The legendary Yuzo Koshiro, the musical genius behind iconic soundtracks like Streets of Rage, ActRaiser, and Shinobi, is back with a brand new 16-bit shoot ’em up called Earthion!
Announced today by the awesome folks at Limited Run Games, Earthion is set to launch later this year on PC, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo® Switch™. But the real kicker? It’s also getting a glorious physical cartridge release for the SEGA Genesis & Mega Drive! Yes, you read that right – a brand new game designed to push your beloved 16-bit machine to its limits!
Developed by Ancient Corporation, Koshiro’s own studio, Earthion throws players into the cockpit of a space fighter piloted by Azusa Takahashi. Get ready to navigate through eight action-packed levels, each teeming with unique environments, relentless enemies, and screen-filling boss battles that will test your shmup skills to the max.
Earthion’s incredible soundtrack
But what’s a Yuzo Koshiro game without an incredible soundtrack? Earthion will feature a completely original score of 27 tracks, alongside a rich soundscape of effects, all crafted by the maestro himself. This is a true return to his 16-bit roots, promising to transport players back to the golden age of gaming with every explosive blast and soaring melody.
The love for retro doesn’t stop there! Earthion boasts highly customizable scanline options, allowing you to tailor the display to perfectly emulate that classic CRT look on modern screens. We’re talking authentic retro vibes!
Koshiro isn’t alone in bringing this vision to life. He’s joined by an all-star team including Makoto Wada (of Gotta Protectors and Royal Anapoko Academy fame). Adding even more artistic flair, the renowned Japanese artist Mitsuhiro Arita, best known for his stunning work on Marvel Comics and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, has contributed two breathtaking key art pieces for Earthion.
What’s in Earthion?
Here’s a rundown of what you can expect in Earthion:
- 8 Stages of Arcade Mayhem: Each level offers unique challenges, enemies, and epic boss encounters.
- The Sound of Legend: Music and sound design by the one and only Yuzo Koshiro.
- A Sonic Feast: 27 original tracks and a plethora of impactful sound effects.
- Challenge Your Limits: Multiple difficulty settings and a dedicated challenge mode.
- Retro Visuals, Modern Displays: Configurable scanlines and display settings for perfect CRT emulation.
- Relive the Era: A classic level password system.
- Immerse Yourself: A dedicated music player mode to enjoy Koshiro’s masterpiece.
- A Look Behind the Scenes: Includes bonus playable demos from the game’s development.
- Compete for Glory: Online leaderboards to prove your skills (not available on Genesis/Mega Drive).
Earthion is shaping up to be a must-have title for both retro enthusiasts and fans of the shoot ’em up genre. The promise of a brand new, authentically crafted 16-bit experience with a signature Yuzo Koshiro soundtrack is incredibly exciting.
Keep your eyes peeled for more news on Earthion‘s physical release later this year. In the meantime, PC gamers can already wishlist the game on Steam!
What are your thoughts on this exciting announcement? Could it turn out to be one of the best SEGA Mega Drive games? Are you dusting off your Genesis in anticipation? Let us know in the comments below!
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