Tony Hawk enthusiasts are set for a thrilling ride as the official website has begun a countdown to March 4th will which marks a significant milestone in the skateboarding legend’s storied legacy. The announcement, which has quickly garnered attention across gaming circles, suggests that a major new release or update is on the horizon, promising to reignite the passion of longtime fans and hopefully, captivate a new generation.
Credit: TonyHawkTheGame.com
As reported last week, an actor for the game said that a new remaster “is about to come out” and the countdown could well prove this to be a solid rumour.
The anticipation is palpable among fans, many of whom have followed the evolution of Tony Hawk’s franchise with keen interest. Veteran gamers recall the original releases with fondness, cherishing the adrenaline-pumping tricks and immersive environments that defined the series. I still remember looking at places differently after being slightly obsessed with the original games, considering what things I could grind on, or jup off.
Now, with a fresh chapter on the horizon, there is widespread optimism that this next installment will capture that same spirit while pushing the boundaries of what modern skateboarding games can offer.
As the countdown to March 4th begins, the gaming community is urged to stay tuned for further announcements. With the prospect of revisiting a cherished legacy infused with modern flair, Tony Hawk’s next move promises to be a defining moment in the ongoing evolution of skateboarding and gaming culture.
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In a development that has captivated the fighting game community, fresh details of the base roster and planned DLC characters for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves have reportedly leaked online. Reliable sources close to the development team suggest that the leak reveals not only the complete line-up of core fighters but also a selection of surprise characters set to join as downloadable content.
Credit: Monstervine
According to Reddit user MistressMello, a recent data mine of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves has unveiled both launch and DLC characters. The data indicates that several fighters anticipated by fans – including Terry, Rock, Hotaru Futaba, and Gato – are confirmed, alongside well-known favourites such as Mai Shiranui and Tizoc. Additionally, the data mine reveals that some names remain unannounced, including Kim Jae Hoon, Freeman, and Hokutomaru, noted as the young protégé of Andy Bogard. It is also significant that three spots remain available in the launch roster. These additional characters have previously appeared in Mark of The Wolves, and Marco Rodrigues is also confirmed as a member of the City of the Wolves lineup.
The new entry in the iconic Fatal Fury series promises to blend the classic, hard-hitting mechanics of its predecessors with modern graphical enhancements and innovative character designs. According to the leaked information, the base roster appears meticulously balanced, featuring veteran fighters alongside newcomers engineered to bring fresh strategic dynamics to the gameplay. The anticipated DLC is expected to expand the narrative and offer players additional customization options, further deepening the game’s competitive appeal.
Industry insiders have noted that the leak provides intriguing insights into the developers’ approach, highlighting their commitment to honouring the series’ heritage while embracing contemporary design trends. The details have sparked vigorous discussion on social media and dedicated gaming forums, where fans are eagerly speculating on potential match-ups and storyline developments. Despite the excitement, the development team has yet to issue an official confirmation, leaving many questions unanswered.
As anticipation builds for the official release, we wonder what other announcements or leaks might emerge. The leak, while unofficial, has undoubtedly reinvigorated interest in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves as one of the most promising entries in the fighting game genre in recent years.
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A former developer behind seminal titles such as Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies has voiced strong criticism of the modern state of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). Speaking to GamesRadar, the industry veteran argued that the genre has long been stuck in a rut, a situation largely attributed to the overwhelming success of World of Warcraft.
In my humble opinion, this was the greatest game ever (SWG).
According to the developer, World of Warcraft’s meteoric rise led to a significant narrowing of creative diversity within MMOs. In its wake, a multitude of titles emerged that, while commercially successful, have tended to adopt a similar formula. The veteran recalls a time when MMOs were more experimental and varied, offering a broad range of gameplay mechanics and immersive worlds that challenged players in innovative ways.
The critique centres on the perception that the market has become homogenised, with many modern MMOs echoing the same design philosophies and gameplay structures pioneered by World of Warcraft. This trend, the former developer warns, has stifled innovation and sidelined the once-rich variety of the genre.
Industry insiders note that while World of Warcraft undeniably set new standards for online gaming, its influence has also had unintended consequences. The emphasis on mass appeal and monetisation models may have discouraged developers from taking risks or exploring alternative concepts. As a result, the once diverse landscape of MMO design appears to have converged towards a more uniform, less adventurous model.
The developer’s remarks have reignited debates within the gaming community over the future direction of MMOs. Many now call for a revival of the creative spirit that once defined the genre, hoping that new projects will break free from the constraints of current trends.
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Developers across the gaming industry are looking to 1993’s Doom for timeless inspiration. A recent interview in Edge magazine has highlighted how modern game designers are revisiting the seminal first-person shooter to unearth fresh ideas and insights that continue to shape the industry. The classic game, first released by id Software in 1993, revolutionised gameplay with its fast-paced action, innovative design, and atmospheric soundscape.
