Retro-Bit’s next Genesis reproduction is the formerly Japan-Only Undeadline

That name. 

Retro-Bit has announced the next in their line-up of retro reproductions. This time, it’s the Genesis/Mega Drive version of Undeadline. The best part about this release is that it’s the first time it’s going to be released outside of Japan, translated to English.

Undeadline first hit… They really covered everything in the media deck. I don’t even have to look anything up. I did anyway, because I like to fact check, but they covered everything in the primer they sent me, including the history of the game’s rights. Look:

“T&E Soft Co., Ltd. was founded in 1982 by brothers Toshiro and Eiji Yokoyama, however, the meaning would later change to “Tri & Exciting” and “Technology & Entertainment”. The company started by selling games for Japanese PCs eventually developing and publishing its own titles. They became well known for the Hydlide series which would get ported to PCs and, eventually, home consoles. After this success, they began to focus heavily on titles for home consoles. Additionally, they were also quite prolific in making golf games.

In May 2002, T&E Soft would change its name to D Wonderland to develop and release licensed titles but has since become a privatized retailer chain. A company known as Deep Co. would acquire T&E’s trademark rights in 2005 before being merged with Spike Chunsoft in 2013. The rights for all T&E Soft games were acquired by D4 Enterprise in 2019 and have been supporting their digital re-releases on its Project EGG platform in Japan and other e-shops.”

I’m impressed, but also, that takes the fun out of writing this sort of article.

THANKS, CHUMS

So, it goes on to say:

“Undeadline was first released on the MSX/MSX2+ in Japan on July 22, 1989 with a port for the X68000 PC coming in September 1990 with improved visuals, music, and two additional stages. It would then have a port on the Mega Drive published by Palsoft which removed two of the playable characters and adjusted the storyline to fit Leon’s narrative. In 2020, the MSX and X68000 versions were re-released through BEEP, a video game and computer store chain. The originals and re-releases are very rare and prized by collectors, which command high prices on the market.

This game is not only a very rare title, but was never released outside of Japan. In today’s market, Undeadline is a very difficult and expensive game to own – regardless of which version or state it is in. It is thanks to our partnership with D4 Enterprise that we can finally bring it to the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive physically and in English officially for the first time.”

I love that they bring up the fact that two characters were removed from the version they’re releasing. I appreciate the honesty.

Anyway, the ridiculously named Undeadline looks a bit like Ikari Warriors or Commando, but it’s not. Your dude only shoots in one direction, so it’s more like Raiden or 1942 but on foot. As the name implies, it’s horror themed, and one of the levels looks like a riff on Splatterhouse, even featuring an enemy that looks like Rick. Apparently, it’s an extremely difficult game. Also, only one-player.

PROJECT UNDEADLINE

The physical treatment Retro-Bit is giving it looks great. I’m a fan of their reproductions, as they have a unique style to them and a great attention to minute details. They’re not trying to create a convincing replica with their cartridges, but rather a lavish tribute. I love the transparent “Midnight Soul” blue they’re using for the cart itself. For the reversible cover art, they partnered with Zander Martinez of Zander6comix. I had to look him up, but it’s a really unique pick that adds some interesting flair. If you want it.

Full disclosure: they often send me production copies for review of their games. I like to write them up because of my well-documented love of obscure retro games, but you should know.

Speaking of which, a detail that didn’t get past me is that, in the product shots, they now give clear indication of who’s behind the localization. Retro-Bit caught some controversy when it turned out that some of their previous releases lifted fan translations. The company says the translations came to them from a contractor, and they weren’t aware that there was plagiarism going on. I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt because they write such detailed media copy, but due diligence in checking the wording of the translations probably should have happened.

The pre-order window for Undeadline runs from July 8th to August 10th. It will be available from Limited Run Games, Castlemania Games, Rondo Products, as well as PNP Games here in Canada. It will run you $59.99 USD or $89.99 Canadian loonies. Or €69,99, if you’re into that sort of thing.