What changed most: The biggest change for many Western players is the official release of Anett Futatabi outside of Japan for the very first time, bundled alongside its predecessors. This collection also introduces modern quality-of-life features like a rewind function and save-anywhere options, making these challenging platformers more accessible for today’s gamers.
- Platforms: PS5, PS4
- Release: (Confirmed)
- Price: PS5: $30.95, PS4: $29.95
- Developer: Wolf Team (original), Limited Run Games, Mighty Rabbit Studios, Headless Chicken Games (re-release)
- Genre: Action-Platformer, Side-scroller
The Earnest Evans Collection bundles three action-platformers originally developed by Wolf Team, which later became Namco Tales Studio, known for the popular Tales Of RPG series. The collection includes El Viento, which first launched on Sega Genesis in 1991, followed by its sequel Earnest Evans for Sega CD in 1991 and Genesis in 1992. Rounding out the trio is Anett Futatabi (also referred to as Annet Returns), which debuted in 1993 but was previously exclusive to Japan.
These re-releases aren’t full remakes or remasters, but they do incorporate some welcome modern touches. Players can expect fully voiced cutscenes in Earnest Evans and Annet Returns, a convenient rewind feature to undo mistakes, and the ability to save your progress at any point. The collection also notably includes both the Sega CD and cartridge editions of Earnest Evans, each boasting different story elements, which is a fantastic detail for fans and historians alike.
The gaming community has expressed a mix of surprise and excitement for this unexpected revival. Many retro fans are thrilled to see these somewhat obscure 90s titles, particularly Anett Futatabi, finally getting a broader release. Limited Run Games, known for digging up and preserving classic franchises, seems to be a fitting partner for bringing this trilogy to modern consoles. While the original games received mixed critical reception, the added quality-of-life features are certainly a draw for those looking to experience a slice of Sega’s action-platformer history without the frustrations of yesteryear.
For gamers who appreciate cult classics, obscure Sega history, or simply enjoy challenging 90s-era action-platformers, the Earnest Evans Collection is definitely worth a look. The inclusion of Anett Futatabi for the first time outside Japan is a significant draw, and the modern features like rewind and save states make these historically challenging titles much more approachable. If you’re ready for some retro side-scrolling action with a touch of anime flair, this collection could be a fantastic trip down memory lane, or a fascinating new discovery. You can find the collection available now on the PlayStation Store.
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