Product Overview
- Product Name: Gaiares [Retro-Bit Edition]
- New or Used: Used
- In Case or Loose: In Case
- Overall Condition: Like New
- Save Battery Status*: Not Applicable – Does Not Use Battery
- Notes: Outer cardboard sleeve is in great condition showing only minimal shelf wear. Genesis clamshell case is in unbelievable like-new condition with hang-tab intact. Reversable case artwork looks flawless — colors are bold with no fading at all. Instruction manual, inserts, and cartridge are nearly perfect and look like they were always kept in the case. Exemplary condition overall - Would be an incredible addition to your Genesis collection!
Photos show actual product for sale — no stock images used.
What's Included
- Genesis Game Cartridge: Yes
- Manual / Instructions: Yes
- Case Artwork: Yes
- Case Type**: OEM/Original
- Extras: Also included is the "Gaiares is Number One!" homage to the original Poster Boy, and the Gaiares "Certificate of Authenticity" #5441 of 6000.
Game Description
Gaiares [Retro-Bit Edition] for the Sega Genesis revives one of the most acclaimed shoot-’em-ups of the 16-bit era — a cult-classic masterpiece originally developed by Renovation and celebrated for its blistering difficulty, cinematic presentation, and innovative weapon system. In a distant future where Earth has been reduced to wasteland, the human resistance’s last hope rests with the starfighter TOZ System and its pilot, Dan Dare. Using the ship’s powerful TOZ beam, players can steal enemy weapons mid-battle, turning each encounter into a thrilling test of reflexes and adaptability.
The Retro-Bit Edition brings this legendary 1990s Genesis title back in a premium collector’s release, featuring officially licensed reproduction hardware and packaging designed for modern collectors who demand authenticity. It captures everything that made the original Gaiares unforgettable — lightning-fast scrolling, screen-filling explosions, and a pulse-pounding electronic soundtrack that defined the golden age of arcade-style shooters. With its hybrid of technical mastery and arcade challenge, this is more than a reprint — it’s a full restoration of a Sega Genesis icon.
Long regarded as one of the hardest shooters ever made, Gaiares rewards skill, precision, and memorization in equal measure. Whether you’re a longtime Genesis veteran or a modern collector discovering it for the first time, this Retro-Bit Edition offers a chance to experience one of the most demanding and visually stunning shoot-’em-ups ever produced — a crown jewel of the Sega library reborn for a new generation.
Gameplay Features
- Return of the legendary Genesis shoot-’em-up known for its intensity, innovation, and visual flair.
- Master the TOZ System to absorb enemy weapons and create dozens of unique attack types.
- Battle across sprawling interstellar stages filled with vibrant parallax backgrounds and challenging boss fights.
- High-speed, arcade-quality performance showcasing Sega’s 16-bit hardware at its best.
- Includes the Retro-Bit collector’s edition release with premium packaging and restored presentation.
- One of the most celebrated and demanding shooters in the Renovation and Sega Genesis catalog.
Historical Trivia or Fun Fact
Originally released in 1990, Gaiares was widely praised by gaming magazines for its groundbreaking weapon-steal mechanic and striking anime-style presentation. It became a hallmark of Renovation’s shooter lineup and was frequently featured in “hardest games of all time” lists, earning both respect and fear among Genesis players.
The 2022 Retro-Bit Edition marked the game’s first official reissue in over three decades, complete with collector-grade materials and restored cover art faithful to the original. Its re-release not only celebrates the legacy of one of Sega’s most challenging shooters but also cements Gaiares as a true collectible centerpiece — bridging retro authenticity with modern preservation.
No discussion of Gaiares would be complete without mentioning its famously over-the-top 1990s ad campaign featuring James Bunker — the “Gaiares is Number One!” poster boy. His enthusiastic grin and fiery slogan became an unforgettable piece of Sega-era marketing, capturing the bombastic energy of the time. Decades later, those ads have achieved cult status among collectors, often cited as a perfect example of the bold, cheesy, and endlessly charming style that defined early ’90s video game promotion.
Additional Details
- Variant: Retro-Bit Edition
- Genre: Shoot-em-up
- Year Released: 2022
- Publisher: Retro-Bit
- Developer: Renovation
- ESRB Rating: N/A
- UPC: 849172013940
- SKU: 9005
- Format: Sega Genesis Video Game Cartridge
- Platform: Sega Genesis 16-Bit System
- Region: NTSC (North America, Canada)
Important Information
- *Save battery (if present) has been tested or replaced and is verified working at the time of listing.
- **Used cases may be replaced with a new aftermarket one if damaged. Listing above indicates if it's "OEM/Original" or "Aftermarket." Aftermarket cases typically differ in color &/or build quality from original Genesis cases. (See photos)
- Photos show the exact item for sale — we never use stock images for used games.
- All used items are cleaned, tested, and 100% guaranteed to work.
- Backed by Retro Game Fan’s 60-day warranty.
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