Unreleased Psygnosis Shooter Launches on PS4, PS Vita Next Year

A story that’s sure to have editorial overlord Damien McFerran perspiring like former SEGA America chief Tom Kalinske at a 90s PlayStation press conference, Strictly Limited Games has announced that it’s resurrecting an old 1994 shooter that was originally created for the Mega Drive and Mega CD. Project Hardcore was developed by DICE and set to be published by Psygnosis in 1994, but it never saw the light of day. Incredibly, it’ll now launch both physically and digitally on the PlayStation 4 and PS Vita next year.

The press release reads: “Project Hardcore is a Euro-style Metroidvania-platformer appealing especially to classic 2D-action-game enthusiasts with its intricate level design and numerous mid- and end-bosses. Vertical-scrolling shoot ‘em up stages, originally planned to be exclusive to the SEGA Mega CD version, will also be integrated into the final version, delivering the most complete experience possible and bringing back memories of games like SWIV for the Commodore Amiga.”

Source code for the title was believed to be lost after development was abandoned in the mid-90s, but Strictly Limited Games got its hands on an original build last year. It’s since been working on converting the release to Sony’s systems, with help from a handful of DICE veterans. “I know the care, love, sweat, and hard work that went into creating Hardcore in the first place by all involved parties,” said Fredrik Liljegren, one of the Swedish studio’s founders. “Thus, I think it is fantastic that this product finally gets to see the light of day and for people to be able to play it finally.”

It kinda looks like Turrican in the trailer embedded above, which is definitely something we can get behind. Strictly Limited Games will be hosting a panel about the recovery of this unreleased retro classic at Gamescom 2018 next week, and we're jealous of anyone who's going to be in attendance, because this is one story we'd love to hear.