Three classic Sega games from the 1990s are set to make a return this week in a new re-release titled the Earnest Evans Collection. This bundle, which includes El Viento, Earnest Evans, and Anett Futatabi, will be available starting January 16, 2024, marking the first time many players in the United States and Europe will have access to Anett Futatabi, a title that was previously exclusive to Japan.
The collection is a collaboration between Mighty Rabbit Studios, Headless Chicken Games, and Limited Run Games. While the collection has been available on the Nintendo Switch in Japan since last month, this wider release expands its reach to a global audience.
Overview of the Games
The oldest title in this collection is El Viento, which launched on September 20, 1991, as a Sega Genesis exclusive developed by the now-defunct Wolf Team. This platformer serves as the first installment in the Earnest Evans trilogy. Although it received a mixed critical reception upon its release, it managed to garner enough interest to inspire a sequel.
The sequel, Earnest Evans, was released in the same year for the Sega CD, later making its way to the Sega Genesis in 1992. This title is often regarded as the most popular in the series, particularly in Western markets, despite also facing a divided response from critics at the time of its launch. The trilogy concluded in 1993 with Anett Futatabi, which was released exclusively in Japan. This final installment received the least favorable reviews, contributing to the series’ decline.
Features of the Re-Release
The re-releases are not remakes or remasters in the traditional sense, but they come with several new features designed to enhance the gaming experience. Players can look forward to fully voiced cutscenes, a rewind feature, and a save feature, making these classic titles more accessible to modern audiences. Despite these updates, the collection retains the nostalgic essence of the original 1990s games, allowing fans to experience them as they were intended.
Limited Run Games has been actively reviving obscure franchises from the 1990s, and this collection is a testament to that commitment. The re-release is likely to attract both long-time fans of the series and newcomers curious about retro gaming.
As the release date approaches, excitement builds among the gaming community. Players are encouraged to share their thoughts and join discussions in forums dedicated to gaming, reflecting on the impact of these nostalgic titles on their childhood memories.
This new collection offers a chance not only to revisit the past but also to introduce these classic games to a new generation, ensuring their legacy continues.
