Mr. Sun's Hatbox is a roguelite platformer that blends side-scrolling action, stealth, and base management into a single experience. Players take on the role of a courier building an operation to recover a stolen hatbox delivery, using procedurally generated missions and a growing roster of recruits to progress through the campaign.
Gameplay
The core loop alternates between managing a basement headquarters and sending operatives on missions. Base building involves allocating limited space to rooms such as a brig for recruiting captured enemies, a research lab for upgrades, a black market for gear, and a med bay for recovery. Each operative carries permanent traits that can be positive or negative, and lost crew members stay gone due to permadeath.
Missions unfold as 2D platforming stages viewed from the side. Objectives range from eliminating targets and collecting gold to stealthier tasks like extracting items or personnel. Players equip one operative per run along with a weapon and one of more than fifty hats, each granting distinct effects such as protection, flight, or offensive capabilities. Weapons include conventional firearms alongside unconventional options like baguettes or soap. Success rewards gold, experience, and map pieces that unlock story progression through Hat Heists.
Game Modes
Single-player campaign forms the main experience, with procedurally generated side missions feeding into five major Hat Heists that advance the central story. Co-op allows a second player to join any mission using local controllers or Steam Remote Play Together. Separate PvP options include 1v1 duels and Last One Standing free-for-alls that support up to four participants in local or remote play.
These modes emphasize the same hat and weapon systems found in the campaign, turning the chaotic platforming into direct competition.
Visuals and Presentation
Colorful retro pixel art defines the look, with expressive character designs and varied environments that include libraries, castles, farms, and underground areas. The soundtrack, composed by developer Kenny Sun, accompanies the action with distinct tracks for different locations and themes.
Is It Worth Playing?
Mr. Sun's Hatbox delivers a focused roguelite platformer with meaningful base-building and crew management layered over its missions. The combination of hat abilities, permadeath, and procedural objectives creates strong replayability for players who enjoy tactical decision-making and chaotic platforming. Steam user reviews stand at Very Positive, with 85 percent approval from 413 ratings. The game launched in April 2023 on PC and remains available as a complete package that includes both the campaign and its multiplayer components. Those seeking a compact experience that mixes stealth platforming with light strategy will find it a solid fit, particularly if they appreciate short sessions that still reward careful planning and experimentation with different hats and recruits.
