Remember the promise of Hardcore? Ultracore launches on Xbox, reviving that long lost retro experience.Â
If I may, a brief history lesson for you all. Originally developed for the Commodore Amiga, Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) and Sega Mega CD, Hardcore was an action-packed run and gun shooter that Swedish devs Digital Illusions (now fondly known as DICE of the Battlefield series) were very excited about.
That was until the tides of gaming shifted, and Hardcore was canned, 99% into production. For years, Hardcore had been lost to the development graveyard, until now! ININ are proud to present Ultracore – a 16-bit run and gun title that brings all the best elements of Hardcore to modern consoles.
Truly Retro
Available now on Xbox consoles, following prior releases on PlayStation and Switch, Ultracore is the original Hardcore, just under a new name and with some shiny extras.
This plays as a side-scrolling run and gun action title, much like Contra. Ultracore sees you dispose of a variety of enemies with a number of unique weapons. And of course, the true challenge lies within the mid- and end-bosses. Who are a true pain in the proverbial to take down.
Collect coins to accrue new weapons, and experience what it was like to be a green-behind-the-eared gamer in the early 1990s!
Key Features
- Frantic Blast Processing Gameplay!
- Five large stages with challenging boss fights!
- Collect new weapons and points to upgrade!
- Modern Twin Stick Controls!
- Optional New Synthwave Soundtrack!
Play Now!
The story of Ultracore is one that we should be hearing more of in gaming. A passionate developer taking on the mantle of a deceased title, only to thrust it into the spotlight all those years later? What’s not to like?
Ultracore is now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4 and Switch.
Check it out via the Xbox Store for £7.99, and look out for our full review of Ultracore, coming soon. Let us know if you grab it. The comments are below.
Game Description
Originally known as Hardcore, this ININ Gem was developed in the early 1990s. As the world shifted towards the new generation of gaming consoles, Hardcore’s release was canceled and the game was lost forever… until now! After 25 long years, ININ, DICE and Strictly Limited came together to bring this gem back for retro gaming fans under the new name, Ultracore!
Ultracore is an authentic Run ‘n Gun game—a true love letter to classic 2D action games with elaborate stage design, tons of secrets to discover, and many mid- and end-bosses. Collect coins to acquire items and new weapons, delve into the original synthwave soundtrack and fall (back) in love with the retro pixel graphics.
