Based on the classic 60’s Japanese manga and TV show, Astro Boy follows the story of a child-like robot named Astro with human emotions. Abandoned by his creator, Astro finds a new home with Dr. Elefun, who trains him to fight evil and be the best robotic kid possible.

Omega Factor, developed by Treasure (Ikaruga, Sin and Punishment) in conjunction with Sega’s Hitmaker!, is a fast paced GBA beat-em-up with core gameplay resembling a hybrid of Contra, Final Fight, and Gradius. The game consists of seven episodic chapters divided into linear stages. Stages come in two varieties: platforming and aerial shooting. Both types are brimming with bosses and hordes of underlings for the player to pulverize. Players can go at their own pace in the platforming sections, but they’ll have to evade obstacles while battling an auto-scrolling screen in the shooting sections. Locales include a station on the moon, snowy fields, downtown Metro City, and more.

Astro is a resourceful robot. He can dash for an extra burst of speed on the ground, or use his jet boots to fly a short distance in any direction. Astro’s attacks include the standard punch and kick, but that’s nothing special. As an Android, he can also shoot a laser beam from his index finger for a longer-range attack. Destroying enemies charges the Super meter; fill the meter and you’ll earn a Super point. Super points are spent on more powerful attacks, such as the larger arm cannon beam and an omni-directional machine gun (in Astro’s rear). Astro can also use his jet boots for a powerful aerial charge and a brief moment of invincibility. Players can combine weaker attacks with strong finishers to take out baddies in style and rack up the score.

Throughout the game, characters you encounter are recorded in Astro’s "heart", which provides character synopses and other information. As the android meets characters and resolves conflicts, he also earns power-ups used to upgrade one of six attributes: life, punch (close combat), laser, shot (machine gun), jet, and sensor (vision enhancements). Upgrading an attack will also increase its score point value.

Astro Boy: Omega Factor is a licensed game targeted at younger players, but it certainly caters to the old-school gamers, too. You can look for the feisty little android in stores starting August 17th.