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Author Archives: Owen

Modern Retro Games, PC Gaming, Steam

Neverwinter Nights Receives Official Expansion 23 Years After Original Release

Posted on by Owen

Fans of classic role-playing games have a new reason to revisit Neverwinter Nights, a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) title first launched in 2002 by BioWare. A new expansion, Doom of Icewind Dale, has been released, marking the game’s first official addition in over two decades. This development underscores the enduring popularity of a game that has thrived thanks to its dedicated community and modding culture.

Credit: Steam

The expansion, Doom of Icewind Dale, is the work of Luke Scull, a developer who began his career creating mods for Neverwinter Nights. Officially sanctioned by Wizards of the Coast, the stewards of the D&D franchise, this project reflects a rare bridge between fan creativity and professional game design. Scull’s transition from modder to lead developer highlights the game’s unique legacy within the gaming world.

Credit: Steam

Set in the Forgotten Realms—the expansive fantasy universe shared by Neverwinter Nights and other D&D titles—the storyline of Doom of Icewind Dale unfolds two decades after the original campaign. Players start as a character left for dead, stripped of memories, and must unravel a sinister plot tied to a vengeful godling in the icy north. The expansion delivers 10-15 hours of gameplay, introducing players to locations like Icewind Dale and the Reghed Glacier, alongside new monsters and an original soundtrack.

Available for $10 on Steam, Doom of Icewind Dale requires the Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition, a remastered version of the base game released in 2018 by Beamdog (source: Steam store page). This pricing and compatibility make it accessible to both returning players and newcomers eager to explore a piece of gaming history.

Neverwinter Nights earned acclaim in 2002 for its faithful adaptation of D&D’s third edition rules and its Aurora toolset, which empowered players to craft their own stories. The toolset fostered a vibrant modding community, sustaining the game’s relevance long after its initial release. The arrival of Doom of Icewind Dale is a nod to that community’s passion, offering a professionally crafted chapter rooted in the game’s rich heritage.

This release arrives at a time when retro gaming continues to captivate audiences, blending nostalgia with fresh content. For a game approaching its 23rd anniversary, Doom of Icewind Dale stands as a testament to the lasting appeal of well-crafted role-playing experiences.

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Modern Retro Games

Retro-Bit Admits to Using Fan Translations Without Credit in Classic Game Re-Releases

Posted on by Owen

Retro-Bit, a company known for re-releasing classic video games, has acknowledged that it used fan-made translations in some of its products without properly crediting the original translators. The admission follows accusations that the company incorporated these unofficial translations into its re-released titles. Krokodyl provided a very length breakdown of where these titles had used fan made translations, you can find his evidence here.

Majuu-Ou

Fan translations are created by gaming enthusiasts who translate games into other languages, often English, to make them accessible to a broader audience. These efforts, typically shared online for free, play a key role in preserving gaming history, particularly for titles never officially localized.

The accusations center on specific re-releases, including the games Valken and Majuu-Ou. Retro-Bit confirmed to Video Games Chronicle (VGC) that parts of fan translations were used in some of its 16-bit game re-releases—titles originally designed for consoles like the Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis—without giving due credit. The company stated, “We let our guard down,” recognizing the lapse in its practices in an interview with Time Extension.

This revelation has prompted discussions within the gaming community about the importance of acknowledging fan translators’ contributions. These individuals often work without compensation, driven by a passion for sharing games with others. Gideon Zhi, a notable figure in the fan translation scene, said Retro-Bit had tried to contact him about the translations but failed to connect due to various reasons.

Retro-Bit, which has built a reputation for bringing retro games to modern audiences in physical formats, issued an apology for the oversight. The incident underscores the need for companies to respect and credit the work of fan communities, whose efforts have long supported the preservation of gaming heritage.

While the company has not detailed specific steps to address the issue, its history of engaging with retro gaming fans suggests it may take action to prevent future occurrences. The gaming community is likely to monitor Retro-Bit’s response closely, as trust and collaboration remain essential in the world of classic gaming.

The episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between commercial re-releases and the grassroots efforts that often precede them. For now, Retro-Bit’s acknowledgment and apology mark a step toward addressing the concerns raised.

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Modern Retro Games, New Games

Ratatan: A New Rhythm Adventure Inspired by Patapon

Posted on by Owen

Fans of the beloved PSP rhythm game Patapon have a treat on the horizon. Ratatan, a spiritual successor crafted by Ratata Arts and Tokyo Virtual Theory, promises to revive the magic of commanding armies through musical beats. This highly anticipated title smashed its Kickstarter goal in 2023, raising over $1.5 million, and is now gearing up for a closed beta on February 27, 2025.

