Retro-Bithas announcedthe next game in its line of retro reproductions, although this one is less of a reproduction and more of just a production. That’s because the game,P-47 II MD, never got released as intended, instead being canceled and never reaching the Genesis/Mega Drive.
That’s not to say it hasn’t reachedanywhere.P-47 II MDis based onP-47: The Phantom Fighter(or sometimesP47 Thunderbolt), a 1988 arcade game. It received ports on the PC-Engine and home computers, but they were never received well. I can’t tell you how the Genesis version compares because, well, I haven’t played it. It’s not exactly readily available.
You can get the arcade version via Hamster’sArcade Archivesseries, but I haven’t played it there, either. Do you know how many WWII scrolling shoot-’em-ups there are out there? Me neither, but it’s a lot. It would take an inclusion in a compilation or a really neat gameplay hook to get me interested, which isn’t really the case when it comes toP-47: The Phantom Fighter.
But here’s the cool part:Retro-Bit’s releasecomes with the normal bells and whistles. It comes on a cartridge (obviously) in a plastic clamshell with an embossed slipcover. Also included is the soundtrack on a mini-CD. But best of all, it’s got some pretty spiffy (reversible) artwork by Tankro Kato. If you haven’t heard of him, you may have seen his art all the same, as he does the box art for the Hasegawa model company. Their models have been imported by various companies over the years, but I can’t provide much more clarity than that because it’s hard to keep track of. I could do more research, but you’ve probably already stopped reading this paragraph if you don’t really care about box art.
I can’t really speak for the quality ofP-47 II MD, but I always love it when old, canceled, or unlocalized games get a new lease at life. I can tell you that Retro-Bit’s releasesare really great. I’ve held new productions for tonnes of different consoles, but few take the extra steps that Retro-bit does.
Preorders forP-47 II MDstart today, July 08, 2025 and close February 16, 2025at Limited Run Games. It will run you $54.99. The production run will be based off the number of preorders made and will ship out sometime later after the production is complete. If you miss preorders, a limited number will be available from a few retailers:Castlemania Games,Rondo Products, and (if you’re Canadian like myself)PNP Games.
