The PC and iOS shooting game returns to its origins! Commemorating Pixel Co., Ltd.'s 10th anniversary, the masterpiece and representative work Horgihugh porting to the Switch version decided!

If you like retro games, don't you find your heart spontaneously drawn to shooting games depicted in pixel art? What we want such people to pay attention to is “HORGIHUGH”, which reappears in 2026. It is a work where adorable characters motived after animals play active roles, but it is a waste to judge it by the cuteness of appearance alone. Actually, it is an authentic shooting game featuring a story dealing with serious themes and elaborately designed stage configurations. Born in 2018, it expanded as “Horgihugh with Friends” incorporating additional elements in 2021. And this time, at the memorable milestone of Pixel Co., Ltd.'s 10th anniversary, it cuts a new start carrying the title that serves as its origin. Leaving traditional game-likeness while evolving so that modern players can also enjoy it is something to be curious about, isn't it?

What is indispensable when talking about the charm of this work is warm pixel art. Upon this revival, depictions of stage backgrounds have been significantly strengthened, reborn into visuals that can be enjoyed down to details. In addition to Kengo Tanaka and THE Factory, who have been involved in production so far, the point that pixel artist Fuzuki Ishida newly participates is also a notable point. Combining expressions by multiple creators, what kind of scenery will spread out is exciting. Furthermore, continuing from previous works, KOU newly drew the new key visual that becomes the face of the work. While cherishing individualities of characters motived after animals, it seems likely to further enhance the atmosphere of the entire work. Not to mention people who like nostalgic pixel expressions, it has become an unmissable finish for people who like appreciating detailed game graphics as well.

Speaking of things that liven up shooting games, music is important after all, isn't it? When advancing through stages while dodging enemy attacks, just having an impressive melody play heightens feelings even more. In this time's “Horgihugh”, sound aspects are completely reviewed. Taking charge of sound direction is TECHNOuchi, who was also involved in “Bounty Sisters”. And participating in music production is Saki Hayashi, who also acts as a trumpet player. It is said that they are conscious of expressing not only themes and worldviews of the work, but even the personalities possessed by the two protagonists through music. Not stopping at mere accompaniments to battles, musical pieces letting you feel character emotions and the atmosphere of the story can be expected. Even after finishing playing the game, you may encounter music that makes you spontaneously want to hum the melody.

I'm interested in shooting games, but it seems difficult and I can't bring myself to try. This time's “Horgihugh” is a work we want such people to pay attention to as well. While inheriting conventional gameplay, performance of player aircraft and enemy movements are adjusted, aiming for a balance that a wider range of people can enjoy. What is particularly pleasing is mechanisms making it easier to recover when making mistakes, and the addition of the new element “Burst Shot” that can temporarily enhance attack power. Furthermore, because multiple relief measures for aiming to clear are prepared, it has become content easy to challenge again even for those who struggled in the previous work. Of course, the fun of improving skill is firmly alive and well. In addition, since it also supports two-player simultaneous play, being able to capture while cooperating with family and friends is also a charm. Thoroughly polishing skills alone is good, and getting excited together with someone seems interesting too, doesn't it?

For those who feel that just clearing stages is not enough, a newly enriched score system is waiting. Becoming able to aim for high scores in various ways, such as “Balloon Chain” where points increase the more consecutively acquired, “Time Bonus” obtainable by defeating enemies quickly, and “Wave Bonus” added when destroying enemy formations. Moreover, it is interesting because it is said that depending on how you use the new system Burst Shot, it affects score acquisition as well, isn't it? Prioritizing advancing safely, or aggressively attacking to extend points? It is a rewarding mechanism where each player's judgment influences results. The fun of finding your own capture routes while challenging many times would be an irresistible element for shooting lovers, wouldn't it?

Bosses awaiting at the end of each stage have also changed greatly with this revival. Bosses appearing in “Horgihugh” feature unique designs that let you feel friendliness somewhere while being formidable enemies. However, just because they are cute, you cannot let your guard down. In this work, enemy behavioral algorithms and transformation patterns have been renewed, allowing you to enjoy battles differing from before. Even for players who played through past works thoroughly, it seems necessary to discern new attack timings and movements. Even for those challenging for the first time, time spent searching for capture methods while observing characteristics of bosses should become great fun. Expectations rise for boss battles where both visual individuality and battle tension can be tasted.

“HORGIHUGH”, reappearing in 2026, is not a mere re-release of past works. It is a shooting game with new charms, renewing graphics and music, and carefully polishing from battle balance to score systems. Starting to play attracted by adorable characters, before you knew it, you were engrossed in authentic capture. It is a work where such an experience seems possible, isn't it? It is a title to recommend both to those seeking nostalgic arcade game atmospheres and to those wanting to challenge shooting from now on. In this revival coloring Pixel Co., Ltd.'s 10th anniversary, what kind of evolution Horgihugh will show us, please pay attention by all means!