Get ready for a blast from the past. Veteran studio Ancient, the creators behind the legendary Streets of Rage series, have teamed up with Bit Wave Games to announce their new 16-bit-style space shooter, Earthion. Publishers confirmed the game will launch digitally on July 31 for all major platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. This high-stakes shooter is built with authentic retro techniques, promising a genuine arcade experience for a new generation.
A Digital Launch Followed by a Staggered Physical Release
While the digital version of Earthion arrives on July 31 for everyone, physical collectors will need to be patient, and it depends on where they live. Pre-orders for the physical PS5 and Nintendo Switch editions are already live in Japan, with a scheduled release date of October 30. Fans in the West, however, are still waiting for news.
Limited Run Games is handling the distribution in Western regions, but pre-orders have not yet been announced. This has caused some concern among collectors, as Limited Run’s releases are known to sell out very quickly once they go live. There has been no confirmation on whether physical versions will be available for Xbox or PC platforms.
Old-School Gameplay with a Modern Polish
Earthion is designed to look and feel like a lost classic from the Sega Genesis era. The developers intentionally used 16-bit hardware techniques to create everything from the sprite animations to the sound design. This isn’t just a retro-themed game; it’s a meticulously crafted homage to the golden age of arcade shooters.
The game features eight stages of intense bullet-hell action, complete with massive boss battles and stunning visual effects that push the 16-bit aesthetic to its limits. But it’s not all about dodging bullets. Players will need to collect resources from defeated enemies to upgrade their ship, adding a layer of strategic risk and reward to the chaos.
The soundtrack is another major highlight, composed by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro.
- Koshiro is famous for his work on classics like Streets of Rage and Actraiser.
- The music perfectly emulates the FM synth style of early 90s Japanese games.
- A full in-game music player allows you to listen to the entire soundtrack anytime.
A Story of Earth’s Last Stand
Earthion brings a surprisingly deep narrative to the shoot ’em up genre. The story follows Azusa Takanashi, an environmental scientist who becomes a resistance fighter. With humanity having already fled to Mars, Earth is a desolate wasteland. When a new alien threat appears, Azusa pilots the YK-IIA fighter craft in a desperate last-ditch effort to save her home world.
This unique setup gives the game an emotional core rarely seen in arcade shooters. Having a scientist, not a soldier, as the protagonist provides a fresh and compelling perspective. It’s a personal, high-stakes mission where players feel connected to the fight to reclaim a lost planet.
Packed with Modes and Replay Value
Beyond the main campaign, Earthion offers plenty of content to keep players coming back. A dedicated Challenge Mode is designed for hardcore fans of the genre, featuring tougher enemy patterns and very limited lives for the ultimate test of skill. The game’s combat system is also surprisingly deep, thanks to a variety of sub-weapons.
Players can customize their ship’s loadout with different secondary weapons, like homing missiles or wide-beam shots, to adapt their strategy for any situation. The game actively encourages you to experiment with different combinations to find what works best.
| Mode / Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Story Mode | Experience Azusa’s eight-stage mission to save Earth from aliens. |
| Challenge Mode | A high-difficulty mode for expert players seeking a true test. |
| Sub-Weapons System | Equip and customize secondary weapons to create unique loadouts. |
| Resource Recovery | Gather scrap from enemies to power up your ship’s abilities. |
This level of customization ensures that no two playthroughs have to be the same, giving Earthion significant replay value.
