Coming to current platforms in 2026, Apidya is getting a 34-year revival, with music by Chris Hülsbeck.
I suppose that given the Amiga is 40 this year that we shouldn’t be surprised by the volume of attention it is getting, but this one has taken me by surprise. Unlike Settlers II Gold Edition, Apidya is not coming to the old 16-bit system, but it is coming to PC (via Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Most significantly, this is a 24-bit pixel remake, done by hand, without 3D models or AI upscaling. It’s also been developed by the game’s original team, along with a devoted Apidya super-fan, who became a developer. It’s based on an abandoned 1990s console port, and combines original assets with all new pixel art, new sound effects, and remixed music. Among the audio contributions are an exclusive and completely rearranged soundtrack by Chris Hülsbeck, who is by far my favourite retro game music composer.
What is Apidya?
Well, I’ll be honest, I have no idea. Locked away at the back of my brain might be an image of the game from a magazine, but that could just as easily be Amiga Format or Amiga Addict. I have never played this game — you apparently control a bee, which is pretty memorable — so I cannot offer any insights here at all. Apparently it first released in 1992, was mainly available in Germany, although it had a re-release under Team 17 in 1994.
Here’s the trailer:
It looks pretty interesting, so if the opportunity comes to try it, I’ll certainly give it a go. True widescreen with new parallax effects have been added to the game, but you can also swap to the original Amiga game’s 4:3 mode for a more authentic experience. Optional CRT effects with scan lines and simulated phosphor bloom are also included.
What you can expect in this new version
Key features of the game are listed as follows:
- Authentic Remake – Completely rebuilt from scratch; no emulation.
- Two Visual Modes – Seamlessly switch between HD widescreen or original Amiga 4:3 presentation.
- Exclusive Chris Hülsbeck OST – Newly arranged soundtrack alongside remixed and classic tracks.
- Retro Visual Effects – Optional CRT shaders, bloom, and authentic scanline simulation.
- Expanded Worlds – 5 diverse themed worlds (Meadow, Pond, Sewers, Cyber, Lair), up to 5 levels each, 20 unique bosses, and hidden special stages.
- Fresh Surprises – Randomized in-game events like “Night Mode” with new enemy sprites.
- Co-op Mode – Second player controls one of the helper drones.
- Accessibility Options – Modernized difficulty settings to make the game enjoyable for all generations (including the original devs).
“We never thought we’d return to Apidya after all these years,” said Peter Thierolf, original creator of the game. “but with new technology, the right team, and the passion of the community, we can finally deliver the version we always dreamed about.”
According to the hardcoregaming101.net database: “Apidya is arguably the best horizontal shoot-em-up ever released for the Amiga platform and remains enjoyable to this day.”
You can learn more about the game and keep an eye out for the 2026 release date, on the ININ Games website.
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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.