Toxic Crusaders demo now on Steam, original TV series remastered

No longer Radioactive Ugly

Easily one of the most bizarre news hits of 2023 was the reveal that Studio Retroware was adapting forgotten ’90s cartoon Toxic Crusaders for a brand new scrolling brawler, which is currently in development for PC and console platforms. And if you had already grabbed your mop ‘n’ bucket in anticipation of this release, then this weekend brought with it a ton of good news for you.

First and foremost, a demo for the still-in-development scrap is currently available on PC as part of the Steam Next Fest event, giving fans a limited window with which to see how the new scrapper is shaping up. All you need do is go and download the trial from the Steam platform, and you’re good to check out the street-cleaning action from Toxie, Yvonne, Junkyard and co. Righteous!

Additionally, Retroware announced that it is in the process of upscaling the original 1991 animated series, restoring all 13 terrible episodes in 4K for streaming purposes (with a Blu-ray planned for release at some point down the line). The episodes will also feature as part of a 24-hour live stream set to run the entirety of Steam Next Fest. The stream will feature interviews with the team, all-new gameplay footage, and an appearance from Troma’s own Lloyd Kaufmann. you can check out the action right here.

This swillful of news was rounded out by the revelation that Arizonian comic-metal band Psychostick have been commissioned to compose and perform the game’s score, which will feature original compositions as well as tributes to the soundtrack of the animated series. While an official release date was not revealed, Retroware has pushed the title back a little, and Toxic Crusaders is now aiming for an early 2024 release on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platforms.

Go check out the demo and see how you think this bizarre-but-welcome return will fit into the pantheon of modern brawling marvels.

Chris Moyse

Senior Editor – Chris has been playing video games since the 1980s and writing about them since the 1880s. Graduated from Galaxy High with honors. Twitter: @ChrisxMoyse

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