According to the report, every time developers delve into the original Doom, they discover new details that influence contemporary design.
“It’s like a classic piece of art,” game director Hugo Martin says in the latest issue of Edge Magazine. “It’s like a painter going to a museum and studying the Norman Rockwell painting he’s already studied 50 times. Every time you look at it, you learn something new.”
The game’s minimalist yet effective level layouts, combined with its pioneering approach to player engagement, remain a vital reference point for both veteran developers and newcomers alike. This ongoing fascination underscores the fact that even in an era dominated by high-definition graphics and intricate narratives, the fundamental principles of engaging gameplay remain timeless.
Industry experts note that Doom’s success lies not only in its technical achievements but also in its creative vision. The game’s resourceful use of limited technology to craft a compelling, immersive experience offers a masterclass in innovation and design efficiency. Many developers have reflected on how revisiting the game allows them to reconnect with the basics of game design, inspiring them to focus on simplicity and clarity rather than overcomplicating modern titles.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the enduring appeal of Doom serves as a powerful reminder that creativity often flourishes under constraints. With its lasting impact on digital entertainment, the classic remains an essential touchstone for those seeking to blend time-honoured design principles with modern advancements.
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Respawned Records, in partnership with Retro‐Bit, has unveiled a limited edition release that promises to excite both collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. The new offering – the “Totally Rad Official Vinyl Soundtrack” – revisits the distinctive 8‐bit soundscape of the classic 1991 NES game, Totally Rad, celebrated for its dynamic chiptune compositions and high-energy melodies.
Credit: Respawned Records
The record is pressed on neon‐yellow vinyl adorned with magenta, orange and green splatters, a design choice that mirrors the game’s vibrant, California‐cool aesthetic. Encased in a high-gloss jacket featuring artwork inspired by the surreal visual style of the game, the release is as much a visual statement as it is an auditory one. Each copy is individually numbered, underlining its status as a collector’s item and ensuring that no two records are identical.
Pre-orders for the soundtrack are now open, with the preorder window set to close on 22 March. Following this period, full production will commence, with shipping expected to begin in June 2025. At a price of $29.99, the record is positioned as an accessible yet exclusive addition for fans of both vinyl and the retro gaming era.
This release is being hailed as a significant nod to the preservation of video game history, capturing the unique spirit of early NES titles through modern production techniques. Music aficionados and collectors alike are invited to secure their piece of nostalgia before the limited run sells out, ensuring that the legacy of Totally Rad is enshrined in both sound and style.
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A prominent digital archivist, known online as KeshiCorner, has successfully 3D scanned the complete set of 20 figures from the renowned Street Fighter II series. The project, announced via social media four days ago, utilises advanced 3D scanning technology to create detailed digital replicas of the collectable figures, preserving them for future generations.
The Street Fighter II series, which played a pivotal role in defining the arcade era of the early 1990s, remains a cultural touchstone for both gamers and collectors. By digitally capturing every nuance of these figures, KeshiCorner aims to safeguard these artefacts against the inevitable deterioration of time, while also providing enthusiasts and historians with an opportunity to study the intricate details of the collectables without risking damage to the originals.
I'm happy to announce that I've 3D scanned the full set of 20 figures in the Street Fighter II keshi figure series released by Bandai in Japan in 1992!
The scanning process employs high-resolution imaging and precise laser measurement, ensuring that even the smallest features are meticulously recorded. This digital archive is expected to serve as an invaluable resource, offering a permanent record of a significant piece of video gaming history and setting a benchmark for future preservation projects.
KeshiCorner is no stranger to such projects. In a previous initiative, the digital archivist completed a similar 3D scanning project for Amada’s 1985 “Super Mario Bros. Color Pose Doll” series, one of the earliest collections of Super Mario memorabilia. This earlier work further highlights a growing trend among collectors to leverage modern technology in the conservation of cultural and historical artefacts.
The initiative not only underscores the importance of digital preservation in maintaining cultural heritage but also illustrates how technology can bridge the gap between physical memorabilia and its virtual preservation. As interest in such projects continues to grow, similar ventures will become increasingly vital in protecting and celebrating the legacy of popular culture for years to come.
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I will not bore you with more tales of Elden Ring and my Marvel Snap woes, so straight on with the news.
This week we have 45 stories and cover news of the Lego Gameboy, reviving the Game Boy e-reader, the Dreamcast getting cloud saving, lots of speed running shenanigans and a load more. Thanks for reading!
