Kickstarter launched for Bang² Busters 2, a Neo-Geo game sequel for Dreamcast and Neo-Geo

🐇🐇 Space Bunnies are back on NEO GEO and more!

Bang² Busters 2 expands upon the eccentric, vibrant universe of the original game, while significantly enhancing its core mechanics and scenario

Support the project here 👉 bit.ly/4qp83H0
💚 Free demo available

[image or embed]

— PixelHeart (@pixelheart-eu.bsky.social) October 31, 2025 at 1:02 PM

Just what the Dreamcast needed: Space Bunnies!

The niche Neo-Geo classic from Visco, Bang² Busters (That’s Bang-squared, so “Bang Bang Busters”), is finally receiving an official sequel courtesy of Pixelheart games, a longtime publisher of indie games on Dreamcast. Bang² Busters 2 is being developed for Neo-Geo AES/MVS as well as Sega Dreamcast, but first, the team has turned to Kickstarter to fund the project.

As of this writing, they have 22 days left to raise $40,378 USD and are a little over halfway there. If you’re interested in helping them reach that goal and securing your own copy of the game, check below the break for more info.

UPDATE: Rejoice! The game was successfully funded on November 30th, 2025. They managed to raise $47,527.

New Chao Garden inspired indie game, Star Garden, launches Kickstarter and downloadable demo

Hey, Sonic fans. You miss the Chao Garden. I miss the Chao Garden. We all miss the Chao Garden. Game Garage misses the Chao Garden too, so they made a whole new game based on it.

Star Garden is an all-new 3D action racing game from indie developer Game Garden. Taking the cuddly creature customization and caring aspect of Sonic Adventure 1&2’s Chao Gardens, the unconventional, yet fun racing action of Nintendo and HAL Labratory’s Gamecube classic Kirby Air Ride, and the cute and whimsical Y2K stylings of many games on both the Gamecube and the Dreamcast, Star Garden promises a unique racing and exploration experience for you and up to 5 other players in multiplayer. Now the game is ready for the big time, with a demo now available on Steam and a Kickstarter which has burst WAY past it’s initial fundraising goal of $35,000 USD. As of this writing, the game has raised over $140,000, 4x their goal, with no sign of slowing down and more and more stretch goals coming in. People seem to think this game’s kinda neat.

Currently, the game is only planned for a PC release on Steam, with Nintendo Switch 1&2 ports being considered as a potential possibility. A stretch goal was added later on to guarantee PlayStation and Xbox ports when (At this rate, there’s no point in saying “if”) the Kickstarter raises $165,000.

EDIT: Sure enough, that stretch goal was reached. PlayStation and Xbox ports are happening now.

To find out more about this game, and its surprising star power that Sega fans may be familiar with already, as well as directions to the Kickstarter if you got money to spare, you can race past the break and learn more.

Irena Genesis Metal Fury is 90% finished; new Summer demo released just for Kickstarter backers

*Ahem* Now that we got your attention, it’s time for an update on a promising indie Genesis/Mega-Drive shooter that was kickstarted all the way back in 2021. Perhaps at least a few of you remember this one?

Irena Genesis Metal Fury, henceforth Irena for short, is an all new indie scrolling shooter that’s been in active development for Genesis from White Ninja Studio since before launching their Kickstarter, which succeeded in reaching its goal. They ended up raising €62,240, almost double its goal of €35,000. (About $40,708.96 USD, adjusted for inflation) This was thanks, in part, to an impressive demo they worked on and launched simultaneously with the Kickstarter. Thousands of Genesis shooter fans downloaded and played that demo and were so impressed they couldn’t wait to fund its completion.

Four years later and White Ninja Studio’s fortunes took a drastic turn. They had gained new publishers, Mega Cat Studios for North America and Broke Studio for Europe, only for those publishers to drop the game this year. Last year, they also suffered the passing of the game’s lead artist OHKO. The project lead also took an extended break to preserve their own mental health amidst all these challenges, something we could all use now and then. Even so, the team soldiered on, including OHKO in his last remaining days, and even as the team missed several projected release dates, they’ve announced now that the game is 9/10 of the way to completion and a new, updated demo just for Kickstarter backers is now available. This comes in a recent update to Kickstarter backers on August 23rd, 2025, where news of the loss of their publishers was also shared.

