The Scramble Vice

Classic mech anime inspires new 2D side-scroller The Scramble Vice

Calling all mobile police!

There’s nothing quite like anime OVAs from the ’80s and ’90s, and that vibe lives on in The Scramble Vice. The 2D side-scroller from Studio PICO evokes nostalgia for mech anime of the period, and it’s coming to PC via Steam in 2024.

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A teaser trailer debuted along with publisher Flyhigh Works’ announcement. At a little over a minute long, it offers a snapshot of the tone and detailed pixel art fueling the visuals. The Scramble Vice features in-mech combat and Blaster Master-esque on-ground segments, all on display below.  

The story of The Scramble Vice follows Kei Sakuragi, an officer who works with the Tokyo Police Department’s 9th Mobile Unit. That unit, as you might have guessed, is also known as “The Scramble Vice.” In her ASURA suit she’ll “scramble up Tokyo” with over 10 weapon types across 12 stages. Naturally, an anonymous terrorist group is behind all the ruckus, and your job is to pull off that mask.

Screenshot via Flyhigh Works

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When outside of your mech you’ll be infiltrating enemy headquarters. There are over 10 vehicle types to pilot, some of which the teaser showcases. There are motorcycles, cars and, as glimpsed at the end of the clip, what looks like a cute li’l Vespa. Who needs a massive mech when you can putter around town in style? 

Steam is the only platform listed at the time of this writing. We’ll have to wait and see if additional platforms are added as we approach The Scramble Vice‘s 2024 debut. 


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Joseph Luster
Joseph has been writing about games, anime, and movies for over 20 years and loves thinking about instruction manuals, discovering obscure platformers, and dreaming up a world where he actually has space (and time) for a retro game collection.