By Sagar V. Mankar LRG3 has returned, and this time it’s with over 20 new physical releases.
The LRG3 Showcase is an annual event hosted by Limited Run Games, a company known for producing physical editions of digital games.
The cleverly named LRG3, a playful nod to the once-dominant E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), has become a highly anticipated fixture in the gaming calendar.
Much like its namesake, LRG3 serves as a platform for Limited Run Games to announce their upcoming releases, partnerships, and special editions.
The 2024 edition of LRG3 marks the fifth anniversary of the event. This milestone year saw an impressive lineup of announcements, reflecting the company’s growth and increasing influence in the gaming industry.
The showcase didn’t disappoint, featuring a diverse and enticing mix of classic revivals, modern remasters, and surprising collaborations that cater to gamers of all tastes and generations.
What Are All the Announcements from LRG3 2024?
2024:
- Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered (available now)
- Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered Premium Edition (available now)
- Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition (June 25, 2024)
- Ninja Five-O (July 5, 2024)
- Tomba Special Edition (July 19, 2024)
- Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection (Summer 2024)
- Lollipop Chainsaw: RePOP (Summer 2024)
- Renaine (Fall 2024)
- Hitman: Blood Money – Reprisal (Fall 2024)
- Clock Tower Rewind (Fall 2024)
- C-Smash VRS (2024)
- Rain World (2024)
- Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus (2024)
- Cosmic Fantasy Collection 2 (2024)
- Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute (2024)
- Snow Bros. Wonderland (2024)
- Gimmick 2 (2024)
- Penny’s Big Breakaway (2024)
- Toxic Crusaders (2024)
- Gex Trilogy (2024)
- Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch (2024)
2025:
- Fighting Force Collection
- GI Joe: Wrath of Cobra
- Fear Effect
- Double Shake
- Ghosts
- Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland
- Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution
- Bubsy In: The Purrfect Collection
- Tomba 2: The Evil Swine Return
Editor’s Note:
The games listed below were developed with Limited Run Games’ proprietary Carbon Engine:
- Gex Trilogy
- Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
- Clock Tower: Rewind
- Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution
- Tomba! Special Edition
- Tomba! 2
Some games will ship digitally as well:
- Fear Effect
- DoubleShake
- GHOST
- Fighting Force Collection
- Renaine
- Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition
Major Highlights:
What Classic Titles Are Making a Comeback?
Gex Trilogy
Limited Run Games has announced that the Gex Trilogy Remaster is coming later this year, with preorders opening in fall 2024.
This remastered collection will include the three Gex games from the 1990s, featuring the wise-cracking secret agent gecko who enters various TV-themed worlds.
The trilogy will be available on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam, bringing these classic 3D platformers to modern audiences.
The Gex Trilogy Remaster will include the original game that launched on the 3DO, as well as its two sequels, with Gex: Enter the Gecko being the highest-rated entry in the series.
This remaster offers a chance for new players to experience the unique blend of platforming and pop culture parody that made Gex popular in the ’90s and potentially could spark a revival of the long-dormant franchise if it performs well.
Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Atari and Limited Run Games have announced Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection, a new game compilation set to release in 2025.
This collection will feature the first three Bubsy games originally released on Genesis, Game Boy, and SNES, as well as the controversial Bubsy 3D.
All games in the collection will run on Limited Run’s Carbon Engine, allowing them to be emulated on modern platforms.
The announcement was made during the 2024 LRG3 showcase with a James Bond-inspired trailer featuring the wise-cracking bobcat breaking the fourth wall.
The collection aims to bring Bubsy’s early adventures to a new audience, including the original Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind, both 16-bit and Game Boy versions of Bubsy 2, and Bubsy 3D.
Produced by Audi Sorlie of Digital Foundry, the compilation will also include a retro documentary about the Bubsy series, offering fans both nostalgia and new content in this comprehensive package.
Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection
Another notable mention is the porting of three titles from the classic Bishojo action game series, Valis, to the Switch.
This collection, titled Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection, promises to bring the charm and challenge of the original games to a broader audience later this year.
What Are the New Remastered Editions?
Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered
Limited Run Games announced the physical release of Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered during their LRG3 2024 Showcase.
This remastered version of LucasArts’ beloved 1995 first-person shooter, developed by Nightdive Studios, was initially released digitally on February 28, 2024, for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch.
The remaster offers significant upgrades, including 4K resolution and 120 fps gameplay on capable platforms, enhanced textures, improved lighting and rendering, and modern gamepad support with platform-specific features.
The physical edition of Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered also comes as a premium package, including art cards, a poster, and a book of retrospective essays, making it an attractive option for collectors and fans of the original game.
