Remember the classic Sega Genesis shooter Steel Empire? Well, it’s back for more – and, like the original cartridge, you can get it in physical form.
Blowfish Studios and Emilie Coyo have teamed up with Strictly Limited Games to bring Steel Empire Chronicles to the physical front, with pre-orders opening on April 9th. Mebius and Starfish are also partnering on the exclusive release, which will launch officially sometime this spring. It will release for PlayStation 4/5 and Nintendo Switch.
For those unfamiliar with the original game, here’s a brief description, straight from the publishers:
“The Motorhead Empire reigns over most of the world with an iron fist, but there is still freedom to be found in the Republic of Silverhead. What follows is your typical (and very likeable) shoot ’em up narrative of the free world sending a sole pilot to save the day and bring peace and harmony to all.
The story itself is displayed through what is most easily described as an old sepia-toned film newsreel. The narrative is filled with made-up historical references that’ll help to set the mood. Of course, just as you’ve come to expect of Strictly Limited Games, we’ll add to this through the presentation of the physical releases.”
On top of that, there’s also a neat little extra – a 1991 Famicom/NES shooter called Over Horizon!
“Released in 1991 for the Famicom/NES, this shoot ‘em up was created by the same developers as Steel Empire. Experience a hidden gem of gaming history that was originally only released in Japan and Germany and enjoy the atmospheric and colorful presentation!”
Along with the Genesis original, Chronicles also features the Game Boy Advance version from 2005, along with an awesome new remake. So players can pick and choose whatever one they want to jump into first!
The Limited Edition, numbered to 3,000 individually numbered copies, will sell for $39.99, with different variant covers. In addition, a Special Limited Edition will also be available for $59.99, including the soundtrack for all the games and a unique collector’s case.
Those interested in pre-ordering the game can do so at this link. Hurry, they’re likely to go fast!
