Retroware is reviving the cult 1990s brand with a new 2D beat 'em up, Toxic Crusaders, launching on Nintendo Switch and other major platforms in late 2023.
The project draws on the early-'90s cartoon — itself a kid-friendly offshoot of Troma's R-rated Toxic Avenger films — and taps retro aesthetics to bring Toxie and his mutated allies back to consoles and PC.
Background
The Toxic Crusaders animated series ran for 13 episodes in the early 1990s and spawned toys and video game tie-ins.
In the 1990s, Bandai released Toxic Crusaders games for the NES and Game Boy (a planned SNES version was cancelled), while Sega published a Mega Drive/Genesis adaptation.
Retroware's new entry aims to reconnect that IP with modern players through classic side-scrolling brawling mechanics and full-color pixel art.
What Retroware is delivering
Retroware bills the new Toxic Crusaders as a modern retro beat 'em up built for cooperative play and nostalgic presentation.
The studio says the game supports up to four players in pulse-pounding beat 'em up action, features handcrafted pixel art, and includes a soundtrack evocative of the franchise's early-'90s roots.
Comic-book style cutscenes accompany gameplay, and the team announced voice contributions from TeamFourStar.
Gameplay and content details
Players can choose from seven playable characters — Toxie, No-Zone, Junkyard, Major Disaster, Headbanger, Yvonne, and Mrs. Junko — across seven distinct levels ranging from Tromaville's streets to the extraterrestrial Planet Smogula.
Each character is described as having unique moves and special abilities, and the game includes cameo appearances drawn from the broader Troma catalogue.
Platforms, price and availability
Toxic Crusaders is available to wishlist on Steam and is confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch in late 2023.
The announced price is $24.99.
On Nintendo Switch, the title is expected to be distributed digitally via the Nintendo eShop, consistent with standard platform practice.
Retroware's revival of Toxic Crusaders positions the franchise for a new generation while honoring its 1990s roots through pixel art, co-op brawling and a soundtrack that nods to the era.
With a multi-platform release window set for late 2023 and a sub-$30 price point, the game is positioned as an accessible retro-styled option for fans of licensed beat 'em ups.
The project draws on the early-'90s cartoon — itself a kid-friendly offshoot of Troma's R-rated Toxic Avenger films — and taps retro aesthetics to bring Toxie and his mutated allies back to consoles and PC.
Background
The Toxic Crusaders animated series ran for 13 episodes in the early 1990s and spawned toys and video game tie-ins.
In the 1990s, Bandai released Toxic Crusaders games for the NES and Game Boy (a planned SNES version was cancelled), while Sega published a Mega Drive/Genesis adaptation.
Retroware's new entry aims to reconnect that IP with modern players through classic side-scrolling brawling mechanics and full-color pixel art.
What Retroware is delivering
Retroware bills the new Toxic Crusaders as a modern retro beat 'em up built for cooperative play and nostalgic presentation.
The studio says the game supports up to four players in pulse-pounding beat 'em up action, features handcrafted pixel art, and includes a soundtrack evocative of the franchise's early-'90s roots.
Comic-book style cutscenes accompany gameplay, and the team announced voice contributions from TeamFourStar.
Gameplay and content details
Players can choose from seven playable characters — Toxie, No-Zone, Junkyard, Major Disaster, Headbanger, Yvonne, and Mrs. Junko — across seven distinct levels ranging from Tromaville's streets to the extraterrestrial Planet Smogula.
Each character is described as having unique moves and special abilities, and the game includes cameo appearances drawn from the broader Troma catalogue.
Platforms, price and availability
Toxic Crusaders is available to wishlist on Steam and is confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch in late 2023.
The announced price is $24.99.
On Nintendo Switch, the title is expected to be distributed digitally via the Nintendo eShop, consistent with standard platform practice.
Retroware's revival of Toxic Crusaders positions the franchise for a new generation while honoring its 1990s roots through pixel art, co-op brawling and a soundtrack that nods to the era.
With a multi-platform release window set for late 2023 and a sub-$30 price point, the game is positioned as an accessible retro-styled option for fans of licensed beat 'em ups.
