Is “Sovietborgs” the most retro shooter-sounding name imaginable?!
UPDATE: Sovietborgs crowdfunder is now live, and there is also a playable browser-based demo!
If retro run-and-guns is your thing, this upcoming Indiegogo might be worth keeping an eye on. Developed by Spanish retro developer Retro Sumus, Sovietborgs is a top-down shooter in the mould of Amiga classic Chaos Engine, relying on pre-rendered graphics.
Retro Sumus previously brought us the Space Harrier-inspired Xenocider for SEGA Dreamcast back in 2021, and Sovietborgs is planned for release on Dreamcast too, along with Mega Drive/Genesis, MS-DOS, and NeoGeo.
Here’s what to expect:
In a parallel universe where the soviet empire dominates civilization after Cold War, you are in control of a squad of 3 Sovietborg units, with the goal being to explore this devastated world that’s left and wipe out the monsters and rebel factions that patrol the land. The main action is displayed from a top-down perspective, similar to titles like The Chaos Engine or Gauntlet, from which Sovietborgs takes influence.
The Sovietborgs trailer
The retro Soviet Union aesthetic is very evocative of a certain type of alternative universe post- apocalyptic decay, and it is used well here:
Further details are scant at present, although physical media seems likely for the consoles. I don’t expect a CD-ROM for PC, but you never know what stretch goals may bring…
Should you back it?
Sovietborgs looks a bit crackers, but in a good way. I love the voice-over in the trailer, and I’m a big fan of the Gauntlet/Chaos Engine top-down approach, which I don’t think was ever really done better. With music inspired by Red Alert and the Jungle / Urban / Soviet Strike series, and a team that has worked on indie projects like Pier Solar, Ghost Blade, and the Dreamcast releases of Flashback and Fade to Black, there is a lot to look forward to with Sovietborgs.
The Indiegogo campaign for Sovietborgs launches on June 25th, so head to the campaign page (sovietborgs.com) now to register for updates.
Will you be backing it?
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.