Today, I have the pleasure of presenting an interview with CEO of CRT GAMES, Sung-gil Yim. CRT GAMES is currently remaking a 1994 classic in the form of Hashire HEBEREKE: EX. This is one such game represented by Gravity, who was present at PAX East 2026.
Hashire HEBEREKE: EX is a remake of Sunsoft’s Hashire Hebereke, an arcade-style like racer known for their adorable and memorable characters. Hashire Hebereke was initially released in 1994 on the Super Famicom. This remake will feature local and online multiplayer (4-player and 8-player, respectively) and various modes to enjoy such as Time Attack, Battle Run, and, yes, Engacho (tag)! But don’t take it from me, let’s learn more from Yim! Be sure to keep scrolling–the trailer is provided at the bottom. Also, don’t forget to wish list it on Steam!
Q: How long have you been developing Hashire HEBEREKE: EX?
Yim: We have been developing this title for a little over two years.
Q: What inspired you to remake a classic?
Yim: Many classic games possess a kind of pure, fundamental fun. Even modern games, though they may appear more complex, ultimately derive from a handful of core genres that originated in those earlier titles. We believe that the essence of gameplay enjoyment comes from these classics. With that in mind, we wanted to revisit and remake a beloved title out of respect for its legacy, and to share that timeless fun with both longtime fans and a new generation of players.
Q: I love that! I can’t wait for the next generation to experience this game! Do you have any personal memories or experiences with these SUNSOFT characters?
Yim: During the 8-bit era, I have many fond memories of playing SUNSOFT titles such as Batman, Hebereke, Gremlins 2, and Ikki.
The Hebereke series, in particular, stood out for its charming and quirky characters with a unique sense of humor. The franchise gained popularity across multiple genres, including action, puzzle, and racing games. At the time, I was a university student, and I have vivid memories of playing these games late into the night with friends on the Super Nintendo after classes.
It is both an honor and a joy to be able to remake such a nostalgic title. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our publisher, Gravity.
Q: What are some elements used in development to add a more modern spin to this racing game?
Yim: Unlike most kart-based racing games, this title features characters running on foot around the track, which gives it a distinctive gameplay identity. While the original game was designed for a 4:3 aspect ratio, the remake adopts a 16:9 format, providing a much wider field of view.
This change allowed us to significantly enhance the impact and variety of in-game items, making races feel more dynamic and exhilarating. In addition to refining the original items, we have introduced a wide range of new ones. Overall, we focused on creating a racing experience that is both charming and highly dynamic.
Q: On top of that, do racers have their own speed/attributes or are they all built the same?
As in the original game, each character has distinct attributes. In the remake, these differences have been further emphasized. Factors such as running speed, swimming ability, and jumping performance vary between characters, meaning that their effectiveness can change depending on the track layout and environmental elements like water sections.
Q: Who is your primary audience for this title?
Yim: Our primary target audience includes players who enjoy competitive games, as well as fans of racing titles like Super Mario Kart and Team Sonic Racing.
At the same time, we designed the game to be accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience, including couples, friends, and families—parents playing together with their children.
Q: I think that is a wonderful approach to take. Now, who is YOUR favorite racer?
My personal favorite is Hebe, the standout main character. That said, all of the characters are charming in their own way, with their quirky and playful personalities.
Thank you so much Sung-gil Yim for speaking with me today about Hashire HEBEREKE: EX and thank you to the Gravity team for coordinating the interview. I’ve very excited to see the return of these adorable characters from the 90s! Currently, the release date is still TBD, but if this game piques your interest, please consider wish listing it on Steam!
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Featured Image Source: CRT Games
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