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Author Archives: Owen

Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Retro Gaming News

MSX2 RPG Burai Joukan Heads to Switch in Japan This Summer

Posted on by Owen

Retro gaming fans in Japan will soon get their hands on a revived classic. Burai Joukan, a turn-based RPG originally released on the MSX2, is making its way to the Nintendo Switch in early summer 2025. The game, developed by Riverhillsoft and first released in 1989, is a lesser-known but visually striking RPG with a deep story rooted in Eastern mythology was announced here.

The original

This marks yet another MSX2 title finding new life on modern hardware. While Burai Joukan was later ported to platforms like the PC-98 and Sega CD, the original MSX2 version is remembered for its detailed pixel art and ambitious storytelling. The game follows a group of warriors known as the “Eight Heroes” as they battle against an evil force seeking to disrupt the balance of the world. Its combat system is a blend of strategic, turn-based mechanics with a focus on character-driven progression.

Credit: At Press Japan

While details on the Switch version remain limited, it’s expected to retain the original game’s visuals and gameplay while potentially incorporating quality-of-life improvements. Given the recent trend of MSX2 titles being re-released with modernized features such as save states and enhanced menus, Burai Joukan could receive similar treatment.

For fans of Japanese retro RPGs, this re-release is an opportunity to experience a title that never saw an official Western release. Whether this signals more MSX2 classics making the jump to Switch remains to be seen, but it’s a promising sign for enthusiasts of classic Japanese RPGs.

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Microsoft, PC Gaming

Amazon Prime Gaming’s February Lineup: BioShock Infinite and More

Posted on by Owen

Amazon Prime subscribers are in for a treat this February, with Prime Gaming offering a selection of 20 free games. Notably, this month’s lineup includes BioShock Infinite: Complete Edition, Super Meat Boy Forever, Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director’s Cut, and Wolfenstein: Youngblood, which is available for both PC and Xbox users.  

Super Mear Boy Forever Credit: Steam

Here’s a breakdown of the games and their availability dates:

Available Now:

• BioShock Infinite: Complete Edition (GOG): Dive into the floating city of Columbia in this critically acclaimed first-person shooter.

• Surf World Series (Amazon Games App): Ride the waves in this arcade-style surfing game.

• AK-xolotl: Together (Epic Games Store): Experience a quirky action game featuring an armed axolotl.

• Sands of Aura (Epic Games Store): Embark on an open-world adventure in a realm buried beneath sand.

• The Talos Principle: Gold Edition (GOG): Challenge your mind with philosophical puzzles in a beautifully rendered world.

Available February 13:

• Stunt Kite Party (Amazon Games App): Engage in kite-flying battles and party games.

• The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone (GOG): Join the Smurfs on a new adventure to save their village.

• Hardspace: Shipbreaker (Epic Games Store): Dismantle spaceships in a zero-gravity environment.

• Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior (Epic Games Store): Manipulate time to defeat enemies in this action-packed game.

• Dark Sky (GOG): Explore a mysterious world shrouded in darkness.

Available February 20:

• Wolfenstein: Youngblood (Microsoft Store): Team up in this co-op shooter set in an alternate history.

• El Hijo: A Wild West Tale (Epic Games Store): Navigate stealthily through the Wild West as a young boy on a quest to find his mother.

• Colt Canyon (GOG): Rescue your partner from ruthless bandits in this roguelike shooter.

• Republic of Jungle (Epic Games Store): Engage in social deduction and strategy in a world of political animals.

• Royal Romances: Cursed Hearts (Legacy Games): Immerse yourself in a romantic fantasy adventure.

Available February 27:

• Deus Ex: Human Revolution (GOG): Delve into a dystopian future where cybernetic enhancements are the norm.

• Night Reverie (Amazon Games App): Solve puzzles in a whimsical dreamscape.

• Sine Mora EX (Amazon Games App): Experience a side-scrolling shoot ’em up with a unique time-manipulation mechanic.