Credit: Steam

Gameplay That Hits All the Right Notes

At its core, Ratatan keeps the rhythm-based mechanics that made Patapon a standout. Players will lead their quirky Cobun armies by tapping out commands to a beat. But this successor isn’t just a nostalgic retread—it brings fresh twists:

  • Online co-op for up to four players, a big leap from Patapon’s solo play.
  • Over 100 unique characters, each with their own skills to master.
  • Roguelike elements, ensuring every run feels unpredictable and replayable.
  • A vibrant story set on the planet Redo, where a goddess’s song shapes a colorful world.

The closed beta, exclusive to Kickstarter backers, will let players dive into the game’s opening stage. While it’s Steam-only for now due to development limits, the full release will hit multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.

A Team With Rhythm in Their DNA

Ratatan isn’t just banking on nostalgia—it’s got the talent to back it up. Key Patapon veterans, like director Hiroyuki Kotani and composer Kenmei Adachi, are steering the ship. Their expertise shines through in the game’s blend of familiar charm and modern flair. The Kickstarter campaign’s success—hitting its funding target in under an hour—unlocked console versions, showing just how much fans believe in this project.

Why Ratatan Stands Out

With its multiplayer focus, Ratatan could redefine rhythm gaming by mixing strategy with social fun. For Patapon diehards, it’s a chance to relive the beat with friends; for newcomers, it’s a fresh entry into a unique genre. Keep an eye on the official Ratatan website as the 2025 full release approaches—this is one rhythm worth following.

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Collecting, Fun Things

eBay Launches Exclusive Eevee Shop for Pokémon Day 2025

Posted on by Owen

Online marketplace eBay has introduced a special “Evolving Shop” to mark Pokémon Day on 27 February 2025, celebrating the popular Pokémon character Eevee and its eight evolutions. The initiative, which began on 25 February, features a curated selection of rare trading cards and merchandise, available through a series of 24-hour auctions. Bidding starts at just 9 cents—a nod to Eevee’s nine distinct forms—and new items are released daily at 06:00 PT until the event concludes on 28 February.

Credit: eBay

The shop caters to Pokémon enthusiasts with a mix of modern and vintage collectibles. Highlights include high-value trading cards such as a PSA 10-graded 1999 Pokémon TCG Jungle Vaporeon Test Proof and a 2021 SWSH Evolving Skies Secret Full Art Sylveon VMAX, also PSA 10-graded. Merchandise spans nearly three decades of Pokémon history, offering items like plush toys and figurines featuring Eevee and its evolved forms, including Jolteon, Umbreon, and Glaceon. In the United States, trading cards valued over $250 come with eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee, ensuring buyer confidence.

Credit: Ebay

This year, dubbed “The Year of Eevee” by Pokémon fans, aligns with the release of the Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions in January 2025. The set has driven significant collector interest, with eBay reporting over 2,700 hourly searches globally for “Prismatic Evolutions” following its launch. Demand for Eevee-related items has also surged, with searches for “Umbreon” rising nearly 500% compared to January 2024, according to eBay data.

Beyond auctions, eBay is hosting live events on its interactive platform, eBay Live, from 24 February to 2 March. Fans can participate in real-time shopping, watch vintage Pokémon box breaks, and join $1-start auctions. The events will feature appearances from prominent Pokémon collectors and offer the Prismatic Evolution Elite Trainer Box at or below its recommended retail price. Additionally, a collection of over 1,000 Japanese-edition trading cards became available from 21 February, broadening the appeal for international collectors.

Pokémon Day commemorates the original release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan on 27 February 1996. Eevee, ranked as the eighth most-searched Pokémon from the original 151 characters on eBay in 2024, remains a fan favourite due to its unique evolutionary versatility. The Pokémon Company International has also planned related activities, including in-game events for Pokémon GO and new merchandise releases at Pokémon Center stores, as reported on their official website.

The eBay Evolving Shop offers collectors a limited window to acquire rare Eevee-themed treasures, blending nostalgia with the excitement of the chase. Fans can explore the full range of items on eBay’s dedicated event page.

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Fun Things

Final Fantasy 14 Speedrunning Record Seesaw Continues with New Milestone

Posted on by Owen

In the world of Final Fantasy 14, a competitive saga over the Kugane Tower jump puzzle speedrunning record has taken another twist. The latest chapter in this ongoing rivalry unfolded on 24 February 2025, as documented by GamesRadar, with players vying to claim the title of fastest ascent in the game’s challenging obstacle course, introduced in the Stormblood expansion.

The contest reignited when speedrunner Pint, a prominent Final Fantasy 14 content creator, reclaimed the world record with a time of 38.31 seconds. This achievement came just a day after Pint surpassed the previous record of 38.74 seconds, set by Em0_oticon in 2023. That earlier record had itself been a swift response to Pint’s initial triumph, when they shaved milliseconds off Em0_oticon’s long-standing 43.58-second mark, only to lose it within 24 hours.

