Heavy Recoil Sega Mega Drive Kickstarter Launches: Mikael Tillander Brings Classic Run 'n Gun Action to New Hardware

Heavy Recoil Sega Mega Drive Kickstarter Launches: Mikael Tillander Brings Classic Run 'n Gun Action to New Hardware Retro gaming enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as Mikael Tillander, acclaimed for his work on indie titles like Tänzer, Twin Tiger Shark, and Knight'n'Grail, has officially launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis version of Heavy Recoil.

The campaign offers both cartridge-only and complete-in-box editions to cater to dedicated collectors and players eager to add this action-packed title to their 16-bit libraries. First released in 2012 as an Xbox Live Indie Game for Xbox 360, Heavy Recoil quickly garnered a cult following, later making its way to platforms like Ouya and Windows PC.

Developed by Wide Pixel Games—where Tillander is a key member—the game stands out for its classic run 'n gun gameplay reminiscent of arcade greats.

Players choose among three unique characters, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses, as they embark on a mission to infiltrate a fortified military base and liberate prisoners of war. For this Kickstarter campaign, backers have two main support tiers.

The cartridge-only version is priced at SEK 450 (about £35), while the complete-in-box edition is available for SEK 650 (approximately £51).

Although an early bird tier was initially available, high demand quickly exhausted its limited supply.

Shipment for the completed game is projected for March 2026, providing fans with a realistic production timeline and clear expectations. Supporters also have the option to purchase an additional demo cartridge for £31, which will be sent ahead of the final release.

This exclusive demo features four stages, offering a more linear gameplay experience compared to the full game, and may include a special stage not available in any other version—a tempting bonus for dedicated fans and collectors alike. While Heavy Recoil has often been likened to Konami’s iconic Contra series, Mikael Tillander has clarified that his primary inspiration was actually the arcade classic Green Beret (known in North America as Rush'N Attack).

By drawing on the tense action of Green Beret, Tillander has crafted a game that stands apart within the crowded run 'n gun genre. Development of the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis port has been ongoing since at least late 2023, as seen in early teaser trailers shared by Tillander on his YouTube channel.

This methodical approach reflects the developer’s commitment to delivering an authentic experience worthy of the Sega hardware, maintaining both retro authenticity and modern polish. With this Kickstarter now live, retro game fans and Sega Mega Drive collectors have a unique opportunity to support a dedicated independent developer and obtain a brand-new physical release for classic hardware.

For further updates, backers and fans can follow Mikael Tillander on social media or sign up for notifications directly through the Kickstarter campaign page.

Sega Sega Mega Drive Genesis Mega Drive Kickstarter Heavy Recoil Sega Genesis Mikael Tillander Wide Pixel Games Xbox Live Indie Games Ouya Windows PC Konami Green Beret Rush'N Attack