Nier: Automata and Bayonetta developer PlatinumGames’ latest project is a vertical-scrolling shoot-’em-up called Sol Cresta. It’s a sequel to the 1985 arcade game Terra Cresta, and yes, apparently it’s real, despite today’s date.
PlatinumGames announced Sol Cresta Thursday with a trailer that reveals the game is currently in development for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Windows PC. The developer actually “announced” Sol Cresta on April 1, 2020, a reveal that was widely presumed to be an April Fools’ Day goof. But Sol Cresta is apparently real, and being developed in collaboration with Hamster Corp. — maker of the Arcade Archives brand of retro games — which owns the rights to the Cresta series.
The first game in the vertical-scrolling shmup series was Moon Cresta. It was developed by Nichibutsu and released in arcades in 1980. The follow-up, Terra Cresta, hit arcades in 1985, and spawned multiple sequels, including Terra Force, Terra Cresta 2, and Terra Cresta 3D. Moon Cresta and Terra Cresta are available as Arcade Archives releases on PlayStation 4.
PlatinumGames’ reveal of Sol Cresta is part of a series of announcements the developer has dubbed the Platinum 4. The studio also announced Project G.G., The Wonderful 101 Remastered, and PlatinumGames Tokyo as part of that promotional push. A fifth “bonus” announcement is planned for 2021.
Sol Cresta does not have a confirmed release date, but the title was recently rated in Korea, implying an imminent launch.
