Sunsoft returns: One of the best developers for the NES plans to release new versions of its classic games ^↺

For many retro gamers, the name "Sunsoft" evokes memories of unique platformers, high-quality adventure games, and stellar graphics and sound. The company is often lauded as one of the best developers for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Famicom. While Sunsoft has been relatively silent the past few years, the company is roaring back into the gaming market with updated versions of three of its classic titles.

Announced by a Vtuber version of one of its employees on YouTube, Sunsoft will release Ikki Unite, Gimmick!, and Ufouria.

Ikki Unite is an updated version of Ikki, an action game released for the Famicom in Japan. While Ikki is more remembered for its terrible quality (so much so that it created a Japanese nickname for terrible games), Ikki Unite is designed as a multiplayer rogue-like that connects players across the world. The game stars farmers who incite an uprising in Feudal Japan, leading to them battling enemies that invade their farms.

Gimmick! is an excellent platformer released late in the Famicom's life cycle. The game stars a stuffed doll named Gimmick who is tasked with rescuing his owner from shadow monsters. The update retains the 8-bit graphics and sound of the original while adding modern features like a time-attack mode and achievements.

Lastly, Ufouria (released in 1991) is coming to modern consoles and Steam as well. The game follows a group of characters as they explore the game world, collecting items and defeating enemies. Sunsoft was sparse on details about the updated version, so more details should come down the pipeline later.

Interestingly, all three of these titles were never released in North America. Ufouria was released on the 3DS and Wii U eShops, but those services will soon shut down.

Ikki Unite is currently in a closed beta on Steam and will be released for PC later this year. Gimmick! will be released this Winter on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and Steam, as will a cassette and vinyl record of the game's music. Ufouria will be released in 2023 for the Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and Steam.

Buy a 2-pack of NES-style USB game controllers at Amazon.