Inspired by the classics – how many times have we said that over the years?! – Aksys Games have today announced that their 2D pixel art fighter, Blazing Strike, will be coming to PC and console in 2022.
Delivering a contemporary spin to the usual retro-inspired experiences, nostalgia is set to hit gamers on console and PC in spring 2022 when Aksys Games and the development team at RareBreed Makes Games push out Blazing Strike. It’s a game that has come about thanks to the plethora of classic arcade fighting game series from industry greats such as Capcom and SNK, as Blazing Strike looks to evoke the excitement and nostalgia of 2D pixel art genre pioneers while incorporating a unique games system with modern mechanics.
“As the interest in fighting games continues to grow, we’re excited to see a title that explores new ideas in fun and creative ways while tipping its hat to grandfathers of the genre,” said Akibo Shieh, founder and CEO of Aksys Games.
“I was always fond of classic fighting games and I wanted to make a fun fighting game with an emphasis on mobility,” said Mark Chung, founder of RareBreed Makes Games. “Our goal is to create an homage to the classic pixel art-based 2D fighters, but with updated game mechanics that not only will bring nostalgia to 90’s arcade kids but will offer something new and entertaining to all gamers, regardless of whether they have played fighting games before.”
When it does release in the spring of 2020, expect Blazing Strike to come featuring a 4-button system with six normal attacks: light, medium and heavy punches and kicks, as well as three defense moves: block, guard and parry. A Rush Trigger will also be present, enabling fighters to execute fast-paced attacks and movements. The tactical nous and strategy required will come to the fore here though as whilst using it the Rush Meter will slowly drain, sending the character into a temporary groggy state. This allows players to execute exciting combos while having to manage the Rush Meter.
Blazing Strike is also promising to provide no less than three play modes: Story Mode, Arcade Mode and VS Mode, with training, sparring and online match via Persona AI, and online play powered by GGPO.
We’ll be sure to keep you in the loop as to how Blazing Strike plays out in the weeks and months that sit ahead but we’d expect to be seeing this on the usual console formats alongside PC – Xbox, PlayStation and Switch.
