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Author Archives: Owen

Rom Hack

Fan Translation Unlocks Suda51’s Legendary Story in Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special for Western Gamers

Posted on by Owen

A fan translation of Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special has been released, making the game’s story mode accessible to English-speaking players for the first time. Originally developed by Human Entertainment and released in 1994 for the Super Famicom, this title holds a unique place in gaming history due to its unconventional narrative, penned by Goichi “Suda51” Suda—now a celebrated figure in the industry for his work on titles like No More Heroes. The translation, available via ROMhacking.net, focuses exclusively on the game’s story mode, known as “Champion Road,” allowing players to experience the dark and surprising tale that has long intrigued fans of both wrestling games and Suda51’s distinctive storytelling.

The Fire Pro Wrestling series has always stood apart from mainstream wrestling games, prioritising depth and strategy over flashy presentation. Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special exemplifies this with its timing-based grappling system, where success hinges on precise inputs rather than rapid button presses. Players must master a complex array of moves and counters, making each match a test of skill and patience. The game’s roster, featuring wrestlers inspired by real-life stars but with altered names, adds to its charm, while its customisation options—allowing players to create wrestlers and even entire promotions—have cemented its status as a cult classic.

What truly sets Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special apart, however, is its story mode. Written by Suda51 early in his career, “Champion Road” follows the journey of Smith Morio, a wrestler striving for greatness. The narrative takes a startling turn, culminating in a controversial ending that shocked players and sparked widespread discussion. Suda51 himself has reflected on the backlash, noting in a 2019 GameSpot interview that the game’s reception was a “big deal” at the time, with fans sending “huge cardboard boxes filled with postcards” in response. This blend of deep gameplay and provocative storytelling makes the game unique in this genre.

Beyond its narrative, the game’s influence on the wrestling genre is notable. The Fire Pro Wrestling series pioneered mechanics like the “Critical” system, which allows for dramatic reversals and has inspired similar features in later titles. Its focus on realism and technical precision has earned it a loyal following, with many considering it the gold standard for wrestling simulations.

Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special offers a unique combination of challenging gameplay and a narrative that defies expectations. The fan translation ensures that this piece of gaming history is no longer confined to Japanese-speaking audiences, allowing a new generation to appreciate its significance. As the retro gaming scene continues to thrive, projects like this highlight the enduring appeal of classic titles and the passion of the communities that keep them alive.

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Sony

Sony Surprises Gamers with PlayStation 3 Update Nearly Two Decades Post-Launch

Posted on by Owen

In an unexpected move, Sony has released a system software update for the PlayStation 3 (PS3), bringing the console’s firmware to version 4.92. This update, rolled out on March 5, 2025, comes nearly 19 years after the PS3’s initial debut in 2006. 

According to the official patch notes, the update aims to “improve system performance.” While the specifics are sparse, such updates typically enhance system stability and address minor issues to ensure a smoother user experience.  

A notable aspect of this update is the renewal of the Blu-ray player encryption key. This renewal is essential for maintaining compatibility with newer Blu-ray disc releases, as the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) encryption keys require periodic updates to function correctly. Without this update, users might face difficulties when attempting to play recently released Blu-ray titles.  

Despite ceasing PS3 production in 2017, Sony has consistently provided annual updates for the console, primarily to ensure ongoing Blu-ray playback capabilities. These updates are crucial because the AACS encryption keys, vital for Blu-ray functionality, have expiration periods and need regular renewal.  

For PS3 owners looking to install this update, it’s recommended to have at least 200 MB of free storage space. The update can be downloaded directly via the console’s system update feature or through a USB storage device formatted to FAT32.  You can find all of the information on the upgrade to 4.92 on Sony’s website.

This unexpected update underscores Sony’s commitment to supporting its legacy hardware, ensuring that even long-time PS3 users continue to enjoy their media without interruption.

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New Games, Nintendo

Nintendo Slips Out of Metacritic’s Top 20 of 2024

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo, historically revered for its consistently polished releases, has slipped outside the top 20 in Metacritic’s 15th Annual Game Publisher Rankings. The news has come as a shock to long-time followers who have come to expect high scores for the company’s titles, many of which have roots stretching back to the 1980s and beyond. Metacritic’s annual ranking analyses critical reception and overall performance, making Nintendo’s lower placement a notable departure from its usual standing near the top.

Credit: Metacritic

The 2025 ranking suggests that the publisher’s newer releases, while not necessarily lacking in quality, have not reached the stellar acclaim of previous generations. Still, this could be influenced by the competitive nature of the modern gaming landscape, where publishers vie for attention across multiple platforms.

