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Author Archives: Owen

Retro Gaming News

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0036

Posted on by Owen

Welcome to issue #36. This week we cover OG flying Yoshi, limited edition consoles, a retro hardware review and some N64 lists and other rankings. Please check us out on TikTok and Instagram where we are going through the top 20 NES games of all time.

News

Did you know that Yoshi originally had wings? Well neither did I, but apparently, he was depicted as being so in the “official” Nintendo guide for the game “Yoshi” for the Famicom game in 1992 [Twitter]. Link

 
Looks like a bit of a bad trip.

 

The final trailer for the new Mario film is out and I am very excited. It looks true to the games and is packed with easter eggs and references [YouTube]. Link

A spin-off to Super Meat Boy has been announced and Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine hugely inspires the 4p game [Polygon]. Link

Atari has announced that they have acquired 12 retro gaming IPs including the acquisition of Frenzy and Berzerk [Atari]. Link

 

Features

Gear Rice has a cool look at limited edition consoles with a couple of retro mentions. Link

 
Hopefully the added power of coke will make the batteries last longer.

Bolly Inside report on a panel discussion with Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night creator Koji Igarashi who talks about how Japanese video games became a global phenomenon. Link

CNET review the EverCade EXP which is a handheld device with 18 Capcom games and 5 indie game and can be played both in a vertical and horizontal position (great for shooters). Looks like some really nice hardware. Link

 
Quite the beauty.

Where it had been announced that ToeJam and Earl were getting a film, MovieWeb takes a look at these cult characters. Link

Lists and Rankings

Movieweb gives you the 20 strangest video games based on films. Lots of games I was not familiar with and worth a read. Link

 
We are going to need a bigger boat

Dual Shockers love lists and love giving you their view so here you have their take on the 10 Best Video Characters of All Time. Some good shouts, but also some huge commissions. Link

And while they are at it, they give you the 10 best N64 FPS games. Link

Retro Dodo gets in on the N64 love and gives to you the 10 most underrated N64 games. Link

 

 

Retro Gaming News

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0035

Posted on by Owen

Welcome to issue #35 of the newsletter, this week we cover the Sega Uranus, impossible 1-ups and some lists including the top Kirby games ever.

29 years ago today Super Mario Land 3 was released for the OG Gameboy! Wanna give it a play? You can play it here. Link

 

News

Super Metroid for the SNES has been recompiled and ported to the PC [TechSpot]. Link

 
Japan always got the better boxes.

A speed runner who has managed to get what was thought to be an impossible 1-up mushroom in Mario 64 – by wall jumping for 1 hour???? [YouTube]. Link

The composer Soyo Oka who worked on the music for Super Mario Kart, Super Mario All-Stars and Pilotwinfs has released a new ChipTune album called LOOP816 (it sounds very catchy) [Twitter]. Link

Got an old SNES Mouse lying around and want to add it to your setup. Now you can thanks to an adaptor [Hackster]. Link

 
Retro-cool

A modder has made the Sega Saturn portable and named it the Uranus, it is missing a disk drive as you might expect, but looks kind of cool and similar to the unreleased Venus [RetroDodo]. Link

 
Hands-on with Uranus

RetroDodo is crowdfunding another book – this time it is a handheld history from 88-95. Link

Features

Polygon has a nice article on discovering the many secrets of Super Mario Bros 3. Link

Nintendo Life celebrated Mar10 day with a look back at 40 years of Super Mario TV adverts. Link

Final Weapon takes a look at the rivalry between Sony and Nintendo. Link

 

Lists & Rankings

CBR has provided us with a list of the 10 Best SNES Franchises, with some notable games that have not ever received more love (Earthbound for example). Link

Attack of the Fan Boy has a top 10 Kirby games list. Link

 
Just seeing these colours transports me back to the 90’s

LifeHacker provides you with their view on 18 must-play vintage games on the Nintendo Switch. Link

Capcom is a legendary developer, making some of the most beloved series in gaming, so Game Rant took it upon themselves to give you their view on the top 8 of their 16-bit games. Link

 

Thanks for reading! Fan of the Sega Genesis/Megadrive – follow us on Instagram, Tiktok and Twitter as we count down our top 20 games ever.

Retro Gaming News

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0034

Posted on by Owen

Welcome to this week’s newsletter, this week there is a (future) birthday to celebrate (7th March), and whilst on the borderline of retro gaming, he is quite significant in gaming in general. The only clues I will give is that he was (or will be) born in 2511 and is as significant to his brand as Mario is to Nintendo. Can you guess who it is?

