Retro/Grade for PSN lets you play in reverse

24 Caret Games has announced a brand new title for the PlayStation Network today. Retro/Grade is the first game played entirely in reversed that will be released on the PlayStation Network. This is the first game from 24 Caret, starring ace fighter pilot Rick Rocket, a man who’s just saved the universe. However, he’s left some mess in his wake that’s reversed the flow of time. As Rick, you must fight through an epic battle in space, in reverse.

Even through Retro/Grade has the appearance of a shooter, it’s actually played more like a rhythm game.

“In order to protect the health of the space/time continuum, Rick must undo his actions exactly the reverse of the way he performed them in the first place.” said Matt Gilgenbach, co-founder of 24 Caret Games. “That means he has to get in the appropriate space lane from which his shot was fired and press the shoot button at the appropriate time. As well, he must avoid blocking the path of the enemy shots as they return to the enemy’s guns. If he blocks their path, it creates a paradox since he is stopping the shot before it was ever fired. All of the gameplay is timed to original retro themed tunes by Skyler McGlothlin, aka acclaimed electronica artist Nautilis. Retro/Grade earned a nomination for Excellence in Audio at the IGF because of our great tunes.”

The game’s playable with guitar controllers, using the fret buttons to move the ship and the strum bar to shoot. A DualShock 3 is usable as well.

A reverse power-up is in the game, even though the game’s already reversed. You guessed it, this will allow you to reverse the reversed time which in the end will restore it to it’s original position. Apparently, that gameplay effect is “really exciting.” This will allow you to undo any mistakes you’ve made.

There’s no release date just yet, but stay tuned. As for now, check out a video.

Retro/Grade Coming to PS3! [PlayStation.Blog]