Mr. Sun's Hatbox

Lore & Background

Mr. Sun's Hatbox was developed solo by Kenny Sun, who is based in Brooklyn. Development began on the title in 2015 before being abandoned, then resumed sometime in 2019. A trailer featuring gameplay was released in August 2022, and the game's release date was announced as 2023 that same month. Kenny Sun drew inspiration from Metal Gear Solid 5's balloon recovery system and also cited Spelunky as an influence. He had previously developed the titles Circa Infinity and Yankai’s Peak.

The game's missions are playable solo or with a friend in co-op, and PvP modes include 1v1 and Last One Standing, available via local multiplayer and Steam Remote Play Together. Completing missions allows players to build out their base and grow their crew. Bases have use-specific units, such as a lab for experimentation on staff and a black market for purchasing illicit contraband. Crew minions are unique and can be given special abilities and leveled, but they are subject to permadeath if lost on missions.

Kenny Sun later saw notable success with another roguelike, 2025's Ball x Pit, published by Devolver Digital.

Reader's Guide

Mr. Sun's Hatbox received generally favorable reviews from critics, according to Metacritic. GameRant was positive toward the game, describing it as perfect for quick, fulfilling play sessions. Shack News also reviewed the title positively, noting its charm, humor, and impressive melding of mechanics and systems, though some criticism was directed at early game balance. The game has been compared favorably to Metal Gear Solid 5. Its significance lies in its successful fusion of roguelike platforming with base and team management, offering a distinctive gameplay loop where players build a crew, equip them with over 50 hats that provide gameplay quirks, and risk permadeath on missions. The inclusion of co-op and local PvP modes added replayability, and the game's development history—spanning an abandoned start in 2015 and a revival in 2019—reflects a long-term solo effort that ultimately found an audience. Its legacy is tied to its unique hat-based mechanics and the developer's subsequent success with Ball x Pit.

Did You Know?

• The game features over 50 hats with special properties that offer gameplay quirks.
• Development began in 2015, was abandoned, and then resumed sometime in 2019.