Update: Release date confirmed (press update timestamp Apr 25, 2026)
Return to Blacktooth: A Head Over Heels Adventure — the long-awaited sequel to the 1980s isometric classic Head Over Heels — has had its release date confirmed, publisher Thalamus Digital Publishing announced in an update on 25 April 2026.
The project, built by Colin Porch and backed by Thalamus in partnership with Atari, missed an original Q4 2025 target but has now been moved forward with an official release window disclosure by the team.
Head Over Heels, developed by Jon Ritman and Bernie Drummond, first launched across home computer formats including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore Amiga and Atari ST and remains a touchstone of 1980s game design.
Colin Porch, who converted the original title to the Atari ST, has been privately developing a sequel since 1989; that effort has now reached commercial release with Thalamus and Atari onboard.
Porch described his personal investment in the project, saying he is thrilled to finally bring the sequel to players.
He emphasised that the game preserves the original’s puzzle-led design while adding new rooms, levels and mechanics developed over more than three decades, aiming for puzzles that reward logic rather than reflexes and striking a balance between devious challenge and fairness.
Thalamus founder and CEO Andy Roberts framed the release as a labour of love from both Porch and the Thalamus team.
Roberts noted that, as a long-time fan of the original Head Over Heels, he was determined to bring Colin’s sequel to the audience who will appreciate it, and expressed gratitude that Atari supported the project from the start.
Return to Blacktooth is presented as a 3D isometric arcade adventure featuring over 350 rooms across five worlds, two playable characters and a variety of enemies, rendered with 16-bit-era visual fidelity consistent with its target retro platforms.
Thalamus plans to release native versions on the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST, with additional ports targeted for Atari Jaguar, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum and ZX Spectrum Next, as well as plans for PC and modern consoles.
The update confirms a release date announcement but does not list an exact retail day in the public statement excerpt.
The project’s journey from private development to multi-platform release underscores Thalamus and Atari’s commitment to preserving and extending classic retro properties for both vintage hardware enthusiasts and contemporary audiences.
Return to Blacktooth: A Head Over Heels Adventure — the long-awaited sequel to the 1980s isometric classic Head Over Heels — has had its release date confirmed, publisher Thalamus Digital Publishing announced in an update on 25 April 2026.
The project, built by Colin Porch and backed by Thalamus in partnership with Atari, missed an original Q4 2025 target but has now been moved forward with an official release window disclosure by the team.
Head Over Heels, developed by Jon Ritman and Bernie Drummond, first launched across home computer formats including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore Amiga and Atari ST and remains a touchstone of 1980s game design.
Colin Porch, who converted the original title to the Atari ST, has been privately developing a sequel since 1989; that effort has now reached commercial release with Thalamus and Atari onboard.
Porch described his personal investment in the project, saying he is thrilled to finally bring the sequel to players.
He emphasised that the game preserves the original’s puzzle-led design while adding new rooms, levels and mechanics developed over more than three decades, aiming for puzzles that reward logic rather than reflexes and striking a balance between devious challenge and fairness.
Thalamus founder and CEO Andy Roberts framed the release as a labour of love from both Porch and the Thalamus team.
Roberts noted that, as a long-time fan of the original Head Over Heels, he was determined to bring Colin’s sequel to the audience who will appreciate it, and expressed gratitude that Atari supported the project from the start.
Return to Blacktooth is presented as a 3D isometric arcade adventure featuring over 350 rooms across five worlds, two playable characters and a variety of enemies, rendered with 16-bit-era visual fidelity consistent with its target retro platforms.
Thalamus plans to release native versions on the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST, with additional ports targeted for Atari Jaguar, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum and ZX Spectrum Next, as well as plans for PC and modern consoles.
The update confirms a release date announcement but does not list an exact retail day in the public statement excerpt.
The project’s journey from private development to multi-platform release underscores Thalamus and Atari’s commitment to preserving and extending classic retro properties for both vintage hardware enthusiasts and contemporary audiences.
