Ventilate – Steampunk Bullet Hell
The Steampunk Game From Ink-Fox Studios. A single-player bullet-hell game in a steampunk world where constructs have gone rogue. Use steam to fuel your weapons. Find your family and escape the collapsing city.
Nominated for
Best Upcoming Game
The Best Upcoming Game award is designed to recognize the amazing games currently in development from developers in the Irish Games Industry.
Steampunk Bullet-Hell
Welcome to Hell
Set in a richly detailed steampunk world, Ventilate combines gritty industrial visuals with fast-paced, chaotic gameplay. The world is filled with rogue constructs—machines that have turned against their creators—creating a tense and immersive atmosphere.
Unique Steam-Powered Mechanics
Instead of traditional ammo, all weapons and gadgets are powered by steam pressure. Players must strategically recharge at vents scattered throughout the map, adding a layer of tactical depth to the action.
Intense, High-Octane Combat
You play as Rosalyn, a construction worker turned survivor, navigating a collapsing city while dodging waves of bullets and battling massive bosses—like a monstrous steam train that barrels through the battlefield.
Narrative-Driven Progression
The story is personal and urgent: Rosalyn is trying to find her family and escape the city. As you progress, you uncover the mystery behind the rogue constructs, which adds emotional weight and intrigue to the gameplay.
Award Recognition
It was nominated for Best Upcoming Game at the IMIRT Irish Game Awards in 2025, highlighting its innovation and quality within the indie game scene.
Replayability and Challenge
With its brutal difficulty, pixel-perfect dodging, and evolving enemy types, Ventilate appeals to players who love mastering tough games and refining their skills.
Tips to help you survive and thrive in Ventilate:
🛠️ 1. Master Steam Management
Steam = Life: Your weapons, gadgets, and even movement abilities are powered by steam. Keep an eye on your pressure gauge.
Use Vents Wisely: Recharge at steam vents, but beware—they’re also used by enemies. Don’t linger too long or you’ll get ambushed.
🎯 2. Prioritize Mobility
Dash Often: Use your steam-powered dash to dodge bullet patterns. It’s your best defense.
Stay Moving: Standing still is a death sentence. Keep circling enemies and weaving through fire.
🧠 3. Learn Enemy Patterns
Constructs Have Rhythms: Each enemy type has a distinct attack pattern. Learn them to anticipate and dodge effectively.
Bosses Are Puzzles: Boss fights are intense but fair. Watch for telegraphed moves and use vents strategically during these encounters.
Ventilate – A Steampunk Bullet Hell with Heart
At its core, Ventilate follows the journey of Rosalyn, a construction worker thrust into chaos as her city collapses around her. Unlike traditional heroes, Rosalyn isn’t armed with high-tech weaponry or supernatural powers—just her tools, her instincts, and a desperate need to find her family. This grounded perspective adds a layer of emotional depth rarely seen in the genre.
The game’s standout mechanic revolves around steam pressure. Every weapon, gadget, and movement ability is powered by steam, which must be recharged at vents scattered throughout the environment. These vents are also used by enemies, creating a dynamic battlefield where players must constantly balance offense, defense, and positioning.
Combat is fast, fluid, and unforgiving. Players face off against waves of rogue constructs—once helpful machines now turned deadly—and massive bosses, including a memorable encounter with a monstrous steam-powered train. The bullet hell elements are intense, but never overwhelming, thanks to tight controls and clever level design.
Narratively, Ventilate excels by weaving its gameplay into a larger mystery. As Rosalyn pushes deeper into the city, she uncovers clues about the malfunction that turned the machines against humanity. The story unfolds gradually, rewarding exploration and persistence with emotional payoffs and world-building that feels both personal and epic.
Visually, the game is a treat. The steampunk aesthetic is brought to life with glowing brass, hissing vents, and crumbling industrial architecture.
Buy Now On Steam
Who is Ink Fox?
Ventilate DevBlog
Follow our developments on our DevBlog…
Update 4: Nearly There
Update 3: Character Design
Update 2: Ventilate DevBlog – now that’s a Gun!
Ventilate Merchandise Store
Support our developments by purchasing our merch direct from our Store.