• Redemption Reapers (Epic Games Store): Lead a band of mercenaries against a dark force threatening the world.

• Yes, Your Grace (GOG): Rule your kingdom, make tough decisions, and manage resources in this medieval simulation.

To claim these titles, Prime members can visit the Prime Gaming website and follow the instructions to redeem each game. Once claimed, these games remain in your library permanently, even if your Prime membership lapses.

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Nintendo

Zelda Designer Takaya Imamura Clarifies “PTSD” Mistranslation in Recent Interview

Posted on by Owen

Takaya Imamura, a key figure in Nintendo’s golden era and the creator of beloved characters like Tingle and Captain Falcon, recently had to clear up a mistranslation from an interview about his work on The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

The interview, originally published in Japanese, was misinterpreted to suggest that Imamura had described his experience working on A Link to the Past as giving him “PTSD.” This caused a stir online, with some fans misreading the comment as an indication of extreme stress or trauma during the development process.

The OG Commercial for a Link to the past in Japan, just because.

Imamura quickly stepped in to correct the misunderstanding, explaining that his actual words had been taken out of context. He clarified that while the development process was intense and challenging, he never intended to equate it to post-traumatic stress disorder. Rather, he meant that the experience left a lasting impression on him due to the high expectations and demanding nature of working on such a major title at Nintendo.

This incident highlights the difficulties of translating nuanced statements, particularly when discussing emotionally charged topics. Video game history is filled with development struggles, and while A Link to the Past is now considered one of the greatest games of all time, it’s a reminder that even legendary projects come with their share of pressure.

Nintendo fans were quick to rally behind Imamura, appreciating his clarification and recognizing the importance of precise translation in gaming history. The incident also serves as a testament to how much effort goes into crafting classic titles that stand the test of time.

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Fun Things

E3 Organisers ESA Unveils IICON: A New Summit for Gaming’s Future

Posted on by Owen

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), known for organizing E3, has announced IICON, a new gaming-focused thought leadership summit set to debut in 2024. Positioned as an industry-defining event, IICON aims to bring together influential voices from gaming, business, technology, and culture to explore how interactive entertainment is shaping the world.

According to the ESA, IICON will differ from traditional gaming expos by focusing on high-level discussions, networking, and cross-industry collaboration rather than product showcases. The summit is expected to feature speakers from major game studios, tech giants, and creative industries, discussing topics such as artificial intelligence, game monetization, and the evolving role of gaming in social and economic trends.

The move comes after the ESA officially cancelled E3 for good in 2023, following years of declining interest and the rise of publisher-led showcases like Sony’s State of Play and Nintendo Direct. Many in the industry view IICON as a strategic pivot for the ESA, allowing it to remain relevant in a gaming landscape where digital-first events have become the norm.

While details on IICON’s first edition are still limited, the ESA’s ambitions are clear: to position the summit as a must-attend event for leaders looking to understand and shape the future of gaming. Whether IICON can fill the gap left by E3 or carve out a new niche remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the ESA is betting big on the growing influence of interactive entertainment beyond just gaming.

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Modern Retro Games, Sony, Steam

PlayStation Strikes Down Bloodborne PSX Demake, But Nightmare Kart Races On

Posted on by Owen

As reported yesterday, PlayStation has issued a DMCA takedown against the beloved Bloodborne PSX demake, forcing its complete removal from Itch.io and other platforms. The project, a passion-driven recreation of Bloodborne in the style of a PlayStation 1-era game, has built a devoted following since its release in early 2022. Fans of the demake praised its authentic retro aesthetic and faithful reinterpretation of Bloodborne’s opening sections.

Credit: Itch.io

The takedown, however, does not affect developer Lilith Walther’s other project, Nightmare Kart, a gothic racing game that began as an April Fools’ joke but evolved into a standalone title. Originally conceived as a Bloodborne Kart fangame, Nightmare Kart has since transformed to distance itself from Sony’s intellectual property, with original character designs and worldbuilding.

