BioMenace Remastered: First Episode Now Free for Evercade Owners
Blaze Entertainment has announced that the first episode of BioMenace Remastered, titled "Dr. Mangle’s Lab," is now available as a free download for all Evercade console owners.
This move comes ahead of the full remastered release—which will encompass all four original episodes—in the upcoming Indie Heroes Collection 5, slated for release in early 2027.
BioMenace Remastered revisits the classic 1993 side-scrolling platformer, originally developed by Apogee for the MS-DOS platform on the "Keen Dreams" engine created by id Software.
Players take on the role of CIA operative Snake Logan as he battles through mutant-infested cityscapes to thwart the villainous Dr. Mangle.
The original BioMenace stood out for its action-packed gameplay and unique shareware distribution model championed by Apogee, allowing gamers to play an initial portion for free before purchasing the full experience.
The remastered project is helmed by Nikolai “lethal_guitar” Wuttke-Hohendorf and his studio, Rigel Gameworks, who previously collaborated with Blaze Entertainment on titles like Duke Nukem 1+2 Remastered.
The remaster offers several modern enhancements including the option to toggle between the original pixel art and updated widescreen visuals, smooth movement, and rebalanced difficulty.
Additional features such as parallax scrolling backgrounds breathe new life into the retro classic, preserving its nostalgic appeal while delivering improvements for contemporary audiences.
Blaze Entertainment's community executive, Pete Davison, explained that making the first episode freely accessible is a tribute to the game's historic shareware roots.
“By releasing the opening episode at no cost, we're honoring how BioMenace first entered the market and giving new players a chance to experience a piece of gaming history,” Davison stated in a recent company update.
To access the complimentary episode, Evercade owners simply need to update their console’s firmware—whether on the Evercade EXP, EXP-R, VS, VS-R, or Alpha models—through the System Menu.
Once updated, players can find the game by navigating to the EXP, VS, or star logo (for Evercade Alpha) on the left sidebar of the main menu.
BioMenace Remastered is scheduled to be part of Indie Heroes Collection 5, with additional titles set to be announced throughout the year via Blaze Entertainment’s Game of the Month program.
The remaster’s release on digital platforms such as Steam and GOG in late 2023 further expanded its reach, bringing a beloved Apogee adventure to new generations and retro enthusiasts alike.
By providing a free episode, Blaze Entertainment and Rigel Gameworks celebrate the legacy of shareware gaming and the creative spirit behind classic platforms like the Evercade.
Fans and collectors are eagerly anticipating the full Indie Heroes Collection 5, ready to explore more remastered gems as the lineup grows.
Blaze Entertainment has announced that the first episode of BioMenace Remastered, titled "Dr. Mangle’s Lab," is now available as a free download for all Evercade console owners.
This move comes ahead of the full remastered release—which will encompass all four original episodes—in the upcoming Indie Heroes Collection 5, slated for release in early 2027.
BioMenace Remastered revisits the classic 1993 side-scrolling platformer, originally developed by Apogee for the MS-DOS platform on the "Keen Dreams" engine created by id Software.
Players take on the role of CIA operative Snake Logan as he battles through mutant-infested cityscapes to thwart the villainous Dr. Mangle.
The original BioMenace stood out for its action-packed gameplay and unique shareware distribution model championed by Apogee, allowing gamers to play an initial portion for free before purchasing the full experience.
The remastered project is helmed by Nikolai “lethal_guitar” Wuttke-Hohendorf and his studio, Rigel Gameworks, who previously collaborated with Blaze Entertainment on titles like Duke Nukem 1+2 Remastered.
The remaster offers several modern enhancements including the option to toggle between the original pixel art and updated widescreen visuals, smooth movement, and rebalanced difficulty.
Additional features such as parallax scrolling backgrounds breathe new life into the retro classic, preserving its nostalgic appeal while delivering improvements for contemporary audiences.
Blaze Entertainment's community executive, Pete Davison, explained that making the first episode freely accessible is a tribute to the game's historic shareware roots.
“By releasing the opening episode at no cost, we're honoring how BioMenace first entered the market and giving new players a chance to experience a piece of gaming history,” Davison stated in a recent company update.
To access the complimentary episode, Evercade owners simply need to update their console’s firmware—whether on the Evercade EXP, EXP-R, VS, VS-R, or Alpha models—through the System Menu.
Once updated, players can find the game by navigating to the EXP, VS, or star logo (for Evercade Alpha) on the left sidebar of the main menu.
BioMenace Remastered is scheduled to be part of Indie Heroes Collection 5, with additional titles set to be announced throughout the year via Blaze Entertainment’s Game of the Month program.
The remaster’s release on digital platforms such as Steam and GOG in late 2023 further expanded its reach, bringing a beloved Apogee adventure to new generations and retro enthusiasts alike.
By providing a free episode, Blaze Entertainment and Rigel Gameworks celebrate the legacy of shareware gaming and the creative spirit behind classic platforms like the Evercade.
Fans and collectors are eagerly anticipating the full Indie Heroes Collection 5, ready to explore more remastered gems as the lineup grows.