Players take on the role of Kyle Katarn, a former Imperial defector turned Rebel Alliance mercenary, as he uncovers the Dark Trooper Project.
The remaster maintains the classic storyline while bringing the visuals and gameplay up to modern standards, allowing a new generation of players to experience this iconic Star Wars game nearly 30 years after its initial release.
Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition
Limited Run Games officially announced the Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition, set to release digitally on June 25th, 2024, with a physical edition following on July 12th.
This remastered version of the beloved 2003 action-adventure game will be available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Luna, and PC.
The 20th Anniversary Edition boasts several enhancements, including a new treasure hunt mission, an anniversary gallery, a re-orchestrated soundtrack, support for up to 60FPS gameplay, and other exclusive content.
Notably, the announcement has reignited interest in the long-awaited Beyond Good & Evil 2.
Ubisoft included a statement suggesting that the new mission in the remaster reveals more about the narrative link to the sequel, hinting at the company’s continued commitment to the franchise.
This has sparked hope among fans that Beyond Good & Evil 2, which has been in development limbo for 16 years, might be closer to release than previously thought.
The remaster not only offers fans a chance to revisit the original game with modern enhancements but also serves as a potential bridge to the highly anticipated sequel.
Tomba 2: The Evil Swine Return
At Limited Run’s 2024 LRG3 showcase, game developer Tokuro Fujiwara announced that a remaster of Tomba 2 is in development, set for release in 2025.
This exciting news comes on the heels of the upcoming remaster of the first Tomba game, scheduled for release on August 1, 2024.
Both remasters are being developed with assistance from Limited Run Games and will utilize the Carbon Engine to bring these PlayStation classics to modern gaming systems through emulation.
The Tomba series, which began in 1997, follows the adventures of the pink-haired protagonist as he battles against the Evil Pigs.
While the first game was a 2D platformer, Tomba 2: The Evil Swine Return, released in 1999, introduced 3D graphics while maintaining similar gameplay mechanics.
The announcement of the Tomba 2 remaster was accompanied by an upscaled version of the original opening trailer, showcasing Tomba and his friend Charles in action against the Evil Pigs.
Fans of the series can look forward to experiencing these beloved games with modern enhancements in the coming years.
Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP
Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP, a remastered version of the 2012 cult classic zombie-slaying action game, is set to release on September 25, 2024.
Announced at the LRG3 2024 Showcase, this updated version preserves the original game’s over-the-top style and storyline.
Players will once again take control of Juliet, the zombie-hunting cheerleader, wielding her iconic chainsaw through hordes of undead enemies.
The remaster aims to maintain the game’s distinctive charm while introducing some gameplay enhancements.
The primary changes in RePOP include faster chainsaw action and an auto-fire feature for the chainsaw blaster, designed to keep the action flowing smoothly throughout the game.
Initially announced as a remake in 2022, the project was later adjusted to a remaster based on fan feedback.
The announcement trailer showcased familiar elements from the original game, including Juliet’s family and the eccentric zombie characters that made the 2012 release memorable.
What Are the New and Upcoming Titles?
Penny’s Big Breakaway
Penny’s Big Breakaway is a 3D platformer that follows Penny, an aspiring street performer, and her sentient yo-yo as they evade Emperor Eddie and his army of penguins.
The game features speed-focused gameplay centered around Penny’s yo-yo abilities, which can be used to attack enemies, swing across gaps, and maintain momentum.
The game received generally favorable reviews, with praise for its unique controls and yo-yo mechanics, as well as its music composed by Tee Lopes and Sean Bialo.
However, it faced some criticism for difficult boss fights, camera issues, and bugs on various platforms.
The was released on February 21, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S and LRG3 announced its physical release later this year.
Double Shake
Limited Run Games and Rightstick Studios have unveiled DoubleShake, a 2.5D platformer, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam, set to release in 2025.
DoubleShake promises to enchant players with its retro-inspired visuals and engaging gameplay mechanics.
In DoubleShake, you’ll follow Loam as she investigates and grapples with the ensuing Chaos that threatens to toss her humble little island into total disorder!
Assault Suit Leynos 2: Saturn Tribute
Another exciting reveal was recently launched Assault Suit Leynos 2: Saturn Tribute, a classic mecha game that will appeal to fans of the genre looking for a nostalgic trip with modern updates.
This classic title, originally released in 1997, has been revived as part of the Saturn Tribute series, offering a nostalgic experience with modern enhancements.
In this action-packed game, players take control of an Assault Suit, a humanoid combat robot.
The gameplay revolves around customizing your mech’s weaponry and equipment before engaging in intense battles across various environments.
The game launched on April 25, 2024, for multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, and is ready for physical release later this year.
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