However, Pint’s latest victory was short-lived. A third contender, Azura Stargazer, emerged as the new record holder with a blistering 34.616-second run, posted on 23 February 2025. Azura had been quietly training to challenge the top spot and eclipsed both Pint and Em0_oticon in this latest round. Pint acknowledged the defeat with a pragmatic reflection, noting, “at least I tried,” according to GamesRadar.

The Kugane Tower, located in the game’s Kugane region, is a vertical maze requiring precise jumps and timing, making it a favourite among Final Fantasy 14 speedrunners. The puzzle’s difficulty has fuelled this rivalry since 2017, with Em0_oticon holding the record unchallenged for five years until Pint’s breakthrough in 2023, as reported by EssentiallySports.

This back-and-forth highlights the dedication of the Final Fantasy 14 speedrunning community, a niche but passionate group within the game’s 30 million registered players, a figure cited by Square Enix in its latest community update. The competition remains open, with Azura’s time now the benchmark to beat, though observers speculate it may require extraordinary skill to topple.

For now, the focus shifts to whether Pint or Em0_oticon will mount another challenge, or if Azura will solidify their dominance. The Final Fantasy 14 speedrunning scene continues to captivate fans, blending skill, rivalry, and the enduring appeal of this massively multiplayer online role-playing game.

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Game Port

Skyblivion: Fan-Made Oblivion Remake Nears Completion in Skyrim’s Engine

Posted on by Owen

A dedicated group of volunteer developers is putting the finishing touches on Skyblivion, an ambitious fan-made project that reimagines The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion using the engine of its successor, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. After years of painstaking work, the team behind this labour of love has confirmed they are still on track to release the mod in 2025, bringing a revitalised version of the 2006 classic to fans old and new.

Skyblivion is no small undertaking. The project recreates the entirety of Oblivion’s sprawling world of Cyrodiil—its lush forests, towering cities, and treacherous dungeons—within Skyrim’s more modern Creation Engine. The result promises enhanced visuals, improved mechanics, and a nostalgic yet fresh experience for players who first roamed the Imperial Province nearly two decades ago. The team, operating under the banner of the TESRenewal modding collective, has meticulously rebuilt quests, characters, and environments, all while preserving the essence of the original game.

Lead developer Kyle Rebel, often known by his online handle “Rebelzize,” recently shared an update with gaming outlet IGN, expressing optimism about the 2025 target. “We’re in the home stretch now,” he said. “It’s about polishing what we’ve built and making sure it feels right.” The project, which relies entirely on volunteer efforts, has faced its share of challenges, from technical hurdles to coordinating a global team. Yet, the passion for The Elder Scrolls has kept the momentum alive.

For players, Skyblivion will be free to download upon release, though it requires legal copies of both Oblivion and Skyrim (including specific DLCs) to function. This ensures compliance with copyright laws, a careful line the team has navigated throughout development. The mod’s scope has garnered attention beyond the modding community, with fans eagerly awaiting a chance to revisit iconic locations like the Imperial City or Kvatch in a modernised form.

The TESRenewal team has also teased additional features, including new assets and quality-of-life improvements, though they remain tight-lipped on specifics. As the release window approaches, anticipation is building—not just for Skyblivion, but for what it represents: a testament to the enduring power of fan creativity in gaming.

With Bethesda focused on upcoming titles like The Elder Scrolls VI, Skyblivion offers a bridge between past and future, blending nostalgia with innovation. For now, all eyes are on 2025, as this remarkable project nears its long-awaited debut.

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Fun Things

Fighting Game Titans Street Fighter x Mortal Kombat Unite in Unprecedented Crossover Event

Posted on by Owen

A landmark collaboration is set to reshape the gaming landscape as three of the industry’s most celebrated franchises converge. Developers have today announced a crossover event that will merge the worlds of Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Fortnite, offering fans the opportunity to see their favourite fighters share a screen for the first time.

Credit: Fortnite

Epic Games has remained tight-lipped on the full scope, but a spokesperson hinted at the vision: “We’re bringing together these beloved universes to create something fresh yet respectful of their legacies. Expect gameplay that celebrates their histories while pushing what’s possible in Fortnite.” The crossover aligns with the season’s “Lawless” theme, featuring a criminal underworld aesthetic that complements the ninja personas of Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside Street Fighter’s martial arts icons.

The collaboration promises more than just skins. Leaks suggest limited-time challenges and possibly new points of interest tied to Mortal Kombat, enhancing the battle royale experience with nods to its brutal roots—albeit toned down for Fortnite’s broader audience. While a unified narrative remains speculative, the inclusion of such iconic characters hints at a loose storyline bridging these worlds, a tactic Fortnite has mastered with past crossovers like Marvel and Star Wars.

