Infinite Onslaught Brings Arcade Magic Home Without the Hardware

Remember the satisfying click of a plastic light gun and the hypnotic glow of arcade screens? When titles like Operation Wolf, Terminator 2, and Area 51 drew crowds of quarters-clutching players bursting to test their aim against virtual baddies? Well, that golden age of gaming might feel distant now, but Ottawa-based Bonkers Builders has found a brilliant way to bring it all rushing back without the need for specialized hardware. The solution? A keyboard.

Enter Infinite Onslaught, the debut title from Ottawa-based Bonkers Builders that’s pioneering what the studio calls “Keyboard Basher” technology. At first look, the game’s retro-styled visuals and over-the-top action sequences might seem like a simple recreation of nostalgia (which, to be fair, has its own charm). But beneath its throwback aesthetics lies an ingenious solution to a problem that’s long plagued attempts to revive light-gun gameplay: the hardware barrier.

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How Keyboard Basher Transforms Infinite Onslaught

“It’s kind of like a vicious circle,” explains Emmanuel Prou, CEO of Bonkers Builders, during an interview at MIGS 2024. “You want to play these kinds of games, but then you have to buy special equipment. Developers want to offer these kinds of games, but not everybody has the equipment at home.” The solution? Transform the humble keyboard into a precision targeting device.

The patent-pending Keyboard Basher technology maps different keys to specific areas of the screen, allowing players to target enemies with pinpoint accuracy simply by pressing the corresponding key. What sets this system apart from traditional light-gun games is the ability to target multiple enemies simultaneously, a feature that would have been impossible on original arcade hardware. The technology proves remarkably flexible, with fully programmable key mappings and support for various gesture types, lending sophisticated depth to the control scheme.

Action-Packed Experience With A Twist

Soon enough, the idea evolved into a full-fledged action experience. Players can target multiple enemies simultaneously, creating intense firefights that surpass the limitations of traditional arcade hardware. The development team leveraged this mechanical foundation to craft elaborate combat scenarios where skilled players wield an impressive arsenal of devastating weapons.

At the heart of Infinite Onslaught lies a classic revenge tale. Players step into the boots of Matt Johntrix, a battle-hardened commando betrayed during a covert operation. His relentless pursuit of justice drives him through waves of ruthless enemies, all rendered in a distinctive cartoonish style that balances weighty action with lighthearted fun. The game wraps this narrative in animated cutscenes, complementing the bold visual approach that mixes gritty environments with explosive effects.

A New Era For Retro Gaming

The accessibility of Keyboard Basher technology opens fascinating possibilities beyond a single title. Bonkers Builders has already demonstrated the game running on mobile devices through foldable keyboards, showcasing the versatility of their approach. More remarkably, while the technology remains patent-pending, the studio offers it under an open-source license for non-profit use. Any developer creating free games can implement the system, with complete control over key mapping and screen areas. This generous stance could spark an entirely new genre of games built around these innovative control mechanics.

Where classic arcade games artificially spiked difficulty to encourage quarter-feeding, Infinite Onslaught emphasizes pure skill. “If you’re good enough, you can win the game with your ten fingers,” Prou notes, highlighting how the game rewards mastery rather than persistence. This philosophy extends through every aspect of design, creating an experience that challenges players through genuine complexity rather than artificial barriers.

The development team’s forward-thinking approach shines throughout the project. “Of course, now there’s a million different possibilities of things that you can do today that you couldn’t in the good old days,” Prou reflects, and this mindset permeates every aspect of the game. Modern technology allows Infinite Onslaught to transcend its inspirations while maintaining the core thrill that made arcade shooters so captivating.

Coming Soon

When the game launches on Steam in Q2 2025, players will first encounter a shareware demo featuring three full levels. This careful rollout, available on both PC and Mac, demonstrates confidence in the game’s core mechanics while echoing the shareware culture of gaming’s past.

The fact that this resurgence is coming from a place of genuine passion rather than nostalgia-banking is evident in every aspect of the project. From the open-source approach to the technology to the careful balance of old-school challenge and modern accessibility, Infinite Onslaught feels less like a throwback and more like a bridge between gaming eras.

For those who spent their youth feeding quarters into Operation Wolf cabinets, or those who wished they could have, Infinite Onslaught promises to deliver that same pulse-pounding action with a thoroughly modern twist. The light gun might be gone, but if Bonkers Builders delivers on their vision, players might not miss it at all.

Nostalgic game that brings the thrill of 1990s light-gun games to modern audiences. Players use their keyboard to engage in intense, on-rails shooting action. Vibrant retro visuals and fast-paced gameplay. A fresh take on classic arcade fun.

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