River City Ransom, the classic beat ’em up fighting game originally released for the NES, is getting sequel, almost thirty years later. A few years ago, Canadian developer Conatus Creative launched a Kickstarter campaign for River City Ransom: Underground, a sequel officially sanctioned by Technōs Japan, the developer behind the original. Since the Kickstarter’s launch in September 2013, the project has gained over five thousand backers and raised over two hundred thousand Canadian dollars (or about 167 thousand US dollars).
The game features pixelated graphics, a retro callback to 80s and early 90s games, kind of like Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World: The Game, which itself also takes inspiration from classic beat ’em ups like River City Ransom. Conatus Creative promises “online multiplayer, co-op, arena death match, jaw-dropping fighting moves, hours of gameplay, Easter eggs, laughs, seemingly endless variety, and fun with friends.” The game also includes a variety of different playable characters, all of which have their own sets of moves and abilities.
The game will be available on February 27 for PC, Mac and Linux and will be purchasable from Steam. The trailer asks that players…
Get ready for the return of the best… Beat Em’ Up, Action RPG, Free Roaming, Story Driven, Arena Fighting, Coin Barfing, Shopping Simulator, Plate Eating, Cat Adopting, Sauna Bum Wiggling, Trouble Making, Dumpster Hiding, Friendship Ruining, Citizen Mugging, Secret Finding, 8 Bittish, Item Collecting, Nostalgia Tugging, Game Of All Time!
You can watch the full trailer below, complete with an 8-bit-inspired heavy metal soundtrack.