New 16-Bit Shooter Earthion Announced

[Peter Paltridge]

Canonical URL

https://popgeeks.com/new-16-bit-shooter-earthion-announced/

Here’s something pretty cool. Normally when we hear about new games being developed for older consoles, they’re homebrew efforts created by indie programmers. But Earthion, announced this week, wad created by Japanese developer Ancient Corporation and contains a soundtrack by legendary video game composer Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage, ActRaiser). It’s the real deal — it’s stepped out of time! This 16-bit shooter has been developed to run natively on Sthe original Genesis hardware, and boasts a lengthy original soundtrack from Koshiro that’s 27 tracks long. In addition to Kishiro, Earthion’s development team also includes Makoto Wada (Gotta Protectors, Royal Anapoko Academy) and Japanese artist Mitsuhiro Arita, best known for his work illustrating Marvel® Comics and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Eartion will be released as a a physical cartridge for the Genesis (US) and Mega Drive (Europe). Limited Run Games will be handling physical production, but you should have seen that coming. More will be announced regarding their specific plans at a later time. 8 Stages of arcade action with unique environments, enemies and bosses Music and sound by Yuzo Koshiro 27 Original Tracks and countless sound effects Multiple difficulties and challenge mode Configurable scanlines and display settings for CRT emulation […]
Read original article here:

New 16-Bit Shooter Earthion Announced | popgeeks.com

Earthion, announced this week, wad created by Japanese developer Ancient Corporation and contains a soundtrack by legendary video game composer Yuzo Koshiro...

popgeeks.com

 

[Hyuga]

I respect what they’re doing here. Making a game for Genesis hardware means managing very limited memory, sound channels, and processing power. The fact that they still managed to include a full soundtrack, multiple difficulties, and a music player mode is impressive. Koshiro’s involvement shows they’re serious about quality. I’m curious how they’ll implement online leaderboards for the modern versions while keeping the retro version intact. Earthion feels like a labor of love, and I’ll definitely support it.

 

[Paul]

Yuzo Koshiro making new Genesis music in 2025? That’s the headline for me. His soundtracks defined an era of games. I’ve listened to his work outside of games too, and he’s always innovative. 27 tracks is a lot, and I’m curious about what kind of moods and tempos he’ll explore here. I also like the idea of a music player mode—it shows that the soundtrack is meant to be experienced fully, not just as background. Even if the gameplay turns out average, I’d get it just for the music.

 

[Shoma]

I’ve never played on a Genesis, but this looks interesting. I like how they’re giving us something old and something new at the same time. I watched the trailer and the music stood out the most to me. I like how it sounds different from the music in today’s games. If the Switch version is not too expensive, I’ll give it a try. It looks fun.

 

[Berlin]

Glad to see this is coming to PS4 and PS5. I like retro games, but I don’t have space for more consoles. I’ve played other retro shooters like Blazing Chrome, and if Earthion is anything like that, I’ll probably enjoy it. The password system is kind of weird in a modern release, but I understand they want to keep the retro feel. Maybe they’ll also add save support for newer platforms.

 

[Speitzarmunster]

As someone who grew up with the Genesis, this is more than just nostalgia. It’s like watching history continue instead of repeating. The fact that Ancient Corporation is behind Earthion makes this feel official, not just a tribute. I’ve followed Yuzo Koshiro’s work since Streets of Rage, and 27 new tracks from him? That’s already a reason to get the game. Also, seeing Mitsuhiro Arita’s name attached makes me very interested in the art direction. The attention to old-school design, like CRT scanlines and password systems, shows that they respect the time period. It’s not about copying the past, it’s about continuing it with care. I’m looking forward to how the game plays on both the original hardware and modern consoles. There’s something exciting about a new game that looks backward and forward at the same time.

 

[alexbaker]

I never owned a Genesis, but this still sounds interesting. I like retro-style games, and this seems like a serious one, not just pixel graphics slapped on something lazy. I’ve heard the name Yuzo Koshiro before but haven’t really listened to his music. Maybe this will be a good way to start. I’ll probably wait for the Switch version though. I don’t collect old consoles or anything like that. It’s cool that there’s a physical cartridge, but it’s not for me.

 

[Neonblights]

This is a great example of how classic hardware still has creative life. I love how Earthion is being developed with actual Genesis compatibility in mind. That means the developers had to work within strict limitations, which can result in really clever design. I’m also happy Limited Run Games is handling production. They usually do high-quality physical releases. If there are collector’s editions, I’ll definitely be interested. I hope they include the soundtrack on CD or vinyl. Also, CRT emulation settings for modern platforms is a nice touch. More retro games should include those.

 

[Apollo]

I get that this will appeal to a specific group of people, but I don’t know if there’s enough here to make it stand out. Eight stages doesn’t sound like a lot. Password systems also feel outdated to me. I understand it’s for the vibe, but it could make the game frustrating. I like Koshiro’s music, but good music doesn’t always make a good game. I’ll keep an eye on reviews first before I decide.

 

[guy]

I wasn’t even born when the Genesis came out, but I think this is cool. I’ve played some emulated games, and there’s something different about them. They’re harder, but more focused. Earthion seems to follow that style. I don’t know much about the creators, but I looked up Koshiro’s music and it’s really fun to listen to. I’ll probably try the PS5 version. I hope they keep the old-school challenge but also make it a bit easier for new players.