Author Archives: Owen

Sega Saturn Happy Bag: Exclusive Merchandise Bundle Celebrates Retro Gaming in Japan

Moririn Co., Ltd. has unveiled the Sega Saturn Happy Bag, a limited-edition merchandise bundle celebrating the iconic Sega Saturn console. Available exclusively in Japan, this special package includes a variety of themed items designed for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Key Features:

Exclusive Merchandise: The Happy Bag contains unique Sega Saturn-themed items, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles, all featuring the distinctive branding and design elements of the classic console.

Limited Availability: This exclusive bundle is available for a limited time, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of Sega’s 32-bit era.

Purchase Information: Interested customers can visit the official website for more details and to place an order.

For more information and to purchase, visit: Sega Saturn Happy Bag

🇯🇵Sega SG-1000 30th Anniversary Collection – A Musical Journey Through Sega’s Early Console Era

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Sega’s entry into the home console market in Japan , the Sega SG-1000 30th Anniversary Collection offers a comprehensive 4-CD set that chronicles the musical evolution of Sega’s early gaming systems. This collection features tracks from the SG-1000, Sega Mark III, and Master System, highlighting both arcade ports and original titles that defined an era.

Key Features:

Extensive Tracklist: The collection includes music from classics such as Congo BongoStar JackerGirl’s GardenAlex Kidd in Miracle WorldSpace HarrierOutRunAfter Burner, and Phantasy Star. Notably, it features both PSG and FM sound versions for titles that supported FM synthesis, offering a comprehensive auditory experience.

Exclusive Arrangements: In addition to original soundtracks, the set includes special 1980s-style arrangements by the elusive arranger Kei Takanishi, known for his work in Beep magazine. These tracks provide a nostalgic reinterpretation of classic themes.

High-Quality Presentation: Released on July 31, 2013, the collection is priced at ¥5,500 and comes with a spot-varnished protective slipcase, reflecting Sega’s commitment to quality and preservation of its musical heritage.

This anniversary collection serves as both a nostalgic trip for long-time fans and an educational resource for those interested in the early days of video game music.

For more information and to purchase, visit: Sega SG-1000 30th Anniversary Collection

Jelly Boy Standard Edition Pre-Orders Open for Game Boy and SNES

Limited Run Games has announced that pre-orders for the Jelly Boy Standard Edition cartridges are now open for both Game Boy and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Originally developed by Probe Software and published by Ocean Software in 1995, Jelly Boy is a platformer that puts players in control of a jelly baby with morphing abilities, navigating through various levels to collect items and overcome obstacles. This re-release offers retro gaming enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the classic game on original hardware. Pre-orders are available until January 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

For more information, visit: Jelly Boy Standard Edition (Game Boy, SNES) – Limited Run Games

Super Tilt Bro. Launches First Online Update for NES Wi-Fi Cartridge

Title: Super Tilt Bro. Launches First Online Update for NES Wi-Fi Cartridge

Summary:

Exciting news from the world of retro gaming! Super Tilt Bro., the homebrew fighting game designed for the NES, has rolled out its first online update for its Wi-Fi-enabled cartridge. This marks a major milestone in the project, allowing players to experience online multiplayer battles using original NES hardware.

The update enhances matchmaking functionality, improves stability for online gameplay, and brings new refinements to the core mechanics of the game. Players can now connect globally, embracing the nostalgic charm of 8-bit visuals while enjoying modern features like online matchmaking.

This update is a glimpse into the future of Super Tilt Bro. and showcases the incredible potential of combining classic hardware with cutting-edge connectivity. The development team’s dedication has set the stage for an entirely new way to enjoy NES gaming.

For more details, visit: Super Tilt Bro. Official Update

Unreleased Shenmue II US Dreamcast Prototype Offers a Glimpse into a Canceled Release

The gaming preservation community has unearthed a prototype of Shenmue II for the US Dreamcast, dated September 14, 2001. This build reveals unique insights into the game’s development, including two debug menus that allow players to explore features such as scene selection, environment testing, and direct control over key mechanics.

Shenmue II, an iconic action-adventure game, follows Ryo Hazuki’s journey as he continues his quest for vengeance across sprawling, detailed environments in Hong Kong. Renowned for its open-world design, realistic NPC interactions, and deep narrative, the game was a pioneer in blending cinematic storytelling with sandbox gameplay.

