From the show floor at the Indie Retro Homebrew Showcase at Super MAGFest 2025 comes a pulse-pounding action title built for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. Kirito the Game, developed by Cyber 808, isn’t just another retro throwback. It’s a hard-hitting story of ambition, betrayal, and survival, wrapped in fast-paced gameplay and cinematic flair.

At its heart is Kirito, a young YouTuber whose rise in the retro gaming scene comes with unexpected consequences. Fame attracts envy, and admiration twists into treachery. What begins as a dream quickly spirals into danger when a violent ambush leaves him broken and cast aside. But destiny intervenes. Under the guidance of a mysterious figure named Adam, Kirito transforms from victim to warrior, sharpening his skills, mastering combat, and preparing to reclaim his life.

Yet vengeance is only the beginning. When his treasured game collection is stolen back home in Brussels, a desperate call from his friend Léa pulls him into an even greater struggle. With enemies closing in and justice on the line, Kirito’s journey evolves from personal redemption to something much larger: the fight to protect what matters most.

It’s a narrative-driven action experience that fuses old-school grit with modern storytelling, giving players a reason to keep pushing forward, not just for victory but for survival.

Tell us about how your game was born.    

Cyber 808: "The story behind our game was actually originally conceived as a comic book. We had this exciting world and characters ready to come to life on paper. But then, thanks to Thulf, our developer, we had this crazy idea—what if we turned it into a game instead? It was a bold leap, but with his expertise and passion, we knew we could bring our vision to life in an interactive way. And that’s how the journey from comic to retro gaming adventure began!"

What was the development like?

"The development has been an incredible journey. Everything has been going smoothly, especially considering we’re beginners in game development. We started the project about two years ago, and those years have been a learning curve for us. We’ve spent a lot of time understanding how to harness the capabilities of the Sega Genesis, which has been both challenging and rewarding. Now, we’re excited to share a demo with you, and we truly hope you’ll enjoy it!"

What's your favorite memory as a gamer?

"One memory I’ll never forget is my first all-nighter playing Streets of Rage on the Genesis. My parents were asleep, and I was so engrossed I didn’t realize it was morning until I heard my dad wake up. I snuck back to bed like a ninja—it was thrilling and unforgettable!"

Thulf answered, "The first time I played Metal Gear Solid 1, it felt like stepping 10 years into the future. It was a groundbreaking experience that completely redefined what I thought games could be."

What games influenced Kirito the Game the most?

"For the gameplay, our starting point was Streets of Rage 3. From there, we enriched it with additional features inspired by classics like Final Fight and Undercover Cops."

Any fun stories or wild moments during development?

"A funny anecdote from the early days of development: we had no idea about the Sega Genesis’s display limitations. Our artist created a level with visuals matching the best Neo Geo standards! Haha, we quickly realized the hardware’s limits, but it was a great lesson, and we bounced back stronger."

Do you think preserving older gameplay mechanics in new games is important?

"Of course! Creating a video game has been a childhood dream, and it’s even more rewarding to bring it to life on my childhood console. Great games are timeless, which is why it’s so important to preserve the gems of the past for gaming culture."

What makes this game unique?

"We’re not claiming to revolutionize the genre, but the synergy between our developer, artist, and musician has shaped this game into something with a lot of character. The feedback we’ve received from various events has been overwhelmingly positive. Our goal is simple: to deliver a fun, dynamic experience for you to enjoy!"

Anything else you'd like to add? Promote?

"First of all, thank you so much for this invitation—it couldn’t have come at a better time! Our Kickstarter campaign is set to launch in December and will run until the end of January 2025, just a few days after your event!"

---

Kirito the Game is an action-packed adventure crafted by Cyber 808 for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. More than 700 backers pledged over €52,000 on Kickstarter to bring this story of ambition and betrayal to life. With every strike, every narrow escape, and every hard-won victory, players step deeper into Kirito’s turbulent world where retro gaming passion collides with high-stakes action.

Follow Thulf, the lead develop and game engineer of Cyber 808 on X for updates, and visit the team's Youtube channel to learn more about the game.

Watch the demo: