SNK and Beep Revive Classic Athena and Psycho Soldier Merchandise for Retro Gaming Fans

Japanese retro gaming enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as SNK collaborates with renowned retro video game retailer Beep to resurrect a selection of classic arcade merchandise.

Announced via Famitsu, the new 'SNK×BEEP Athena Goods' range brings back thoughtfully reprinted memorabilia inspired by SNK’s celebrated arcade titles, Athena and Psycho Soldier, both staples of gaming history that originally debuted in the 1980s. Fans can now purchase these nostalgic collectibles directly from Beep’s online store.

The collection features meticulously recreated goodies that harken back to the golden era of arcade gaming.

Offerings include: - The 'SNK×BEEP Athena Goods' Collection Retro Glass (priced at 3,300 yen) - The 'SNK×BEEP Athena Goods' Collection Arcade Instruction Set (5,500 yen), which contains an A1 poster and a sticker sheet - The 'SNK×BEEP Athena Goods' Collection Psycho Soldier Sticker (1,100 yen) - Two versions of the 'SNK×BEEP Athena Goods' Collection Athena Sticker Sheet (1,100 yen and 2,200 yen) These items, originally released alongside the games during their heyday, include reprints of sticker sheets, instruction guides, and posters—offering long-time fans a chance to own or rediscover classic video game ephemera. Athena, developed by SNK and launched in Japanese arcades in 1986, casts players as Princess Athena, the mythological Goddess of Wisdom.

The platformer tasks players with guiding Athena—depicted as an intrepid, scantily-clad warrior—through a mystical land after she is transported by opening a forbidden door.

On her quest to return home, she confronts countless obstacles set by the tyrannical Emperor Dante.

The game’s success prompted ports to platforms such as the NES, Famicom, ZX Spectrum, and Commodore 64, and it remains accessible today on systems including the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 as part of the Arcade Archives series. Following Athena's legacy, Psycho Soldier arrived in arcades in 1987 as a spiritual successor.

The game stars Athena Asamiya, the descendant of Princess Athena, and delivers action-packed arcade gameplay, later making its way to the Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, and Commodore 64.

Like its predecessor, Psycho Soldier continues to find new audiences through the Arcade Archives series. Both Athena and Athena Asamiya have since become recurring figures in SNK’s broader universe.

Notably, Princess Athena serves as a 'Striker' character for Athena Asamiya in King of Fighters 2000, further cementing their impact on SNK’s storied character roster. The release of the 'SNK×BEEP Athena Goods' collection not only evokes nostalgia but also honors the enduring influence of these iconic titles and their memorable heroines.

For retro gaming aficionados and collectors, this collaboration between SNK and Beep offers an unparalleled opportunity to revisit and celebrate two cornerstone franchises of the Japanese arcade era.

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