The action-adventure game Hard Edge, originally released by Sunsoft in 1998 for the original PlayStation, is coming back this week after almost 30 years. However, the new version isn’t an action game – it’s a completely different genre.
Sunsoft is releasing Hard Edge: War Zone on July 22nd. A demo is available now so you can try it out before the full game launches. The developers are calling it a prequel to the classic Hard Edge from 28 years ago, but with a new twist: it’s a 4v4 real-time strategy game where you battle using cards. Each turn, players will use cards to attack, defend, or perform other actions. While you’ll recognize some characters, this turn-based card game will offer a very different experience than the original.
Hard Edge: War Zone Becomes Available on July 22
I recently checked out Hard Edge from ’98, and it reminded me of those older games where you control 3D characters moving through 2D backgrounds. What’s cool is you can play as one of four different characters, each with their own way of fighting. There’s Alex Barratt – he uses a pistol and has night vision, which is pretty neat. Then there’s Michelle Stevenson, she’s all about knives. Rachel Howard is super quick and fights with tonfa sticks, and finally Burns Byford, who’s basically the strong guy of the group; he’s a detective built like a tank!
Hard Edge: War Zone begins six months before the main story. The game opens with an armed group taking over a research facility and holding people hostage, including Dr. Howard from Machinery Gear. A highly skilled special operations team, including characters Alex and Michelle, is sent in to rescue the doctor and regain control of the facility. They’ll have to fight their way through armed guards and dangerous traps to succeed.
1998’s Hard Edge Gets an All-New Prequel
This new game is set in the same futuristic world as the 1998 classic HARD EDGE. It combines intense shooting action with the strategic thinking of card games. Players control four-person teams, using cards to outsmart and defeat their opponents. It mixes the careful planning of turn-based strategy with the excitement of real-time combat, challenging your tactics and how well you work with your team in every battle.
Hard Edge: War Zone offers several game modes. In the classic Capture the Flag mode, teams compete to collect scattered data discs, and the team with the most discs when the timer ends wins. Success depends on careful planning, taking efficient routes, and defeating opponents. A simpler Team Deathmatch mode awards victory to the team with the most eliminations.
Hard Edge: War Zone will be available on Steam on July 22, 2026.
2026-07-20 06:09