive spear mechanics, self-aware storytelling, and a world that literally breaks apart as you play, S.P.E.A.R. brings something genuinely different to the Xbox platforming scene. Whether you’re chasing secrets, mastering movement, or simply enjoying the chaos of a game that knows it’s broken, this is one launch that’s well worth diving into.
S.P.E.A.R. is available now on Xbox Series X|S for £8.39. Hit up the Xbox Store to nab the download you need.
Watch the launch trailer here if you wish to know more about this one. Or maybe hold tight for our full review of S.P.E.A.R. on Xbox. It’s coming soon.
