Why are more indie game companies creating games for platforms like the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive)? It’s easy – there’s a demand. In an era where gamers are sick of the titles that require a 70GB download at launch, they simply feel the need instead to pop on a game and play it. Dassit. Let’s get right into the action. The Genesis easily fell into that category, and composer Yuzo Koshiro – alongside Makoto Wada – recognizes that magic. And the duo channel every damn bit of energy into the remarkable Earthion.
Fashioned like an old-school shooter, Earthion feels like a glorious throwback to 16-bit-era “shmups.” It’s incredibly fun to play, whether you’re on easy or taking on the “Hotshot” difficulty. It’s also loaded with colorful visuals and a soundtrack that’s easily amongst Yuzo’s best. Yes, even on Streets of Rage 2 level.
Plus you can adjust the experience and check out other options to make Earthion whatever speed you want it to be. CRT filter? Got it. Online leaderboards? Yessir. Concentrating on power-ups to make them nearly unstoppable? Yuppers.
The only downside is that the party is only on Steam at the moment. The console versions got delayed to mid-September, and the Mega Drive version won’t arrive until 2026. You know, the platform Earthion was intended for. But those of you with a PC or Steam Deck shouldn’t wait. Earthion is bullet-fueled magic, a time capsule for the ages. And a must for both die-hard fans of the genre and newcomers interested in hopping in. It’s never too late, kids!
Earthion Blasts Off Quickly
In the game, you play Azusa Takanashi, a dedicated fighter who’s been tasked to save the galaxy. Of course, he doesn’t have an army to rely on, just a solo gunship. But along the way, he can acquire cool power-ups. These include a pulse laser that rips through most surfaces, along with a pyro cannon that makes for an easy barbecue.
For those of you that were turned off by 16-bit “shmups” in the past…this game isn’t for you. Earthion was built out of appreciation for that old-school genre and doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, it perfects it. Anyone who grew up on the likes of Hellfire, Zero Wing and Gaiares will no doubt find something to love here.
The gameplay is tremendous. It packs a punch if you want it to, but there are options galore for those of you who are new to the genre. It’s easily accessible and has a ton of options available, so you can cater the experience. But it’s just addictive. Plus you don’t die in one hit, as the shield/energy meters are more than fair.
Plus the bosses pack a punch. Sure, they have their weak points, but accessing them isn’t exactly easy business. But you can learn and adapt quickly, and eventually make them mincemeat.
The only real downside here is that the game uses old-school passwords. But even that is cool in itself. You write down everything with a notepad or save it to your phone, then refer to it to continue your progress. I don’t mind at all.
Earthion has just the right amount of length and challenge going for it, and it’s accessible for all kinds of players. It’s a fitting entry in an ongoing genre that’s seeing a comeback. And I’m here for it.
How Does Earthion’s Presentation Hold Up?
As for the presentation…well, this is time in a bottle. If time was destructive and explosive, of course.
The visuals remind me of some of the best 16-bit efforts around. Wada, Koshiro and Acquire do a phenomenal job with the visuals. From the cutscenes to the parallax scrolling (remember that?) to the zippy game speed, everything holds up beautifully. And you can change visual options as well, just in case you feel the need for a CRT filter. (I sure do.) Plus I liked some of the animations, including the rotoscope work on your ship. Nice!
As for the music, well, what more can you say? This is vintage Yuzo Koshiro, and if you grew up with him, you know what a maestro he is. Earthion is amongst his best work, with upbeat, thrilling tunes in each battle. Plus the sound effects and voice samples are old-school Genesis throughout. This is definitely an audio experience, so get your headphones, kids.
So How Are the Console Versions?
Clear River Games was kind enough to send us a console code for Earthion to see how that version holds up compared to the PC/Steam edition. And we’re happy to say that the port is magnificient.
Like the original game, Earthion on consoles comes with different display options, including the ability to play with classic CRT settings. (As you should do!) But, really, it’s all about the action, and it doesn’t miss a beat in terms of pulverizing shoot-em-up goodness. It holds up really well and is worth every bit of its low asking price.
No matter which way you go with Earthion, you’ll get an experience like only Ancient and Yuzo can deliver. I just hope we get more like it, and soon. YKGGG for life.
Earthion Is One of the Best Shmups In the Dang Galaxy
Despite the fact the game hasn’t gone multiplatform (and early 2026 for Mega Drive/Genesis — yes, old schoolers!), Earthion is diabolically awesome. The gameplay has a lot going for it, particularly with its power-ups and options. Plus the presentation is a devoted love letter to all things 16-bit, right down to the smallest of music bites. Even the opening Sega-like jingle is a trip.
Bottom line – if you love shooters, you will absolutely love Earthion. And even if you don’t necessarily like them, it’s still worth a look. This is a divine lesson in how to challenge the best aspects of old-school gaming. And yet, make it still seem sophisticated. Excuse me while I jump back in.
GAMERHUB RATING: 5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to Overload PR and Pixel Helix Games for providing us a review code! The game is available now for Steam, and coming soon for consoles and Sega Genesis/Mega Drive! You can also order it physically here!
Want more shooting goodness? Check out our review of Under Defeat!