Though the rankings are surprising, many believe Nintendo’s legacy of imaginative gameplay and focus on hardware innovation will endure. After all, the gaming giant has weathered various market cycles since its early ventures, including its transition from playing card production to pioneering family-friendly consoles. Whether it’s the ongoing popularity of Super Smash Bros. tournaments or enduring fan communities sharing tips, gaming history shows that a single ranking rarely defines a publisher’s overall standing in the long run.

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Nintendo, Rom Hack

Pokémon Mario Red And Luigi Green: Iconic Nintendo Worlds Intertwine In New Rom Hack In Development

Posted on by Owen

A new ROM hack called Pokémon Mario Red and Luigi Green has recently been announced, merging two of Nintendo’s most enduring franchises into a single project. This inventive spin on the original Pokémon adventures replaces familiar pocket monsters with beloved Mushroom Kingdom characters, which is a really interesting project.

Credit: DogPond4 Twitter

Mario has been synonymous with Nintendo since the 1980s, headlining titles from the earliest NES releases to more modern platforms, while Pokémon, first published in 1996 for the Game Boy, quickly became a worldwide sensation. Both remain central pillars of Nintendo’s heritage, with each franchise having introduced millions to gaming in their formative years. By fusing these icons, the ROM hack pays homage to the playful exploration found in classic Pokémon while embracing the whimsical spirit of the Mario series.

From a technical perspective, ROM hacking is an intricate process that involves altering a game’s original data to introduce new visuals, storylines, or gameplay mechanics. While the practice has its roots in the broader retro gaming community. It is going to be very interesting to see how DogPond4 approaches the balance of the characters, will he simply lift the stats from the Pokemon and assign them to the Mario characters, and which ones will align with the different Pokemon types? I already like the approach that has been shared regarding how the evolutions and shinies will work in the hack.

Credit: DogPond4 / Twitter

Interestingly, the original Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy ranked among the best-selling RPGs of all time, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide. The ongoing popularity of Pokémon, combined with the universal appeal of Mario, underscores the significance of this hybrid hack for classic games collectors and Nintendo devotees alike. You can follow the project, by following DogPond4 on X.

Keep your classic games safe with [RetroShell], designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, [subscribe to our free Substack], delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Fun Things

New Funko Mortal Kombat 11 Figures Celebrate Iconic Fatalities

Posted on by Owen

The Mortal Kombat series, which began thrilling arcade-goers in 1992, has always been known for its intense combat and unforgettable finishing moves. Now, Funko is honouring the legacy of Mortal Kombat 11 with a new line of Pop! figures that showcase the game’s signature Fatalities. Fans who remember the franchise’s early days on classic consoles will recognise the gritty charm that made Mortal Kombat a sensation in the 16-bit era. The new Funko models are due for release on the 16th May and pre-orders are open @ Amazon.

Credit: Funko

These new Funko designs emphasise the vivid details of each character’s finishing manoeuvre. Collectors can expect Scorpion in a mid-attack pose, Sub-Zero with icy effects, and other favourites sporting their distinctive Fatality styles. It’s a clear nod to the franchise’s origins, when digitised actors and controversial violence caught the attention of gamers and parents alike. Despite evolving graphics and modern platforms, Mortal Kombat has retained its essential gameplay and flair, making these figures all the more appealing to those who value both nostalgia and contemporary collectibles.

Get Over Here / Credit: Funko

With over three decades in the spotlight, Mortal Kombat continues to entertain generations of players with its dynamic battles and storylines. This fresh wave of Funko figures reflects that enduring appeal, bridging the gap between seasoned arcade veterans and newcomers who discovered the series via the latest consoles. By combining classic Fatalities with contemporary Pop! artistry, Funko has created a fitting tribute to one of gaming’s most influential fighting franchises.

Kung Lao Exclusive – Credit: Funko Pop

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, made to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack—it’s delivered to your inbox every Monday! Interestingly, the original Mortal Kombat introduced digitised sprites using real actors, an innovation that set it apart from other fighters of its era.

Modern Retro Games, New Games, Nintendo

Snout Brings Fresh Adventures to the Game Boy Color via Kickstarter

Posted on by Owen

Retro gaming enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate: Snout, a charming platformer for the Game Boy Color, has launched on Kickstarter. Developed to run on original hardware, it puts players in the trotters of an eager little pig, navigating colourful levels filled with hidden challenges. You can access the demo for the game here.

Credit: Kickstarter (we love the box)

The campaign has sparked considerable excitement among collectors who enjoy seeing fresh content on vintage systems. As of today, backers can choose from a digital-only download for around £8 (approximately €9 or $10), a standard physical cartridge tier for roughly £32 (approximately €37 or $40), and a collector’s package set at around £48 (approximately €55 or $60). These pledge levels give fans the flexibility to support Snout in a way that suits their budget, while also ensuring continued interest in new Game Boy titles.

