RetroGaming

Overview

GOG, the popular digital distributor of video games on PC, has announced their Preservation Programme, designed to safeguard and modernize over 100 iconic titles. This initiative aligns with GOG’s commitment to preserving gaming history.

Details

• Titles Featured: Over 100 classic games including Heroes of Might & Magic III, Diablo + Hellfire, Fallout: New Vegas, and System Shock II will be included in the programme.
• Modernization: The preserved titles have undergone updates, optimizations, and technical support to ensure smooth performance on modern systems such as Windows 10 and 11.
• Access: Games are accessible DRM-free with additional features like downloadable content, manuals, and ongoing technical support.

Impact

The Preservation Programme is a significant step towards protecting these timeless classics for future generations. It aims to preserve games facing the risks of technological obsolescence while making them more accessible to contemporary gamers.

According to GOG’s managing director Maciej Golębiewski, the foundation of GOG lies in preserving classic games, and this program is an extension of that commitment.

Conclusion

GOG's Preservation Programme represents a vital effort to maintain gaming history by addressing the challenges posed by technological progress.

Do you think this move from GOG will inspire other companies to do more for game preservation?

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News Summary

Resident Evil 2, one of the iconic survival horror games, is set to be released on several Apple devices including iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro models, and every iPad and Mac with the M1 chip or later. This remake is due to launch on December 10th, 2024.

Resident Evil 2 on iPhone and iPad includes enhanced controls and a new autofire feature which allows players to automatically fire weapons after aiming at enemies for a short time. The game supports a range of compatible controllers across these devices as well.

The remake rebuilds the original game using Capcom’s RE ENGINE, offering updated visuals, immersive audio, a new over-the-shoulder camera, and modernized controls on top of the gameplay modes from the original game. It was first released in 1998 for PlayStation but now sees a reimagined version available on newer platforms.

Key Highlights

• Platform Availability: iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, iPad, Mac with M1 chip or later.
• Launch Date: December 10th, 2024.
• New Features: Enhanced controls and the autofire feature.

Have you played the remake on other devices? How well do you think it will adapt to mobile platforms?

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The Evercade retro console format has just unveiled its November 2024 Game of the Month, which is available to download for those owning an Evercade VS, Evercade EXP, or Evercade Alpha system.

• Title: Batty Zabella
• Developer: Retro Room
• Type: Horror-themed point-and-click adventure originally developed for the Game Boy

Even though we’re already halfway through November, the month's featured game can now be downloaded onto your Evercade console. Once you update to the latest system software. This will be available until it gets replaced by next month’s new Game of the Month.

Interestingly, all the Games of the Month are compiled onto one of Evercade's Indie Heroes cartridges, which are released early the following year if you wish to keep them as permanent additions to your collection.

Did you play Batty Zabella on the Game Boy? What were your impressions?

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Includes:

• Castlevania
• Castlevania II Simon's Quest
• Castlevania III Dracula's Curse
• Super Castlevania IV
• Castlevania The Adventure
• Castlevania II Belmont's Revenge
• Castlevania Bloodlines
• Kid Dracula

Blizzard has officially launched remastered editions of Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness in celebration of the franchise’s 30th anniversary.

cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/28078075

Showcase

Is anyone familiar with PPSSPP multiplayer? I see there are two options, ad hoc and online and have a few questions. I read that online multiplayer is really just tricks around ad hoc mode, and it requires port opening on the router to work. Does that mean that it won't even work if I'm on cellular data?

If I'm playing with someone on the same WiFi in ad hoc mode, both on Android phones, will it work as is or are there also ports to open? I don't even know what kind of firewall Android sets up. Thanks for your answers, just want to play with friends.

Ports of Shining Force Chronicle I, II, and III have been preserved by fans.

The original games were based on the Game Gear series Shining Force Gaiden titles released in Japan for mobile devices like Keitai phones before being ported to Android. They were available through the PuyoSega subscription service but are in Japanese, but were subsequently removed.

Thankfullly, Yeetdom101 has been able to recover the APK files and the games have now been preserved.

These games represent an important step in preserving Shining Force history, especially considering that Sega no longer supports these games officially.

What are your memories of the originals on the Game Gear? Have you played these mobile versions?

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The retro shooter masterpiece, Xeno Crisis by Bitmap Bureau, has finally made its way onto the Game Boy Advance (GBA)! This game had been a favourite since its initial release for Mega Drive in 2018 and now it's available on several other systems including the SNES, N64, Dreamcast, and GameCube.

Key Points:

• The GBA version of Xeno Crisis comes with beautifully designed region-specific box art. * All regions (Europe, USA, Japan) are supported and the carts are region-free. They work on any GBA, GBA SP, GB Micro, or after-market devices like Analogue Pocket.
• Purchasers also get access to a downloadable ROM file for use in emulators.

Have you been waiting for the GBA releaes of Xeno Crisis?

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I backed the Kickstarter and have to say it's well worth the wait. The plastic feels like an OEM shell.

