Vixen 357 is a turn-based mech game that was released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis in Japan, but it is now set to arrive on Steam with English text and a couple of new features. For more than 30 years, players could only play Vixen 357 by getting the Japanese Sega Genesis cartridge and running it on the original hardware or an emulator, or by using unofficial English mods and hacks. But that is about to change in 2026.
Publisher Shinyuden is poised to make the classic Sega Genesis game more accessible to gamers outside Japan. Before the Steam port, Shinyuden translated the entire Vixen 357 narrative and dialogue into multiple languages, including English. It then re-released physical Sega Genesis cartridges along with some other thematic goodies. Now, it wants to bring that same classic experience to modern gaming PCs, so even more retro strategy game fans can enjoy it.
Vixen 357 Is Coming to Steam in 2026
Vixen 357‘s Steam port includes everything from the original Japan-exclusive release, along with new official English support. On top of that, the new release adds several quality-of-life features. Players can now rewind and fast-forward to repeat some actions or speed through combat scenes. Unlike the Sega Genesis edition, Vixen 357‘s Steam port also lets players save anywhere during their playthrough and use cheats to gain god-like powers. Additionally, the Steam re-release includes digital goodies, such as a gallery featuring original box art and posters.
As for the story, Vixen 357 depicts a future where Earth has defeated alien forces with mech soldiers but now faces another threat: an unknown squadron of mechs abusing their power. The gameplay is comparable to most other turn-based strategy games from the 90s. Players have a limited number of units that they must place strategically on the battlefield and choose the right specialists and tactics for each encounter.
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Vixen 357 has a permadeath gimmick that removes characters from the game when they die.
Vixen 357 has a couple of gameplay features that make it one of those classic games ahead of their time. For instance, Vixen 357 has a permadeath gimmick that removes characters from the game when they die. While there are some workarounds to bring them back, such as the new rewind system, it adds extra pressure to the player’s combat strategies. Vixen 357 also features meaningful decisions that can affect the course of the narrative.
There is currently no release date for Vixen 357‘s Steam release beyond Shinyuden’s plan to launch it in 2026. Interestingly, the game is approaching its 34th anniversary, as the original Japanese edition of Vixen 357 was released on October 23, 1992. That day would be a perfect moment for Shinyuden to release the Steam port. However, it remains to be seen whether the publisher will capitalize on the occasion or choose another release date. Fans of classic 16-bit Sega games should wishlist Vixen 357 on Steam if they do not want to miss its upcoming release.
