This month alone we've seen some real bangers of hot news stories, from The Settlers II coming to the Amiga, the latest release of Project-X Light Years through Steam, and the mind-blowing CubiX on the ZX Spectrum. Well, here's another one that is sure to be a big hit! As I've been informed that 'Apidya Special' by ININ Games, is coming to consoles and PC by 2026. A game that is described as, "an authentic, 24-bit pixel remake of an incredible 90's Shoot 'em up. No 3D models, no AI upscaling—just handcrafted pixels and passion with an exclusive Chris Hulsbeck original soundtrack"!
And here's the details. "Developed by the original team, together with a devoted Apidya super-fan-turned-developer, Apidya’ Special is based on a previously abandoned 1990s console port, combining original assets with all-new pixel art, additional authentic sound effects, and remixed music. Legendary composer Chris Hulsbeck contributes an exclusive, completely rearranged soundtrack which has never been released".
"Players can experience Apidya’ Special in true widescreen with new parallax effects or switch to the original Amiga 4:3 mode that looks, plays, and sounds exactly like 1992. Optional CRT effects with simulated shadow mask, scan lines, and phosphor bloom recreate the classic display feel. A cult classic cherished by European retro gamers for over three decades, Apidya’ Special is poised to bring its insect-fueled action to a new generation—while giving veterans the most faithful and feature-rich version ever made".
Key Features
- Authentic Remake – Completely rebuilt from scratch; no emulation.
- Two Visual Modes – Seamlessly switch between HD widescreen or original Amiga 4:3 presentation.
- Exclusive Chris Hulsbeck Original Soundtrack – Newly arranged soundtrack alongside remixed and classic tracks.
- Retro Visual Effects – Optional CRT shaders, bloom, and authentic scanline simulation.
- Expanded Worlds – Five diverse themed worlds (Meadow, Pond, Sewers, Cyber, Lair), up to five levels each, 20 unique bosses, and hidden special stages.
- Fresh Surprises – Randomized in-game events like “Night Mode” with new enemy sprites.
- Cooperative Mode – Second player controls one of the helper drones.
- Accessibility Options – Modernized difficulty settings to make the game enjoyable for all generations (including the original devs).
Links :1) Source
Looks really cool! Love Apidya
ReplyDeleteOne of the best shmups on the Amiga. Great music, great graphics, playability, power-ups, 2 players mode, intro too! Perfect game.
ReplyDeleteLooks great. One of my favourite shooters on the Amiga.
ReplyDeleteFantastic!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see apidya a classic game from amiga on PC made new from scratch ,would love to see and new turrican game from amiga to PC, I would buy apidya and a new turrican if we're made ❤️🤎
ReplyDeleteSee Gunlord X. Clearly a Turrican clone...
DeleteNaaaaaaah!!
ReplyDeleteAmiga version is the very best !!!!!!
Probably the best original shooter on the Amiga, looks terrific!
ReplyDeleteI don't really lik the graphics.
ReplyDeleteThis looks interesting, I like they are sticking to the pixel art look, but I would have preferred if it was fully refreshed. I see lots of sprite repetition in the backgrounds graphics which is no longer a bottle neck.
ReplyDeleteYou can still keep the retro vibe and adding more variation. It may not look like something the amiga was capable of, but even if it looked like neogeo graphics it would still look retro. 🙂
Nevertheless I will be following this and supporting it.
Looks great! Should be simultaneously released with an Apidya II for Amiga! :)) (or is that III :P)
ReplyDeleteThis can be done on an AGA Amiga...remember when you say PC...you are talking about a variable range of CPU's and Gfx cards and sound cards....if a certain spec is needed, why not just add the specs to the Amiga and make the game for it? In other words An Amiga 1200 with 6mb RAM and a 68030 @ 50mhz?
ReplyDeleteI don't think so, well, even ignoring the widescreen mode, it's far beyond what an AGA machine could do...
DeletePerhaps using an RTG card.
Hard to judge from this short video, really not much in there. But apart from the resolution, of course, I can see nothing in that video which couldn't be done even on a stock A1200.
DeleteTbh, apart from the resolution, which would be impossible, the main problem here is color depth, the AGA chipset was basically a scam and, in spite that it was able to show 256 colors on screen, the Blitter was basically the same from the old Amiga and only marginally faster, so handling more than 32 colors and keeping a decent frame rate would not be possible...
DeleteAnd adding fast RAM or a better processor would not change this limitations
That's why I said this game c would require a RTG graphics card.
Otherwise, it's really the same game, beautiful, but disappointing, there's so much more that could be done while keeping the original pixel art.
Like X-Out.
Regarding color depth: of course there would have to be trade offs but since it's a horizontal scroller this could be done with decent palette organisation and either some color and / or full color bank switches depending on scanline. Probably every level would need its own code to get the most out of AGA (e.g. for the pond maybe switch to dual playfield when underwater), but still: nothing here (so far) a stock A1200 couldnt do.
DeleteSorry, why using dual playfield for the underwater effect? I'm not a coder, but I think there are far easier ways
DeleteBesides, dual playfield would limit it to only 32 colors on AGA machines.
actually, 16 for the background and only 15 + transparency for the foreground layer.
one of the best Amiga shoooters, way better than the bland, flat, overrated and frustrating Project-X
ReplyDeletemy favourite amiga game, thank you thank you thank you
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my all time favorites. Epic music, lovely graphics and awesome gameplay. Looks promissing!
ReplyDeletePlayed the original on Amiga and the release by team17 don't forget that version, easier version than first release but still a great shump. Let's hope Turrican could get a revamp, another classic.
ReplyDelete