Legendary studio has something in store

Treasure, the acclaimed studio behind such franchises as Gunstar Heroes, Radiant Silvergun, Bangai-O, and Ikaruga, has announced that it is currently hard at work on a myst??erious new game, which it hopes to announce later in 2022 as part of the developer's 30th-anniversary celebrations.

While the studio �which was originally founded in 1992 by ex-Konami coder Masato Maegawa �has offered no direct information in regards to the new game's IP, form, or genre, Treasure has noted that the project is something that its fans have been requesting for quite some time??, which has got the company's dedicated, long-time fanbase buzzing with excitement and intrigue.

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"On June 19, 2022, Treasure celebrated its 30th anniversary!" wrote the developer on its official Twitter. "On this 30th anniversary year, we are working hard in development to announce the highly requested 'that'. Please continue to give Treasure your ??support going forward."

While the tweet makes it sound like the title will be a known entity, such as a sequel or remake, that still leaves a whole lot of mystery up in the air. After all, Treasure's catalog of franchises are all incredibly popular, and fans would be pleased with a sequel to any of the aforementioned games. Of course, we could simply be looking at a major remaster or remake of one of its enduring classics �Ikaruga for example �but frankly, at this stage, I think the fans ?are just happy ?to see the studio back at it.

Let the speculation commence. We'll be sure to give you the good word when Treasure shows its ??hand.

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Ask a grown-up to help with the cutting out

Nicalis has announced that the Japanese physical release of Treasure's iconic shmup Ikaruga will be headed west this fall. Pre-orders for the limited set are now live over at the official Nicalis store.

As previously reported, the Ikaruga limited-print physical edition includes a boxed copy of the game on PS4 or Nintendo Switch, (complete with colour manual and reversible art sleeve), along with a high quality "Warning" sticker and, best of all, a cool metal model kit of the Ikaruga itself, courtesy of premium modelling company Metal Earth. The set will retail for? around $60 USD, with a western launch date of October 27. This is a limited release, so be sure to get your order in fast if you want a piece of the action.

Ikaruga launches on PS4 and Nintendo Switch October 27.

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You might have a hard time getting hold of it

September will see one of the most beloved shmups of all time come blasting on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, as Treasure's 2001 classic Ikaruga takes to the skies once again for another round of frenetic, twitch-inducing arcade action. And for die-hard fans, Japanese publisher Pikii is producing a special physical relea??se for both platforms.

The Ikaruga limited physical edition will include a boxed copy of the game on PS4 or Nintendo Switch, complete with a colour manual and a reversible art sleeve. But most temptingly of all, this edition will also come bundled with a metal model kit of the famous Ikaruga ship itself, manufactured by Metal Earth. This edition is available to pre-order from the official Pikii store, priced at ¥4,950 - roughly $45 USD - but the site does not ship?? outside Japan, so you might have to res?ort to third-party sellers or after-market sales, unfortunately.

Western shmup fans should note that Ikaruga will be receiving its own physical edition in North America and Europe - courtesy of publisher Nicalis - but this edition will not include the Metal Earth model kit. Ikaruga launches in Japan on PS4 and Nintendo Switch September 24, with a western release to follow later in 2020?.

Ikaruga? PS4 and Switch limited edition launches September 24 in Japan [Gematsu]

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Radiant packaging

Ikaruga is one of the all-time classics of the shmup genre, but there hasn't been a physical edition for any modern console. Despite now being on PC, PS4, and Switch, the only way to own a disc is?? to go back to the Dreamcast or GameCube, which isn't exactly convenient for playing. That seems set to change, at least according to a Tweet from Nicalis.

Publisher of the Switch port, Nicalis is teasing a physical version of Ikaruga for both PS4 and Switch (a previous tease was only for Nintendo's device). Asking people to sign-up for its newsletter, it seems there is going to be some kind of announcement of either a standard retail version or collector's edition package. While I don't mind havin??g the game digitally, it would be great for preserving history to have the game on a disc. It'd also be cool to have that wonderful box art on my shelf.

