Retro/Grade

{{Infobox video game

|title = Retro/Grade

|image = Retro Grade cover.jpeg

|developer = 24 Caret Games

|publisher = 24 Caret Games

|designer = Matt Gilgenbach

|composer = Skyler McGlothlin{{cite web | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/see-how-psns-retro-grade-is-progressing/ | title = PSN's Retro/Grade is progressing, but not coming in 2010 | date = 2010-07-03 | accessdate = 2009-07-04 }}

|engine =

|release = PlayStation 3
21 August 2012{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/07/27/retrograde-blasts-off-on-psn-august-21st/ |title=Retro/Grade Blasts Off On PSN August 21st |author=Matt Gilgenbach |date=2012-07-27 |work=PlayStation.Blog |accessdate=2012-07-29}}
Microsoft Windows
20 March 2013

|genre = Rhythm, shoot 'em up

|modes = Single-player

|platforms = PlayStation 3
Microsoft Windows

}}

Retro/Grade is a video game developed by 24 Caret Games. The game is about ace pilot Rick Rocket, who must repeat his last space battle in reverse in order to protect the space time continuum.{{cite web | url = http://www.retrogradegame.com | title = Retro/Grade Game Website| publisher = 24 Caret Games | accessdate = 2009-07-20}} The game play is rhythm-based and timed to original music by Skyler McGlothlin. In January 2009, it was nominated for two Independent Games Festival awards: Excellence in Audio and Excellence in Design.{{cite web | url = http://www.igf.com/02finalists.html#Retrograde | title = The 12th Annual Independent Games Festival - Finalists & Winners| publisher = Independent Games Festival | accessdate = 2009-07-20}} In October 2010, it won the Audience Choice Award at IndieCade.{{cite web | url = http://www.indiegames.com/blog/2010/10/even_more_indiecade_2010_winne.html | title = Even More IndieCade 2010 Winners Announced | accessdate = 2010-10-12}}

Gameplay

The gameplay is a hybrid between a rhythm game and a shoot 'em up. Players control a spacecraft, like many classic shooters, such as Aegis Wing, but the entire game is timed to music, similar to modern rhythm games.{{Cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5318812/retrograde-a-shooter-in-reverse|title=Retro/Grade: A Shooter in Reverse|date=20 July 2009 }} Players will be able to play the game either with a standard game controller or a guitar controller.{{cite web| url = http://www.destructoid.com/backward-rhythm-shooter-retro-grade-announced-for-psn-140675.phtml| title = Backward rhythm shooter Retro/Grade announced for PSN – Destructoid| date = 21 July 2009}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/retro-grade-reverses-time-and-shmup-expectations-on-psn/|title=Video Game News & Reviews}}

Development

The game began development in late 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamedev.net/reference/business/features/igf09interviews2/page5.asp |title=GameDev.net -- IGF 09 Interviews: Part 2 |website=www.gamedev.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324081038/http://www.gamedev.net/reference/business/features/igf09interviews2/page5.asp |archive-date=2009-03-24}} The idea for a backwards shooter came while creating a debugging mode for another shooter they were working on to pitch to developers. The debugging mode allows them to reverse time to repeat and test sections of gameplay.{{cite web| url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=21773| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090124133507/http://gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=21773| url-status = dead| archive-date = 24 January 2009| title = Gamasutra - Road To The IGF: 24 Caret's Retro/Grade}} The game originally targeted a 2010 release date, but was eventually released on 21 August 2012. On 23 March 2013, Retro/Grade was released for the Windows PC via Steam.{{cite web|title=Retro/Grade Released For PC via Steam|url=http://gameslatestnews.com/2013/03/23/retrograde-released-for-pc-via-steam-1579/|work=GamesLatestNews|date=23 March 2013|accessdate=23 March 2013}} The game cost $140,000 to make and it hasn't recouped its cost.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/features/2013/7/23/4529198/neverending-nightmares-retro-grade-matt-gilgenbach|title=The Neverending Nightmare of Retro/Grade creator Matt Gilgenbach|last=McElroy|first=Justin|date=23 July 2013|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|accessdate=24 July 2013}}