Credit: Kickstarter

This project is part of a growing trend of indie developers reviving older platforms with brand-new experiences. Over the past few years, other Game Boy Color releases have popped up, demonstrating a renewed creative energy in handheld retro gaming. Enthusiasts note the technical skill required to develop for the Game Boy Color, given its limited memory and modest CPU speed—yet these constraints often inspire clever design choices, with modern coders often pushing the hardware beyond what was seen in its heyday. It is remarkable that, despite the Game Boy Color’s initial release in 1998, fan-driven passion still brings forth titles that can run on genuine hardware today.

Interestingly, the original Game Boy line remained so popular that Nintendo sold over 100 million units worldwide before discontinuation. This enduring appeal speaks volumes about its place in gaming history.

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Fun Things

Minecraft Modder Adds Jack Black’s Voice to Steve in Game

Posted on by Owen

In a delightful convergence of cinema and gaming, a Minecraft modder known as “SnailMan” has infused the game’s protagonist, Steve, with the distinctive voice of actor and musician Jack Black. This creative endeavour draws inspiration from the upcoming live-action Minecraft movie, where Black is set to portray Steve, blending his charismatic persona with the iconic blocky character.

Action(?!) Figures

Jack Black’s involvement in the Minecraft movie adds to his diverse portfolio of voice acting roles. Notably, he voiced Eddie Riggs in the 2009 video game Brütal Legend, a title that combined action-adventure elements with a rich heavy metal backdrop. His performance earned acclaim, showcasing his ability to bring animated characters to life. Additionally, Black lent his voice to the character Harm’ny Lightbeard in the 2014 game Broken Age, further cementing his presence in the gaming industry.  

The mod itself is a testament to the vibrant and inventive Minecraft community. By integrating Black’s voice lines from the forthcoming film, players can experience a fresh auditory dimension while navigating the game’s expansive landscapes. For instance, upon entering the Nether—a perilous, lava-filled realm—Steve now audibly acknowledges the transition with Black’s characteristic flair. Such modifications not only enhance immersion but also exemplify the community’s dedication to evolving the game’s experience.

This initiative underscores the enduring appeal of Minecraft, a game that has continually evolved since its inception in 2011. The integration of celebrity voices through user-generated content highlights the seamless blend of popular culture and gaming, offering players novel ways to engage with familiar worlds.

As of now, the mod awaits approval on Modrinth, a platform dedicated to hosting Minecraft modifications. Once available, it is poised to attract both long-time fans and newcomers eager to experience this unique fusion of Jack Black’s vocal talent with the beloved universe of Minecraft. 

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Fun fact: Minecraft has sold over 238 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling video game of all time.

Fun Things, Nintendo

How Super Mario Became the New Benchmark for AI Performance

Posted on by Owen

Super Mario Bros., the iconic 1985 Nintendo classic, has found an unexpected new role in the modern digital age: benchmarking artificial intelligence systems. According to a recent report by TechCrunch, researchers are now routinely using Nintendo’s beloved plumber as a litmus test for evaluating AI capabilities.

Credit: TechCrunch

Originally released in 1985 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Mario Bros. quickly became one of the most influential video games of its generation, credited with revitalising the home video game market after the infamous crash of 1983. Designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, the game introduced mechanics that laid foundations for platformers, a genre that dominated gaming throughout the late 80s and 90s.

Why choose Super Mario Bros. for AI testing? Technically, the game’s structure offers clear objectives, straightforward controls, and increasing levels of complexity, making it an ideal candidate to assess the decision-making, problem-solving, and generalisation abilities of modern AI models. AI systems are tasked with navigating Mario through various levels, dodging obstacles, and reacting swiftly to dynamic in-game environments. The game’s relatively simplistic graphics mask deeper computational challenges, as Mario must swiftly adapt to changing scenarios—something humans handle intuitively, but AI often finds difficult.

Historically, Super Mario Bros. was first released in Japan in 1985 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), quickly becoming a global phenomenon. By 1987, it was the best-selling video game of all time, a title it held for decades, selling over 40 million copies worldwide. Its cultural impact is undeniable, influencing game design principles used to this day, which explains why researchers consistently return to Mario as a reliable metric for technological advancement.

Remarkably, this isn’t Mario’s first brush with AI innovation. Back in 2015, an AI called ‘Mari/O’ successfully navigated complex levels autonomously, showcasing early neural network capabilities. Today, the complexity of these tests has evolved significantly, with contemporary AIs not only completing levels but optimising paths and discovering exploits unknown to human players.

