Japanese shooter Formation Z announced by Clear River Games

Clear River Games have announced th erelease of classic shooter Formation Z on PlayStation5, Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S, from June 9, 2026.

From the Press Release:

A signature title from Japanese developer Jeleco®, FZ: Formation Z originally found fame in the arcades of the 1980s, notable for its innovative gameplay mechanic which saw gamers take control of a transforming mech named Ixpel, capable of transforming between robot and jet fighter at will. 

Now reborn for the modern era, FZ: Formation Z returns featuring fully updated graphics and an all-new soundtrack by Daisuke Matsumoto. Staying true to the classic gameplay and intuitive controls made famous by the original, gamers once again must go it alone, defeating a savage onslaught of enemies and switching between forms, in this incredible new vision of a classic, featuring a host of brand-new weaponry, dazzling graphical effects and dynamic actions.

Trailer:

Here’s what awaits gamers daring enough to strap into a single-person metal armada!

• Unique Transforming Gameplay: Rule the Land and conquer the Air! - The astonishing Ixpel can transform in real-time between robot form (ideal for land) and jet fighter (conquering the air) for as long as gamers’ energy holds out. Dominate the ground with melee attacks and precision shots or transform into flight form to rip through the battlefield at overwhelming speeds! Traverse five vast adrenaline-packed missions freely and carve out your own path to victory. 
  
  
• Customize Performance in The Factory - Gamers can use FZ Points earned in missions to unlock new Ixpel and cosmetic items. Enhance firepower by equipping modules into four available slots, all designed to overpower your enemies. Players decide for themselves if they will choose to build a balanced Ixpel with well-rounded offence, or focus on enhancing a single trait, building up its abilities to their absolute limit, it’s all up to each individual gamer to design a personalised attack strategy unique to their preference. With part swaps, a choice of colours, and personalised stickers, gamers can build an Ixpel as unique as they are!
  
  
• Challenge Your Limits in Score Attack - Complete a mission and Score Attack Mode is unlocked. Here, gamers can challenge individual missions in a quest to beat their personal best, with high scores recorded for each area. Use your fully customized Ixpel to rewrite the record books.
  
  
• Extensive Archives - Record your epic quest and path through battle, to relive the epic action at a future date!
  
  
• War Record - Tracks total enemies defeated, missions flown and more.
  
  
• Enemy Data - A detailed encyclopaedia of all foe gamers’ take downs can be found here for future research!
  
  
• Gallery - Unlock stunning artwork by completing specific in-game challenges. As you fight, your legacy grows. Keep battling to complete your records of the fight!

FZ: Formation Z will be released physically on June 9, 2026 on PlayStation 5 for an MSRP of $39.99/€34.99 and on Nintendo Switch 2 for an MSRP of $49.99/€44.99. 

FZ: Formation Z will also be available digitally on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and Epic Game Store on June 9, 2026 for an MSRP of $29.99/€24.99.