There’s no shortage these days, of games that try to imitate the look and feel of the pioneering gems of yesteryear.

Digital distribution has done wonders for smaller companies looking to create nostalgic links to gaming’s past, while continuing to build upon classic gameplay foundations.

Zeboyd Games is no stranger to the retro scene, having developed the well-received homages to 8-bit role-playing; Cthulhu Saves the World and Breath of Death VII. They were also responsible for an RPG series for Penny Arcade; On the Rain Slick Precipice of Darkness.

Now the company is about ready to unleash their next project, Cosmic Star Heroine, a very stylish RPG that takes its inspiration from classics like Phantasy Star and that masterpiece often spoken about in reverential tones; Chrono Trigger.

Cosmic Star Heroine nails its 16-bit inspired aesthetic.

Cosmic Star Heroine began development in 2013 through the crowd-backing of Kickstarter. Although originally pinned for a late 2014 release, extra time has allowed the game to move beyond the obligatory PC release through Steam, to a cross-platform title on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita.

The game follows the adventures of a top spy within the galactic government, Alyssa L’Salle. As one would expect when dealing with someone adept in the art of espionage, Alyssa stumbles upon the secret, dark under-handed workings of her own government. Hoping to keep their nefarious deeds concealed within the shadows, her bosses turn on her, outing the fact that she is a spy.

This brings Alyssa the last thing any spy would want: fame.

The latest E3 2016 trailer for Cosmic Star Heroine shows off a lovingly crafted sci-fi themed ode to classic 16-bit titles. It’s art-style conjures an amalgamation of classic Sega Genesis and Super NES games, along with a hint of the FMV-styling of Lunar: The Silver Star Story on the Sega CD.

Cosmic Star Heroine is also going to be one of the rare indie titles that receives an actual physical release. Zeboyd is teaming up with Limited Run to produce something tangible for fans.

Cosmic Star Heroine is currently on track for a Summer 2016 release PC, PlayStation 4, and Vita.

Are you ready to battle impossible galactic government conspiracies through the vast reaches of space in Cosmic Star Heroine? Feel free to conspire in the comments section below.

Written by The Watchman

The Watchman is a journeyman gamer who has seen and played a good chunk of gaming history.
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