You can check your Kickstarter account or your email if you were a Kickstarter backer, where you’ll hear the news directly from White Ninja Studio. For everyone else, go right past the break to hear more.

New Genesis/Mega-Drive shooter ZPF now available for pre-order

Remember the new hit indie Genesis/Mega-Drive shooter ZPF, which succeeded in its Kickstarter campaign to fund development in July of last year? The game is still in development as of this writing, but pre-orders have now opened up to the public on Backerkit (In December 2024, but hey, they’re still available right now, at least). Even if you didn’t back the Kickstarter, you now have a chance to get your order in and be assured to receive your copy of the game as soon as it’s available. If you did back the Kickstarter, you can take this opportunity to order any items that weren’t included with your pledge that you may want.

From Backerkit, you can order new exclusive Complete-In-Box packages, collector’s edition sets, and other goods such as an artbook or a vinyl or CD soundtrack. You can also order copies of the developer’s previous game Tanzer or the other recent new indie Genesis game Rocket Panda, if you feel like having an extra game with ZPF. These two games are available for $45 USD, while ZPF is available as a $50 cartridge-only package, a $60 CIB set, and a $150 collector’s edition complete with unique cartridge design.

For a link to the pre-order page, and details on other goods you can pre-order, have a look after the break.

Rocket Panda now available to purchase on Genesis/Mega-Drive cartridge

 

Looking for a new game in a functioning cartridge for your Genesis/Mega-Drive console? Rocket Panda is finally available to purchase as a physical cartridge complete with a box and manual to play on your original Genesis. The game was made available on September 16th, 2024. (Please excuse our tardiness in reporting the news.) 

Rocket Panda was made by Space Pants Games and published by Mega Cat Studios. Both companies collaborated on a Kickstarter campaign to develop this game back in February of this year, and now the game is complete and available to ship to buyers. If you backed that Kickstarter, chances are you may have received your own copy by now if you pledged enough money for one, or you may receive it soon. Be sure to keep up with updates on the Kickstarter page. Everyone else can now buy their own original copy complete in box or just the cartridge on its own. A special Limited Edition, coming with a cartridge of its own unique design, is also available.

For links to purchase directly from Mega Cat Studios, and to learn more about the game, dive on in past the break.

VVxU baQWv U mIjXlq

Shenmue World: Issue 3 – Unofficial Shenmue Fan Magazine Kickstarter launches

From the fans behind the Shenmue fan site Shenmue Dojo comes the third issue in their fan magazine Shenmue World! Hitting Kickstarter just yesterday, the campaign for Shenmue World: Issue 3 is already $17,330 pledged of a $22,496 goal. If issues 1 and 2 are any indication of the quality we can expect, then issue 3 is sure to be a feature filled book sized magazine featuring impressive fan artwork, fictional and journalistic coverage of the Shenmue series and several bonus goodies that should not be missed!

A new Genesis/Mega-Drive shmup, ZPF, begins crowdfunding on Kickstarter; already achieves its goal nearly 5x over

Are you guys ready for an especially wonderful new Sega Genesis/Mega-Drive experience? Apparently a lot of people were. A Kickstarter has been recently opened up for an incredible new shooter by the developer of indie Genesis darling Tänzer and its publisher Mega Cat Studios. ZPF is a game that aims to push the beloved 16-bit console like few modern indie hits have before, and it’s already gone way past it’s initial modest goal of $15,000 USD in less than half an hour after going live on July 1st, 2024. In fact, it is already over $100,000 raised. I think people might be a bit impressed so far.