ANBERNIC has just announced their newest handheld device, the RG406H. This is a horizontal form factor with an interesting blend of design elements from previous models.

• Key Features:
• 4″ IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 960 x 720 and black bezels
• T820 CPU, capable of emulating PS2, Gamecube, and Wii games
• Good build quality with upgraded shoulder buttons, LED hall-joysticks, and a responsive D-PAD
• Runs Android for additional gameplay options
• Available in three colour variations: black, white, and transparent purple

This announcement comes after ANBERNIC has released multiple handhelds this year. There's no official release date yet but it’s expected to be priced around $150+.

Given the powerful CPU and the ability to emulate high-end consoles, what do you think about the claimed emulation capabilities? Can this device truly handle all PS2 games?

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Key Details:

• Game Title: Casey’s Gold
• Console: Atari 2600, and its modern counterparts (Atari 2600+ and Atari 7800+)
• Release Date: November 25, 12 noon PST

Background:

The legendary Atari 2600 has found new life in recent times with the release of its updated versions. This article brings to light a new homebrew title designed for this retro console, Casey’s Gold.

Description:

In Casey’s Gold, players take on the role of Casey O’Kelly, a conductor responsible for moving gold bars from the hills outside town back east. The railroad company has hired you to search every train and retrieve any missing gold bars that have been scattered by saboteurs who hope to collect them at the destination.

Why It Matters:

The resurgence of classic consoles like the Atari 2600 is fascinating, especially when it comes to dedicated enthusiasts creating timeless games for these platforms. Casey’s Gold adds another layer of nostalgia and challenge to an already beloved retro console.

For those interested in ordering Casey’s Gold, you can do so directly from its publisher Audacity starting November 25, 12 noon PST.

Do you have an Atari 2600+, or 7800+? What do you think of the updates?

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A fan-created teaser for a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess using Unreal Engine 5 has recently debuted, marking the game’s 18th anniversary. This initiative showcases the advanced graphics capabilities of current technology to re-envision classic titles with stunning realism.

• Enhanced Environments and Lighting: The teaser highlights improved environments and lighting effects that some fans commend.

• Character Models and Facial Animations: However, others have expressed concerns about character models and facial animations, noting they appear unnatural within a highly realistic setting.

• Unofficial Project: It’s important to note these Unreal Engine remakes are unofficial and generally incomplete projects by enthusiasts rather than official games.

• Rumors of Official Remaster: Insider reports suggest Nintendo may already have a prepared Twilight Princess remaster for the Switch, possibly launching in Spring 2025.

Official Release Anticipation: Given Nintendo’s history of strategic release timing, an official remaster featuring in the launch lineup of Switch 2 is plausible.

What do you think? Would you play the fan remaster in an unfinished state?

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Key Points:

• Release Date: The Spyro Reignited Trilogy will be available starting from November 12, 2024.
• Titles Included: Spyro the Dragon, Ripto’s Rage, and Year of the Dragon are included in this remastered collection.

Remaster Features:

• Faithful adaptation with enhanced visuals and gameplay improvements.
• Available across various Xbox Game Pass tiers (Standard, Ultimate, PC Game Pass).
• Supported for Xbox Cloud Gaming on Ultimate tier subscriptions.

Industry Context:

• This addition further enriches Microsoft’s expanding library of Activision Blizzard titles following their acquisition in 2023. It follows earlier introductions such as Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to Game Pass.

Have you played the original and remastered games? What did you think of the changes?

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Retro Game Zine Seeks Funds

Remarkably focused on the depth and history of classic games, Retro Game Zine is launching a Kickstarter campaign to bring a new wave of retro gaming literature.

• Focus: Each issue will center around one game, offering in-depth analysis with personal essays and stunning visuals.
• Format: 5.5" x 8.5", 26 page zine printed on 80lb recycled paper.
• First Issue: Covering It Came from the Desert - a classic action-adventure game for the Commodore Amiga.

This project has already raised almost £1,500 and shows great support from fans eager to delve deep into their favorite classics.

What are your thoughts on focusing entire magazine issues on a single game? Should more publications adopt this approach for a deeper dive into retro gaming history?

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Consider watching this video with FreeTube, a nifty open-source program that lets you watch YouTube videos without Google spying on your viewing habits!

Combined with Libredirect, which automatically opens youtube links in Freetube, it becomes really slick and effortless to use.

I loved Sonic Adventure 1 and have replayed it so many times. The levels were pretty great and the small open world was fun to go around and find the hidden power ups.

Sonic adventure 2 was painful to get through. I hated almost every level. The only ones I enjoyed were the Sonic and shadow levels, but they did not feel well designed. So many times, enemies would just drop from the sky on you without any chance to doge them.

Hunting for the emerald pieces was so boring and tedious. I hated those stages. There was one time where I restarted and luckily found them all right near the start.

The tails levels were OK, but it felt a bit clunky to control. I think that was by design, but I didn’t care for it.

I played both of these games as a kid on the Dreamcast, so it’s not like I’m nostalgic for one and not the other.