Credit: b0tster

Walther confirmed that development on Nightmare Kart continues, and the game will receive a DLC expansion, despite the legal roadblock on Bloodborne PSX. This news comes as a disappointment to fans who had hoped Sony might embrace the Bloodborne demake, particularly in the absence of an official PC or PS5 remaster of the game.

While Sony’s crackdown is unsurprising given its IP protection stance, it does little to alleviate the ongoing frustration among Bloodborne fans who have been clamouring for a modern re-release. For now, Nightmare Kart lives on, ensuring that the spirit of Walther’s work isn’t entirely lost.

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New Hardware For Retro, PC Gaming, Retro Gaming News

Ruiki Announces X68000 Z SUPER and X68000 Z XVI – A Modern Take on a Classic

Posted on by Owen

On February 6, Ruiki officially unveiled two new personal workstations: the X68000 Z SUPER and the X68000 Z XVI. These updated machines, inspired by the legendary Sharp X68000 series, will launch in fall 2025 via crowdfunding on Kibidango. Pricing starts at ¥74,800 (approximately €470 / $510 / £400).

Credit: X68000 Z Twitter

The X68000 Z SUPER builds upon the existing X68000 Z model but introduces expanded connectivity, including MIDI in/out, a SCSI port, and a D-Sub terminal. Additionally, it supports a Nano-ITX motherboard, enabling dual-boot functionality with Windows.

The more powerful X68000 Z XVI takes things further with an upgraded octa-core Cortex-A55 SoC, a Mali-G57 GPU, and 1GB of DDR4 RAM. While its interface and physical dimensions remain identical to the SUPER, it sports a redesigned front panel inspired by the original X68000 XVI. Notably, users can swap the front unit and mainboard to convert an X68000 Z SUPER into an X68000 Z XVI, offering flexibility for enthusiasts.

Both models come in a sleek Titanium Black finish and are larger than the current X68000 Z but still smaller than the original 1987 X68000. Their exact dimensions are 227mm (H) × 96mm (W) × 169mm (D).

Crowdfunding for these machines runs from February 8 to February 27, with no plans for general retail sales. Given the enduring appeal of the X68000 among retro computing fans, demand is expected to be high.

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Fun Things, Microsoft

Minecraft Introduces New Chickens, Plants, and Grass in Latest Update

Posted on by Owen

Mojang Studios has unveiled new content for Minecraft (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android), introducing two new types of chickens, cactus flowers, and dead grass. These features are now available in the Java Edition snapshots and the Bedrock beta/preview versions.

Credit: Minecraft.net

The new chickens add more variety to the game’s ecosystems. Yellowish chickens now spawn in warm biomes, while greyish chickens appear in cold biomes. Like regular chickens, both types lay eggs and contribute to the game’s growing list of passive mobs.

Credit: Minecraft.net

Alongside these additions, the update brings more environmental details to desert biomes. Cactus flowers, which bloom on top of cacti, can now be harvested and used for dyes. Additionally, these flowers attract bees, adding a new dynamic for players interested in beekeeping and resource gathering.

Dead grass also makes its debut, appearing in tall and short variants within desert biomes. Players can use bone meal on short dead grass to grow it taller, while using bone meal on tall dead grass will cause additional short dead grass to grow nearby. Interestingly, dead grass functions similarly to regular grass and can be fed to sheep, making it a useful addition for players managing livestock in arid environments.

Credit: Minecraft.net

This latest Minecraft update continues the game’s tradition of expanding its natural landscapes with subtle but impactful details. Players can experiment with these new features in Java snapshots and Bedrock previews before they make their way into the full release.

For more details, visit the official Minecraft website.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Demo Now Available on Switch

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo has released a demo for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Nintendo Switch via the eShop. The full game, which launched on January 16, 2025, is a high-definition update of the original Wii title, featuring enhanced visuals and additional content.

