SpaceBoy (also called "SpaceBoy: Hero For Hire") is an abandoned game which was created by Mike Hommel of Hamumu. The exact date of when development ceased is uncertain, but since development for Sol Hunt started in 2000, it's safe to say probably no development happened to Space Boy afterwards; especially considering Loonyland 1, Stockboy and many other games were developed during this time. In October of 2003 the landing page for the game was ultimately taken down.[1]
Prototype characters
The exact plot and all of the branches of multiple endings are not known. A few hints have been given based on the prototype character art that was being developed which would have tied into the storyline.
Spaceboy himself, providing dialogue
General Overview[]
As quoted from the original description from 2000:
Play as SpaceBoy, intergalactic mercenary in this side-scrolling space shooter. Pilot an experimental fighter that can absorb the debris of destroyed enemy ships to reform into new weapons, and fire a super-powered beam of destruction - or use secret techniques to redirect that energy into an EMP Burst, Missile Barrage, or one of 5 other super weapons. All with snappy 16-bit graphics. Just look at the explosions![2]
The project would later morph into what became known as Sol Hunt, but that too was never finished and eventually went into vaporware status.
Gameplay[]
The render of SpaceBoy's ship
The gameplay was slightly unconventional (perhaps leading to its eventual abandonment), and this is alluded to in the download text from the earlier website:
A very original space shooter game. This is just one level of it (which also is all the levels that were made!). Make sure you read the instructions many times over, because it's complicated and weird! It won't be remade or finished or any of that, so don't ask![3]