UTRECHT, Netherlands – Sept. 3, 2025 – In a bold move that defies the cautious trends of the video game industry, Rami Ismail, in collaboration with Mystic Forge, has unveiled Australia Did It, a groundbreaking Tactical Reverse Bullet Hell game. Set to launch on Steam later this year, this innovative title merges the strategic depth of Turn-Based Tower Defense with an explosive, on-rails Reverse Bullet Hell combat system.
Players are tasked with strategically deploying units to withstand relentless enemy waves, before unleashing chaos as they become the Bullet Hell, mowing down adversaries in a sensory overload of dazzling combat. The game, designed as a compact yet experimental take on strategy, challenges industry norms and encourages risk-taking at a time when such ventures are rare.
Breaking the Mold in Game Design
The creation of Australia Did It marks a return to small-team innovation and ambition. Developed by Rami Ismail, known for his work on Nuclear Throne and Luftrausers, and co-developed by Aesthetician Labs, the game represents a deliberate departure from industry caution. The project began with a challenge: remain small, take risks, and build something that defies conventional molds.
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I believe the games industry has been failing at supporting developer innovation and experimentation,” said Ismail. “Publishers, investors, and shareholders fund the same few safe bets, later and later in development – forcing even the most creative developers to make safe games with predictable ideas, and force in the latest flavour-of-the-day.
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Ismail’s vision found a supportive partner in Mystic Forge, a new indie publisher created by veterans from Good Shepherd Entertainment. Mystic Forge aims to support bold projects by teams they believe in, taking a hands-off approach that allows creative freedom.
Mystic Forge’s Unique Approach
Randy Greenback, Portfolio Director at Mystic Forge, emphasized the publisher’s commitment to supporting innovative ideas. “
From the very start, I knew that Mystic Forge had to run with Rami going up to bat and taking a big creative swing with this game. Australia Did It is experimental, there isn’t anything else like it.
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Set in a drained Atlantic Ocean basin following a mysterious catastrophic event, Australia Did It casts players as mercenaries defending a cargo train navigating through monster-ridden terrain. The mission is to escort precious cargo across hostile landscapes, holding off enemy waves at every station.
Game Features and Mechanics
- Defend Your Station: Strategically deploy units to fend off relentless enemy waves, akin to a fast-paced game of chess with explosive consequences.
- Evolve Your Units: Merge units to unlock over 1,500 combinations across 30+ unit types, encouraging experimentation and creativity.
- Survive The Reverse Bullet Hell: Engage in intense real-time battles where you become the Bullet Hell, focusing on the cargo’s survival.
- Customize Your Strategies: After each station, choose from Reward Cards to craft unique builds and strategies.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
The release of Australia Did It highlights a growing need for innovation within the gaming industry. As developers and publishers increasingly prioritize safe bets, Ismail’s project serves as a reminder of the potential for creativity and risk-taking to drive the industry forward.
Mystic Forge’s support for such projects underscores a shift towards valuing unique gameplay experiences. Their portfolio includes titles like Dog Witch and an unannounced project from a South Asian studio, both of which emphasize creativity and originality.
As the gaming world anticipates the release of Australia Did It, the industry watches closely to see if this bold experiment will inspire others to break free from conventional molds. The game’s success could pave the way for more innovative titles, encouraging developers to take risks and explore new ideas.
Australia Did It will be available on PC via Steam later this year. Gamers can wishlist the game now and follow updates on Discord and TikTok for the latest news.
About the Key Players
About Mystic Forge
Mystic Forge is a boutique, PC-first publisher focused on Strategy, RPG, and Simulation games with unique gameplay hooks. The team brings decades of experience launching standout indie titles, working on games they believe in with people they enjoy collaborating with.
About Rami Ismail
Rami Ismail is a Dutch-Egyptian industry ambassador and independent games developer with over 20 genre-defining titles. His work has shaped opportunities for game communities and independent developers worldwide.
About Aesthetician Labs
Aesthetician Labs is a worker-owned games cooperative based in Rochester, NY, known for building award-winning games independently and in collaboration with other studios.
For press inquiries, contact Dan Ketterer at Sandbox Strategies for Mystic Forge at [email protected] or visit www.sandboxstrat.com.
