I’m Hyped This Unknown Irem Beat-’em-Up Is Adding a Bases Loaded Stage
Irem’s Ninja Baseball Bat Man, an obscure 1993 arcade beat-’em-up, is being revived for PlayStation 5, launching on December 10th, 2026. The title has largely faded from mainstream awareness despite maintaining a cult following among beat-’em-up enthusiasts and arcade game collectors.
The 1993 original combined martial arts combat with baseball themes, offering a unique blend of action game mechanics. The upcoming PS5 revival builds on this foundation with notable additions. Most significantly, the new version will feature a “Bases Loaded” stage, expanding the game’s baseball-themed gameplay while retaining the core beat-’em-up mechanics.
This release exemplifies the growing trend of arcade game revivals and digital preservation efforts, bringing lesser-known titles from gaming’s golden age to modern audiences. Rather than a straightforward port, the PS5 version represents a meaningful update that respects the original while introducing fresh content for both longtime fans and newcomers discovering the series.
The revival highlights Irem’s legacy as a publisher of distinctive arcade experiences, serving as a reminder of the depth and variety of titles that emerged during the arcade boom, many of which have been largely forgotten by contemporary audiences.