More than 40 years after its release, the Sega Master System has received a brand-new game called Razing Core, a sci-fi shoot ’em up that fans of retro titles won’t want to miss. The Sega Master System came out at the pinnacle of vertical shooter arcade games and was home to some of the best in the genre, including Astro Warrior and Power Strike.
This new game, Razing Core, seems to have been inspired by some of the respected arcade games from the 80s and 90s. For instance, Razing Core‘s gameplay and soundtrack might remind retro-enthusiast gamers of 1990’s Raiden or 1995’s DonPachi. Interestingly, Razing Core was developed using a custom engine, and it is essentially a homebrew Sega Master System game by solo dev Bad Computer.
Razing Core Is Out Now, Physical Release Coming Soon
On September 8, developer Bad Computer released the Sega Master System ROM for Razing Core on itch.io for $7.99 USD. To run it, players will either need compatible hardware or a Sega Master System or Mark 3 emulator. Razing Core has built-in support for Mega Drive, Genesis, Master System, and Mark 3 controllers. The itch.io release includes the game’s digital version, but developer Bad Computer says that a physical release is planned for 2027. Razing Core also has a free demo that players can try at no cost, which only includes the first stage. Just like the base game, players will need compatible hardware or an emulator to experience it.
Scratch & Peek
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as
possible.
Development for Razing Core started back in May 2025 as Bad Computer’s latest homebrew Sega game project. The developer has released multiple games for classic consoles in the past, with one of the latest being Frontier Force, which was released before Razing Core. Frontier Force‘s gameplay could be compared to fixed shooter arcade games like Space Invaders, though it features “colorful Sega Master System graphics.”
Razing Core has implemented several retro-inspired gameplay features that would likely appeal to fans of classic space-themed games. For example, some background objects can be destroyed for cool effects mid-battle. Also, developer Bad Computer has used incredibly catchy retro music that adds to the overall arcade experience. There are seven stages with unique designs and multiple boss fights, but the game also features “infinite continues,” giving it high replay value.
Fans looking to grab a physical cartridge of Razing Core should keep an eye out for an announcement from developer Bad Computer. Based on previous similar releases, the stock will likely be limited, and reprints might not happen in the future. Fans of classic Sega consoles might also want to keep an eye on the Mr. Nutz re-release on the Genesis. Publisher Strictly Limited has confirmed that it will release brand-new physical cartridges for both installments in the Mr. Nutz series sometime in 2027. Additionally, iam8bit is planning a physical re-release of the first two Sonic the Hedgehog games on the Sega Genesis in 2026.