VanillaBeast: Ace in the Hole Coming to PC in 2023

Time for some 90s action.
Time for some 90s action. Vanilla Gaming Company

The 90s is considered by many to be the golden age of video games. The upcoming VanillaBeast: Ace in the Hole hopes to honor some of the well-known games of the time. It's coming to Steam sometime in 2023.

This parody-adventure game offers an open world where the levels are inspired by iconic arcade and console games. Each one has been designed by a different artist or team to bring that unique retro look and feel. In the game, players take on the role of the titular secret agent extraordinaire VanillaBeast as he goes on an adventure to save the ladies of the night from a mysterious evildoer.

In a statement, Vanilla Gaming Company president and creative director Neil Herrin shared that they developed this game as a love letter to those they grew up playing. He added that for those playing this game as a kid, it's possible that their parents are going to take away the console.

Here are the gameplay styles that players can expect for this game:

  • Leisure Suit Larry
    • Explore the open world and find items to gain access to new areas just as players did years ago in the amazing Leisure Suit Larry series.
  • Punisher (NES)
    • A Punisher rail-scrolling shooter from the 90s classic NES game.
  • Mike Tyson's Punch-Out! (NES)
    • Go head-to-head with the Champ Tike Myson. This is the game’s parody boxing tribute to the classic NES title.
  • Jaws (NES)
    • This is a sweet take on the classic that players are sure to enjoy while reminiscing back to the good old days of gaming.
  • NES Open Tournament Golf
    • A golf mini-game based on the fan-favorite NES style golf games from the 90s.
  • Friday the 13th (NES)
    • Go to the camp at Camp Crystal Fake and save the counselors in this Friday the 13th-style side-scrolling level.
  • California Games/T & C Surf Design
    • Surf waves and fight enemies. Pixelated waves have never looked so good.
  • Outrun (Arcade)/Speed Racer (Arcade)
    • Race from and into danger.
  • Final Fight and Double Dragon
    • Play multiple levels inspired by these classic games but on a modern scale.
  • Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter
    • Players get the chance to be in a boss fight and fight them MK or SF style. Select bosses feature actual 2D fighter controls.

Excited yet for 90s fun?

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