Nicalis, Inc. [Twitter]

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Do it

Switch physical releases are all the rage, within the Switch community at least. Publishers aren't huge on them as indicated by many instances where they skipped ov?er them entirely, or lamented on the "Switch tax," or the extra cost associated with printing many pricey game carts as opposed to discs.

Nicalis still loves its Switch physical editions though, and frequently packs in little goodies to sweeten the deal (or price). That might be their strategy for Ikaruga, as they just teased&?nbsp; the "world's largest Nintendo Switch game case" for their PAX showing of the game.

Clearly they're joking as the "case" is indeed the stand (if you coul?dn't tell from the tweet below), but this is typically how the company teases physical releases. If you're o??n the fence for this one maybe wait a while longer.

Nicalis [Twitter]

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Now you can crash and burn in crisper detail than ever before

Treasure has released further details on the PS4 port of their Magnum Opus, the 2001 bullet-hell masterpiece that is Ikaruga.

The colour-defined shmup will be made available on PS4 on June 29. Not only that, but PS4 Pro owners will be able to make use of the ports glorious 4K visuals, brin?ging the title's frantic, intense visuals and frame-perfect action to life like never before. The port will retain all the features of the PC release, including the Double Play, Prototype,?? Replay, Screen Rotation modes and much more.

Having already been made available on Dreamcast, Gamecube, PC and Xbox 360 formats, this is just one more way that new generations can experience this amazing, if tough as nails, arcade classic. WWE star Asuka loves it, so I guess we all should.

Ikaruga launches on PS4 June 29, priced aroung ??$10. It is also curr?ently available on Nintendo Switch.

Ikaruga coming to PS4 June 29 with 4K visuals [Twitter]

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Just one more port, I swear

Treasure's everlasting shmup Ikaruga is officially headed to Nintendo Switch.

After some not-so-subtle port teases last month, the company?? is moving ahead with Nicalis for a Switch v??ersion that's due out May 29, 2018. It'll cost $14.99 on the eShop.

Notably, Ikaruga will let you play in TATE mode, ??which is to say that you can hold your Switch on its side for a vertical screen orientation. That's th??e dream right there, folks. Here's a screenshot:

I don't need another copy of Ikaruga, but then again maybe I do...

I?karuga Blasts?? Its Way to Nintendo Switch on May 29! [Nicalis]

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Hello darkness, my old friend

Ikaruga is one of those games that can't be ported enough. The vertical shoot-'em-up is a bona fide gem, the kind of shmup that even people who "don't really? mess with shmups" can l??earn to love.

A recent listing wi?th Germany's ratings board suggests that we'll see the game again before long, and its next stop is going to be on PlayStation 4. Treasure is handling the port?, according to the USK.

The last time we saw Ikaruga was four years ago, on Steam, so it's been a while. And as much as it probably goes without saying, I hope ??Treasure has more than just PS4 plans in mind.

Ikaruga [USK via Gematsu]

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Go buy it!

One of the most acclaimed shmups ever is making its debut on PC today. Yes, Ikaruga, Tr?easure's renowned polarity-shifting shooter, is out now via Steam for $9.99.

Ikaruga initially released in Japanese arcades at the turn of the millennium, but has since gone on to see releases on Dreamcast, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox 360,? and Android over the years. The latest version vaunts high-definition visuals, an exclusive horizontal mode, and the option for single controller co-operative multiplayer.

Having just taken it for a test run, I can safely say Ikaruga looks and plays just wonderfully on its new home -- even with a mouse and keyboard. Sure, it's a bit of an adjustment from a WaveBird or Naomi cabinet, but? standard PC controls are surprisingly not terrible. Still, I think I'll stick with a DualShock.

Ikaruga [Steam]

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Play two ships with one controller

Treasure didn't need much time to get the shoot 'em up classic Ikaruga greenlit on Steam, and now it's officially making its way to the platform on February 18th.&nb?sp;360 controllers are supported out of the gate, as is the ability to rotate the screen horizontally or vertically.

The "Double Play" mode is perhaps the most intriguing addition, which allows one player to use one controller to pilot two ships. I can't wait to see some streams from Ikaruga veterans trying to beat the g??ame with Double Play. There's no word on the price yet.

