TOKYO, Japan – August 6, 2026 – AMATA Games, the indie game publishing brand operated by Amata K.K.,We are pleased to announce that the release date for the Steam and console versions of 'Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE' has been set for August 6, 2026.
Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE
Steam & Console Release Date Confirmed for August 6, 2026!
◆What is ‘Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE’?
"Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE" is the ultimate, completely new 8-bit shmup created in the 21st century.
Released in December 2024, it also made headlines for bringing together a star-studded team of creators known for their work on classic Shmup.
And now, to make the game available to as many people as possible, its release on Steam and consoles (Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S) has been decided under our indie game publishing brand, ‘AMATA Games.’
The Steam/Console version includes both the Japanese/North American versions with their differing storylines, and features a gallery mode where you can enjoy printed materials and various visuals.
◆Steam Store Page
https://store.steampowered.com/app/4078160/
■Trailer
https://youtu.be/r5-qs6t2GFg
◆Story
In the year 2413, the Earth was invaded by evil space pirates “Van-De-Raus”. They are dominating 5 big economic cities and taking control of the world economy.
Friendly planet, Petelgeuse, decided to save the Earth from space pirates and send reinforcement. Ace pirots, Mary and Kanon, ride on ESTIQUE and now launching to the Earth. Mary, you must be the messiah of the Earth. A tomorrow winner is you!
◆Simple Yet Deep Game System
This side-scrolling shooter features six stages themed after cities around the world.
The super-variable robot “Estique” can transform at any time between the “Fighter Form,” which has a small vertical hitbox, and the “Robot Form,” which nullifies terrain damage and excels at recovery. Mastering the strategic switching between these two forms and two types of equipment is key to clearing the game. Furthermore, the scoring system utilizing the “Super Weapon” special attack—activated by rapid-firing the shot button—adds depth to the gameplay.
With a life system that regenerates over time and the removal of power-ups, the game design prioritizes accessibility. A strategic shooting experience awaits you, enjoyable for everyone from beginners to advanced players.
◆Shmup professionals come together to this game!
Staff with extensive experience in the development of shmup are involved.
Takayuki “Jemini” Hirono (Zanac, The Guardian Legend, Gun-Nac) as programmer.
Hiroki “Daigattai” Kodama (Power Strike II for GG, Spriggan mark2) as production design.
Satoshi “Pac” Fujishima (Final Justice, Gulkave, Guardic) as Jemini yudo + SE.
Shinichi Sakamoto (Wonder Boy in Monster Land, Psychic 5) as composer.
Shinji Hosoe (Dragon Spirit, Ordyne) as composer.
Ayako Saso (Rolling Thunder 2, Galaxian 3) as composer.
Kenki Fujioka (Advance of Z, mecha design) as main visual.
ANO Shimizu (Kendo Rage, Chojin Heiki Zeroigar) as cartridge visual.
Kouji Kenjou (Cosmo Gang: The Video, Emeraldia) as game advisor
Junya Inoue (Esp Ra.De., Death Smiles) as petit adviser
◆Features of the Steam/Console Version
・Fully includes both the Japanese version ‘超翼戦騎エスティーク’ and the North American version ‘Changeable Guardian Estique’, which features different stories and some graphics.
・Rewind functions make it accessible even for those less skilled at shooters.
・Full controller support ensures comfortable play anytime.
・CRT filter recreates the nostalgic look of a CRT television.
・Equipped with an online ranking feature, allowing you to compete for high scores with players nationwide.
・Includes Gallery Mode. Enjoy the instruction manual, box art, and cartridge visuals.
*Due to various circumstances, the Score Attack version (Japanese version/North American version) has been excluded from this release.
*Some specifications have been changed for this ported version.
◆“Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE”Game Overview
Title: Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE
Genre: Thrilling Entertainment Robot Shmup
Compatible Models (Planned)：Steam, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation™5, Xbox Series X|S（Xbox Play Anywhere compatible）
Distribution Store (Planned)： Steam, Nintendo e-shop, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store
Number of Players: 1
Supported Languages (Planned): Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional)
Price:
Steam: 15.99 USD～
Nintendo Switch: 15.99 USD～
PlayStation 5: 15.99 USD～
Xbox Series X|S: 15.99 USD～
(Prices may differ across stores/regions)
Release Date: August 6
Rating: IARC 3+
Developer:Cat Hui Trading LLC
Distribution：AMATA Games
Official Website (AMATA Games)：https://amata.games/en/game/estique
Copyright Notice＠：©Cat Hui Trading LLC Licensed to and published by AMATA Games
About AMATA K.K.
Company Name: AMATA K.K.
Representative: Hiromichi Takahashi, Company President, and Representative Director
Address: 6F Aoba Daiichi Bldg, 2-3-1 Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0074, JAPAN
Established: June 25th, 2008
Business: Game Business & others
Official Website: https://amata.co.jp/en/
About Amata K.K.: Founded in Tokyo in 2008, Amata K.K. has helped develop smartphone titles for a wide variety of world-renowned Japanese game companies over the years. With many staff having over 20 years of game industry experience, Amata has become a trusted one-stop shop for planning, developing, and operating games across a variety of platforms. While keeping the focus on game development, Amata has also begun to expand into VR, video, media, and other forms of entertainment.
Other company names, product names, service names, etc., are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.