Limited Run Games has announced Earnest Evans Collection for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Steam, bringing a pretty obscure 1990s action series to modern platforms. It’s out digitally now, with physical editions going up for pre-order from January 23.
I’ll be honest: before this press release landed in my inbox, I had never heard of Earnest Evans. Not once. And I’ve been digging around in retro gaming long enough that I usually at least recognise the name. So that alone makes this release interesting.
What is Earnest Evans?
The original Earnest Evans launched 35 years ago on the SEGA Mega-CD in Japan and the SEGA Genesis in North America — I’m not even sure it made it to the UK. It’s a 2D side-scrolling action game with a pulpy setup: you’re hunting down the Necronomicon to stop Al Capone’s evil plans.
Yes, that Al Capone.
It later got a sequel, Annet Returns, and sits alongside El Viento as part of what’s sometimes called the “Earnest Evans series”, even though the games vary quite a bit in style and tone.
Back in the day, the reception was… mixed. Some players loved its atmosphere and ambition. Others really didn’t get on with the controls, animation, or difficulty. It’s one of those games people argue about in retro forums, which is usually a sign that it did something unusual, even if it didn’t always work.
What’s new in the collection?
Limited Run Games is giving the series a fairly generous modern makeover. The Earnest Evans Collection includes:
- Earnest Evans
- Annet Returns
- El Viento
For the first time ever, both Earnest Evans and Annet Returns now have a brand new English dub.
There are also modern comforts:
- Rewind gameplay
- Save anywhere
- A museum mode with original Mega-CD cutscenes
- A music player featuring the original 90s Mixed Mode CD soundtrack
So even if the games themselves feel a bit rough around the edges, you’re not stuck with pure 1990s punishment rules.
Digital out now, physical editions incoming
You can already buy the collection digitally on PlayStation, Switch and Steam.
Physical editions are coming via Limited Run Games, with pre-orders open from January 23 to February 22, 2026.
Standard edition (PS4, PS5, Switch)
- Earnest Evans
- Annet Returns
- El Viento
- Booklet
Collector’s edition (PS4, PS5, Switch)
- Everything in the standard edition
- Commemorative coin
- CD soundtrack
- Softcover artbook
Why this re-release is interesting
This isn’t a safe, obvious nostalgia pick. Earnest Evans was never a Mega Drive superstar. It didn’t have the reputation of a Sonic, a Streets of Rage, or even an Earthworm Jim. It’s a game people either half-remember, argue about, or have never heard of at all.
That makes this re-release oddly compelling. Limited Run Games isn’t just dusting off guaranteed crowd-pleasers, it’s giving a second life to something strange, flawed, and divisive. Sometimes those are the most fun games to revisit, especially with rewind and save-anywhere taking the sting out of their rougher design choices.
Even if Earnest Evans turns out not to be your thing, remember: retro gaming is about all the old games, not just the iconic mascots.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
