ActionFit check
Is Black Future '88 worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Roguelike shooter fans who want runs through a changing tower
- Players who prefer local co-op over solo-only action games
- Action-game players interested in daily challenges and leaderboard comparisons
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players who prefer a fixed level layout may find the changing tower structure a poor match.
- Players looking for a slow-paced climb may not enjoy repeated combat against enemies, hazards, and bosses.
- Players seeking a story focused on extended exploration may find the stated objective centered on reaching the tower's top.
Our take on Black Future '88
The climb is timed by the player character's heart, which is said to be at risk of exploding before the tower's architect is reached.
What is Black Future '88?
Black Future '88 is a 2D action shooter set in an alternate 1988 after a nuclear disaster.
A survivor climbs a tower built by the architect responsible for the bombs, fighting enemies and hazards while trying to reach the top before their heart explodes. The tower changes between runs and has 5 zones, each with its own challenges and bosses. Players choose from 5 characters with different strengths and weaknesses, then use guns, a laser sword, and other weapons from a selection of 50. Runs also involve selecting and combining 30 buffs and curses. The game supports couch co-op, and daily challenges offer generated runs with global leaderboard comparisons.
How Black Future '88 plays
- 01Changing tower runs
- The tower is procedurally generated and divided into 5 zones with distinct challenges.
- 02Character selection
- Five playable survivors have individual buffs and weaknesses.
- 03Weapons and upgrades
- The arsenal contains 50 weapons, while 30 buffs and curses can be selected and combined.
- 04Couch co-op
- A friend can join for local cooperative play.
- 05Daily challenges
- Generated daily runs include unique attributes and compare results on a global leaderboard.
Games like Black Future '88
Action
ActionBig Tower Tiny Square
EO InteractiveFor:Precision-platformer fans who enjoy timing jumps around hazardsSkip if:Players seeking a long campaign; the first play-through is estimated at 1.5–2 hours
ActionTOKOYO: The Tower of Perpetuity
PLAYISMFor:Action players who want a different tower layout each daySkip if:Players who want a fixed tower layout that stays the same between sessions
ActionAttack of the Bugs
Empty Clip StudiosFor:VR players interested in tower-defense games with the player in the tower's roleSkip if:Players seeking a calm tower-defense game may not enjoy the nightmare setting and sudden scares.Picked by overlapping fit notes and genres, not an editorial comparison.
Black Future '88: platforms & release
Is Black Future '88 worth it?
It is worth it if: roguelike shooter fans who want runs through a changing tower. Skip it if: players who prefer a fixed level layout may find the changing tower structure a poor match.
Where can I download Black Future '88?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens Black Future '88's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is Black Future '88 on?
Windows only.
