Earlier this month we caught a glimpse of an awesome-looking upcoming platformer from Emergency Studios called Chel-Z (Free). With colorful 8-bit style pixel art, similarly 8-bit chiptunes, one big 36 room map that you could explore and slowly gain access to Metroidvania style, and a robot with a human brain who can wield a grappling hook, it had us all pretty excited. Unfortunately, Apple’s approval process took longer than expected and Chel-Z didn’t make it by its intended February 11th release date. The good news is that it finally did make it through approval and Chel-Z just surprised-launched mere moments ago.

Getting surprises like this is what makes the App Store so great, and after just a few minutes of checking out Chel-Z I can already tell this is going to be a winner. The graphics and music are incredible, and I love that it doesn’t mess around with lengthy intros or anything, it just thrusts you right into the action. The virtual buttons seem more than adequate as well, but MFi support is planned for a future update. I’m excited to give this one some more time, and you should be excited too as Chel-Z is free to download with a one-time IAP purchase to remove ads, and no other IAP. So check it out yourself and then check out the forum thread to get in on some discussion.