I just replaced SA1 and loved it, playing SA2 reminded me of hating it as a kid.

Do you share my opinion? If not, what do you think of this game?

Clint from LGR does further damage control from Helene.

Thanks to a new Irem M90 core, the original Arcade version of Bomberman, released in 1991 by Irem under license from Hudson, can now be enjoyed on FPGA platforms.

Key Points:

• The first Bomberman coin-op was released in 1991 by Irem as Atomic Punk and DynaBlaster in some regions. A sequel, Bomber Man World, followed in 1992 (known as New Atomic Punk: Global Quest / Atomic Punk 2 in North America).
• FPGA coder @wickerwaka has released a version of the Irem M90 core supporting these games.
• The core is available for MiSTer FPGA and will also be coming to Analogue Pocket.

This latest development brings Bomberman back to retro gamers who might just remember playing it on arcade machines.

How do you feel about seeing classic arcade games like Bomberman on modern FPGA devices?

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Hamster Corp.'s Arcade Archives has recently released The Quest of Ki, a nostalgic side-scrolling platform game originally developed by Namco in 1988. Known as Kai no Bōken in Japan, the game is notable for featuring cameos from characters like Pac-Man ghosts and Dig Dug enemies.

• Platforms: PS4 and Nintendo Switch

How do you feel about revisiting classic games on modern platforms like PS4 and Switch? Is there an exact moment in time that these releases bring back for you?

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Sonic Wings Reunion

• Game Launch Date: May 29th, 2025
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Steam
• Developer: Success (known for the Cotton series)
• Composer: Soshi Hosoi (returning)

Background of Sonic Wings Reunion

The classic '90s Sega shmup series will return with a new entry. The original games were released in arcades and on various consoles from 1992, including the SNES.

• Series Titles:

• Sonic Wings / Aero Fighters
• Aero Fighters 2
• Aero Fighters 3
• Sonic Wings Special

• Short-Lived Return on N64:

• Aero Fighters Assault (produced by Paradigm Entertainment)

Community Reaction and Concerns

The announcement came with little more than a PowerPoint presentation followed by live music performances, which sparked mixed reactions.

Pros:

• Success is back!
• Returning soundtrack with Soshi Hosoi
• Short level gameplay with various ships to choose from for a relaxing shooter experience.

Cons:

• Limited gameplay demo or visuals available
• Early announcement without substantial details

Does the lack of visuals and detailed information worry you, or are you already excited for Sonic Wings Reunion?

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Sega's cancelled console, the Neptune, was a proposed merger of their Mega Drive (Genesis) with the 32X. This would have provided gamers with a cleaner and more straightforward upgrade path than the complex jungle of cables used for the original setup.

However, Sega decided that it wasn't worth pursuing, instead focusing on Saturn. Now, decades later, fans are recreating this console in what has become quite an elaborate undertaking.

Jake Smith commissioned modder and console repair expert Simon Lock to build one such machine. Simon meticulously crafted the Neptune from existing hardware, taking over three weeks of intense troubleshooting.

The resulting console is a masterpiece but comes with a hefty price tag: over £1,000, not including the 32X and shell procurement. This translates to nearly $2,600 USD for a single unit.

Key Points:

• The Neptune was intended as an alternative to the complex 32X attachment system used with Mega Drive/Genesis consoles.
• It's incredibly expensive to recreate due to the meticulous build and troubleshooting involved.
• Only six systems of this kind currently exist, all manually built by enthusiasts.

Would you shell out $2,600 for your very own Sega Neptune?

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I was thinking about this lately, but I always loved the look of the PS2. I I think the black and blue color scheme works really well. And I like the two levels like the top and the bottom part of it.

Second to this, I think the Dreamcast looks really great. The angles on it make the console look so compact. The orange light on the console is placed really well too.

What do you like?

PixelHeart Replenishes SNES Stock with New Cart Releases

PixelHeart, a well-known retro publisher, has recently announced the re-release of several previously sold-out Nintendo SNES games.

• New Titles Available: Four indie game titles and two original officially released games from the Nintendo Classics range have been reprinted by PixelHeart under its JoshProd label.

Indie Games:

• Jim Power (Recently Finished) A puzzle platformer developed in the 1990s that was recently completed and finally released.
• Iron Commando (Reprinted with New Artwork) Originally exclusive to the Super Famicom in 1995, this scrolling beat 'em up has been reprinted with new artwork.
• Dorke & Yump (Developed but Never Released) Developed in the early 1990s that was never brought to market. It offers a unique blend of puzzle and platforming genres.
• Unholy Knight (2017 Ex-SNK Staff Development) A one-on-one fighting game from 2017, developed by SNK alumni.

Original Games:

Tetris & Dr. Mario and Super Soccer, both from the Nintendo Classics range, are available as brand-new copies.

What Does This Mean for Enthusiasts?

Stocks of these reprinted games are limited, so fans should act quickly to secure their favorite titles.

Which game from this list sounds the most appealing to you?

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