forbes.com
Earthion: A 90s-Style Shmup That Feels Like a Forgotten Gem
Released on September 18th, 2025, Earthion is a fast-paced 2D horizontal scrolling shmup for Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, developed by Ancient and Bit Wave and published by Limited Run Games, reminiscent of 90s shmups with a focus on technical gameplay and detailed visuals.
- What are the core gameplay mechanics of Earthion, and what makes them unique?
- Earthion features a regenerative shield, upgradable base shots powered by collected gems, and switchable, upgradeable weapons. Weapon power decreases with each hit, adding a strategic layer to combat. This streamlined system, combined with fast-paced action, creates satisfying gameplay loops.
- How does Earthion's visual style and sound design contribute to the overall experience?
- Earthion boasts exceptionally detailed 2D graphics, rivaling some of the best Mega Drive shmups. The detailed visuals, combined with a superb soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro and effective sound design, including unnerving enemy sound effects, enhance the immersive and intense gameplay.
- What are the potential long-term impacts or implications of Earthion's success for the shmup genre or retro gaming community?
- Earthion's positive reception and strong visual presentation might inspire more developers to explore high-quality 2D shmups and modern takes on retro aesthetics. Its success could also signal renewed interest in physical cartridge releases, given the planned Mega Drive cartridge release.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review heavily favors Earthion, using overwhelmingly positive language and focusing on its strengths. Phrases like "one of the best shmups I've ever played," "nicest-looking 2D shmups I've ever seen," and "amazingly good shmup" create a strongly positive framing. While a minor criticism is mentioned, it's quickly dismissed as something overcome with practice. The overall tone promotes a highly enthusiastic reception, potentially overshadowing potential drawbacks that a more balanced review might address.
Language Bias
The language used is predominantly effusive and laudatory. Words like "amazingly," "excellent," "insanely," and "top-notch" are used frequently, creating a highly positive and subjective tone. The single criticism is minimized with "only minor criticism." More neutral alternatives might include "a noticeable detail," "challenging aspects," or "areas for improvement.
Bias by Omission
The review omits potential negative aspects or comparisons to other contemporary shmups. While it mentions Ex-Ranza, the comparison focuses solely on visual quality, ignoring potential gameplay comparisons or other factors. The lack of a broader comparison to modern shmups leaves the reader without context to judge how exceptional Earthion truly is in the current market. Additionally, no mention is made of the game's length or replayability.