Irena Genesis Metal Fury

Rising Force demo update coming soon!
9 months ago – Sun, Sep 07, 2025 at 10:40:45 AM

A few weeks ago, we released the new Rising Force demo exclusively for our backers, and the whole White Ninja Studio team wants to sincerely thank you for your support and your ever-growing love for Irena: Genesis Metal Fury.

Despite the challenges, we keep fighting, and it’s truly an honor to see so many of you rallying behind us. Your constructive feedback helps us improve the game, fix bugs, and even connect with potential publishers who might be interested in Irena.

Improved gameplay

Thanks to your input, we’ve gathered a lot of feedback and are preparing an upcoming update. This update will fix issues, including the display bug that sometimes occurs during the second phase of the first level. It will also bring major gameplay changes. Veteran players might need a short adjustment period, but these improvements will significantly enhance the overall experience.

We’ve also made difficulty adjustments based on your suggestions: enemies will be less tough, and weapons will be better balanced. We’re currently updating the how-to to match the new gameplay and will release the updated Rising Force demo in the coming weeks.

Next fight on the next level

At this stage of development, it’s difficult to make deep changes, so our focus is on completing the game in the next few months. Your ideas will be kept for the second installment, which promises to take Irena to the next level.

For those who haven’t tried it yet, the demo lets you play one of the five levels under a time limit. Only the best will manage to finish each level on time. It’s a great way to see the game in action and get a sense of where we’re at. Reminder: the demo is exclusive to backers and cannot be obtained elsewhere. The public demo will be updated soon, so everyone can enjoy the latest improvements.

We receive many messages from players eager to pre-order Irena and support us financially. Thank you for your growing enthusiasm — it means a lot to us! For now, you will have to wait until the official release to get a copy. Everything will depend on the options available, but once production and shipping for backers are complete, we will do our best to make Irena available for purchase. It may take patience, but rest assured: we are fighting hard for it.

We’re thrilled by your trust and patience — very few of you have requested refunds, and we truly appreciate your confidence. To process refunds, please update your credit card information in your account.

Finally, exciting news: the MegaScore service is coming back soon! You’ll be able to share your top scores online and challenge the community once again. 

Thank you all for your incredible support. Together, we bring Irena Genesis Metal Fury

Summer Demo available !
10 months ago – Sat, Aug 23, 2025 at 09:41:54 AM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.

Irena Genesis Metal Fury: Updates and an Exclusive ROM for Backers
over 1 year ago – Sat, Mar 15, 2025 at 01:53:28 AM

Dear backers,

First and foremost, we sincerely apologize for the lack of communication over the past few months regarding Irena Genesis Metal Fury. We understand that this may have caused concern, and today we want to provide you with clear and transparent updates on the project's progress.

A Difficult Period

The past few weeks have been marked by personal challenges that have significantly impacted development. Our project lead has gone through a difficult time on a personal level, requiring a break to refocus and resume work under better conditions.

We were also deeply saddened by the loss of OHKO, our talented artist and close friend, who was a key part of this project and contributed to every step despite his serious health issues. His passing has been a tremendous loss for the entire team.

The Project Moves Forward

Despite these hardships, our determination to complete Irena Genesis Metal Fury remains stronger than ever. We have always been committed to delivering a shoot’em up that meets your expectations on the SEGA Mega Drive / Genesis, and we are working tirelessly to make this vision a reality.

An Exclusive ROM for Backers

To reassure you about the project's progress, we will be sending out a ROM featuring multiple levels. This will allow you to test the game, see how it has evolved, and share your feedback or suggestions. This ROM will be exclusively available to backers.

Additionally, we plan to release a new version of the demo, incorporating several improvements from the final version.

PC Version

Due to our lack of communication, many of you may not have heard that we have been working on a PC version of Irena. We had previously developed a functional port, but we decided to rebuild it from the ground up to deliver an experience very close to the Mega Drive / SEGA Genesis version, without relying on emulation. To achieve this, we developed a custom library that replicates the console’s logic, allowing us to create a flexible development environment for future games and facilitate porting. This was a major undertaking, but it ensures that you will enjoy a true arcade experience on PC without the need for any emulator.

Refunds

For those who have requested a refund, we will begin processing them as soon as possible. We are committed to responding to each of your messages and doing our best to fulfill all requests in a timely manner.

More Regular Communication

We have heard your concerns and are committed to resuming a more consistent communication schedule. Regular updates will be shared on Kickstarter, Itchio, and X (formerly Twitter) to keep you informed of the project’s progress.

Additionally, a personal message from the project lead will soon be sent to all backers.

