Razing Core
A downloadable game
Razing Core is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up for the SEGA Master System and Mark III console.
On a routine deep-space mission the Horizon encounters an unknown object, the Core. Without warning it pulls the Horizon into its slipstream at light speed and heads for Earth.
You are about to drop out of hyperspace into a war zone.
With the Horizon's firepower and the Core's unexpected aid at your disposal, you must destroy the invading alien armada to save humanity.
Features:
- 7 stages across the solar system
- Upgradable primary, secondary and Core weapons
- Burst Charge weapon with 5 charge levels
- Screen-filling bosses and multiple mid bosses
- Boss checkpoints and infinite continues
- Printable manual with illustrated cover
- Stage 1 demo available
Controls:
- Master System/Mark III Controller:
- D-Pad: Move
- Button 1+2: Burst Charge
- Button 1: Rapid Shot (hold)
- Button 2: Core Attack
- Mega Drive/Genesis Controller:
- D-Pad: Move
- Button A: Burst Charge
- Button B: Rapid Shot (hold)
- Button C: Core Attack
- Start Button: Pause
A physical release is planned for 2027.
Follow us:
Developed by Bad Computer - X / Bluesky
Music by Lovepenguin - Bandcamp
Illustrations by Danmakuman - Linktree
© 2026 Bad Computer
This is distributed as a Sega Master System ROM; you will need a Sega Master System/Mark III emulator (such as Emulicious or Mesen), FPGA device, or real hardware to run it. If you're using a MiSTer then you may have to disable the BIOS to run it.
The game is designed to be played at 60hz.
Known issues
Using the save state feature on an EverDrive X7 can reset the game in some areas. A fix is coming in the next update.
Purchase
In order to download this game you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $7.99 USD. You will get access to the following files:
Download demo
Comments
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We’ve taken another look at the final version of the game. Anyone still unsure about this milestone—featuring incredible graphics—that awaits them here shouldn't hesitate to check out our longplay, starting at 08:12:08. English subtitles are also available. 🙂
Awesome game! Any chance that there will be a Game Gear version at some point?
Thank you and keep up the good stuff!
It already runs fine on my Game Gear as is FWIW. It's modded with a modern screen, but I assume it would just look blurrier with the original screen due to both the screen quality and interpolation.
Ah, OK, I was just wondering if you would create a native version with adapted resolution and colors?
Outstanding game, both technically and in terms of gameplay which is rarely seen on the system. Our German-language review can be found at 08:31:27. English subtitles are also available. Subscription to our YouTube and Twitch channel is welcome. 🙂
Really nice SMS shoot'em up! Could you please also include a HQ cover art within the zip file that has the game and manual, please?
Zerei. Jogo nota 10. Rivaliza com jogos como R-Type, Scrumble Spirits. Power Strike, entre outros. Na verdade, vocês fizeram o melhor jogo de nave de Master System que eu joguei até hoje. Parabens !
Bonjour ! C'est la toute première fois que j'achète un homebrew. J'avais testé la démo et, pour une 8-bit, les graphismes m'ont vraiment bluffé.
Bonne continuation et tous mes encouragements depuis la France ! 🇫🇷
I was hoping to play this on real hardware but when put on a standard Sega PCB with a 315-5235 paging chip many of the graphics are missing and display as red vertical stripes on my Master System 1 (bios with built in Hang On and Safari Hunt). Is this a bug or is it deliberate to prevent the pirates selling fake carts?
Game looks fantastic and plays great in an emulator - it's just a shame I can't play it the way I had originally intended.
Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying it. It runs fine on an Everdrive or similar flash cart if you want it on real hardware in the meantime. I can't help with self-built carts, I'm afraid — official physical editions are planned for next year, and those will be properly tested.
It's beautiful. :) Thank you for creating this.
This is just amazing!
Wow beautiful, good work.
This game is pretty good! I hope there will be a Game Gear version as well.
Also, what game engine did you use to make this game?
Can't you just play on the game gear anyway? The SMS was compatible and playable on the GG with just a cartridge adapter right?
You're right,thanks！
In addition,what game engine did you use to make this game?
I didn't use a game engine, but I did use DevkitSMS which is a collection of tools and libraries: https://github.com/sverx/devkitSMS
Ciao ma che bel gioco.
Per prima cosa colgo l'occasione per farti i miei complimenti gioco molto molto bello.
Buonissima giocabilità bellissime le musiche ogni livello è diverso wowwww.
Ho portato un gameplay nel mio piccolo canale
Ciao
This is insanely good. Better than most official Master System games. Better than ALL homebrew Master System games, including mine! Bravo. Blazing Lazers for Master System? Yes, please!
Without a doubt, one of the best shoot-'em-ups for the SMS. Kudos. Truly incredible!
Easily rivals any of the best 8-bit Compile games and several of the more respected vertical shmups on the PC Engine, in my honest opinion.
Wipes the floor with Mega Drive's Dangerous Seed in terms of visuals and gameplay. Also vastly superior to Darwin 4081 (MD) and Super Real Darwin (arcade).
And to me this is the absolute maximum you can extract from the DCSG (SN76489) in terms of balancing out solid sound effects and music, without ever sounding annoying or empty.
Absolute masterclass in sound design and the compositions would make you believe the sound chip has 5 or 6 channels at times.
Pixel art is equally AAA and absolutely delightful, the way that it never allows the game to have solid black empty backgrounds and look repetitive, generic or boring. Amazing, inspiring really.
This is like SMS' M.U.S.H.A. but also pushing the hardware with absolute balance so that it never overdoes anything, SOLID and POLISHED to the max.
10/10 and then some.
Really took it up a notch with this game, legitimately one of the better shmups on SMS. A lot of Compile vibes.
Fantastic shoot em up
The graphics are very beautiful—congratulations!
🎮 🙂 🎧 awesome music 🎶
Does this have DRM on it like Frontier Force did preventing it being put on a cartridge?
congrats! will there be a physical edition?
Thanks! Yes, it's planned for next year.
Jogo incrivel ! Já comprei. Contem com o meu apoio ! Aguardo a edição fisica.
Featured! https://www.indieretronews.com/2026/09/razing-core-vertical-shoot-em-up-for.html
Very impressive. Good job!
This is amazing! Instant buy!
what an amazing surprise!! Instabuy!
Looking forward to popping this one into the Mark III this week!
What a splendid job! Congratulations and keep up the good work.
Congratulations Adam!