Analysts see this as a bold step in gaming’s evolution, merging the nostalgia of 1990s fighting games with today’s dominant battle royale format. “This is a landmark moment,” said Trent Murray, a veteran esports writer for Sports Illustrated. “It’s not just about skins—it’s about uniting communities across genres and generations.” The move reflects a growing trend of leveraging intellectual properties to create hybrid experiences, a strategy Epic has honed since Fortnite’s rise to cultural phenomenon status.

With the season now live as of February 21, 2025, excitement is palpable across gaming forums and social media. Posts on X highlight fans’ enthusiasm, with some calling it the closest they’ll get to a Street Fighter vs. Mortal Kombat showdown—a dream matchup long desired but never realized in a traditional fighting game. Ed Boon, Mortal Kombat’s co-creator, even acknowledged the crossover’s significance online, fuelling speculation about future additions like Mileena or Raiden.

This pioneering event not only celebrates decades of gaming heritage but also signals a future where cross-genre collaborations could become the norm. As players dive into Fortnite’s latest season, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash of titans—one that’s already shaping up to be a milestone in interactive entertainment.

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Rom Hack, Sega

Legacy of Vice City: Dreamcast Revival in the Works by Pioneering Porting Team

Posted on by Owen

In a move that has stirred excitement among fans of the Dreamcast, the team known for porting Grand Theft Auto III to the console has announced plans to bring Vice City to Sega’s final machine. The news, reported by Time Extension, marks a promising return for fans who have long cherished the unique charm of early open-world adventures wrapped up with one of the greatest sound tracks ever.

Developers SKMP—celebrated for their innovative adaptation of GTA III to the Dreamcast’s —now aim to capture the vibrant spirit of Vice City. Although still in the early stages, the project is expected to deliver updated visuals and refined gameplay mechanics that remain faithful to the game’s roots.

The announcement arrives at a time when a resurgence of interest in early 2000s gaming is evident. Many in the gaming community recall Vice City as more than just a title; it is seen as an emblem of a transformative era defined by bold creativity and groundbreaking design (and amazing music).

As details remain limited, Sega and GTA fans wait to see what can be achieved by this talented group of developers on the Dreamcast hardware. The Dreamcast is experience a revival of late with some interesting project emerging, such as being able to save your games in the cloud, as we reported previously.

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Fun Things, Nintendo

Nintendo Alarmo: Now Available at Best Buy for $99

Posted on by Owen

Consumers with a taste for nostalgia have a new reason to celebrate as Best Buy recently listed the Nintendo Alarmo, an innovative alarm clock that pays tribute to the iconic Nintendo legacy. The device artfully marries modern technology with vintage gaming aesthetics, promising to appeal to both devoted Nintendo fans and collectors of retro tech. Previously only available from the Nintendo Store, and if you had a Nintendo subscription, it is now available for everyone.

Credit: Nintendo.com

Developed by Nintendo, the Alarmo features design cues that evoke memories of classic gaming consoles. Its customizable alarm tones include chiptune sounds reminiscent of early video game soundtracks, offering users a playful wake-up experience steeped in nostalgia. Alongside its retro styling, the clock boasts a clear digital display and intuitive controls, ensuring functionality is never sacrificed for form.

The strategic release of the Nintendo Alarmo is seen as a smart move by Best Buy, targeting a niche audience that values the charm of retro gaming alongside everyday functionality. With demand for nostalgic gadgets on the rise, the product is expected to become a coveted addition to any retro collection.

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Gaming History

Forgotten Feature: The Unused Terminal of the NES Disk System

Posted on by Owen

39 years ago on 21 February 1986, Nintendo’s innovative Disk System was released for the Family Computer (NES), promising a revolution in home gaming. Boasting a 1M capacity—far exceeding that of traditional game cassettes—the system enabled players to save progress and even rewrite games for a modest fee. However, as much as it broke new ground, it also left enthusiasts with a few enduring curiosities.

Among these is the so-called “mysterious terminal” concealed behind the RAM adapter. Originally designed to support additional peripherals, this terminal was covered by a sliding shutter and intended for a communication adapter that would have enabled downloads, animated messaging, and even early forms of online services. Unfortunately, the planned accessory was never released, leaving behind an enigmatic relic of what might have been a pioneering network feature.

For many children of that era, the Disk System was both a marvel and a mild frustration. The novelty of saving game progress was often overshadowed by lengthy loading times—displaying nothing more than a stark “ADING” on a black screen—contrasting sharply with the near-instantaneous transitions seen in earlier cassette-based games. Despite this, the system gave birth to timeless classics such as The Legend of Zelda, Dracula, and Metroid, each contributing to the rich tapestry of gaming history.

While large-capacity cassettes soon eclipsed the Disk System’s advantages, its legacy endures among retro gaming aficionados. It remains a poignant reminder of an era when technical limitations and bold innovation walked hand in hand, leaving a legacy that continues to influence modern game design.

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