Sega’s Genesis was often left out in the cold with game developers. During the 16-Bit era, if a game publisher only had enough money to make a game for one platform odds were it was going to be Super Nintendo. One such release was Wild Guns, a fun arcade style shooter by Natsume. Kai Magazine are preparing to bring a similar style game to the Sega Genesis called Dead & Lead.
Light Gun Game Without the Light Gun
I am not sure how to classify these style games, but they are basically light gun style games minus light gun. You have an onscreen cursor to move around, not ideal with a controller but consoles are not known for having mice available (both SNES and Genesis did but who has one now?). So, the next best thing for this style game is the cursor that you move around to target enemies.
According to Kai_Magazine on the AtariAge forums Dead & Lead is a mashup of genres.
Some levels will play like Wild Guns, G.I. Joe (the arcade game) and others will play like Aliens by Konami in arcades or Robocop if you will. Basically the second style levels will play like Sunset Riders, a brawler but with guns.
Pre-Orders Now Open
Kai Magazine are a prolific game maker; they have MANY releases available. They also have a proven track record of being reliable in completing orders as promised. I have not heard anything bad about them, certainly nothing like other retro game publishers out there that take years of ignoring fans after taking payment for a game.
Shipping of Dead & Lead is later in 2025, November/December, so you will have a slight wait on your hands. Dead & Lead does look impressive though and for fans of this genre, it may be worth the wait.
Pre-order Dead & Lead on the Kai Magazine website.
Please note, the game will only work on original Sega Genesis MK1 and MK2 (the first two versions by Sega), Sega CDX, Sega Multi-Mega and the MegaSG.
If you need a Sega Genesis, please consider using my eBay affiliate link to get one sent straight to you.
It reminded me a lot of the games I played as a child. Those graphics bring back such fond memories.
Kai Magazine definitely have their finger on the pulse of graphics styles from the late 80s and early 90s that were popular on the Sega Genesis. Most of their releases would have fit in perfectly with what was released back then.