Coffee Crisis
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Coffee Crisis is a game for the Sega Genesis developed and published by Pittsburgh-based company Mega Cat Studios. It was released on February 24, 2017.[1] The game was released as a hardcopy, physical cartridge complete with manual.[2]
Plot
An evil race of aliens called the Smurgliens has watched Earth for years. Through their observations, they deduce that the best humanity has to offer is its wifi, cat videos, metal music, and coffee.[3] Two baristas from the Black Forge Coffee House, Nick and Ashley, take it upon themselves to confront the threat after their coffee shop is invaded.[4]
Gameplay
Coffee Crisis is a side-scrolling brawler[5], reminiscent of games like Streets of Rage or Golden Axe. Players fight a variety of aliens and possessed humans, collecting power-ups and earning points, as they progress through a variety of levels. Jumping and special maneuvers are also available.
The game was designed with cooperative play in mind, and offers two-player support. Players can play as either Nick Miller or Ashley Corts from the Black Forge Coffee House.
Development
The game started out when the owner of Mega Cat Studios and the owner of the Black Forge Coffee House met at a fundraiser for the UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh and decided to collaborate[6]. Out of a shared respect for retro gaming consoles, the pair decided that the game should be released on the Sega Genesis, especially since Mega Cat Studios already had the equipment necessary to self-publish the game.
The Black Forge Coffee House penned the story, while Mega Cat Studios did the art and programming. Pittsburgh metal band Greywalker provided music for the soundtrack [7]. The game features many scenes and locations from around Pittsburgh, including PNC Park, Grandview Boulevard, and the Duquesne Incline.