Japanese developer M2 sets the gold standard for video game ports and compilations. Their unparalleled passion for preservation, meticulous emulation, and impressive quality-of-life enhancements make their releases a must-own for any retro gaming fan.
Japanese developer M2 is the gold standard for porting and emulating classic video games. While many developers simply transfer a game from one system to another, M2’s philosophy centers on thoughtful enhancement and preservation. Their work consistently goes beyond basic replication, introducing significant quality-of-life improvements, new gameplay modes, and meticulous customization options that allow players to tailor the experience. This dedication ensures that classic titles are not just preserved but are often presented in their definitive forms, making them accessible and enjoyable for both original fans and new audiences.
The company's portfolio is extensive, featuring celebrated work on projects like the Sega Ages series for the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Switch, various collections for Konami, and the Toaplan Arcade Garage compilations. In each release, M2 demonstrates a deep understanding of the source material, providing meticulous emulation that is often supplemented with modern conveniences. These can range from performance boosts, such as a 60 frames-per-second mode in Outrun, to entirely new features like the auto-mapping function in Phantasy Star, which removes a major barrier for modern players.
What truly sets M2 apart is its willingness to create entirely new content based on classic properties. The company famously developed a full remake of Fantasy Zone 2 in the style of a Sega System 16 arcade game, and created original titles for the Wii with its Rebirth series, including the highly-regarded Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth. These ambitious projects showcase a developer that is not just a custodian of gaming history but an active and passionate contributor to it, cementing their legacy as masters of retro reimagination.
