Classic PS1 Game From 25 Years Ago is Making a Surprise Comeback Later This Month

Limited Run Games confirmed that a classic PlayStation game from 2001 would be released later this month, as Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix will be ported to modern systems thanks to help from Implicit Conversions. The returning PS1 title is the prequel to Fear Effect, and will soon be playable on the PS5, Switch, and Steam.

The first PlayStation console was released in late 1994, and took the world by storm within a few years. The PS1 was the first console to ship over 100 million units worldwide, and helped popularize disc-based formats over game cartridges as a way to distribute games to consumers. During the height of its popularity, the PS1 was home to exclusive hits like Final Fantasy 7, Gran Turismo, and Metal Gear Solid. Although Sony’s first console was eventually succeeded by the PS2 and later systems, its game library and wide appeal made the PlayStation one of the greatest consoles of all time.

Fear Effect 2 Is Coming Back

Though the Fear Effect series has been dormant for decades, the second entry will soon return thanks to Limited Run Games. Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix launches digitally on PS5, Switch, and Steam on Friday, February 27. Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix is set in Hong Kong in the year 2048, as players take control of mercenaries Hana, Glas, Deke, and Rain. Some of Fear Effect 2‘s levels range from the futuristic streets of Hong Kong to the lost tomb of China’s first emperor. Fear Effect 2 features cel-shaded 3D graphics, and animated full-motion video (FMV) backgrounds. Despite its name, Fear Effect 2 is a prequel to Fear Effect, with the latter game taking players two years later. The first Fear Effect title was shadow dropped by Limited Run Games in August 2025 for the PS4 and PS5.

While the original PS1 release of Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix was done by Kronos and Eidos, Square Enix has held the IP rights to the Fear Effect series since 2015. For the modern port of Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix, development was handled by Implicit Conversions, with Square Enix and Limited Run Games serving as the publishers. Alongside the pending digital launch, physical copies of Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix are currently in pre-production for Switch and PS5. Pre-orders for the Standard and Deluxe Editions are now available until March 8 via Limited Run Games, though it is currently unknown when these copies will be shipped. It is also unclear how many physical copies Limited Run Games will print, so Fear Effect 2 fans looking to add the game to their physical collections have over a month from the time of this writing to decide.

Fear Effect 2 Stands Out From Its Predecessor

Although the first Fear Effect game was notorious for its tank controls, Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix allows players to choose more traditional third-person controls for its combat. Rather than a traditional hit point indicator, each character’s health is tied to their heart rate, which will change depending on the situation. Additionally, the modern ports of Fear Effect 2 will have some quality-of-life features for players to utilize. Limited Run Games stated that these features include save states, achievements, widescreen resolution support, CRT filters, and a rewind function. These effects can be accessed at any time, giving players the choice of what to use when playing Fear Effect 2.

Given that both Fear Effect games pushed the PlayStation to its graphical limits, Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix should give fans of older survival horror games a strong dose of nostalgia. It remains to be seen what other classic PS1 titles Limited Run Games will bring back throughout 2026.

Systems

Released

February 21, 2001

ESRB

Mature // Animated Blood and Gore, Animated Violence, Suggestive Themes

Publisher(s)

Eidos Interactive