 

News

Gizmodo report on another custom Game Boy, this time a Game Boy DS Advance SP with two actual screens. Link

 
The DSSP?

Nintendo has announced that the Egg Catcher game from the NES version of Kirby’s adventure will be returning as a 4p game in Kirby’s Return to Dreamland on the Switch. Link

A Fan has created a playable custom track for Mario Kart 8 based on the Ocarina of Time [GameRant]. Link

It’s Mar10 day this week and Nintendo has a celebration video to commemorate this. Link

Features

This CBR article describes the forgotten PC version of Super Mario Bros. developed by Hudson Soft, which was vastly different from the original game, featuring new power-ups, enemies, levels, and scrolling mechanics, but due to various “issues,” it was never released outside of Japan and South Korea. Link

BuiltIn has a very cool feature about some gaming vaporware that (by definition) never made it to market – no surprise why when you see some of them. Link

My Nintendo News reveal how the Star Fox team got their names. Link

RetroShell continues its top 20 list with the Sega Megadrive/Genesis on TikTok. Link

Lifehacker has taken a list of the best ways to store old video games (Retroshell.com is not on the list but we are biased). Link

Destructoid asks the question: “What’s your favourite Sega Mega Drive soundtrack?” – and some classics are shared. Link

CBR looks back at a cancelled Star Wars game for the Atari 2600 which would have had playable Ewoks. Link

 
e-e-e-e-e-e-ewoks.

Gadgets now have a well-presented feature on game consoles through the years. Link

 

Lists and Rankings

Keen Gamer has a list of the top 5 Disney NES games for kids. Link

 
Gotta Love 8-Bit NES Style

With the release of the port of Metroid Prime Remastered on the Switch Destructoid takes a look at the best 10 Metroid games of all time. Link

Pro Game Guides rank the top Zelda games of all time with no mention of Zelda CD-i. Link

GameRant has a list of the best N64 games for the Nintendo switch online. Link

CBR give you 10 games that were accidentally made unwinnable, Like Airwolf on the Amstrad CPC which crashed before you could complete it. Link

Thanks for reading! The upcoming birthday is Master Chief – so happy 488 years to your birth Chief! Please do share this with other like-minded folks.

 
Retro Gaming News, Uncategorized

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0033

Posted on by Owen

Welcome to issue number 33 – this week in gaming a classic game was launched for the SNES which was widely regarded as one of the best of its genre. Here are a couple of clues to see if you can guess what it is. It had a different name in Europe and the USA and featured weapons like machine guns, flamethrowers and homing missiles. Answer at the end.

 

 

News

An Atari Enthusiast has made a ‘mini’ version of the Atari Lynx [RetroDodo]. Link

 
Should be called the Lynx Kitten

In this week’s retro gaming releases, we have Doodle World: Redrawn, which is a run re-imagining of DoodleWorld and is being released for the OG NES [Limited Run Games]. Link

After Sega took down the sale of the “Mega Book Collection” which was due to release after successful funding, the creator decided to give the book away for free [Grey Fox Books]. Link

 
They’re all a little looney.

Polymega has announced some new products for their modular retro gaming hardware including an App front end and a new wireless controller. Link

Emulators now work on the PS5 thanks to a firmware 6.5 exploit [Wololo]. Link

 

 

 

Features

Game Freaks 365 wrote an article on What made Super Mario World so good. Link

CBR announce that the mystery behind Sonic CD’s missing level has been finally solved. Link

 
What was this level called….?

Want to know how to build a Game Boy on a breadboard? Well, Hackaday has got a feature on this. Link

GameSpot has visited super Nintendo world and has compiled a list of the 5 things you have to do. Link

 
Stoned Bowser

 

…and 8 things you should know before going (PSA Universal announced a Florida park this week as well). Link

 

 

Lists and Rankings

The Gamer have a list of 10 Video Games that were well ahead of the times visually surprised to see no mention of Another World or Flashback which felt miles ahead. Link

Den of Geek shares 15 things you never knew about the Sega Genesis/Megadrive (worth a look, quite interesting). Link

 
If you did not know about the hidden wrestler Kwang then click the picture to learn more.

CBR Rank the 10 best Nintendo Franchises. Link

And there you have it. The game clues were for Contra III aka Super Probotector in Europe. For more retro gaming contact, please follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and/or join our sub Reddit. Thanks for reading!

