Classic PS1 Game from 2001 is Making a Surprise Comeback This Month

by

Limited Run Games announced that the classic PlayStation game Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix from 2001 is coming to modern consoles and PC later this month. With assistance from Implicit Conversions, the game – a prequel to the original Fear Effect – will be available on PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.

Released in late 1994, the original PlayStation quickly became a global phenomenon. It was the first console to sell over 100 million units, and it played a key role in shifting the gaming industry from cartridges to discs. Popular games like Final Fantasy 7, Gran Turismo, and Metal Gear Solid were exclusive to the PS1 during its peak. While later PlayStation consoles like the PS2 eventually replaced it, the original PlayStation’s impressive game collection and broad appeal have cemented its place as one of the best consoles ever made.

Fear Effect 2 Is Coming Back

The Fear Effect series is making a comeback after many years! Limited Run Games is releasing Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix digitally on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam on February 27th. Set in Hong Kong in 2048, the game puts you in control of mercenaries Hana, Glas, Deke, and Rain. You’ll explore diverse locations, from futuristic city streets to the ancient tomb of China’s first emperor. Fear Effect 2 boasts a unique cel-shaded 3D art style and uses animated full-motion video for backgrounds. Interestingly, despite the title, this game is actually a prequel, taking place two years before the original Fear Effect. Limited Run Games surprised fans with the original game’s release on PS4 and PS5 back in August 2025.

The first Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix game was originally published by Kronos and Eidos, but Square Enix has owned the Fear Effect series since 2015. This modern version of the game was developed by Implicit Conversions and published by Square Enix and Limited Run Games. Physical copies for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 are currently being made, alongside the upcoming digital release. You can pre-order the Standard and Deluxe Editions from Limited Run Games until March 8th, though a shipping date hasn’t been announced. The number of physical copies being produced is also unknown, so fans who want a physical copy have over a month to place their order.

Fear Effect 2 Stands Out From Its Predecessor

Okay, so the first Fear Effect was kinda clunky to control, but Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix lets you switch to more normal third-person controls, which is awesome. They did something really cool with health too – instead of a health bar, it’s tied to how fast your character’s heart is beating, and that changes based on what’s happening. Plus, the updated versions of Fear Effect 2 are getting some nice improvements. Limited Run Games is adding stuff like save states, achievements, widescreen support, filters to make it look old-school, and even a rewind function! The best part is you can turn any of these on or off whenever you want, so you can play exactly how you like.

The Fear Effect games were known for their impressive graphics on the PlayStation, and Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix is likely to appeal to fans who enjoyed classic survival horror games from that era, bringing back a wave of nostalgia. It will be interesting to see what other beloved PlayStation 1 games Limited Run Games decides to revive throughout 2026.

Read More

2026-02-11 00:04