Our Apologies and Gratitude

We understand that this long period of silence may have been frustrating and concerning for you. This project exists because of your support, and we deeply regret not keeping you more informed. We sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding. Your passion and commitment are a true source of motivation for us, and we are more determined than ever to deliver the game you have been waiting for.

Thank you again for your patience, support, and understanding. We can't wait to share the next chapter of Irena Genesis Metal Fury with you!

The White Ninja Team

Back to Work with Exciting News for Irena Genesis Metal Fury!
almost 2 years ago – Mon, Sep 09, 2024 at 12:43:15 PM

As summer ends, we have big news to share with you about Irena Genesis Metal Fury! We're thrilled to update you on recent progress, despite the challenges we've faced along the way. Your patience and continued support mean the world to us.

Encouraging Updates

We’ve made significant progress in the game’s development. We’ve been working tirelessly to enhance the graphics and music, which are now perfectly aligned with the unique atmosphere of each level. Thanks to memory optimization, we’ve maximized the available space on the cartridge, delivering an even more immersive sound experience.

Additionally, we’ve developed new tools to streamline our work. For instance, a cinematic screen generator will make it easier to display key sequences of the game. We’ve also optimized the code to ensure smooth performance and minimize slowdowns. Although the ROM is stable, we will continue testing and making minor tweaks until the very last moment.

A Key Transition for Better Communication

We also want to inform you about a change in our communication channels. The dedicated Irena Discord server will soon be closed as we consolidate our discussions in the White Ninja Studio Discord channel. This transition will allow us to manage communication better and respond more effectively to your questions. We’ll provide details on how to join the new server soon. We hope this change will simplify our interactions and enhance our ability to keep you informed.

A Difficult Time

We need to address a difficult topic. As some of you may know, we recently lost our talented artist, OHKO. OHKO has been a vital part of Irena Genesis Metal Fury since the beginning, and his contributions, despite his health challenges, were invaluable. We have taken time to mourn his loss, and we want to thank everyone who has shared their support during this challenging period.

Despite this tragedy, we have continued development with determination. We’ve brought on a new artist who has worked with us to finalize the graphics while staying true to OHKO's style. We are doing everything we can to preserve the essence of his work while making improvements to the game.

Your Messages and Our Responses

We receive a large number of messages and comments every day. While we would love to respond to each of you individually, it’s unfortunately not always possible due to the high volume and time constraints. We do our best to read and take into account your messages, and we will try to answer your questions as we go along. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

The Final Stretch

We are now aiming to complete development by the end of December 2024. This timeframe will allow us to refine the final details and prepare the end credits. In the coming months, we’ll be sharing regular video updates and live sequences to showcase the game’s evolution and let you follow our progress.

Thank you for your continued support and patience. We can’t wait to reveal more about Irena Genesis Metal Fury in the coming weeks!

Sincerely,
The White Ninja Studio Team

Development Progress Update: Explore the Latest Advancements of Irena!
over 2 years ago – Sat, Mar 16, 2024 at 08:53:58 AM

Dear retro game enthusiasts and investors,

We're delighted to bring you the latest news on the development of Irena, our ambitious project for the SEGA Mega Drive / Genesis. Several months have passed since our last news item, during which our team has been committed to making a multitude of improvements to bring you a quality gaming experience on this iconic console. Explore the diverse landscapes of the planet Xellia at the controls of the Rayden MG323, and get ready for intense, captivating combat.

ROM Optimization 

At this point, we're proud to announce that all five levels of Irena have been fully finalized.  In addition, we've optimized the cartridge's memory, now at 3.6MB, a decision that reflects our commitment to respecting the technical constraints of the time, while paving the way for future content additions.

At the same time, our team has made numerous improvements to the game engine, including a more efficient aiming system for turrets and behavioral adjustments for enemies. But the most significant progress lies in the complete restructuring of the engine to improve the game's overall performance and functionality, guaranteeing a fluid and immersive gaming experience.

Stage 1 - SPACE

Irena's first level has been featured on numerous occasions, and served as a reference for the demo released during the Kickstarter campaign. Since then, the level has undergone several improvements designed to offer players a more immersive experience, with more intense action and a revised difficulty level.

Set in space, the level concludes with an assault on a highly secure station, where players must face the dreaded SCU-18 security system. This station, responsible for protecting the entrance to the atmosphere of the planet Xellia from any external threat, represents a crucial obstacle to the mission's progress. In this level, players will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the controls and game mechanics, while taking on an initial challenge tailored to their skills.

A lot of work went into designing the level, but this step proved essential in laying the foundations for the game, which is based primarily on two-stage levels, each punctuated by an intermediate boss serving as a transition. We're proud to present a shoot'em up offering a diversity of situations within the levels themselves, with rich and varied content.