 

Gaming History

The Forgotten Legacy of the Sega Game Gear: A Look Back at the Portable Console That Could Have Been a Contender

Posted on by Owen

The Sega Game Gear was a portable gaming device that was released in 1990 as a direct competitor to Nintendo’s Game Boy. Although it wasn’t as successful as the Game Boy, it still had a loyal following and some notable games that are still remembered today. One of the standout features of the Game Gear was its colour screen.

Ga

Unlike the Game Boy, which had a monochromatic display, the Game Gear’s screen could display up to 32 colours at once. This made games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Mortal Kombat much more visually impressive on the Game Gear than they were on the Game Boy.

 

However, the Game Gear did have some drawbacks. One of the biggest issues was its battery life. The Game Gear required six AA batteries to run, and they only lasted for a few hours at most. This made the Game Gear much less portable than the Game Boy, which had a much longer battery life. Another issue with the Game Gear was its size. While it was technically portable, it was much larger and heavier than the Game Boy. This made it less convenient to carry around, and it was also more prone to damage if dropped or bumped. To address this issue, Game Case protectors were introduced. These protectors were essentially cases that the Game Gear could be placed in when not in use. They were designed to protect the device from scratches, bumps, and other forms of damage while also making it easier to carry around. Game Case protectors came in a variety of styles and designs. Some were made of hard plastic and resembled small suitcases, while others were made of soft materials like neoprene and could be carried over the shoulder like a purse.

 

Overall, the Sega Game Gear was an impressive piece of gaming hardware that was ahead of its time in terms of graphics and screen quality. However, its short battery life and bulky design made it less popular than the Game Boy. For those who still enjoy playing Game Gear games today, Game Case protectors are a must-have accessory to ensure the device remains in good condition.

 

If you are an experienced Game Gear collector, or starting to build your first collection – we suggest that you protect your games with our Sega Game Gear game box protectors. At RetroShell we offer Game Gear game case protectors made of 4mm clear acrylic with a sliding door for easy access. Our Game Gear game box protectors are best in class, and allow you to stack your Game Gear game cases either horizontally or vertically to display your collection.

Collecting, Gaming History

The Power of Preservation: How Sega Megadrive Box Protectors Keep Retro Gaming Alive

Posted on by Owen

The Sega Megadrive, also known as the Genesis in North America, was a popular home video game console that was first released in Japan in 1988. It was developed and produced by Sega and quickly became one of the most successful gaming systems of its time. The console was known for its advanced technology, innovative features, and a library of classic games that are still beloved by gamers today.

Sega Megadrive Box Protectors

One of the defining features of the Sega Megadrive was its 16-bit processor, which allowed for more advanced graphics and faster gameplay than its competitors. It also introduced a variety of peripherals and accessories, such as the Sega CD and the Sega 32X, which expanded the console’s capabilities and provided gamers with new experiences.

Despite its popularity, the Sega Megadrive faced stiff competition from other gaming systems such as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Atari Jaguar. However, its dedicated fanbase continued to grow, and the console remained a staple in many homes throughout the 1990s.

Today, many retro gamers still collect and play Sega Megadrive games, with titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Phantasy Star IV, and Streets of Rage 2 among the most highly regarded. The console’s iconic design and distinctive logo also continue to inspire nostalgia and hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers.

If you’re a collector or just a fan of the Sega Megadrive, you may be interested in protecting your game boxes with Sega Megadrive Box Protectors. These plastic protectors are specifically designed to fit Megadrive game boxes and provide an extra layer of protection against scratches, wear, and tear. They can also help preserve the value of your games, especially if you plan to sell or trade them in the future.

In addition to Megadrive Box Protectors, there are also a variety of other accessories and add-ons available for the console, such as extension cords, controllers, and memory cards. With the continued popularity of retro gaming, it’s never been a better time to be a fan of the Sega Megadrive.

In conclusion, the Sega Megadrive is a console with a rich history and a legacy that continues to live on today. Its advanced technology, innovative features, and library of classic games have made it a beloved system among gamers. If you’re a fan or collector, consider investing in Sega Megadrive Box Protectors to protect and preserve your game boxes for years to come.

 
 
 
Retro Gaming News

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0031

Posted on by Owen

Welcome to this week’s retro gaming news roundup. The year is 1986, you are in Japan and this week a game is going to be released which will change gaming forever. You fire up the game, and one of the first things you read is “It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.” What game is it?

