Platypus Reclayed

Platypus Reclayed: The Claymation Shoot-'Em-Up

Platypus Reclayed is a side-scrolling, arcade-style shoot-'em-up (shmup) developed by Claymatic Games and led by original creator Anthony Flack. Released in September 2025, it is a complete, built-from-the-ground-up remake of the 2002 indie classic, Platypus. The game's primary distinction and defining feature is its stunning and unique aesthetic: everything in the game—the ships, enemies, environments, and even the text—is handcrafted from clay, photographed in high definition (4K widescreen), and then animated.

 The Claymation Aesthetic

The visual appeal of Platypus Reclayed is the star of the show.

• Photorealistic Clay: The graphics maintain the charm of claymation while appearing incredibly sharp and vibrant. Watching the low-poly, physical models fly, explode, and get covered in Swiss-cheese-like holes when damaged is a visual treat that sets it apart from all other games in the genre.

• Narrative and Setting: The minimal story centers on the peaceful nation of Mungola defending itself against the invasive, polluted metropolis of Colossatropolis. Players pilot the last line of defense: the antiquated, yet legendary, F-27 "Platypus" fighter ship.

Gameplay and Power-Up Chaos

At its core, Platypus Reclayed is a simple, fast-paced, one-button shmup designed for immediate pick-up-and-play fun, avoiding complicated mechanics.

• Classic Shmup Action: Players fly horizontally across five distinct levels, each broken into multiple areas and capped by an obligatory boss fight. Enemies fly in predictable, yet challenging, patterns, demanding mastery of dodging and timing.

• The Weapon System: The game's power-ups are key to survival and chaos. By shooting down specific enemy waves, power-up icons (stars) are dropped. These icons cycle through various bizarre and potent temporary weapons, such as:

  • Familiar options like spread shots and homing missiles.

  • Absurd options like shooting fish, donuts, or cheeseburgers.

• Risk vs. Reward: The power-ups are timed and serve as an extra shield. Losing a life or taking a hit while powered up reverts the player back to the basic, weak weapon, making the battles significantly harder and emphasizing the high risk of aggressive play.

Enhanced Features

The Reclayed version includes welcome modern updates:

• Two-Player Co-op: The game supports simultaneous two-player local co-op, allowing friends to double the firepower and chaos.

• Adjustable Difficulty: Difficulty settings range from "Easy" to "Nasty," ensuring both novices and seasoned shmup veterans can find a satisfying challenge.

• Bonus Content: A fantastic bonus feature is the inclusion of the full original 2002 Platypus game, allowing players to compare the new, high-fidelity clay models with the source material.

Platypus Reclayed is a beautiful and fun package that successfully revives a cult classic by staying true to its simple, addictive arcade gameplay while showcasing one of the most unique and charming visual styles in modern gaming.