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Earthion lands on Steam ahead of Mega Drive release
Earthion released on Steam today; console versions arrive in September and the Mega Drive cartridge is planned for 2026.
A two person studio uses modern tools to bring Earthion to the Mega Drive, a project that blends retro charm with contemporary polish.
Earthion Revives the Mega Drive Dream
Earthion is a shooter for the Mega Drive developed by Ancient under the YKGGG label. The two person team, Yuzo Koshiro and Makoto Wada, used modern development tools such as SGDK and Ian Karlsson’s MDSDRV to push the 1988 hardware beyond its usual limits. The game launches on Steam first, with Switch, Xbox and PlayStation versions planned for September, and a Mega Drive cartridge release slated for 2026. An arcade edition developed with exA-Arcadia will run on a different system and cannot be ported directly to home consoles. The project faced funding challenges and a two year development period, but Limited Run Games provided crucial support to keep the vision on track.
Key Takeaways
""The Mega Drive is my favourite console of all time," Koshiro says."
Koshiro explains his motivation for choosing the Mega Drive for Earthion
""I wasn’t thinking much about the commercial side in the beginning.""
Koshiro reflects on initial development priorities
""I’m actually not that good at shooters. However, I played a lot of Darius in front of others, so I leaned on that for inspiration.""
Wada discusses his approach to the game's genre
""Finishing Earthion with just the two of us was definitely a challenge.""
Koshiro on the development hurdles faced by the team
Earthion sits at the crossroads of nostalgia and modern game making. Small teams can still push classic hardware into new territory when they combine deep craftsmanship with accessible tools. Koshiro and Wada show how a tight collaboration, clear roles, and patient iteration can deliver a polished experience that respects the past while inviting new players.
Highlights
- Retro roots meet modern tools and still feel fresh
- Two developers prove a classic can glow in the present
- Steam first, a cartridge later, a life beyond the screen
- Nostalgia travels far when craft outruns doubt
Funding and market risk for a niche retro release
The project relies on external funding and has a small development team, which can risk budget stability and timing. Platform exclusivity for certain editions and a long lead time before a Mega Drive cartridge release could affect investor confidence and audience reach.
The road from nostalgia to a living, playable product continues to be bumpy but hopeful.
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