This 16-bit arcade-style Helldivers 2 demake concept captures the chaos of managed democracy perfectly

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Imagine it's 1996 and this hot new arcade game just released

Arrowhead Game Studios/64 Bits via YouTube
(Image credit: Arrowhead Game Studios/64 Bits via YouTube)

It's 1996 and Helldivers 2 has just came out in arcades in 16-bit, at least according to this fan-made project.

Constructed lovingly by 64 Bits, the teaser just below shows off an alternate reality in which Helldivers 2 wasn't released as a new-gen third-person shooter in 2024, but debuted as a two-player arcade side-scrolling shooter. Two Helldivers drop on an enemy planet, completed with a big pixelated bang, and proceed to tear up the local wildlife.

It's a really fun creation, and honestly kind of nails the chaotic nature of Helldivers 2 itself. The players have to bound over one another to face off against enemies, lest they shoot one another in the back of the head, but they can also dodge over enemy attacks from one side of the screen, and let said attacks decimate enemies on the other side.

You can see the full creation from 64 Bits just below, complete with theoretical box art, as well as the brilliant tagline 'Winners Don't Do Bugs.' There's even a brief character select screen, where you can choose one of four Helldivers, each with a different primary weapon, and then set about destroying Super Earth's enemies and liberating the galaxy.

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64 Bits previously 'demade' Palworld in the style of Pokemon Black earlier this year, putting a very retro spin on the smash-hit survival sim. As with the new Helldivers 2 deconstruction, it also featured a box art and gameplay, showing just how far the demake crew will go for a new project.

Sony apparently can’t stop leaking Helldivers 2 updates: new Warbond Freedom's Flame with "fiery weapons" and "cool capes" spotted on PS5.

Hirun Cryer
Hirun Cryer
Freelance Writer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.