Blaze, the company known for its commitment to reviving classic gaming experiences, has announced an exciting addition to its lineup of Evercade cartridges. This new release is a dual cartridge, featuring two homebrew games previously available on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis platform: Metal Dragon and Life on Mars. Both titles are the brainwork of Spanish developer Kai Magazine Software, highlighting the developer's dedication and passion for retro gaming.
Metal Dragon first made its appearance in 2021, captivating players with its top-down run-and-gun excitement. The game puts you in the role of an elite operative tasked with a covert rescue mission that quickly becomes an explosive battleground. Players find themselves navigating through enemy territories, where stealth is initially the approach until circumstances demand high-octane action. Each level ups the ante with increased difficulty, ensuring that even the most skilled players are continuously challenged.
Life on Mars, on the other hand, was released more recently in late 2022 and serves as a port from an earlier MSX2 game, enhancing its graphics and gameplay mechanics to suit the Mega Drive platform. This title offers a different flavor of retro gaming, mixing atmospheric exploration with action. Players step into the shoes of Sam, an interplanetary repair technician sent to uncover the reasons behind a silent Mars colony. The game draws heavy inspiration from 1980s sci-fi horror films, providing a creepy, unsettling vibe as players venture deeper into the abandoned outpost, uncovering its secrets and enhancing their abilities.
Blaze aims to cater to diverse gaming tastes by bringing both shoot-em-up and mystery exploration styles together in one cartridge. According to Oscar Kenneth Albero Ingles from Kai Magazine Software, joining the Evercade family marks a proud milestone. The developer expressed excitement about reaching a wider audience who can now experience these top-selling titles through the Evercade platform.
Anticipation for the new dual cartridge is high. Scheduled for release in December 2024, the cartridge is priced at £17.99, $19.99, and €19.99, making it an affordable addition to any gamer’s collection. Compatibility isn't an issue either, as the cartridge will operate on all existing Evercade hardware configurations, as well as the new HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket handhelds, ensuring that all fans, irrespective of their device choice, have access to these games.
Pre-orders for this much-awaited cartridge will begin on October 30, allowing eager fans to secure their copy well in advance. Additionally, interested gamers can watch the trailer to get a glimpse of the action expected from both games.
