ONE-TIME PRE-ORDER: NOVEMBER 10 TO DECEMBER 20, 2026!
Retro-Bit is producing this Collector's Edition only once. No reprint is planned after the pre-order period! The final production quantity will depend on orders placed during the window. Each copy receives an individually numbered collectible slipcover. Retro-Bit expects finished copies in March 2027. We will ship your order as soon as the games arrive with us. If production or delivery is delayed, we will regularly send all pre-order customers updates with the latest information. Additional stock after release is not guaranteed.
Twinkle Tale: The Japanese Mega Drive hidden gem returns
Originally released in Japan in 1992, Twinkle Tale is a fantasy shoot-'em-up finally receiving its first official release outside Japan from Retro-Bit, on a real Genesis and Mega Drive cartridge. Instead of piloting a spaceship, you control a young apprentice magician, Saria, and take on monsters and dark magic from an overhead perspective.
The story: Save Alphyrion from Gado
Born from a conflict between the elements, the land of Alphyrion is threatened by monsters commanded by the dark mage Gado. The fortune teller Raza entrusts Saria, the young apprentice of Orlov, with three magical artifacts. Armed with shooting stars, diamond arrows and silver comets, she must battle her way through nine stages to restore harmony.
Magic instead of laser cannons
Twinkle Tale combines classic 16-bit shoot-'em-up action with a fantasy world and freedom to move around the scrolling battlefield. Switch between magical attacks to suit the situation, collect power-ups and weave through enemies and projectiles. Fast reactions matter, but choosing the right spell gives the action a tactical edge. If you love old-school overhead shooters but prefer wizards to spaceships, this is your kind of game.
Inside the Collector's Edition
- Lucent Blue cartridge: Translucent blue 16-bit game cartridge for Genesis and Mega Drive
- Game case: Classic Genesis/Mega Drive-style plastic case
- Instruction manual: Full-color printed manual
- Numbered commemorative slipcover: Embellished outer sleeve with authenticity sticker showing the final total print run
- Exclusive artwork: New illustrations by DANMAKUMAN
For collectors: With us, you get the translucent Lucent Blue cartridge. The individually numbered slipcover comes with an authenticity sticker showing the final total production quantity.
Built for real Genesis and Mega Drive hardware
The cartridge is compatible with North American Sega Genesis consoles, European PAL Mega Drive systems and most compatible third-party consoles. It is region-free and supports 50 Hz and 60 Hz. The board uses 5-volt chips, and its insertion edges are beveled and rounded to protect cartridge-slot contacts. Please note: The cartridge does not fit a Japanese Mega Drive directly because of the console's slot shape. Adapters and modifications may be possible, but Retro-Bit advises against permanent modification without the necessary experience.
Official re-release with a fresh localization
The game retains its original gameplay, with updated licensing details. Nathan Deren handled localization, with a new translation by Jeff Nussbaum, rather than a reused fan translation. A download version or ports to other consoles are not currently planned.
