Earthion for Mega Drive: Yuzo Koshiro Showcases New Footage and Confirms 2024 Release

Renowned composer and game developer Yuzo Koshiro has unveiled new footage from Earthion, his much-anticipated upcoming shoot ‘em up for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.

Developed by Ancient, Earthion is generating significant attention for pushing the technical limits of the 16-bit hardware while promising a fresh experience for shmup enthusiasts.

Earthion is not only notable for its original music by Koshiro, famous for iconic soundtracks like Streets of Rage, but also for its authentic retro presentation.

As Koshiro explained through his social channels, "All visuals and audio showcased originate directly from genuine Mega Drive hardware." He further elaborated that the latest video highlights an array of recently added content, including new levels and scenes, as well as the debut of a new track.

He clarified, though, that the music previewed may not represent the final soundtrack for Earthion, stating his ongoing experimentation with MAmidiMEmo, a music creation app, as he seeks a novel sound for the genre. Confirmed by Koshiro, Earthion is slated for release on both the original Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and modern platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, with the earliest possible launch window targeted for the end of 2024.

Koshiro specifically mentioned plans to distribute the Mega Drive/Genesis editions in regions where these classic consoles were previously sold, although details regarding possible region-specific packaging are still under consideration. Alongside the technical advancements, an important aspect still in development is the cartridge memory size.

Koshiro stated that his team is "still determining the final memory requirements of the cartridge," but made it clear that the capacity will "reliably exceed anything that was ever possible during the 1990s." Supporting its physical release strategy, Limited Run Games has confirmed a partnership with Ancient to deliver Earthion via physical cartridges, ensuring collectors and enthusiasts can enjoy the game on original hardware.

At the same time, the title will be available for digital download through modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch eShop, expanding access to a new generation of players. With its commitment to technical excellence and authentic Mega Drive production, Earthion stands poised to capture both a nostalgic and contemporary audience.

As the development continues leading up to the planned 2024 release, anticipation remains high for what could be one of the most impressive shoot ‘em ups on Sega’s legendary 16-bit console.

Genesis Yuzo Koshiro Mega Drive Earthion soundtrack consoles