Its 2025 and Farming Simulator comes to the Sega Megadrive / Genesis

Forget Next-Gen, Farming Simulator Goes Last-Last-Gen.

It seems the relentless march of agricultural simulation knows no bounds, not even those imposed by time itself. GIANTS Software, the creators of the wildly popular Farming Simulator series, are taking a rather unexpected detour into the past with Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition, a fully-fledged, physical cartridge release for the venerable Sega Mega Drive (or Genesis, if you’re stateside). Yes, you read that correctly. Forget 4K textures and ray-traced tractors; this is all about chunky pixels and the unmistakable charm of 16-bit hardware.

Initially teased and perhaps dismissed by some as an elaborate jest, this retro revival is very much real. The project sprouted from a digital bonus included with the PC Collector's Edition of Farming Simulator 25, which featured a 16-bit version on a PC DVD. Buoyed by unexpectedly positive fan feedback, GIANTS Software decided to give the concept proper roots, partnering with retro specialists Strictly Limited Games to produce authentic Mega Drive cartridges.

This isn't merely a modern game slathered in a pixel filter. Renzo Thönen, lead level designer at GIANTS and a self-confessed retro enthusiast, programmed the game in C using the SGDK development kit, specifically designed for Sega's classic console. He embraced the hardware's limitations, resulting in creative solutions like splitting the map into three smaller, simultaneously playable areas to manage memory constraints. The game boasts hand-pixeled backgrounds, pre-rendered 3D models cleverly crunched down into sprites for the 14 available machines, and even features digitised sound effects tailored for the Mega Drive’s sound chip. Adding another layer of nostalgic authenticity, the soundtrack comes courtesy of none other than legendary Turrican composer Chris Huelsbeck, who crafted eight original tracks as if composed back in 1989.

For collectors eager to get their wellies on this slice of anachronistic gaming, Strictly Limited Games is offering two exclusive versions. The Limited Edition is set to launch on 14 May 2025, priced at €49.99 (approx. £43 / $54), followed by the Deluxe Edition in July 2025 at €69.99 (approx. £60 / $75), which includes extras like a soundtrack CD and cartridge holder. Both feature distinctive green cartridges and are limited to 500 copies each – a total run of just 1,000 green carts worldwide. (Note: Prices are approximate conversions; check local suppliers for final costs).

While some corners of the Farming Simulator community might gently grumble about resources being diverted from the flagship Farming Simulator 25, this 16-bit throwback is undeniably a charming oddity. It’s a delightful nod to a bygone era of gaming, proving that even the most modern simulations can find joy in going back to their (pixelated) roots.

Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to our newsletter. Follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram.