A new sci-fi shoot ’em up brings a modern bullet-hell approach to Commodore’s AGA machines.
The Amiga 1200 has another new shooter to add to its growing library, with Heliobane now available from developer coze. The release brings the first world of the game to the Amiga, rebuilt specifically around the A1200. itch.io
Take the Fight Inside a Star
In Heliobane, players take control of Wren, pilot of the HB-0 Heliobane. The craft was designed to operate inside a star, where it faces the Umbrine, a crystalline hive that has emerged within the sun and already destroyed two worlds. itch.io
The Amiga version is structured around five stages, with each stage ending in a large-scale Herald encounter. Between stages, players can visit the Magpie’s shop and improve their equipment.
Campaign saves and a high-score table are also included.
Built for Amiga AGA
The current Amiga release comes as a hard-disk image and includes two versions.
The main version requires an AGA Amiga 1200 or A4000 with a 68030 or better and fast RAM, while the NoFast version is designed for a standard A1200 with its 68EC020 processor and 2MB of chip RAM. Both versions require AGA, Kickstart 3.1, Workbench 3.1 and a PAL display. itch.io
The game doesn’t run from floppy disk, with installation intended for a hard drive or CompactFlash setup.
There’s More Heliobane to Come
The Amiga release currently represents the game’s first world, but the developer has confirmed that the remaining content is planned for the platform too.
The full game is set to expand to three worlds and fifteen stages, with additional bonus content also planned, including three secret levels featuring mini-bosses and secret weapons. A future balance/randomisation update is also planned to vary enemy waves between playthroughs. itch.io
The Windows, macOS and Linux version is scheduled for Steam in November 2026.
AI-Assisted Development
One detail that makes Heliobane particularly interesting from a modern retro-development perspective is its use of AI.
The developer openly states that AI was used in the creation of the game’s artwork, voice lines, sound effects, in-game text and translations. The itch.io listing also identifies the project as AI-assisted across code, graphics, sounds and text. itch.io
That makes Heliobane an interesting example of how contemporary development techniques are finding their way into games designed for classic hardware.
RVG Take
Heliobane is another strong reminder that the Amiga isn’t finished producing new games. The combination of AGA hardware, bullet-hell action and a sci-fi setting gives the A1200 something decidedly different to play, while the developer’s plans for the remaining worlds suggest this is only the beginning. The open acknowledgement of AI-assisted development also makes it an interesting release to watch from a retro-development perspective. For A1200 owners looking for something new rather than another straight conversion, Heliobane is certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Platform: Amiga AGA
Developer: coze
Genre: Shoot ’em up / Bullet hell
Current release: World 1 — five stages
Status: Released, with further Amiga content planned itch.io