Although slated for a US release, Shenmue II was canceled in the region due to SEGA of America’s decision to shift focus away from the Dreamcast. However, the game was released in Japan and Europe, allowing fans outside the US to experience this masterpiece.

This prototype, now publicly available, provides a rare look into the planned but ultimately shelved US release and offers a deeper appreciation of the game’s groundbreaking design.

For more information, visit: Unreleased Shenmue II US Dreamcast Prototype

Hacking Games in Hex (Sega Genesis Edition) – A Beginner’s Guide by BillyTime! Games

BillyTime! Games (X: @BillytimeG has released a comprehensive document titled Hacking Games in Hex (Sega Genesis Edition), aimed at beginners interested in modifying Sega Genesis games. This guide explains the hexadecimal format of 68k Assembly used by the Sega Genesis and introduces tools like trace logs and breakpoints. Readers will learn to create cheat codes, alter color palettes, and develop SRAM hacks. The document includes annotated source code snippets from previous hacks to illustrate various techniques. Available in English, the guide was published on December 17, 2024, and is free to download.

For more information and to download the guide, visit: Hacking Games in Hex (Sega Genesis Edition) – RomHack Plaza

The Lion King (SNES) March 22, 1994 Prototype Released by Codebound

A previously unreleased prototype of The Lion King for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), dated March 22, 1994, has been made available for public download by Codebound. This early build offers insights into the game’s development process, showcasing differences from the final retail version, including unfinished levels, alternative graphics, and varying gameplay mechanics. Preservationists and retro gaming enthusiasts can now explore this piece of gaming history, providing a unique opportunity to study the evolution of this classic title.

A previously unreleased prototype of The Lion King for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), dated March 22, 1994, has been made available for public download. This early build offers insights into the game’s development process, showcasing differences from the final retail version, including unfinished levels, alternative graphics, and varying gameplay mechanics. Preservationists and retro gaming enthusiasts can now explore this piece of gaming history, providing a unique opportunity to study the evolution of this classic title.

For more information and to download the prototype, visit: The Lion King (SNES) March 22, 1994 Prototype

The SNES Pixel Book – A Visual Celebration of Super Nintendo’s 16-Bit Era

Bitmap Books presents The SNES Pixel Book, a 272-page hardcover tribute to the golden age of 16-bit gaming on Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). This meticulously crafted volume showcases thousands of screenshots, sprites, and level maps from iconic titles such as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid. Grouped by genre, the book offers thoughtful insights into the evolution of game design and its lasting impact on today’s video game landscape. Authored by Robert Bannert and Christine Bauer, with translation by Thomas Nickel, the book is encased in a spot-varnished protective slipcase, reflecting Bitmap Books’ commitment to high-quality publications.

For more information, visit: The SNES Pixel Book – Bitmap Books

Gimmick! 2 Collector’s Edition Pre-Orders Open for Switch and PS5

Limited Run Games has announced that pre-orders for the Gimmick! 2 Collector’s Edition are now open for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. This sequel to SUNSOFT’s legendary 8-bit platformer Gimmick! invites players to embark on a new adventure with the green yokai Yumetaro, featuring physics-based gameplay, puzzles, and hidden treasures. The Collector’s Edition, priced at $99.99, includes the game with a booklet, a collector’s edition box, original soundtrack, a Yumetaro vinyl figurine with a light-up star and remote, an Ohagi squishy, artbook, and sticker sheet. Pre-orders are available until January 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

For more information, visit: Gimmick! 2 Collector’s Edition (Switch, PS5) – Limited Run Games

Slipstream Deluxe Edition Pre-Orders Open for Switch and PS5

Limited Run Games has announced that pre-orders for the Slipstream Deluxe Edition are now open for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Slipstream is a racing game inspired by the visuals, music, and cars from the late ’80s and early ’90s, offering an authentic retro feel with modern gameplay mechanics. The Deluxe Edition, priced at $79.99, includes the game, a deluxe plastic case, soundtrack, 12” x 16” double-sided poster, acrylic standee, and enamel keychain. Pre-orders are available until January 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

For more information, visit: Slipstream Deluxe Edition (Switch, PS5) – Limited Run Games