If you haven't played this yet and fancy a challe?nge -- do it. It's one of the best shoot 'em ups I've ever played, and people consider it a classic for a reason.

Ikaruga [Steam]

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Potentially the first of many Treasure shmups coming to Steam

Ikaruga descended upon Steam Greenlight today, joining the myriad of prosp?ective release?s awaiting approval in Valve's Soviet bread line.

The legendary shoot-'em-up initially launched in Japanese arcades back in 2001, but has since made its way to the Sega Dreamcast, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox 360, and Android devices. Eleg??antly designed and fiercely challenging, the title is renowned for its polarity mechanic, which allows players to absorb oncoming fire.

The Steam release will be an enhanced version of the relatively recent Xbox 360 port and will feature local two-player co-op astride all the original content. Japanese developer Treasure, the team behind a host of acclaimed arcade shooters ranging from Sin & Punishment: Star Successor to Gunstar Heroes, hopes this will be just the first of several titles from its catalog?? to arrive on St??eam.

Perhaps Ikaruga's equally excellent spiritual predecessor, Radiant Silvergun, will be the next?? ??????????????????????????to make the jump to PC. Here's hoping.

Ikaruga [Steam Greenlight]

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After a great deal of anticipation and a painfully long wait in the certification line, Ikaruga finally arr??ived on Xbox Live Arc??ade last week. Boasting new high-definition graphics, online co-op, and the ability to save and share game session replays, it's not difficult to understand why so many 360 owners have been eagerly awaiting this classic title's rebirth.

As most of our readers know, I am certainly no exception. My love for Ikaruga runs deep, and thusly makes this simultaneously the easiest and most difficult review I've ever written for Destructoid. On one hand, I know this title inside o??ut, and I'm both thrilled and honore?d to be writing about it. On the other, I'm faced with a dilemma. How does a man objectively review his favorite game of all time?

My intention, therefore, is not to review Ikaruga, but to review the XBLA version of Ikaruga. I'll do just that after the jump.

Ikaruga (XBLA)

Released on April 9, 2008

When booting up the game for the first time on an Xbox 360, there is one aspect that immediately stands out to an experienced player: the graphics. To see Ikaruga in 720p might give seasoned veterans the same sense of awe they felt upon first laying eyes on it almost a decade ago, and?? should serve to lure newcomers into its deadly embrace with promise o??f more stunning visuals.

As a game that made its debut reasonably late in the Dreamcast's life cycle (or what is commonly accepted as its life cycle), Ikaruga has always been exceptionally beautiful. 3D graphics coupled with 2D gameplay was a relatively unique thing to see in 2001, and Treasure's choice of color palette made it stand out even further among the rainbow-laden shmups of its time, like Mars Matrix or DoDonPachi.

The high-definition graphics can make the game a bit easier to play, as hitboxes are more clearly defined and players might find it easier to navigate the constantly changing landscape and curtains of enemy fire. At the same time, ho??wever, you might become so preoccupied with ogling everything on scre?en that your attention is is drawn away from the fact that it's all there to kill you. This certainly takes some time to get used to, and it might require a few days of regular play before you can sink in and truly focus on gameplay. That's not a gripe, it's a compliment.

Speaking of gameplay, this is the one aspect of Ikaruga that has, thankfully, remained almost entirely unchanged. Experienced players will find that it's but a short few runs before they can settle in and find their old groove, cruising through each level in the v??ery same way they would have on Dreamcast, GameCube, or in the arcade. I say "almost unchanged" because there is one thing that has been tampered with, and those of you who are familiar with Chapter 3 know exactly what I'm talking about.

It's called the Shigi Chase, and it's one of the most notoriously difficult parts of the game. Shigi is the miniboss who shows up toward the end of chapter 3, and chases your ship through a series of quickly closing gates. Provided you can survive this maze (the gates close at rand?om within a tunnel filled with smaller enemies), and survive Shigi barreling past you to the top of the screen, you're faced with the challenge of defeating him while he fires a steady stream of dual-colored bullets from the center, surrounded by 4 rotating lasers, also of both polarities. It's the part of the game where even the best players are apt to lose a life or two, and in the XBLA version ...

