Get ready, retro gaming fans! Publisher Dotemu, known for bringing back beloved classic styles with hits like Streets of Rage 4 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, is set to release three brand-new, highly anticipated games in 2025. This big announcement shows Dotemu is doubling down on the nostalgia-fueled experiences we love, but with fresh twists. The key takeaway? More classic arcade-style action is on the way, featuring big names and original concepts.
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Building on Success: From Remakes to New Classics
Dotemu has built a strong reputation since 2007 by remastering and reviving classic game franchises. Their modern sequels, Streets of Rage 4 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, weren’t just successful; they reignited passion for the side-scrolling beat-’em-up genre. Shredder’s Revenge, for example, sold a million copies in its first week, proving the huge appetite for well-made games in these classic styles.
Dotemu’s approach involves spotting opportunities for franchises that haven’t had a good modern take on their original genre for a while. CEO Cyrille Imbert describes his role as bringing together concepts that fill these specific needs for different series. They often take on most of the financial risk and control the project from start to finish, including finding the right development studio.
The Three Big Games Coming in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Dotemu is launching three distinct titles that showcase their strategy: a return to side-scrolling for a legendary ninja, a cosmic beat-’em-up featuring Marvel heroes, and an original adventure blending genres.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
One of the most exciting announcements is Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a new side-scrolling entry in the iconic ninja series. While fans might be familiar with the later 3D action games, Dotemu saw potential in returning to the franchise’s roots as a challenging side-scroller.
Imbert was inspired by the success of modern action-platformers that blend classic style with contemporary design. To bring this vision to life, Dotemu collaborated with The Game Kitchen, the studio behind the critically acclaimed game Blasphemous, known for its intense combat and atmospheric design.
Screenshot of Ninja Gaiden Ragebound showing the protagonist fighting multiple enemies in a detailed level
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Following the massive popularity of Streets of Rage 4, fans were clamoring for a new arcade-style game featuring Marvel’s X-Men, similar to the classic arcade beat-’em-ups. Dotemu recognized this demand as a clear opportunity.
The idea for Marvel Cosmic Invasion, an arcade-style beat-’em-up set in the Marvel universe, was a natural fit for the team at Tribute Games, the developers of Shredder’s Revenge. Together, Dotemu and Tribute Games pitched the concept to Marvel Games, leading to this exciting new project. This game aims to capture the chaotic fun of classic arcade brawlers with a modern polish, much like their previous hits.
Absolum
Not content to just work with existing franchises, Dotemu is also developing Absolum, an entirely original game. This title is a beat-’em-up that incorporates elements from roguelike games. What does “roguelike” mean here? It likely means you can expect features like procedurally generated levels, permanent death (or consequences for failure), and runs where you build up your character differently each time you play, adding tons of replayability.
Gameplay screenshot from Absolum featuring a character in combat against unique enemies in a stylized environment
From a business standpoint, Absolum helps Dotemu diversify its portfolio and not rely solely on licensed properties. Internally, the team felt ready to create something completely new that still felt at home among their other classic-inspired games. They also wanted to continue their successful collaboration with Guard Crush Games, the developers behind Streets of Rage 4.
What This Means for Gamers
Dotemu’s 2025 lineup is shaping up to be a treat for fans of classic game genres. By combining their proven track record of reviving beloved styles with strategic partnerships and a willingness to create original IPs, they are set to deliver experiences that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Each game was chosen for a specific reason, reflecting Dotemu’s philosophy of identifying player needs and executing concepts with care. This busy year ahead highlights Dotemu’s commitment to making games they can be truly proud of.
Which of these new titles are you most excited about? Let us know, and stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to their 2025 release!