Credit: Nintendo.com

In this adventure, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong set out to reclaim their stolen banana hoard from the mischievous Tiki Tak Tribe. Players can navigate through 80 levels across nine diverse worlds, including content from the Nintendo 3DS version. The game offers both solo and two-player local cooperative modes, allowing friends to team up and tackle challenges together.

The gameplay involves classic platforming elements such as stomping enemies, blasting through barrels, and riding vehicles like mine carts and rockets. Players can also ride Rambi the Rhino to smash through obstacles. The game introduces various moves, including the Ground Pound, Roll, Blow, and Grab and Cling, to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.

Credit: Nintendo

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the game offers an option to reduce difficulty, providing extra hearts and other aids to make the journey smoother. This feature makes the game accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that both newcomers and veterans can enjoy the adventure.

Since its release, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has seen significant success, with over 107,000 retail copies sold in Japan during its opening week.

For those interested in trying out the game before purchasing, the demo provides a glimpse into the vibrant world of Donkey Kong and the challenges that await. It’s a great opportunity to experience the enhanced graphics and refined gameplay that this HD version offers.

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Fun Things

London Gets an Immersive Minecraft Experience This April

Posted on by Owen

London is about to become a paradise for Minecraft fans, as an all-new immersive experience based on the blockbuster game arrives this April. The event, titled Minecraft Experience, will take place at a yet-to-be-announced venue in the capital, offering a hands-on adventure for players of all ages.

Credit: Minecraftexperience.com

Unlike simply playing the game at home, this interactive event will bring Minecraft’s signature blocky world to life with large-scale physical installations, augmented reality elements, and cooperative challenges. Attendees can expect to explore environments inspired by the game, solve puzzles, and even battle iconic mobs in a real-world setting. According to the event’s organizers, the experience will feature a mix of digital and physical gameplay, blurring the lines between reality and the pixelated landscapes players know and love.

Tickets are £20 for children from 3-15 and £24 for 16+ adults. London’s version of the Minecraft Experience follows the success of similar immersive video game attractions in other cities, including past experiences based on The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario.

Minecraft, developed by Mojang Studios and now owned by Microsoft, has sold over 300 million copies since its release in 2011, making it the best-selling video game of all time. With its focus on creativity, exploration, and survival, the game has captivated players worldwide, and this real-world event is expected to draw a diverse crowd of fans, from casual builders to hardcore Redstone engineers.

If you’re a Minecraft fan, mark your calendar for April—this could be your chance to step inside the game like never before.

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Fun Things, Nintendo

Wake Up Like Mario: Universal Studios Japan Hotels Rent Out Nintendo Alarmo Clocks

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo fans visiting Universal Studios Japan (USJ) can now enhance their hotel stay with a unique offering: the Nintendo Alarmo clock. As part of a new partnership, guests staying at USJ’s official hotels can rent the interactive alarm clock, making their wake-up experience a little more fun.

Credit: Game Watch JP

The Nintendo Alarmo isn’t just any clock—it plays wake-up sounds and music from classic Nintendo games like Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It also features 35 different wake-up scenes, motion-sensing capabilities, and sleep tracking. Users can select from various alarm settings, including Steady Mode, Gentle Mode, and Button Mode, to customize how they start their day.

Credit: Game Watch JP

While the Alarmo is available for purchase for $99.99, the hotel rental service allows guests to test it out during their stay before committing to buying one. The device is currently available for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, with a wider retail release expected in early 2025.

This initiative is part of Nintendo’s broader efforts to integrate gaming into everyday life. By allowing fans to interact with Nintendo products in unique settings, the company continues to strengthen its brand beyond just consoles and games. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated collector, waking up to the sounds of the Mushroom Kingdom might just be the best way to start your day.

Protect your collection! If you’re a retro game collector, safeguard your treasures with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And if you’re just here for the latest retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh every Monday!

Source: GameWatch JP