 
Sponsored By NostalgiaTron

News

Cocaine Bear is the big film release of 2023 and might of just missed the Oscar nominations for this year HOWEVER – the good folk have made an 8-bit game to celebrate the launch and you can play it for free. Link

 
That’s not snow.

The Named Cassette Museum in Tokyo is reuniting gamers with their original Famicom cassettes, and other old game cartridges, which had their names, addresses, and additional identifying information written on them [Yahoo]. Link

 
I hope they find their owners

There is a new game to film release on the horizon! This time, Tetris [YouTube]. Link

Super Nintendo World in Hollywood is open! If you want to know more you can read this from SFGate. Link

Some boffins (I love that word) have created MarioGPT, which is a Mario Bros world generator using GPT-2 [TechXplore]. Link

 
Mario through the world of AI

Limited Run Games wanted to resurrect Cool Spot – Dr Pepper said “no” [Twitter]. Link

 
Does anyone know what this game is?

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of StarFox, one of the lead programmers has done a 40-minute play-through [YouTube]. Link

 
The best protection for your collection

Features

In 1993, The Flash had his own video game on the Sega Master System that tried to replicate his speed in a precise puzzle game rather than emulating Sonic the Hedgehog, and although it received good reviews for its music and level design, it was overshadowed by the console’s lack of popularity in America and never re-released or ported to other consoles [CBR]. Link

 
(Grand) Master System Flash.

Dualshockers have a feature on the life and death of “lives” in video games. Link

SlashGear takes a look at the most bizarre N64 accessories of all time. Link

 
Its not what it looks like mum, I am just developing my reality glove muscles

Nintendo Life looks back at the Nintendo console with the best lineup of first-party games. Link

 

Lists / Rankings

Destructoid gives you their take on the top 15 games for the SNES. Link

Game news 24 takes a look at the 5 rarest games in the world. Link

 
The holy grail

Yahoo gets in on the ranking game and gives you their top 20 video game characters from the 90s. Link

And GameRant, who are much more accustomed to giving their rankings – gives you the 10 best Retro Games from the ’90s. Link

In the niche list of the week, The Gamer take a look at the 10 best WarioWare references to other games. Link

 
Niche list of the week visual

Dualshockers gives you their take on the 10 best Sega Franchises. Link

That’s all folks. This week’s game was The Legend of Zelda for the NES, released 37 years ago this week in Japan. Check out our TikTok channel where we are creating our very own list of the top 20 SNES games ever!

Collecting

Investing in Your Gaming Legacy: Using Game Box Protectors for Sega Megadrive Collection

Posted on by Owen

The Sega Megadrive, also known as the Sega Genesis in North America, was one of the most popular video game consoles of the 1990s. With its groundbreaking graphics and sound, it provided countless hours of entertainment for gamers all over the world. But as with any cherished possession, it’s important to protect your Sega Megadrive game collection from wear and tear. And what better way to do so than with game box protectors?

Sega Megadrive Box Protectors

Game box protectors are clear plastic cases that fit snugly over your game boxes, protecting them from dust, scratches, and other damage. They’re a great investment for any collector who wants to keep their games in pristine condition, and they’re especially useful for rare or valuable games that you want to preserve for future generations.

The Sega Megadrive game boxes are particularly well-suited for game box protectors. Their colorful artwork and bold logos are an iconic part of gaming history, and they deserve to be displayed and preserved for years to come. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the console or just discovering it for the first time, the Sega Megadrive game boxes are a visual feast that’s sure to delight.

Some of the most beloved Sega Megadrive games come in truly stunning packaging. The box for Sonic the Hedgehog 2, for example, features an eye-catching image of Sonic and Tails soaring through the sky. The cover of Streets of Rage 2 shows the game’s heroes surrounded by a ring of fire, while the box for Phantasy Star IV depicts an epic space battle with a giant space station in the background.

With game box protectors, you can keep these masterpieces in excellent condition for years to come. You’ll be able to admire the artwork without worrying about it getting scuffed or torn, and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your investment is well-protected.

In conclusion, the Sega Megadrive game boxes are a treasure trove of classic gaming history, and game box protectors are the perfect way to ensure that they stay that way. Whether you’re a serious collector or just a casual gamer, protecting your games is an investment that will pay off in the long run. So go ahead and give your Sega Megadrive game collection the care and attention it deserves – your future self will thank you!