Jeeze, it's been about four years since we released Shutshimi: Seriously Swole. Time flies! Surely we're up to something new... right? Well, turns out we are! JUNKPUNCHER is Neon Deity Games' newest project! It's a 2D robo-smashing punch 'em up in the vein of classic NES action titles.

We're all huge fans of NES-era action games here at Neon Deity Games, and we thought it would be fun to take a crack at making one of our own. Our objective is simple: Make a 2D action-platformer that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the classics. You'll certainly find influence from companies like Konami, Tecmo, Natsume and Capcom, but we want to pack this with our unique essence and style as well.

While JUNKPUNCHER is cut from that 80s-era cloth, we don't want players to suffer that familiar 80s-era frustration. We're paying special attention to modernizing some of the more outdated or frustrating elements found in many beloved entries in this style. That said, the plan is to include a variety of difficulty levels, so those who prefer a more era-accurate experience will feel at home as well.

We don't know when JUNKPUNCHER is coming (expect a hearty "When it's done" if you ask!) but we're targeting Nintendo Switch as a platform with others under consideration. Development is already underway so we'll be sure to keep you updated here, or on our Twitter,  or our Instagram. - Anthony

PS. Some of you may remember or have even played builds of another project we were working on called Bruisin' Cruisers. Don't worry, it's not cancelled -- It's currently on hold, though we hope to pick back up on it after Junk Puncher is finished and released.

We've had this tradition over the years, since first showing off Shutshimi: Seriously Swole in 2015, where we put out markers and index cards, and then folks draw. Whoever did this first on the back of a Shutshimi postcard, we salute you. We then put up the art people leave for us over the weekend, something of a growing collage. MAGFest 2025 was no different. We got a bunch of art from all of you and, just like every year, we couldn't love it more.

Getting to show our games off at shows is a dream, and seeing people enjoying our work means everything. But it's things like this that make MAGFest a special place. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to walk the floor and pick up a controller, or draw us something to post on our backdrop. Thanks to the fine folks who run the showfloor and work in the MIVS department. Thank you to John D for his work on the arcade stick.

And without further ado, we leave you with this year's submitted art. More news on Bruisin' Cruisers in the coming months <3

We came. We saw. We MAGFested. And boy-oh-boy what an awesome and invigorating ride it was! We had the pleasure and privilege of bringing JUNKPUNCHER to the MIVS showfloor, and we were absolutely humbled by the response. First, thank you to everyone who took the time to play the game. We spent a lot of time over the last year or so building up what eventually became this demo. And our efforts were rewarded in a big way, as we were able to snag a runner up spot in two award categories: Tones: Best Music, and Developer’s Choice. It means the world to us that people enjoy what we’re putting out, and it’s somewhat unbelievable that we placed this high.

Secondly, thank you to everyone who joined in the speedrun competition! Our demo isn’t lengthy by any stretch -- it’s roughly what we hope half-a-level will be in the full game -- but it takes most people between six-to-eight minutes to get through their first time. That we saw times dip below 2:20 was mindboggling. New tech was being discovered up until the end of the show and we couldn’t have been more impressed. Big ups to the winners, Luis, Mike and Zach (2, 1 and 3 respectively)! We can’t wait what you and the speedrun community show us in the final game!

Third and lastly, we’d like to thank everyone involved with the MIVS setup, whether you’re a fellow dev showing off your game or a member of the staff helping run the show. It’s one of our favorite times of the year and it’s a true delight to be a part of things. Special shout out to our boothmates at Typhoon Unit and KickBot. They were awesome to chat with all weekend and their games are great as well.