Mr. Sun's Hatbox is a slapstick roguelite platformer developed for PC that blends side-scrolling action with base-building and team management. Players take on the role of a courier who must recover a stolen hatbox by assembling a crew of reformed thieves and tackling a series of increasingly complex missions against Mr. Moon and his forces.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on base management and mission execution. Players expand their headquarters by constructing specialized rooms that support different functions, such as a medical bay for recovery, a research lab for upgrades, a black market for acquiring gear, and a brig for handling captives. Resources gathered during missions fund these expansions and allow recruitment of new crew members, each with distinct traits that can be leveled or assigned abilities.
Over 50 hats provide the main source of variety and strategy. Each hat grants specific properties that influence movement, combat, or utility, ranging from practical tools to more unconventional options. Players equip these alongside a selection of weapons during missions, choosing combinations that suit the objectives. Missions involve platforming through levels with opportunities for both stealth approaches and direct confrontations. Permadeath applies to crew members lost in the field, adding tension to team composition decisions.
Progression involves completing preparatory tasks to unlock story missions that advance the central objective of retrieving the hatbox. These tasks often focus on gathering materials, neutralizing threats, or securing additional resources before attempting larger heists.
Game Modes
Single-player serves as the primary experience, allowing full progression through the campaign and base development at an individual pace. Local co-op and Remote Play Together support up to four players for mission completion, enabling shared control and coordination during platforming and combat sequences.
Separate PvP options include 1v1 matches and Last One Standing formats. These modes emphasize direct competition using the same hats and weapons available in the main game, played through local multiplayer or Remote Play Together. The focus remains on fast-paced encounters rather than the management elements found in the campaign.
Progression and Crew Management
Crew members start with basic capabilities and gain experience through repeated missions. Captured enemies can be recruited or eliminated, providing choices that affect long-term team strength. Base rooms unlock additional options for experimentation and customization, encouraging players to balance defensive, offensive, and support capabilities across their organization.
The roguelite structure appears in the procedural elements of mission generation and the risk of losing progress through crew losses. Players must adapt strategies based on available hats, weapons, and team composition for each outing.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception on PC stands at Very Positive, with 85 percent approval from several hundred reviews. The game appeals to those who enjoy combining platforming action with light management systems and chaotic co-op sessions. Its pixel art presentation and humorous tone distinguish it within the indie action genre.
Those seeking a complete single-player campaign with optional multiplayer will find solid value in the verified features and consistent update history through its initial release period. The inclusion of distinct PvP modes adds replayability beyond the main progression path. Players who prefer deliberate team building alongside responsive controls in a 2D environment are the most likely to appreciate the full package.