ZPF is a horizontal scrolling shmup, much like Genesis classics such as the Thunder Force games, Steel Empire (1992), Arrow Flash (1991), and another hotly anticipated indie hit which was also a smashing success on Kickstarter, Irena: Genesis Metal Fury. ZPF aims to set itself apart with some incredibly detailed and imaginative artwork, three playable characters with their own unique attacks, and many secrets, including hidden stages and endings. ZPF aims to go hard or go home.

Suffice it to say, this game’s coming out with or without your support, but there’s still all of July to put a couple of bucks down and earn yourself some rewards. For a rundown of what you can get, as well as more of the game itself, scroll on past the break and be ready to contain your excitement.

A new Genesis/Mega-Drive action game, Rocket Panda, hits Kickstarter; passes its base goal

Another brand-new Genesis/Mega-Drive game has launched on Kickstarter, with the goal of raising funds to finance its development. Rocket Panda, a game developed by Space Pants Games and Mega Cat Studios, is now crowdfunding on Kickstarter and has 18 days left in its campaign. It has also just passed its $15,000 USD goal, so it seems that this is all but locked in, although there is still a stretch goal of $25,000 USD to add an as-of-now unspecified mini-game.

The game puts you in control of the titular Rocket Panda, who must navigate different mazes while avoiding traps and bizarre enemies in order to find the exit. Along the way, you’ll encounter and rescue little badgers to accompany you to the exit, similar to Flicky, Gain Ground, or Sega’s Sonic 3D Blast, except that the badgers also serve as shields to protect you from attacks. As you’d expect, you’ll want to safely guide as many of these badgers to the exit as possible to earn a good score, so fly carefully either way. A demo is also available on the Kickstarter page for you to try right away.

But would you find this to be a game worth supporting with some cash? You can read on past the break and decide for yourself.

Chaos Creators Presents: Sonic EXPO; Event Kickstarter Page Now Available

Another Sonic the Hedgehog fan event is on the horizon this fall with Sonic EXPO, a new and upcoming Sonic fan convention taking place in the heart of Dallas, TX on November 11 and 12 in 2023 and will be held by the experienced Chaos Creators team, known for their Arts Festival held in 2022.

Sonic EXPO will be a celebration of our collective enthusiasm for Sonic the Hedgehog. Fans will be able to meet their favorite Sonic voice actors and industry guests in person such as Ryan Drummond (Sonic), Lisa Ortiz (Amy), Jason Griffith (Sonic & Shadow), Pete Capella (Silver) and Johnny Gioeli, the singer for Crush 40, with more guests to being announced! The expo will also feature panels, a live rock concert, and a Sonic themed Artist Alley & Vendors.

The team released a Kickstarter page where you can support the event with way past cool tier rewards to choose from and details on location. If you are interested in Sonic the Hedgehog fan events, Sonic Expo is an experience you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget that we also have our SEGA themed event, Arcade Adventure, which will be held at the Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield, Illinois on September 9th, 2023 with tons of SEGA arcade games to play!

Special interview with Ross Kilgariff, the creator of Harlequest!

 

Many of you probably remember the announcement of Harlequest!, a brand new action RPG in development for Sega Dreamcast that is now live on Kickstarter. As of this writing, there are 5 days remaining for the Kickstarter to raise as much money as possible.

Since I have written that article, I have gotten the opportunity to speak with the game’s main creator, Ross Kilgariff (ross:codes) to learn more about him and the inspirations behind Harlequest! Check in after the break to hear more from the man himself. Special thanks goes to Ross for reaching out to us for this opportunity.

New 3D Dreamcast Dungeon Crawler “HarleQuest!” now on Kickstarter

A brand new indie dungeon crawling RPG has just been announced for Dreamcast and PC (Including Mac and Linux), called HarleQuest!, and has begun its bid for crowdfunding on Kickstarter on April 1st. No foolin’.

