Truxton Extreme Announced for PlayStation 5 and PC: Tatsujin Revives Classic Shmup with New Features

Tatsujin and THQ Nordic Japan have officially unveiled fresh details for the highly anticipated shmup revival, Truxton Extreme.

First announced in 2023, this new entry promises to honor Toaplan's iconic shooter heritage while introducing innovative features for modern audiences.

Previously confirmed for PlayStation 5, Tatsujin has now revealed that Truxton Extreme will also launch on PC, expanding its reach to a broader gaming audience worldwide. Truxton, internationally known and fondly remembered by shooter enthusiasts, began its journey as a hit vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up (shmup) from Toaplan in 1988.

From its massive bosses to the classic 'skull' screen-clearing bomb and standout Genesis and PC Engine ports, this franchise quickly cemented its status as a genre-defining favorite.

Now, former Toaplan members, under the Tatsujin brand, are spearheading the development of Truxton Extreme, with CEO Masahiro Yuge—lead developer of the original—helming this revival.

In a recent statement, Tatsujin emphasized, "This title, sharing our company’s name, carries the legacy of Tatsujin.

It continues the brilliance first achieved in the 1988 vertical scrolling shooter, directed by CEO Masahiro Yuge at Toaplan." Truxton Extreme's feature set includes an endlessly looping arcade mode, channeling the relentless, replayable spirit of classic arcades.

For narrative fans, the game will also introduce a story mode, highlighted by an all-new interactive digital comic system, promising to enrich the lore and engage players in unique ways.

The story is set in a future where humanity, spread across seven Earth-like planets, faces catastrophic defeat after a sudden alien invasion.

With conventional military forces dismantled, the only hope lies in a groundbreaking tactical fighter—a machine requiring its pilot to abandon their human body.

The heroes who make this ultimate sacrifice come to be known as "Tatsujin," establishing a powerful narrative of redemption and resilience at the heart of Truxton Extreme. Ahead of launch, Tatsujin will host a livestream on June 8 to reveal additional insights into the development and features of Truxton Extreme.

Fans will also have the opportunity to experience the game hands-on: a playable demo is slated to feature in the upcoming Steam Next Fest, running from June 10 to June 17, 2025. Tatsujin has confirmed that Truxton Extreme will not only be showcased during Steam Next Fest but will also be available for in-person play at the Tokyo Game Show 2023, scheduled from September 21 to 24 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

Notably, the project reunites genre veterans, including celebrated former Toaplan artist Junya Inoue, further cementing its legacy appeal. With next-generation 3D graphics and the return of signature mechanics—such as the Power Shot, Truxton Beam, Thunder Laser, and Homing Shot—Truxton Extreme promises both nostalgic thrills and innovative experiences for shoot-'em-up veterans and newcomers alike.

Fans of the storied franchise can look forward to a worldwide release on PlayStation 5 and PC in 2024, reaffirming Truxton’s place at the forefront of the shmup revival.

PlayStation Japan PlayStation 5 PC Toaplan THQ Nordic THQ Truxton Tatsujin Truxton Extreme THQ Nordic Japan PS5 Steam Next Fest Tokyo Game Show Junya Inoue Masahiro Yuge