Retro-Bit is finally putting P-47 II MD on Genesis over three decades after its cancelation

Retro-Bit has announced the next game in its line of retro reproductions, although this one is less of a reproduction and more of just a production. That’s because the game, P-47 II MD, never got released as intended, instead being canceled and never reaching the Genesis/Mega Drive.

That’s not to say it hasn’t reached anywhere. P-47 II MD is based on P-47: The Phantom Fighter (or sometimes P47 Thunderbolt), a 1988 arcade game. It received ports on the PC-Engine and home computers, but they were never received well. I can’t tell you how the Genesis version compares because, well, I haven’t played it. It’s not exactly readily available. 

You can get the arcade version via Hamster’s Arcade Archives series, but I haven’t played it there, either. Do you know how many WWII scrolling shoot-’em-ups there are out there? Me neither, but it’s a lot. It would take an inclusion in a compilation or a really neat gameplay hook to get me interested, which isn’t really the case when it comes to P-47: The Phantom Fighter.

But here’s the cool part: Retro-Bit’s release comes with the normal bells and whistles. It comes on a cartridge (obviously) in a plastic clamshell with an embossed slipcover. Also included is the soundtrack on a mini-CD. But best of all, it’s got some pretty spiffy (reversible) artwork by Tankro Kato. If you haven’t heard of him, you may have seen his art all the same, as he does the box art for the Hasegawa model company. Their models have been imported by various companies over the years, but I can’t provide much more clarity than that because it’s hard to keep track of. I could do more research, but you’ve probably already stopped reading this paragraph if you don’t really care about box art.

I can’t really speak for the quality of P-47 II MD, but I always love it when old, canceled, or unlocalized games get a new lease at life. I can tell you that Retro-Bit’s releases are really great. I’ve held new productions for tonnes of different consoles, but few take the extra steps that Retro-bit does.

Preorders for P-47 II MD start today, January 14, 2025 and close February 16, 2025 at Limited Run Games. It will run you $54.99. The production run will be based off the number of preorders made and will ship out sometime later after the production is complete. If you miss preorders, a limited number will be available from a few retailers: Castlemania Games, Rondo Products, and (if you’re Canadian like myself) PNP Games.