At this stage, development of the level is fully complete. We are therefore at a stage where modifications should be limited to fixing any bugs and adding minor improvements. This approach allows us to guarantee the stability and quality of the game experience, while concentrating our efforts on the essential aspects of finalizing the game.

Stage 2 - SKYLAND

In level 2, the action continues in the skies above the planet Xellia, as the player faces the army of Emperor Shungor, accompanied by a host of new enemies. Unlike the first level, the first phase of this level uses a warp effect rather than conventional scrolling, offering a visually stimulating and immersive gameplay experience.

This level is available exclusively in the backers-only demo, but it's important to point out that modifications have been made and the experience may be slightly different from that presented previously.

Difficulty increases progressively as the level progresses, requiring constant concentration to succeed. After overcoming the initial defenses, the player gradually descends to a defense station in mid-air, where the confrontation continues with "Yelena" at the controls of a powerful mecha.

We're confident that this level will offer players a thrilling gaming experience, combining intense action, stimulating challenges and epic encounters with formidable opponents.

Although development of the level is complete, we are aware of some performance issues that may arise, including slowdowns during the second phase, especially when many elements are displayed simultaneously on the screen. To ensure a smooth and seamless gaming experience, our team is currently working on optimizations to resolve these issues.

These optimizations include adjustments to graphics rendering, resource optimization and on-screen element management. Our aim is to maintain stable performance while preserving the aesthetics and intensity of the action to deliver an optimal gaming experience for players.

We are determined to resolve these issues quickly and deliver a version of the game that works optimally on all platforms, ensuring that every player can enjoy the adventure to the full without being hampered by performance issues.

Stage 3 - SEA

It's true that some of you may have discovered Irena through our prototype containing the "SEA" level. However, this level has since undergone a significant transformation to match the evolution of the project and harmonize with the other levels in the game. 

This evolution has introduced exciting new elements that promise an even more captivating gaming experience.
In its new version, the "SEA" level has been enriched with the addition of fearsome enemies that are sure to challenge even the most seasoned players. What's more, a second thrilling phase now takes place in a mystical cavern, where players must avoid a variety of devious traps to progress.

This major evolution of the "SEA" level reflects our commitment to offering a rich and varied gaming experience, while maintaining a high level of quality at every stage of development. We look forward to sharing this new version with you and immersing you in the exciting world of Irena.

Development of Level 3 is now complete, and we are pleased to announce that no changes or enhancements are required at this stage. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of our development team, Level 3 offers a complete and polished gaming experience, ready for players to explore.

We've devoted a great deal of time and attention to every detail of this level to ensure total immersion and smooth gameplay. From careful design elements to balanced gameplay mechanics, we're confident that Level 3 will offer players a memorable and rewarding experience.

We look forward to sharing this new content with our community of players and to gathering their reactions and feedback. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for Irena!

Stage 4 - CYBER CITY

Level 4, also known as "Cyber City", represented a major challenge for our team, both technically and visually. We worked hard to bring our ideas to fruition and offer players a unique moment in Irena's world. This level features a striking urban setting, using a distortion effect while scrolling for total immersion.

As with previous levels, players will be treated to a host of new enemies, including the return of a unit familiar to fans of our prototype: cyborgs riding futuristic motorcycles, armed with powerful guns and ready to challenge players' skills. We hope this nod to our prototype will delight long-time fans.

A lot of work has gone into this level's intermediate boss, and we're delighted to see it fully operational. We introduced it in a previous news item, and since then we've made a few modifications to better integrate it into Irena's universe. In particular, we've chosen to make the boss vehicle hover by removing its wheels, giving it an appearance more in keeping with the aesthetics of our game. What's more, this intermediate boss is one of the few to offer two phases of confrontation: one aboard his racing car and the other on foot, guaranteeing a varied and captivating combat experience for players.

We're delighted to announce that development of the level is almost complete. However, we have identified a few adjustments that need to be made to ensure an optimal gameplay experience.

Firstly, we are aware that the intermediate boss battle is currently too difficult. We will be taking the necessary steps to balance this aspect of the game, to ensure that players can meet this challenge in a fair and rewarding manner.

In addition, we have noted that the movements of the robots accompanying the level's final boss also require modifications to improve the balance and fluidity of the combat. We'll be working on these adjustments to deliver a more consistent and immersive gaming experience.

Apart from these specific points, the level is fully functional and ready for players to explore. We are committed to providing a high-quality gaming experience, and will do everything in our power to ensure that every aspect of the level lives up to the expectations of our gaming community.

