Overview

Space Cadets: Engineering Corps, developed and published by Dead Load Games, is a 2D top-down shooter roguelite that puts you in command of a starship crewed by engineers who are, to put it mildly, enthusiastic about tinkering. Released on October 27, 2026, this single-player action game (with online PvP options) casts you as a captain tasked with surveying planets for a corporation that mostly files your findings into reports nobody reads.

The tone is darkly comedic, and the premise is delightfully absurd: you have a ship, a weapon, your cunning, and a full department of engineers whose confidence is so high that things are sure to work out—just be nice to them.

Highlights

  • Roguelite Structure: Each run offers randomized elements, encouraging repeated playthroughs as you learn the quirks of your ship and crew.
  • Top-Down Shooter Action: Engage in fast-paced 2D combat while managing your vessel and its systems.
  • Dark Comedy & Sci-Fi Setting: The corporate satire and the engineers' love for tinkering provide a humorous backdrop to the space exploration.

Who It's For

If you enjoy action roguelites with a sense of humor, or if you're a fan of top-down shooters with a management twist, this game is likely to appeal. The dark comedy and the quirky crew dynamics add a layer of charm that sets it apart from more serious space shooters.

It's also a good pick for players who appreciate single-player experiences but might want to test their skills against others in online PvP.

Game Info

  • Developer/Publisher: Dead Load Games
  • Genres: Action, Roguelite, Top-Down Shooter, Dark Comedy, Sci-fi, 2D
  • Modes: Single-player, Multi-player, PvP, Online PvP
  • Release Date: October 27, 2026
  • Languages: English (with full audio support)

For the latest pricing and user reception, check the Steam listing.