A truly compelling fact: In 2021, a fan-created AI managed to complete the entire Super Mario Bros. game in under five minutes, exploiting glitches that even seasoned human speed-runners had overlooked for decades. This achievement highlighted the powerful—and sometimes unexpected—capabilities of AI.

Preserve your retro gaming heritage with RetroShell, creators of premium cases like their iconic Nintendo 64 protectors. For more fascinating retro gaming insights, subscribe to our newsletter, delivered directly to your inbox every Monday!

Fun Things

Nanogaming: Classic Video Games Plus Cutting-Edge Nanotechnology = The Worlds Smallest Video Game

Posted on by Owen

In a remarkable fusion of retro gaming charm and advanced nanotechnology, researchers from Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Engineering have unveiled what they describe as the world’s smallest shooting game. This innovative project manipulates nanoparticles approximately one billionth of a meter in size, drawing inspiration from classic arcade games to create an interactive experience at the nanoscale.

Credit: Physics.Org

The Nanogame Experience

The research team, led by Professor Takayuki Hoshino, developed a system that integrates digital technology with the physical nanoworld in real time. Utilizing high-speed electron beams, they generate dynamic patterns of electric fields and optical images on a display surface, allowing for precise control over nanoparticles. Players interact with this system using a joystick to maneuver a triangular spaceship, reminiscent of vintage arcade shooters. The objective is to ‘shoot’ at enemy characters, represented by nano-sized polystyrene balls, effectively merging digital gameplay with tangible nano-objects.  

Historical Context: From Pixels to Nanoparticles

The evolution of video games has been closely tied to technological advancements. In the 1970s and 1980s, limitations in computing power led to the creation of pixel art, where images were crafted from small, distinct pixels. Games like “Space Invaders” (1978) and “Pac-Man” (1980) are iconic examples from this era.  The current nanoscale game represents a significant leap, transitioning from manipulating pixels to controlling individual nanoparticles, showcasing the strides made in both gaming and nanotechnology. 

Technical Insights: The Mechanics Behind the Game

The game’s functionality hinges on the precise control of electron beams to manipulate electro-force fields at the nanoscale. By adjusting these beams in real time, the system can influence the movement of nanoparticles, allowing for interactive gameplay. This method not only demonstrates the potential for entertainment but also paves the way for applications in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering, such as assembling biomolecular structures or targeting specific cells within organisms.  

Implications and Future Prospects

Beyond its novelty, this nanoscale game exemplifies the potential of “nano-mixed reality” (nano-MR), a technology that seamlessly merges digital interfaces with the nanoscopic world. The ability to interact with and manipulate nanoparticles in real time opens new avenues in scientific research and medical applications. For instance, similar techniques could be employed to guide therapeutic agents directly to virus-infected cells, enhancing treatment efficacy.  

Preserving Gaming Heritage in the Age of Nanotechnology

This development also highlights the enduring influence of classic video games. By drawing inspiration from early arcade shooters, the researchers have paid homage to the origins of gaming while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible today. It serves as a testament to how the foundational elements of retro games continue to inspire innovation across diverse fields.

Credit: Physics.Org for the original article.

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell – the perfect shield for your retro collection. For the latest retro gaming news and insights, subscribe to our free Substack and get it delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Modern Retro Games, New Games

Baby T-Rex Returns to Game Boy: A Classic Dinosaur Adventure Revived

Posted on by Owen

Baby T-Rex, originally released in 1993, has made a surprise comeback for the Nintendo Game Boy via the Chromatic. The game, developed by Beam Software, places players in control of an feisty dinosaur tasked with navigating colourful levels, dodging obstacles, and collecting items along the way. Known for its bright visuals and straightforward mechanics, Baby T-Rex is a nostalgic favourite among fans who enjoyed the light-hearted fun on the go.

Credit: ModRetro

Today, fans can experience the title once again thanks to a new physical release from ModRetro. The revived cartridge faithfully preserves the original’s side-scrolling action and cute dinosaur protagonist.

Credit: ModRetro

Interested players can purchase Baby T-Rex through ModRetro, where it retails for approximately £28/$35. The packaging features artwork reminiscent of the original, adding a dose of 1990s nostalgia to any game shelf. With its family-friendly gameplay and distinct platforming segments, Baby T-Rex is a throwback platformer which will appeal to retro gamers who preferred the simpler times.

Interestingly, Baby T-Rex was released under different names in various regions, such as Agro Saur in Australia, Bamse in Sweden and We’re Back! A Dinosaurs Story in North America.

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack delivered to your inbox every Monday!