The Resurrection of Navinosuke: A 20-Year-Old Game Finally Sees the Light of Day
After two decades of dormancy, the long-lost game Navinosuke: The Yo-Kai Buster is set to make its debut on the Nintendo Switch in 2026. Originally developed by the team behind the iconic Metal Slug series, this game was shelved before it could ever be revealed to the public. The announcement from Kohachi Studio, which comprises many former Metal Slug and R-Type developers, has sparked excitement among retro gaming enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Navinosuke is described as a “phantom RPG,” featuring over 150 yokai and a unique 2D pixel art style. The game was initially designed to utilize GPS technology on the Game Boy Advance, a concept that predates Pokémon Go by over a decade. However, due to various challenges during development, the GPS feature was ultimately abandoned, leading to a shift in gameplay mechanics. Despite these hurdles, the game was completed but remained unreleased until now.
The journey of Navinosuke serves as a fascinating case study in the gaming industry, highlighting how creative visions can evolve over time. As we look forward to its release, one can’t help but wonder how this game might have changed the landscape of mobile gaming had it launched alongside its original concept. Will Navinosuke capture the hearts of a new generation, or will it remain a nostalgic relic of gaming history?
Original source: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/a-final-unannounced-game-by-the-metal-slug-team-is-getting-a-switch-release-20-years-after-it-was-cancelled/