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Metro Siege channels the core of beat ’em up nostalgia, landing soon on Amiga, Neo Geo, and PC with new twists for modern and retro fans alike.
A Nostalgic Brawl Awaits
Remember the thrill of storming pixelated city streets with nothing but your fists and a loyal co-op buddy? Metro Siege, a new beat ’em up inspired by genre giants like Final Fight and Streets of Rage, is shaping up to be a love letter to those golden arcade days. I almost let this one slip under my radar—surprising, given how much I adored classic side-scrolling brawlers in my youth. But Metro Siege is making waves in the retro scene, and for good reason.
Kickstarter Success and Multiple Platforms
Metro Siege’s journey has taken a promising turn thanks to its recent crowdfunding campaign. The Kickstarter not only went live but absolutely crushed its goal: over €49,207 (roughly $53,000 USD) raised against an original €16,000 (about $17,300 USD) target, with weeks left for even more support. Clearly, the appetite for classic beat ’em ups hasn’t faded—if anything, it’s hungrier than ever.
The team at BitBeamCannon (yes, the ones behind DaemonClaw) is committed to delivering three distinct versions: Amiga, Neo Geo, and PC (through Steam and Itch.io). Backers can opt for a digital edition (about $14 USD) granting access to all three, or splurge on physical editions packed with retro goodies—think collectible cards, stickers, pins, and posters. It’s the kind of collector’s bait that hits my nostalgia buttons hard, but I admit, I sometimes wonder if these extras distract from the game itself.
“We’re working on Metro Siege for 16-bit Amiga computers, Neo Geo, and a modern version for PC. Our plan is if you get the Steam or Itch.io version we’ll give you access to all three versions to play! The Amiga version should be finished first, and the other two should become playable not long after… We’re designing all versions to have the same core three playable characters to choose from, but we plan to make the alternate versions for each character different between the Amiga and Modern versions of Metro Siege. We plan on incorporating other differences in gameplay and boss fights so players can have unique play experiences with each.”
— BitBeamCannon
A Story Rooted in Classic Tropes (With a Modern Edge)
Metro Siege doesn’t just lean on its gameplay; there’s a story pulsing beneath the fists and kicks. Two of the game’s three leads have been revealed: Kim and Alex. The setup? Riots engulf the city’s boroughs as gangs vie for dominance. Kim, recently suspended from the police force after digging into her father’s mysterious death, teams up with her MMA-trained best friend Alex. Together, they punch through chaos to uncover the truth.
It’s a familiar setup—rebels against a corrupt city, personal loss fueling the journey—but I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Would this be just another recycled beat ’em up plot? Yet, as I read more, it became clear that the developers are weaving in character motivations and backstories that could set Metro Siege apart from its spiritual ancestors.
“Riots suddenly break out across all burros of the city, as street gangs go wild to take control over their territory. Kim, who was recently suspended from the police force for unsanctioned investigations into the mysterious death of her father, appears at the MMA gym of her best friend Alex, and they take to the streets to fight their way through the city to find the cause of the riots and put an end to the chaos.”
— BitBeamCannon
Hands-On Preview: Demo Impressions
Just last week, Bit Beam Software dropped a playable preview for the Amiga 500. Honestly, I jumped at the chance to give it a whirl—it’s not every day you get a new demo for classic hardware in 2026. Development on Metro Siege has been ongoing for years, with delays along the way due to the programmer’s limited availability. That said, this demo marks a huge step forward and gives us a taste of what’s coming.
The preview packs in three levels and lets you play as either Kim or Alex. You’ll be slugging it out through rival gangs, reclaiming streets in true retro fashion. Here’s what I noticed: the punchy combat feels satisfying, and the visuals capture that 90s arcade flair, but I did find myself wishing for a third playable character—though the devs promise one is on the way.
The demo is offered in three flavors:
- ADF edition: For any 1MB Amiga machine.
- Hard Drive version: For 020+ Amigas with at least 2MB RAM.
- CD32 version: Optimized for the Amiga CD32 console.
While a Windows demo is also in the pipeline, it wasn’t available at the time of my playthrough. That left me a bit impatient, as I wanted to compare the retro and modern experiences side by side. Still, the variety of demo formats shows a real commitment to the Amiga legacy.
Design Philosophy and Unique Features
Transitioning from one section to the next, let’s talk about what Metro Siege is aiming for beyond nostalgia. The developers are adamant that all versions—Amiga, Neo Geo, and PC—will have the same three main characters. But here’s where things get interesting: alternate versions for each character will differ between Amiga and modern releases. That means, for example, Alex might have a slightly different move set or look on PC compared to the Amiga, giving long-time fans and newcomers alike a reason to try every version.
Additionally, the team plans to tweak boss battles and gameplay elements between platforms. This isn’t just a port—it’s a tailored experience for each system. I can’t help but feel a little cautious here; sometimes these ambitions lead to uneven quality across versions. But the intent is promising and, if executed well, could make Metro Siege one of the most replayable beat ’em ups in years.
A Community-Driven Development
One thing that’s clear: Metro Siege is a project shaped by its community. The Kickstarter’s overwhelming success is a testament to how much people still care about authentic retro gaming experiences. The devs regularly share updates and take feedback seriously, which is refreshing amid a gaming landscape where so many projects feel distant from their audience.
However, I have to admit, I sometimes wonder if community input could slow or complicate decision-making. It’s a delicate balance—honoring fan feedback while keeping the core vision intact.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation and Questions
So, where does Metro Siege stand as of now? The Amiga version is scheduled to finish first, with Neo Geo and PC releases to follow soon after. The developers promise cross-access for digital buyers, meaning you won’t have to pick just one platform. Physical editions are poised to become collector’s gems, but for me, the real allure is seeing whether the game can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Streets of Rage and Final Fight—not just in spirit, but in gameplay depth.
I’m optimistic, but not without reservations. Will the final product deliver on the promise of unique bosses, evolving character variants, and silky-smooth co-op? Only time will tell, and, as someone who’s been burned by retro revivals before, I’m cautiously excited.
Conclusion
Metro Siege is shaping up to be more than just a retro throwback—it’s a potential new entry in the pantheon of great beat ’em ups, designed with care for both hardware purists and modern gamers. Are you ready to take to the streets again? Or are you waiting for the final punch before making a call?
FAQ
- What platforms will Metro Siege be released on?
Metro Siege is coming to Amiga, Neo Geo, and PC. - Can I play all versions if I buy the game digitally?
Yes, buying on Steam or Itch.io grants access to all three versions. - How many playable characters are there in Metro Siege?
The finished game will feature three playable characters; the demo currently showcases Kim and Alex. - Are there physical editions, and what do they include?
Yes, physical editions come with extras like collectible cards, stickers, pins, and posters for Amiga and Neo Geo. - Is there a difference between platform versions?
Yes, the developers plan to introduce unique alternate versions of each character and varied boss fights across platforms.
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