Earthion EXA LABEL brings Yuzo Koshiro’s new shoot ’em up into the coin-op arena, adding arcade-focused features to a game that began life as a Sega Genesis/Mega Drive project.
From Mega Drive project to modern shooter
Earthion was originally conceived for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, the 16-bit system closely associated with Koshiro’s work on games including Streets of Rage and Shinobi. His company, Ancient, set out to create a contemporary shoot ’em up for that classic hardware, but interest in the project grew and versions for modern platforms were added to the release plan.
The game is set after Earth’s resources have been exhausted and its environment has collapsed, forcing much of humanity to relocate to Mars. When invaders attack the abandoned home world, environmental researcher Azusa Takanashi takes control of the YK-IIA space fighter for humanity’s counterattack. You can read more about the story on the official website.
With Earth’s resources depleted and its environment in ruin, most of humanity has fled to Mars. But when hostile invaders launch an attack on Earth, mankind has no choice but to fight back.
The PC Steam and arcade editions launched on 30 July 2025. Modern console releases are planned for September, while the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive version is scheduled for the following year. Limited Run Games is handling the physical editions, including the PC release.
What makes Earthion EXA LABEL different?
exA-Arcadia developed the arcade edition in collaboration with Koshiro, with artwork from Mitsuhiro Arita, known for his work on Pokémon. The company has also helped strengthen the modern shoot ’em up presence in arcades through its exA platform.
The arcade release retains the visual and audio presentation of the other versions while adding features designed for competitive play. Input latency is listed at one frame, compared with an expected four-to-six frames on console versions. On-screen “gadgets” provide additional information about the weapons installed on the player’s ship.
The defining addition is EXA LABEL MODE, which reshapes the action around arcade-style scoring and Hyper usage. Players can also select Original, Extreme and Score Attack modes, giving operators and visitors several ways to approach the game.
Five soundtrack versions were produced for Earthion, and the arcade hardware supports both landscape and portrait, or TATE, displays. That flexibility should make the game suitable for locations with different cabinet configurations. For more arcade news and hardware coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
Standard and Limited Edition arcade kits
Operators can choose between a standard kit and a Limited Edition package. The Limited Edition includes:
- A kit autographed by composer Yuzo Koshiro
- A Polaroid featuring Yuzo Koshiro
- exA-Arcadia socks
- Sanwa joystick accessories
- An exA-Arcadia joystick ball
- An exA-Arcadia joystick dust cover
- A set of three exA-Arcadia buttons
- An 1800 mm Earthion EXA LABEL banner
- The standard art set
- The game cartridge
The standard package omits those additional collectibles and accessories, containing the game cartridge plus promotional artwork and instruction cards for arcade locations. The Limited Edition was reported to be only moderately more expensive than the standard kit, although no specific prices were provided.
Testing results were described as “quite positive”, with Koshiro attending some of the test sessions. The game is already operating at selected locations in Japan, including Taito’s HEY, which has livestreamed play.
How does the arcade version play?
Earthion was playable at IAAPA 2024, where it made a strong impression. Its polished presentation and traditional shoot ’em up design could have sat comfortably alongside well-regarded arcade releases of the early 1990s. Players who have tried both editions have generally enjoyed the game, with the arcade version receiving the edge from those able to compare them directly.
Its one-frame input response, scoring-focused EXA LABEL MODE and selectable display orientations make it particularly relevant to dedicated arcade venues. Anyone planning a home setup can explore RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide for advice on choosing suitable hardware, while operators can browse the wider range of arcade machines.
Will Earthion EXA LABEL reach more arcades?
The number of Western locations that will install Earthion EXA LABEL remains unknown. However, the game’s profile and positive early response could encourage more venues to bring it to their exA-Arcadia systems.
If you find a location with the game, it is well worth sitting down for a play. Earthion EXA LABEL offers a carefully made modern shoot ’em up with arcade-specific features that reward both immediate action and high-score chasing.
See where I really enjoyed what I played at IAAPA 2024.
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