SEGA Ages is a series of classic SEGA titles being released on the Nintendo Switch.

Developed by M2, the Japanese developer known for high-quality ports of classic games such as the popular SEGA 3D Classics series on the 3DS, SEGA Ages aims to bring prominent titles from SEGA's legacy catalog to fans around the world. From a selection of home console classics, to a multitude of perfectly-emulated arcade games, SEGA Ages gives fans the ability to build their own retro SEGA collection unlike any other.

The first five SEGA Ages titles have been announced, including such notable games as the Sega Master System versions of Phantasy Star and Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Sega Genesis versions of Thunder Force IV and Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as a port of the original arcade version of Gain Ground. This collection will mark the first time that several SEGA titles have had official launches in the West.

SEGA Ages originally debuted as SEGA Ages Vol. 1 Shukudai ga Tant-R, a compilation of enhanced arcade ports of Puzzle & Action: Tant-R and Quiz Shukudai wo Wasuremashita, released on the Sega Saturn in 1996 in Japan. Over time, the SEGA Ages series grew to encompass enhanced ports of dozens of games across multiple systems. The series also made an appearance in the West with SEGA Ages: Volume 1, a collection of enhanced ports of Space Harrier, OutRun, and After Burner II, released in 1997 on the Sega Saturn. Now, SEGA Ages is being rebooted on the Nintendo Switch, delivering the most faithful ports of Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, and arcade games for the current generation. As you would expect from the retro geniuses at M2, these games will stay true to their original forms while incorporating new features that bring a refreshing twist to these classic titles' gameplay.

Fasten your seatbelts and get to your battle stations because the Galaxy Federation needs your help! Thunder Force AC is flying, dodging, and firing its way to the SEGA Ages line-up for the Nintendo Switch on May 28, 2020!

A remake of Thunder Force III, Thunder Force AC marks the first time the popular shooter series found a home in the arcade scene. The long battle between the Galaxy Federation and the ORN Empire has reached the breaking point. As a last-ditch effort in their losing war, the Federation has created the FIRE LEO-03 STYX, a highly mobile fighter wielding the same amount of firepower as a large battleship. As pilot of the STYX, it’s up to you to secure victory for the Federation and return peace to the galaxy!

Featuring a cavalcade of enhanced features and visuals, you can expect a devastating armada of entertainment right in your hands.

This includes:

• Arcade Mode, a faithful adaptation of the original arcade release featuring three other unlockable ships lifted from later Thunder Force titles (FIRE LEO-04 RYNEX, FIRE LEO-04 RYNEX with the Thunder Claw weapon, and FIRE LEO-3 STYX MP Mass Production Model)
• A Kids Mode to help you on your mission by providing increased attack power, additional credits (9 instead of 6), and the ability to retain your weapons even after your ship has been destroyed, among other adjustments
• Two different sets of Leaderboards – “Expert” for those that play the game with its default settings enabled, and “Freestyle” for when the settings have been changed
• And the option to save and view Replays, including those from the leaderboards!

Finally, you can also expect a range of SEGA Ages enhancements including stereo sound for most of the music and sound effects, HD Rumble, a CRT-like “Vintage” display, a “Cabinet” mode letting you relive that arcade ambience, and save states, so any pilot error becomes a distant memory.

SEGA Ages Thunder Force AC will tear into the Nintendo Switch eShop in the Americas and Europe on May 28, 2020, for $7.99 (with commensurate European pricing).