Bandai Namco’s wild 1995 arcade actioner The Outfoxies has just been added to the Arcade Archives series, bringing one of the most chaotic, unpredictable arcade classics of its era to modern platforms. If you’ve ever wanted to relive (or discover) the no-rules assassination battles of this cult title, it’s now available to play the authentic way — complete with configurable difficulty and original display options.
A bizarre battle royale before the term existed
Released only in Japanese arcades by NAMCO LIMITED (now Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.) in 1995, The Outfoxies was never your typical beat-’em-up or fighting game. Instead, it dropped up to two players into sprawling, interactive arenas where the only objective was to eliminate every other assassin on the field.
You pick from a roster of eclectic, globe-trotting killers — each with their own quirks — and then take on rival operatives under orders from a mysterious billionaire. Whether you’re in it for the cash, the glory, or the sheer thrill of combat, what arrives on screen is pure smack-down chaos.
What made The Outfoxies stand out was its level design and unpredictable stage interactions: exploding buildings, shifting platforms, environmental hazards, and shifting objectives kept players on their toes. One moment you’re sniping across rooftops; the next you’re dodging a collapsing gondola or falling debris. It’s old-school arcade unpredictability dialed up to eleven.
Faithful arcade emulation with modern conveniences
As with other titles in the record-breaking Arcade Archives series, this release sticks closely to the original experience. Players can:
- Change difficulty settings
- Tweak display modes to match original arcade aesthetics
- Chase global high scores and compete online
- Save settings and play exactly how you prefer
Unlike many retro reprints that sand off the rough edges, Arcade Archives aims to preserve The Outfoxies exactly as it was, while giving new players the tools to enjoy and revisit it without needing an actual coin-op board.
This one is new to me
The Outfoxies is one of those arcade oddities that doesn’t come up as often as it should in conversations about classic action games. It’s not Street Fighter, it’s not Metal Slug, and it’s certainly not Pac-Man. What it is, is a ludicrous, unpredictable mix of platforming, shooting, and interactive combat that feels almost like a predecessor to modern arena brawlers — but with actual explosive stage gimmicks and traps everywhere.
For retro fans, it’s a rare chance to play something that genuinely felt different even back in 1995.
As far as I’m concerned, this is a new game. I have zero reference for this one — as it was never released beyond Japan and I haven’t seen it on MAME, it is to all intents and purposes something to come at with zero expectations beyond the trailer. That’s unusual these days!
Give it a look if you like:
- Classic arcade action and Namco’s 90s output
- Eclectic multi-stage combat
- You’re building a digital arcade library
- You like shooters with a side of chaos
If you missed out on The Outfoxies the first time around, as I did, this Arcade Archives release is a perfect opportunity to experience it the way it was meant to be played — high scores, unpredictable stages, and all.
Find your store links on the Arcade Archives page for The Outfoxies.
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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.
