In this day and age, we’re experiencing a flourishing period for classic arcade game designs, and the UK’s Bitmap Bureau is one of the numerous developers helping to pave the path forward.
Simultaneously, the upcoming projects – the vocal He-Man and the Masters of the Universe titled “Dragon Pearl of Destruction,” and the awaited 2D adaptation of Terminator named “Terminator 2D: No Fate” – are both being developed. These are iconic franchises from an earlier time.
This obviously isn’t the first He-Man game, but it may already have a claim on being the best one.
For people who might remember, the early gaming attempts by US Gold in the 1980s, especially on systems such as the Commodore 64, may stir some memories. However, what promptly comes to mind is the pixelated Diablo-like hack-and-slash game, He-Man: Power of Grayskull, for Game Boy Advance. Following that was the spiritless He-Man: Defender of Grayskull on PlayStation 2, which had impressive box art as a saving grace.
This response aims to rephrase the original text while maintaining its essence and clarity in an engaging manner.
In the recently launched product from Limited Run Games, there are not many unexpected elements, so anticipate an expanded physical version to be unveiled later on.
In one corner of Gamescom, our demo was tucked away – a preliminary version of the game featuring He-Man as the main character, alongside Teela in a two-player mode. It’s intriguing to consider how many characters will be included when the final build is released, with Man-At-Arms confirmed and She-Ra heavily suggested.
This game is inspired by the classic 80s cartoon and officially licensed by Mattel, avoiding any resemblance to those disappointing CG remakes. True to Bitmap Bureau’s style, this game has a vintage appearance as if it was born in the early 90s arcade era, yet it showcases advanced technical aspects that may not have been achievable back then.
Here, there’s a significant amount of character resizing occurring, as enemies appear from the front and are sent hurtling towards the screen following an explosive confrontation, reminiscent of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time.
In simpler terms, all the character figures are exceptionally bulky, and Battle Cat stands out notably in the initial sequence. Unfortunately, we didn’t have an opportunity to manage him during the demonstration. However, based on the images provided, it seems like you’ll be able to control him as the game progresses.
In this game, the fighting style is similar to that in Final Fight, but it offers a greater variety of controls. Unlike Capcom’s original side-scrolling brawler, it makes use of multiple buttons. For instance, you can perform light and heavy attacks using Square and Triangle respectively, and there’s also a block command available on Circle.
In many belt-based games, you can perform a unique attack by coordinating button presses. However, each use depletes a portion of your health. To restore it, you can pick up assorted food items strewn around, including apples and other edibles.
In this game, there’s a throw mechanic activated by pressing Cross/X and Circle simultaneously. This lets you strategically position yourself against opponents. Given that Skeletor’s minions may carry rifles and firearms, this long-range attack strategy fits perfectly. However, when playing as He-Man, remember that he tosses his sword, leaving him unable to attack again until the sword returns to him.
The design is spot-on, as the initial level unfolds within and nearby the grand Royal Palace of Eternia. It perfectly resembles the cartoon’s setting, boasting impressive architecture with a deep pink-purple hue. As you progress, you’ll come face to face with Trapjaw in the Throne Room – an exciting encounter for those well-versed in the original storyline.
Regardless of your affinity for He-Man, it’s evident that this production boasts a top-notch quality; although it lacks unexpected elements, its smooth animations and strategic use of hit-stun ensure your attacks feel powerful. When the screen is overflowing with enemies, the chaos becomes palpable.
According to Bitmap Bureau’s announcement, the complete game offers a total of 12 stages. Although the initial level didn’t show anything exceptionally new, our playtime was sufficient to confirm that it promises a high-quality beat-’em-up experience.
Given that the team seems to be primarily working on Terminator 2D: No Fate until its release on October 31st, we anticipate more significant updates related to He-Man may surface in 2026. As avid enthusiasts of this genre and the original content, this project has already proven to be a highly anticipated addition to our list of favorites.
As a fan, I can’t wait to get my hands on this throwback game! Will I be brandishing the Power of Grayskull when it drops? Honestly, there’s a part of me that hopes I could embody He-Man himself or maybe even the cunning Teela. Who from Masters of the Universe are you guys most excited to play as in the comments below? Let’s hear it!
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2025-08-23 22:07