Published on: September 14, 2023
Truxton Extreme Showcases Co-Op Mode and New Features Ahead of Tokyo Game Show Reveal
Truxton Extreme, the latest entry in the legendary shoot 'em up franchise, is ramping up for its worldwide debut on PlayStation 5, PC, and other leading platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
Developed by Tatsujin—a studio comprised of former Toaplan staff and publisher of the revered Truxton (also known as Tatsujin in Japan)—the game represents a key revival of classic arcade shooter action, honoring the legacy of a genre-defining series still celebrated by dedicated fans across the globe.
On September 12, 2025, Tatsujin and Clear River Games released a new gameplay trailer for Truxton Extreme, spotlighting the debut of a cooperative multiplayer mode.
According to the latest announcement, co-op play enables gamers to join forces as space fighters to defend Earth from a formidable alien threat.
Players can revive their allies during frantic battles and coordinate their arsenal to more effectively target waves of enemies.
This collaborative mode aims to enhance the classic high-score chasing experience with contemporary teamwork-focused mechanics.
The feature set for Truxton Extreme is extensive, promising fans a robust package of content.
The game boasts 18 chapters of intense arcade shooting, seamlessly blended with an animated, comic-book style narrative crafted by acclaimed manga artist and character designer Junya Inoue.
Players will conquer eight distinct stages, wield multiple devastating weapons—including beloved arms from earlier Truxton entries—and be treated to both an original soundtrack and modern remixes of classic tracks.
Multiple modes are designed to welcome new players and challenge genre veterans, including a Heart Starter Mode for those looking for a more accessible entry point.
Truxton Extreme will make an appearance at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, from September 25th to 28th.
Attendees can expect to see the most updated demo, reportedly featuring enhancements and additional content surpassing what was previously shown at Gamescom 2025.
Earlier, THQ Nordic Japan and Tatsujin confirmed via an official statement that Truxton Extreme would release for PlayStation 5 and PC, bringing the series to a modern audience.
The game features an arcade mode reminiscent of its roots, alongside a story mode innovatively presented through an interactive digital comic system.
The premise of Truxton Extreme imagines humanity forced to reclaim seven lost colony planets after a devastating alien invasion.
Lacking a traditional military, mankind creates a tactical fighter system that requires pilots to relinquish their physical forms, resulting in a group of revered warriors known as 'Tatsujin.' This dramatic narrative builds upon the rich universe established in Toaplan's classic 1988 vertical shooter, developed by Tatsujin’s CEO Masahiro Yuge—cementing a direct creative lineage between the original and this new installment.
Tatsujin plans to host a live showcase on June 8, 2025, to offer more in-depth details, and has confirmed a demo of Truxton Extreme will feature during the next Steam Next Fest from June 10th to June 17th.
Notably, the Truxton franchise is widely regarded as a pinnacle of arcade shooting, earning acclaim for its signature skull bomb and challenging giant boss battles.
Its return, guided by the original creators and seasoned talent like Junya Inoue, aims to both honor its storied past and deliver new experiences for today’s gaming platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC.
As anticipation builds toward the Tokyo Game Show, fans of the shmup genre have much to look forward to with Truxton Extreme’s revitalized gameplay, striking visuals, and nostalgic yet fresh soundscape.
Tokyo Clear River Games Tokyo Game Show Truxton Tatsujin Truxton Extreme Tokyo Game Show 2025 THQ Nordic Japan Toaplan Nintendo Switch PlayStation 5 PC Junya Inoue Steam Next Fest Gematsu Gamescom