Earthion

The majority of reviewers celebrated Earthion as a standout entry in the shoot-'em-up genre, emphasizing its nostalgic charm and polished execution. Forbes praised it as an "exceptionally well-crafted shmup" that feels like a forgotten '90s gem, highlighting its streamlined mechanics, fast-paced action, and detailed visuals paired with excellent sound design. KonsoliFIN called it a "loving tribute to the genre," while Nintendo Life described it as a "terrific piece of work" with unique mechanics and charm, noting its appeal to fans of 16-bit games. ZTGD lauded it as a "stellar shooter" that honors Genesis classics with modern touches, and PlayStation Country hailed it as the "'new apex shoot ’em up' for Megadrive and retro fans," praising its evolved gameplay and ability to outshine other retro titles. Push Square echoed this sentiment, calling it an "outstanding achievement" that blends retro shmup elements with modern sensibilities through its art, music, and creative campaign. These critiques collectively underscore Earthion’s success in capturing the essence of classic side-scrollers while delivering a refined experience. Despite these accolades, some critics pointed to minor flaws that slightly detract from its overall impact. GameSpew noted that the game’s "limited modes and lack of modern features" slightly reduce its appeal, even as they called it "one of the most enjoyable side-scrolling shooters in recent years." Nintendo Life similarly observed that Earthion "falls short of achieving the peak adrenaline of classic shoot-'em-ups," suggesting it may not fully satisfy players seeking the intensity of older titles. While these critiques highlight areas where the game could have been more ambitious, they are framed as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers. The consensus is that these limitations do not overshadow the game’s strengths, which remain compelling for fans of the genre. The overall verdict among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Earthion being hailed as a must-play for retro enthusiasts and shmup aficionados. While some reviewers like GameSpew and Nintendo Life acknowledged its shortcomings, they still recommended it as an essential experience for those who appreciate its nostalgic design and polished execution. The game’s ability to balance retro charm with modern sensibilities—whether through its art style, sound design, or gameplay mechanics—has resonated strongly across platforms, from the Nintendo Switch to PS5 and Xbox Series X. As Forbes noted, Earthion feels like a forgotten gem rediscovered, and critics like PlayStation Country and Push Square have cemented its status as a modern classic in the genre. The majority of reviews reflect a shared enthusiasm for its craftsmanship, ensuring it stands out as one of the most praised entries in recent years.