It's backward.

This was difficult enough in the older versions of the game, and to finally conquer it and learn to come out of it unscathed was a very satisfying feeling. Newcomers won't know the difference, but experienced players will have to relive the forgotten horror that is Shigi until they manage to learn this mirrored section. I have to wonder why this was changed when the rest of the game is entirely untouched. Part of me wants to be angry about the fact that someone has tampered with the formula, but at the same time, I can appreciate the desire to add new challenge to a new version of the game. Looking at the XBLA leaderboards, there are screen names I recognize from Ikaruga forums like the one found at Ikaruga.co.uk, and it's apparent that everyone's score is suffering while we get accustomed ?to this.

In addition to keeping an eye on each other's scores, the other new feature in this version is the inclusion of an online co-op mode. It's the thing we were all hoping for when it was announced that the game would be ported to XBLA, and it's wonderful ... when it works. Ikaruga's co-op mode suffers from lag at times, and that lag can range from slightly annoying to downright game-breaking. I've played with several people on my friends list, and this normally amounts to nothing more than some minor slowdown on some of the more manic levels, but there have been sessions in which I could press a direction on the D-pad and fully count two seconds before my ship even twitched. This kind of delay made it thoroughly impossible to play the game, and while the online is funtional in most cases, I wouldn't recommend pairing up with anyone who doesn't have a lightning-fast internet connection. It's? simply not going to happen.

The other thing that hasn't changed much in this port is the game's audio, and I'm delighted to be able to say so. The game's Director and BGM Composer, Hiroshi Iuchi, put together one of the most beautiful and memorable soundtracks ever found in a shooter, and it has remained intact down to every note. Also unchanged are the robust explosions heard whenever something is destroyed, whether it be an enemy ship, a boss, or you. When the game originally launched, it was ??hailed for its magnificent explosions (which were awesome enough to feel like a fair reward for beating each boss), and the sound each enemy makes when it's blown into oblivion is just as satisfying as ever. The only thing that could have made them any better would be to hear them in surround sound, and that's exactly what the team at Treasure did by including support for a 5.1-channel audio system.

In short, this is Ikaruga. This is Ikaruga as it should be, as it was meant to be. The visuals are in high-def, but unchanged. The audio is in surround sound, but unchanged. Treasure did something amazing when they created this game. Even more amazing is that it was built from the ground up by a team of only 4 people. Ikaruga is a glorious work of art; one rich with spiritual metaphors and a storyline that encourages players to counquer themselves and press on toward victory. It combines haunting music with game?play that is nothing short of beautiful in its difficulty and visuals that blend feminine grace with sharp, hard-edged masculinity, and it somehow manages to deliver all of this in the form of a vertical shooter.

There is nothing I can say that will do justice to my love and appreciation for this game. This makes it hard for me to have to demean it with a numbered score, because I cannot give it a 99/10. As a journalist, it is my job ?to take into account things like the lag problem, things that could lower the game's overall score. However, by the same token, I must also consider things like the XBLA library and where this game fits. What is its place? How does it rank among the other titles available on its respective platform? Ultimately, what you want to know is whether or not the game is worth your money. Why you should choose it above another option. It is my hope that I have succeeded in helping you make that decision. As for the number, I have to take into account Destructoid's stance on reviews, and our use of a true 1-10 scale when it comes to scoring a game. There was a lot to consider, and believe it or not, I actually had a very hard time deciding what that number should be.

After de??liberating, I cannot, in good conscience, give this game anything but a perfect score. Whether you enjoy shooters or not, it is simply something that must be played. Treasure created a wonderful experience, and has delivered that very same experience to the 360, perfectly intact, accomplishing far more than it aspires to do, and offering much more than just a shmup.

Please. Play Ikaruga.

Score: 10 (Incredible. As close to perfection as we've yet seen in in the genre or gaming on the whole. A polished, unparalleled experience.)

Verdict: Editor's Choice

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