Clear River Games and Bitwave Gameshave announcedthat the sequel to the 1992 NES/Famicom gameGimmick(also known asMr. Gimmick) is releasing soon.Gimmick 2launches August 09, 2025 for Switch and PC. PlayStation and Xbox versions will release later.
I’m rather surprised because we just got the first actual gameplaytrailer last month, and the announcement of the game itself was a month before that. Not that I think a 2D revival of an NES game would have the most protracted development cycle, but I would think the PR run-up would be a lot longer.
Initially released in Europe and Japan in 1992,Gimmickgained a reputation for its deep, inventive, and extremely challenging gameplay. It also helped that the title also carries a tremendous price tag on the collector’s market. Despite its reputation, it remains a rather obscure title. However, its profile was lifted somewhat by the game’s re-release on modern platforms,Gimmick: Special Edition.
You play as Yokai Yumetaro, a diminutive green thing who can conjure and throw stars. The unique hook of the original title was the physics that control these stars, as you would not only use them to defeat enemies but also ride them over gaps. As I mentioned, it was a rather difficult game.
Gimmick 2brings new visuals and a soundtrack by David Wise. It looks to follow the formula of the original title, but (and this is based off the trailer) it seems to focus more on puzzles and combat than it does on careful platforming.
Gimmick 2arrives for PC and Switch on August 10, 2025. The date for PlayStation and Xbox versions will be announced later.
