Week’s Top Gaming News

Astro Burn Pivot

Perth, Feb 20: Astro Burn is ramping up ahead of launch, with developer Beyond the Pixels revealing a late-stage shift in direction that reframes the project as a “Cute ’Em Up” while keeping development on track. The update positions the game as an unusually agile indie production, shaped by feedback and flexibility rather than fixed early concepts.
The studio has also previewed an upcoming Kickstarter tied to a special physical edition, leaning into the broader retro resurgence and renewed appetite for collecting and owning games outside digital storefronts. Overload PR says founder HaZ Dulull and the team are available for interviews at GDC, via video call, or by email Q&A, with discussion topics including agile development, late-cycle iteration, and the return of physical releases.
“Love for a golden age of gaming inspired Beyond the Pixels founder HaZ Dulull and set him on course to create the upcoming Cute ‘Em Up title, Astro Burn. But the Super Famicom era wasn’t only about the games, it was the whole experience. From holding the box in your hands and delighting in an instruction manual packed with artwork, to blowing the dust off the cartridge, slotting it in and pressing start. The passion with which Beyond The Pixels cherishes retro gaming burns bright and expands to the physical form factor too. Beyond The Pixels believes in preservation and ownership, and it’s starting with Astro Burn.”
“The Astro Burn Kickstarter offers players a physical copy of the game that exists outside of digital platforms, and is as simple as plug ‘n’ play. No log in screens. Just the gamer and their game, exactly how it’s meant to be.”

WiZmans World Returns

Perth, Feb 20: Clear River Games and City Connection have launched WiZmans World Re;Try globally today (February 19, 2026), bringing the formerly Japan-only Jaleco JRPG WiZman’s World to PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam as an HD remaster.
Originally released in 2010 for Nintendo DS, the updated edition features enhanced HD visuals that preserve the original 2D pixel art, a rearranged soundtrack by Japanese instrumental unit soLi (featuring ISAO and Saori Hoshino), and multiple quality-of-life upgrades including Save Anywhere, dialogue skip, a Monster Encyclopedia, and New Game+.
Set in the isolated city of Wizarest, players follow young wizard Claus and his homunculus companions as they explore shifting, monster-filled dungeons and investigate the disappearance of his mentor. Combat and progression center on “Anima Fusion,” allowing players to absorb defeated monsters to evolve companions’ stats, abilities, and appearance, while story choices can influence relationships and the game’s outcome.
WiZmans World Re;Try is available now digitally for $39.99/€34.99 on PlayStation, Switch, and Steam, with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S also supported via City Connection and Gravity.

Star Wrath Revealed

Perth, Feb 20: Gaijin Entertainment has unveiled Star Wrath, a multiplayer space extraction-action game set on the outskirts of a destroyed solar system, where pilots battle for resources and collect DNA samples from top competitors. The game is now available to wishlist on Steam, and closed beta testing has begun, with sign-ups open via the official website.
Players can build and customize modular spacecraft before launching high-risk raids featuring PvE and PvP encounters, realistic physics, and a detailed damage system where ship parts and internal modules can be destroyed, impacting performance mid-fight. Progression centers on pilot skills upgraded through DNA editing, with the ability to harvest successful DNA combinations from defeated enemies — raising the stakes beyond lost gear and ships.
Beta access is available by applying with a Gaijin.Net account, with invitations sent in waves.
Founder’s Packs offering immediate beta entry and exclusive items are also available, with four bundle types geared toward different roles including scout, sniper, and tank, plus a bundle that includes multiple ships and friend keys.

TigerHeli Hits Consoles

Perth, Feb 20: Clear River Games has announced Kyukyoku TigerHeli – Toaplan Arcade Garage, the fourth title in M2’s M2ShotTriggers line, will launch digitally on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 on Feb 26.
The release brings together two landmark TOAPLAN shooters — Kyukyoku Tiger / Twin Cobra (1987) and Tiger-Heli (1985) — arriving for modern players outside North America and Japan.
Development is handled by M2, with features including M2 Gadgets (data overlays), Super Easy modes, and Arcade Challenge modes.
A separate DLC, Kyukyoku TigerHeli – Console Ports + Get Star Pack, adds multiple classic console ports of Tiger-Heli and Kyukyoku Tiger, plus NES/Genesis versions of Twin Cobra, and the rare 1986 TOAPLAN beat ’em up Get Star (Guardian in the West), which is being released outside arcades for the first time.
Every purchase of the base game will also include TOAPLAN puzzle title Teki-Paki as a free downloadable bonus.

FZ: Formation Z Europe

Perth, Feb 21: Clear River Games has announced that Japanese shooter FZ: Formation Z is coming to Europe on May 21, 2026, launching digitally on PC (Steam®, Epic Game Store), PlayStation®5, Nintendo® Switch™ 2, and Xbox Series X|S.
Originally an arcade hit from Jeleco®, the game centres on Ixpel, a transforming mech that can switch between robot and jet fighter forms in real time. This modern release features updated graphics and a new soundtrack by Daisuke Matsumoto, while keeping the classic gameplay and controls. New features include a Factory customisation system (modules, cosmetics, colours and stickers), Score Attack Mode, and an Archives hub with War Record, Enemy Data and a Gallery.
A physical release is set for June 9, 2026 on PlayStation 5 (MSRP $39.99/€34.99) and Nintendo Switch 2 (MSRP $49.99/€44.99). Digital pricing is listed at $29.99/€24.99 across platforms