If I told you that this game was originally created in 1993 and was the crown jewel of the amazing console shmup library of the Sega Genesis for the past 30+ years, you would believe me. Yes, this game should be ranked high among its peers like Thunderforce, Truxton, Gaiares, MUSHA, and Gleylancer to name a few.

This game is a love letter to shmup fans and retro gamers alike and is proof positive that what many gamers are looking for today is high quality modern experiences steeped in retro ideas. I personally would much rather buy a game like this and spend my time playing it as opposed to some overbloated, overbudgeted AAA game.

That said, it's all here. Great gameplay (turn on RAW input. and the setting doesnt stick between sessions, seems like a bug), fair and balanced enemies and challenge. Beautiful droolworthy pixel art as if it were torn from the pages of yore with all of the beautiful colors and animations that make Sega Genesis shmups so sought after. There's a good amount of options as well in terms of adjusting the video (dont forget to hit the select button for the expanded menu).

In terms of sound, Yuzo Koshiro knocked it out of the park. The soundtrack is ridiculous (listening to it on Bandcamp right now). And the rest of the sound design is perfect. I appreciate the voice queues like "Keep it up" akin to DoDonPachi's "Just a couple more shots" to let you know that the boss is almost dead and the "Warning, Warning" refrain to remind me to stop dozing off at the wheel and let me know I'm almost dead!

You have your menu of difficulties. Upgrade system. Optional between stage buffs. Some secrets and overall a solid ass game. I have heard people actually complain about the $20 price tag. GTFO! I would pay more for this game (I will be buying the Genesis version as well). $20 is an absolute bargain for what you get.

Shmup fans are over the moon (as are others) and I hope this game makes progress in expanding the shmup community. It is high quality like this that will get us there. Keep supporting releases like this and it will only lead to more. Earthion 2 anyone?

I'll be there with bells on.

MISSION COMPLETE

Earthion delivers exactly what it promises—and then some. As a longtime fan of Genesis-era shmups like Thunder Force, Gaiares, and Hellfire, I can confidently say Earthion earns its place among the greats.

Visually, it nails the aesthetic with purposefully crafted pixel art, tasteful scanlines, and customizable video options rarely seen in modern shmups. It doesn’t just imitate the classics—it elevates them with polish and intent.

Gameplay-wise, Earthion strikes a fine balance between accessibility and challenge. Multiple difficulty settings let players ease in and vibe with the action or test their reflexes at higher levels. I personally appreciated the more forgiving settings to learn the ropes, but the replay value is real.

The audio design is just as lovingly crafted. The soundtrack channels the spirit of 16-bit shmups with energetic, synth-driven tracks that could easily pass for lost gems from the Genesis or PC Engine era. Sound effects have that punchy, familiar feel, and even the voice samples carry that nostalgic, bit-crushed charm that instantly pulls you back in time.

In short, Earthion feels like a love letter to the golden age of shmups, infused with just enough modern design to keep things fresh. If you're even shmup-curious, this is a mission worth accepting.

I played a single run, and I already know.

This is an absolute banger, and it feels like a true Ancient game from the '90s. Incredible 16-bit visuals, super hectic gameplay and a soundtrack from legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro that simply soars through the skies and into the depths of space.

I cannot believe that I am actually playing a true Ancient game that feels just as polished at their output on the Mega Drive/Genesis back in the day, but here we are. What an absolute gift!