Ultracore

Game Overview

Ultracore is a side-scrolling run-and-gun action platformer developed by DICE and published by Strictly Limited Games for the PlayStation Vita. The core gameplay follows traditional 90s action-arcade design: players navigate twisting industrial stages, blast aggressive mechanical adversaries, collect weapon upgrades, and hunt for hidden switches to unlock progress.

The game stands out historically as a fully completed, unreleased relic of the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis era that was recovered, polished, and brought to life decades later. Featuring meticulously detailed pixel art, responsive physical controls, and intense boss encounters, the PS Vita port offers a flawless way to experience a piece of gaming history on the go.

Quick Specifications

• Platform: PlayStation Vita (PS Vita)

• Release Date: June 2020

• Genre: Run-and-Gun, Action, Platformer, Retro

• Developer: DICE (Digital Illusions CE) / Strictly Limited Games

• Publisher: Strictly Limited Games

• Players: 1 Player (Single-Player)

• Play Length: Approximately 3 to 5 hours

• Region Format: Region Free (Digital via PlayStation Network / Physical via Strictly Limited Games)

Key Features

• Resurrected 90s Masterpiece: Experience Hardcore, the legendary lost 16-bit shooter by DICE, completed and released decades after its initial development.

• Classic Run-and-Gun Action: Blast through hordes of robotic enemies while managing a versatile arsenal of futuristic weaponry and special upgrades.

• Intricate Level Design: Explore sprawling, multi-directional industrial maps filled with hidden rooms, security terminals, elevators, and hazards.

• Authentic Retro Aesthetics: Enjoy gorgeous, highly detailed pixel art and environmental designs true to the peak era of 16-bit console gaming.

• Pounding Electronic Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in high-energy chiptune and synth tracks that drive the fast-paced action forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Why is Ultracore considered a "lost" game?

A: Originally titled Hardcore, the game was developed by DICE in the mid-1990s and was nearly 99% complete for the Sega Mega Drive before publisher Psygnosis cancelled it due to the shift toward 3D polygon gaming. Decades later, the code was recovered and finished as Ultracore.

Q: How does the gameplay compare to other run-and-gun games?

A: Unlike linear arcade shooters where you simply move from left to right, Ultracore features more exploratory, multi-directional level layouts akin to Metroidvania or classic European microcomputer platformers, requiring you to search for switches and open paths.

Q: Is the game difficult?

A: Yes, Ultracore maintains the challenging, uncompromising difficulty curve characteristic of 90s action games, requiring quick reflexes and pattern memorization during intense boss fights.

Q: Was the game released physically on cartridge for the PS Vita?

A: While available digitally on the PlayStation Network, Ultracore also received an exclusive, highly coveted physical collector's edition cartridge release through Strictly Limited Games.