16-Bit Throwback ‘Sovietborgs’ Launches IndieGoGo Campaign

What if the Soviet Union had won the Cold War and brought mutant mechs to the streets? That’s the premise behind Sovietborgs, an upcoming top-down run-‘n-gun shooter from Spanish developer Retro Sumus. Launching its IndieGoGo campaign on June 25th, the game blends 16-bit action, pre-rendered sprites, and a tongue-in-cheek dystopia as it targets a physical release on actual Genesis, Dreamcast and NeoGeo hardware. This game seems to be combining the pre-rendered sprite work of Donkey Kong Country, with the campiness and over-the-top aesthetic of Command & Conquer: Red Alert.

Part Man, Part Machine, All Proletarian

Sovietborgs is a top-down action game that proudly wears its retro influences on its sleeve. Drawing inspiration from genre staples like The Chaos Engine and Gauntlet, the game puts you in a squad of three cybernetic enforcers (the titular Sovietborgs) as they battle through a devastated alt-history world where the Soviet Union reigns supreme. Designed for genuine retro hardware including the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Dreamcast and NeoGeo, Sovietborgs is a throwback in both aesthetic and ambition.

KEY FEATURES

• Pre-Rendered graphics using techniques similar to Donkey Kong Country and Rendering Ranger R2, delivering a pseudo-3D look on retro hardware.
• Shmup-style bonus stages and explosive boss battles
• Soundtrack influences from the Command & Conquer and Strike series, blending militaristic themes with arcade flair
• Developed by Retro Sumus, the Spanish indie team behind Xenocider
• Satirical Dystopian Tone
• IndieGoGo Campaign Launches June 25th

My Thoughts

When Scott, my Editor-in-Chief, emailed me the press release, he prefaced it with, “Man, this one has Sean written all over it!” And he’s right—Sovietborgs looks absolutely bonkers in the best way possible. It’s exactly the kind of high-concept, over-the-top premise you’d expect from the 16-bit era, and that’s a big part of its charm. After reviewing Rendering Ranger R2 Rewind and preparing to dive into the upcoming Terminator 2D: No Fate, I guess I’ve become GO’s go-to guy for 16-bit throwbacks this year—and honestly, that tracks with my retro gaming roots. I’m really looking forward to checking this out. As for which system to get it on—Genesis or Dreamcast? I’ll flip a coin.