Atari, the pioneering video game company, is breathing new life into one of its most beloved franchises. The company has announced that “Yars Rising,” a side-scrolling Metroidvania adventure, is in development for the Nintendo Switch.
The game serves as “a decidedly modern chapter in the storyline of Yars’ Revenge,” which was the best-selling first-party game for the Atari 2600 console. Atari has enlisted the expertise of WayForward, a renowned independent game developer known for their work on critically acclaimed titles like “Shantae” and “River City Girls.”
In “Yars Rising,” players will take on the role of Emi Kimura, a young hacker hired by a mysterious patron to infiltrate the shadowy Qotech corporation. With a gameplay blend of stealth and combat, players must run, jump, sneak, and hack their way through challenges as Emi uncovers the truth about Qotech’s closely guarded secrets and her own inexplicable bond to a far-off alien race.
“WayForward’s proven storytelling and worldbuilding powers made them a perfect choice for reimagining one of Atari’s most enduring game franchises,” explains Wade Rosen, Atari’s chairman and CEO. “I am confident that fans are going to enjoy this new, dynamic chapter in the Yars storyline: Yars Rising.”
The announcement of “Yars Rising” signifies Atari’s commitment to revitalizing its iconic franchises for modern gaming platforms while staying true to their roots. By collaborating with WayForward, a studio renowned for its expertise in crafting engaging narratives and immersive worlds, Atari aims to introduce the beloved “Yars” series to a new generation of gamers.
Fans of the classic “Yars’ Revenge” and Metroidvania enthusiasts alike can look forward to experiencing “Yars Rising” when it launches digitally on the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo Switch worldwide in late 2024.