Being developed by Ross Kilgariff, with assistance by Alastair Low of LowTek Games (Who have experience with Dreamcast development, porting indie NES games to the console), HarleQuest! is envisioned as a “high difficulty, procedurally-generated dungeon crawler” inspired by Gauntlet, Diablo, The Legend of Zelda, MidiEvil, and “SoulsBorne” games such as the Dark Souls series and Bloodborne. The dungeon layouts will be randomized, many different weapons and loot will be scattered around for the taking, fearsome enemies and giant bosses lurk around most corners, the option of co-op multiplayer is there, and best of all, the game will be in full 3D, a rarity for independent Dreamcast games. At the time of this writing, HarleQuest! has raised $8,214 of the $13,811 needed and has kept a good momentum after the Kickstarter campaign went live.

Go check out the Kickstarter page now, which is running until April 30th 2023, or check in after the break for more info from us at SegaBits.

Yu Suzuki says there are ‘no concrete plans’ for Shenmue 4 yet

Shenmue creator and SEGA legend Yu Suzuki recently attended a event to celebrate Shenmue in Yokosuka, right during the finale of the Shenmue the Animation. At this event there where several gaming outlets including IGN Japan and Famitsu, where he discussed the anime and talked about the future of the series.

One of the interesting points he touched on was the fact that Shenmue 3 was created to please long time fans from the start since they’re the ones crowdfunding it. Yu Suzuki says he received positive feedback from those old time fans but felt that newcomers “felt like they had been left behind”. This made it a bad entry point for newcomers.

xTw jRZ sf Gl mhhwBzU Wnqd

SEGA Talk #90: Shenmue III (2019)

Finally! SEGA Talk covers the long awaited sequel to 2001’s Shenmue IIShenmue III! We discuss the ups and downs of the Kickstarter campaign, the new gameplay elements and the future of the franchise.

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, tell us what games to cover, and have your SEGA memories read at the end and more!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – RSS – Download]

If you want to give us feedback, suggest a topic for the next podcast or want to ask a question for us to answer on the next episode you can add  them as a comment below or send theme directly to our email. Make sure you use subject line ‘SEGA Talk’ and as always, thanks for listening!

‘Irena Genesis Metal Fury’ Kickstarter launched, a metal shoot ’em up for SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive

A new studio making new shoot’em up Irena Genesis Metal Fury for the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive have launched their kickstarter. According to the Kickstarter page the game is influenced by SEGA classics such as Thunder Force III/IV, Aero Blaster, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, and Contra Hard Corps. Looking at the footage above, its definitely obvious.

As most SEGA fans know, these new studios pop up and promise big Kickstarter retro projects but most turn into nothing. The team seems to understand this and have at least put up a proof of concept demo, which you can download here.

If the game is fully funded (which seems likely right now, its half way to its goal with 29 days left. ), it will get a 7 level game with cut scenes including dialogue, 3 upgradable weapons, multiple speed modes, and a ton of other features.

If you are a big SEGA fan collector, there is some really great priced physical goods given out like the $55 dollar pledge with the physical game cartridge with manual and a bunch of cool digital goodies. Check it out before its gone since some of these rewards are limited (and moving fast).

ToeJam & Earl’s Funky Fresh Foods of Funkotron Cookbook Launches On KickStarter

From the makers of “The Legend’s Cookbook” and “Mother’s Cookbook” alumni, with guidance from TJ&E co-creator Greg Johnson, comes ToeJam & Earl’s Funky Fresh Foods of Funkotron Cookbook which has officially launched on Kickstarter.

Owners of this cook book will be able to make 35 unique recipes, and the book features fresh photos and original illustrations with an authentic ’90s vibe taking inspiration from the Toe Jam and Earl franchise. This cook book is great for beginners and hardcore fans alike if you want to try out food from Toe Jam and Earl’s home planet, Funkotron.

You can pre-order the cook book on the official Kickstarter page until October 30th with additional backer rewards available such as stickers, enamel pins and your very own TJ&E apron. There will also be community events and challenges for a chance to win free copies of the “ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove” game on Steam with more details coming soon on the official Kickstarter and Twitter pages. Hit the jump to see sample pages of the recipes to try out for yourself!

gbD ikehLw eB