We thank you for your patience and continued support, and look forward to showing you this new level in all its glory once the fine-tuning is complete.

Stage 5 - PRISON

Level 5 plunges players into a captivating environment, set in a highly secure penitentiary. This crucial mission involves freeing a prisoner who will help Celina locate the secret base where the mothership she is accompanying is imprisoned. The difficulty of this level increases significantly, requiring sustained concentration on the part of players if they hope to progress to the next level.

The intermediate boss represents a formidable challenge that leaves no respite for players, with its numerous projectiles and powerful laser. Facing this formidable adversary will require skill and strategy.

So far, we've chosen not to reveal the second phase of the level, which contains more mature content. Out of respect for the sensibilities of everyone, especially younger players, we have deliberately disabled the scenery on the screenshots to avoid any inappropriate visual shock.

We are confident that this new level will offer an intense and immersive gaming experience, while contributing to the advancement of Irena's captivating plot. We look forward to sharing this new adventure with you!

Development of Irena's Level 5 is nearing completion, but some fine-tuning is needed to perfect it. We have identified opportunities for improvement that will further enrich the gaming experience. Our aim is to create an immersive and engaging environment for players, and to achieve this we plan to make modifications such as adding animation and integrating a hoverboard for the level's boss.

Stage 6 - RAILWAY

Irena's Level 6 takes players on a perilous rail journey, where they will be confronted by a heavily armed train. In the interests of optimizing the gaming experience and ensuring consistency with the game world, we have decided to completely redesign the level. This includes not only a complete overhaul of the train, but also consideration of the possibility of replacing the scenery to better match the overall aesthetic and mood of the game.

In parallel, our team is currently working on the design of the level's boss, who will take the form of a female mecha armed with a powerful assault rifle. Although the intermediate boss has already been created, its integration into the game requires particular attention to ensure a smooth transition between the different phases of the level. As with previous levels, players will have to traverse two distinct stages before facing the level's final boss, adding depth and variety to the gameplay experience.

This redesign of Level 6 demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering an immersive and captivating gaming experience to our community of players. We're confident that these adjustments will enhance players' immersion in Irena's world and deliver an even more rewarding gaming experience. We look forward to sharing this new version of Level 6 with our players and to gathering their enthusiastic feedback.

Stage 7 - SECRET BASE

In Level 7, the player is transported to the bowels of Hell. This secret base represents a formidable challenge, promising a final confrontation as difficult as it is demanding. The introduction of never-before-seen enemies adds to the intensity of the confrontation, their fearsome power a true test of the player's skills. In this crucial battle, every life and credit saved counts to snatch victory from the clutches of hell.

As in previous levels, the player must complete two distinct phases before facing the fearsome final boss, a cyborg samurai ready to do anything to defend his infernal domain. These successive phases add a strategic dimension to the gaming experience, forcing the player to adapt to increasing challenges before the grand final confrontation.

Although the foundations of Level 7 are already in place, there are still some adjustments to be made, particularly in the second phase where certain enemies and the final boss need to be fine-tuned to ensure a balanced and rewarding challenge. We're determined to offer players a memorable final experience, where their dedication and skill will be rewarded to the full.

Level 7 represents the culmination of Irena's adventure, and we're determined to make it an epic and satisfying climax for players. That's why we're working with the utmost care to create a level that lives up to the expectations of our player community, offering an immersive and rewarding experience right to the very end of their journey through Hell.

What remains to be finished

Before tackling the final two levels, we'll be carrying out extensive testing and bug-fixing to ensure an optimal gameplay experience. Level 6 will take you on a thrilling railroad ride, while the final level will plunge you into a secret base where only courage will lead to victory. We've also decided to completely overhaul level 6 to bring you an even more intense action experience. As for level 7, we're staying on the same basis, except for the bosses, which we've decided to replace to make the action more intense. 

Although we've made enormous progress, we're still working hard to finalize the game. We hope to have everything ready for release by the end of 2024, and will keep you informed of our progress through future news updates.

In conclusion, we'd like to express our sincere gratitude for your unfailing support throughout this journey. Although the project has encountered some delays, we have taken this opportunity to fine-tune every aspect of the game, with the sole aim of providing you with an unforgettable experience.

Our team is determined to bring this project to fruition and deliver a game that lives up to your expectations. We thank you for your trust and patience, and hope you will be fully satisfied with the final result. Stay tuned for further updates, and get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Irena.

We'd like to thank you for your continued support and patience. With your help, we're convinced that Irena will be a real success. Stay tuned for more exciting news about our ongoing project.

Sincerely yours, The White Ninja Studio team