Pixel Heart is bringing back the arcade platforming action of the Neo Geo era with a full-fledged sequel to the cult classic Bang Bang Busters, aiming to update the niche favourite for both modern systems and dedicated retro collectors.
Developer Pixel Heart has officially announced a crowdfunding campaign for Bang Bang Busters 2, a follow-up to the single-screen platformer that became a celebrated, albeit delayed, fixture in the Neo Geo library. The original Bang Bang Busters, known for its vibrant 16-bit aesthetic and gameplay inspired by arcade staples like Bubble Bobble and Snow Brothers, saw its official release years after its initial development, appearing on the Neo Geo, Neo Geo CD, and the Sega Dreamcast.
The sequel promises to honor this legacy while introducing critical quality-of-life updates. The core gameplay loop, where players trap and then launch enemies to clear stages, remains central, but Pixel Heart has implemented a modern control scheme to enhance the experience. This update allows players to instantly rotate and precisely fire captured enemies in any of eight directions, replacing the more rigid control system of the original game and injecting a new layer of tactical depth. Early demos of the game, which include a multi-stage run and a boss battle, have been praised for successfully retaining the authentic feel of a high-quality game from the 1990s arcade scene.
To bring the project to fruition, Pixel Heart launched a Kickstarter campaign with a funding goal of £30,845. Reflecting the game’s retro roots, the reward tiers are designed to satisfy both digital-first and physical media enthusiasts.
For modern players, the game is scheduled for release on a range of platforms, including Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation 5 (and 4). However, the campaign’s most enticing offers are aimed at the retro community. Collectors can back tiers that provide physical editions for the Sega Dreamcast and a premium, fully packaged Neo Geo MVS/AES cartridge, allowing the sequel to sit alongside the original title in collector’s cabinets.
Pixel Heart has a strong history of successfully delivering on their crowdfunding promises, having completed multiple projects that have historically met and significantly exceeded their financial targets. This track record provides a solid foundation of confidence for backers looking to support the return of this niche platforming franchise.
You can back the Kickstarter here.
