The video above is from CheckPointVibes’s (FKA Ready Sets Gaming/Ready Set Indie Games) YouTube channel and is a VOD from a live stream. Please note that the video contains explicit language, so may be NSFW.
| Developer: | Pixeljam |
| Publisher: | Pixeljam |
| Genre: | Arcade Shump |
| Release Date: | Sept 9, 2024 |
| Price: | $7.99 |
| Platform: | PC macOS |
| Where to Buy/Where to Wishlist: | Steam |
Special thanks to the developers and publishers for providing me with a free review code for this game. Your support helps me continue exploring and sharing incredible indie experiences with my community.
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Asteroids, Centipede, and Missile Command had a neon-soaked baby raised in a rogue-lite world — Utopia Must Fall might just be your answer. Priced at $7.99 on Steam, this indie gem takes players on a retro-futuristic ride filled with flashing lights, chaotic upgrades, and a surprisingly chill gameplay loop.
During my recent gameplay session, things started off with a small hiccup — controller troubles. After a few rounds of troubleshooting, I ditched the controller and switched to keyboard and mouse. Surprisingly, it worked out for the better. The controls felt smooth, precise, and kept the action flowing once the lasers started flying.
The premise? In a dystopian future where society worships fame, humanity decides to preserve its most “important” citizens — celebrities and influencers — by freezing their brains underground. It’s as weird as it sounds, but it somehow fits perfectly with the game’s offbeat tone and glowing cityscape.
Visually, Utopia Must Fall nails it. The game bathes players in bold neon colors, pulsing lights, and arcade-era charm that immediately evokes that 80s nostalgia. It’s clear the developers are fans of the classics, paying homage to old-school shooters while layering on modern rogue-lite mechanics — upgrades, resource management, and random challenges that keep each run fresh.
At its core, the game is all about survival and strategy. Players fend off waves of attacks while upgrading defenses, managing limited resources, and — when things get dire — launching nuclear warheads. Each upgrade decision feels meaningful: do you boost shields for endurance, increase fire rate for chaos, or hoard nukes for that last-ditch “save me” moment? That balance between planning and panic is what keeps you hooked.
Despite its explosive nature, Utopia Must Fall isn’t a high-stress experience. It’s the kind of game you can settle into — something to unwind with after a long day, all while zoning out to the hypnotic glow of neon destruction. It’s accessible, replayable, and surprisingly relaxing for a game where nukes are part of the toolkit.
What makes Utopia Must Fall stand out is how it blends nostalgia with modern indie innovation. It captures that “one more run” magic of rogue-lites but keeps things approachable. The quirky storyline, strategic depth, and visual flair all come together to create something that feels both familiar and new.
For players who grew up on arcade cabinets or anyone who just wants a stylish, low-pressure rogue-lite with personality, Utopia Must Fall is absolutely worth checking out. Controller issues aside, it’s an indie title that shines bright — a love letter to the past wrapped in tomorrow’s glow. You can grab a copy of Utopia Must Fall on Steam for PC or macOS for 7.99 USD.
