Taito's Night Striker Returns After 36 Years With 'Night Striker Gear' on Switch and PC

The classic 1989 sprite-scaling shoot 'em up from Taito, Night Striker, has made a dramatic return after more than three decades with a brand-new sequel, Night Striker Gear. Developed by the veteran emulation and retro revival specialists at M2 and published by City Connection, the game is now available for players on PC via Steam and the Nintendo Switch, having launched this week.

This surprise release marks the first new entry in the series since its original arcade debut, offering a modern take on the beloved pseudo-3D action formula.

Night Striker Gear thrusts players back into the driver's seat of the advanced armoured vehicle, the INTER-GRAY, maintaining the third-person, into-the-screen action that defined its predecessor. While preserving the classic sprite-scaling aesthetic, the game has been built from the ground up for modern 16:9 displays, featuring entirely new levels and a host of new enemies.

The core gameplay is enhanced by the introduction of a 'Gear System', designed to add a fresh layer of tactical depth to the high-speed shooting action. The game’s narrative is set in 2045, centring on a crisis at the grand opening of a vast resort complex, which requires the intervention of a special agent from the Night Striker task force. The soundtrack, a key element of the original's appeal, has been crafted by Taito's iconic house band, Zuntata, ensuring a stylish and energetic audio experience.

The project was led by producer Yuichi Toyama and designed by M2, a studio renowned for its meticulous work on classic game re-releases. Night Striker Gear promises the branching paths and varied stages that gave the original its replayability, alongside a host of contemporary modes such as Time Attack and online rankings. The game is available digitally on the Nintendo eShop and Steam for £14.00. (Approx. €16 / $17, based on current exchange rates; check local retailers for exact pricing).

The release of Night Striker Gear celebrates a legacy that began in the arcades 36 years ago, blending the high-octane feel of classics like Out Run, and Space Harrier. Its arrival on contemporary platforms allows a new generation of players to experience the fast-paced vehicular combat that made the original a memorable Taito hit, while offering a fresh challenge for long-time fans.