Konami have announced that the popular 16-bit 2D platformer Rocket Knight is getting a PS3 and Xbox 360 fuelled revamp and is currently in development with updated graphics and “alluring new environments”. “Konami’s classic 2D action platform titles have a legacy of being well received and enjoyed by gamers worldwide,” said David Daniels, Director of Marketing at Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. “So it was only natural that we bring Sparkster, our favorite opossum hero, to next generation consoles with a combination of elevated graphics, all new environments and of course, the signature rocket action gameplay.”

The press release says that in the game players take on the role of a fiery opossum named Sparkster who returns home to the Kingdom of Zephyrus after 15 years to find it in shambles. Using wits and a trusty rocket pack, players must steer clear and overcome a hostile wolf army looming to take the lives of the Zephyrus people.

Rocket Knight brings expansive new worlds, each with massive platform levels and a rocket flying level. As players navigate through the challenges, their rocket pack can be used to ricochet off walls, launch Sparkster through obstacles and enemies in his way, and rocket drill through weak walls to create new passageways. Along with burst projectiles that shoot from Sparkster’s sword to attack distant foes, a burst vortex can also be created from players’ rocket pack to repel enemy bombs back at them. Players can also use Sparkster’s prehensile tail to hang from and slide down rails in order to avoid danger.

The game’s out next year.