If you’re looking for a cult-classic shoot-’em-up with a truly unique aesthetic, this is fantastic news. The Legend of Steel Empire—which UK and US fans may remember as Empire of Steel—is officially OUT NOW digitally on PlayStation, fully playable on both PS4 and PS5.
This game has always had a special place in the retro canon. Originally hitting the scene in 1992, it earned its cult status by blending frantic action with a gorgeous, unique setting that mixes steampunk and late-19th-century industrial design.
So, you’ve got armored locomotives, colossal battleships, and floating fortresses to deal with. It looks great, and I’m a bit baffled that I’ve never seen it before.
HD visuals and reworked controls for modern Steel Empire dogfights
This is an HD remaster of Steel Empire that has already garnered praise on the Nintendo Switch. The team has enhanced the visuals and reworked the controls to ensure the precision needed for a modern shoot-em up experience.
In the game, you get to choose your ride:
- The lightning-fast Striker Airplane.
- The mighty Zeppelin, equipped with an aerial mine launcher.
You’ll battle across seven complex stages where a dynamic leveling system keeps the challenge high. If you want a shoot’em up with real character and massive, intricate boss designs, this is one to download today.
The Steel Empire Chronicles also features 4 versions of the game:
- Steel Empire (Remake). The newest HD version of the Shoot ‘em up, which has a leveling system. The more items you collect the stronger you get, but also the opponents will get more resilient, and the hordes will get bigger.
- Steel Empire (GB Advance version). The GBA version of the Shoot ‘em up classic, finally now on a big screen!
- Steel Empire (Genesis / Mega Drive version). Witness the beginning of this historical milestone of the gaming industry.
- Over Horizon (NES version). Customize your weapon system and fight against aliens in this rare Shoot ’em up classic.
Physical collectors alert: Strictly Limited Editions are shipping
For the collectors out there who need that physical copy on the shelf, Strictly Limited Games is joining the celebration. They have announced that two exclusive PS4 physical editions of Steel Empire Chronicles are out and shipping today!
- The Limited Edition (€39.99): This features the original retro games alongside the remake and includes a comprehensive game guide.
- The Special Limited Edition (€59.99): This adds all the Limited Edition content plus a 2-CD Original Soundtrack, a reversible poster, retro cartridge-style stickers, and a beautiful retro-inspired collector’s box.
Physical Mega Drive/Genesis and NES versions are also listed on Strictly Limited games. These physical collector’s sets are available exclusively through the Strictly Limited Games website if you want to grab a piece of this classic’s revival.
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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.
