Since the dawn of video games many decades ago, shoot 'em ups have always been a popular sub-genre that shaped modern shooter games as we know them today. Nearly three decades ago, Andro Dunos came into the scene, releasing on the Neo Geo MVS arcade systems and the Neo Geo AES home consoles. Last March, developer Picorinne Soft announced that it is developing a sequel called Andro Dunos 2 for several platforms including one retro console.
What's interesting about Andro Dunos 2 is not that it is in development nearly three decades after the first one, but that it is going to be launched on the Sega Dreamcast, a console that was first launched in 1999. In an interview with Game ZXC, the developer known as Ryo of Picorinne Soft talked about what fans can expect from Andro Dunos 2 and why the team decided to develop it for the Dreamcast.
Why Andro Dunos 2 is Releasing on the Dreamcast
It is no secret that retro games are still popular in certain communities in the video game community. Several years ago, Sony released a miniature version of the PS1 and Nintendo did the same with the SNES Mini. Both consoles come pre-loaded with beloved games from those eras. However, what's rare nowadays is for developers to create new games on consoles as old as the Sega Dreamcast, which is why it is curious to know why Picorinne Soft decided to develop Andro Dunos 2 for the console.
According to Ryo, despite what many think, the retro gaming community is still pretty much alive and passionate about seeing new games developed for old consoles. Ryo said that there is still some demand for retro games, especially with the Dreamcast community, given that they have been asking for new shoot 'em ups for years now, which is why Picorinne Soft and publisher Pixel Heart Studios decided to revive Andro Dunos 2.
I think the revival of past titles has a very promising future. At least, Andro Dunos is getting the attention it deserves, which is hard to believe in 2021. I find that spirit of challenge in Pixel Heart interesting.
However, players interested in trying out Andro Dunos 2 once it is released but no longer own a Dreamcast would be happy to know that the game is also launching on modern consoles. Ryo confirmed that all editions of Andro Dunos 2 will be released in early 2022 and is planned to launch for Nintendo 3DS, Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One. However, when asked whether Andro Dunos 2 will ever make its way to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, Ryo admitted that he has no idea how it could happen. Luckily for players, all new PS4 and Xbox One games are backward compatible on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
What To Expect From Andro Dunos 2
At the moment, not much is known on what Andro Dunos 2 will offer players. However, Ryo said that the upcoming game follows the story of the first entry, and some changes will be implemented, such as the specifications of bombs. For the uninitiated, the first Andro Dunos game took place in a futuristic sci-fi world where an unknown alien race invaded mankind. Players assume control of the Yellow Cherry and Red Fox space fighter crafts to overthrow these alien invaders.
Additionally, while Andro Dunos 2 is set to release in 2022, Picroinne Soft made it so that it seems like the game came out in the '90s. Ryo and the team wanted players to think that they were going back in time to enjoy the classic style of graphics and gameplay of shoot 'em ups released in that era, not just on the Dreamcast but for all platforms.
After 28 years, Andro Dunos is back and I'm honored to be part of its development. I hope more and more people will enjoy the game.
Andro Dunos 2 is releasing in early 2022 for 3DS, Dreamcast, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
