Commodore Industries Revives classics with Xenon 3 and The New Zealand Story

Although Commodore Industries recently announced in a press release that it would focus solely on modern computer and software projects — distancing itself from the other Commodore — it now appears to have changed its mind and also wants a share of the $3.5 billion retro market. In a suprising move, Commodore Industries has officially lifted the curtain on two ambitious projects: the resurrection of one of Amiga’s most iconic shooters with Xenon 3: Hyperblast, and a heartfelt modern tribute to Taito’s beloved platformer, The New Zealand Story. First released by the Bitmap Brothers back in 1988, the original Xenon series built a devoted fanbase thanks to its imaginative top-down action and seamless transformations between tank and spaceship forms—a formula that reached its zenith with 1989’s Xenon 2: Megablast. Now, Commodore Industries has secured the license to take up the mantle, promising fans a “tribute and an evolution” with Xenon 3: Hyperblast. Described as “an explosive roguelite, with top-down gameplay and real-time transformations,” Xenon 3 aims to recapture that legendary arcade energy and fast pace—the pure thrill that made its predecessors so replayable. Xenon 3 will debut on Commodore’s new Starcade platform, with plans to follow up with releases on Steam, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The upcoming Starcade is Commodore’s online gaming ecosystem, set to launch by the end of 2025. Starcade will offer multiplayer gaming, a client launcher for easy update management, and social features that let players track progress, join tournaments, and connect with the broader gaming community. Access will be flexible, with both a subscription option for all-you-can-play access and a free account for à la carte purchases. Commodore Industries retro foucs isn’t stopping there; they will also revive The New Zealand Story, the charming 1988 platformer originally brought to the Commodore 64 by Ocean Software. The new project—billed as both a nostalgic homage and a fresh adventure—will feature a 90-minute runtime, blending pure 2D platforming with lovingly updated visuals and gameplay. This reimagined classic is aimed at connecting both returning fans and a new generation of gamers with the magic of the original, while honoring Taito’s legacy.

Spread the love

More Amiga news