🎮 Limited Run Games Faces Backlash Over Faulty NES Cartridges – Customers report issues with Limited Run Games’ NES cartridges, including non-functioning copies and poor build quality. Retroshell
🧩 ‘Black Tower Enigma’ Aiming for Game Boy Release – A new puzzle adventure, Black Tower Enigma, is set to launch on the Game Boy, offering a retro-inspired experience. GoNintendo
🤖 ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ for Sega Saturn Receives English Patch – The long-awaited fan translation of Mobile Suit Gundam for the Sega Saturn is now available, bringing the game to English-speaking audiences. Retroshell
🎥 Amazon-MGM Takes Full Control of James Bond Franchise, Including Games – Amazon has secured full rights to the James Bond franchise, expanding its control over future films, TV, and video game adaptations. Gameranx
🧱 LEGO Nintendo Game Boy Set Launching This October – LEGO is set to release a Game Boy-inspired set in October, blending nostalgia with brick-building creativity. Retroshell
🎬 Legendary’s Live-Action ‘Street Fighter’ Movie Finds Its Director – The upcoming live-action Street Fighterfilm has officially secured a director, signalling progress on the anticipated adaptation. Time Extension
🕹 ‘Mouthwashing’ Brings Classic PS1-Style Horror to Consoles in 2025 – Mouthwashing, a new horror game inspired by classic PS1 aesthetics, is set to terrify players on modern consoles next year. Retroshell
🎮 Blaze’s Next Evercade Cart Features 10 Atari & Stern Games – The upcoming Evercade cartridge will bundle ten classic games from Atari and Stern Electronics. Time Extension
💾 ‘Manic Miner’ Returns with a New Fan-Made Port – The classic platformer Manic Miner has been revived with a new fan-made version, bringing fresh life to the retro favourite. Retroshell
🇯🇵 Super Real Mahjong VS for N64 Gets English Patch – The obscure N64 game Super Real Mahjong VS has received an English translation, making it more accessible to global players. Time Extension
🦖 ‘Jurassic Park 2’ for SNES Gets an Overhaul After 30 Years – A major fan-made overhaul breathes new life into the SNES classic Jurassic Park 2, enhancing graphics and gameplay. Retroshell
🎮 ‘Ecli’ is a Puzzling New Platformer Coming to Game Boy Color – Ecli, an upcoming Game Boy Color game, blends puzzle and platforming elements in a unique adventure. Retro Dodo
✨ Final Fantasy Joins Magic: The Gathering in an Epic Crossover – The Final Fantasy universe is set to collide with Magic: The Gathering in a newly announced crossover set. Retroshell
📀 Gold Master Series Brings Classic Games to Physical Form, Including an Exclusive Handheld – A new collection called Gold Master Series will offer physical releases of classic games, including Tetris Forever and a new handheld console. Retroshell
🃏 Mario Hanafuda: Nintendo’s Latest Fusion of Tradition and Nostalgia – Nintendo is reviving its traditional Hanafuda roots with a new Mario Hanafuda product. Retroshell
📀 ‘Ravi & Navi’ Becomes the First New Famicom Disk System Game Since 1992 – The Famicom Disk System is getting a new game after more than 30 years with the release of Ravi & Navi. Retroshell
🔥 Karnov Returns on Neo Geo Platforms – The classic arcade hero Karnov is returning with a new release on Neo Geo systems. Retroshell
🔧 Introducing Game Bub: An Open-Source FPGA Handheld for Retro Gaming – Game Bub is a new open-source FPGA handheld designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. Retroshell
🥷 ‘Special Ninja Squad’ Brings 16-Bit Action to TurboGrafx-16 – A new side-scrolling action game, Special Ninja Squad, is heading to the TurboGrafx-16. Retroshell
☁️ Sega Dreamcast Receives Cloud Save Support in 2025 – The Sega Dreamcast is getting modern functionality with newly introduced cloud save support. Retroshell
📜 Reviving the Game Boy Advance e-Reader with New Games – Developers are creating new content for the Game Boy Advance e-Reader, giving the accessory a fresh purpose. Retroshell
🧩 New 4-Player Puzzle Action Game ‘Block Panic DX’ Arrives on Neo Geo – Block Panic DX, a multiplayer puzzle-action title, is launching on Neo Geo. Retroshell
🌍 Argos no Senshi Gets Full English Translation for NES – The NES classic Argos no Senshi has been fully translated into English for modern players. Retroshell
🛹 New ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’ Remaster Possibly in the Works – A potential remaster of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater has been hinted at, sparking excitement among fans. Retroshell
🏊 Super Mario 64 Speedrunners Discover Bizarre Underwater Standing Trick – Speedrunners have found a strange new glitch in Super Mario 64 that allows Mario to stand underwater. Retroshell
Features
🎬 The Legend of Zelda Movie Trailer (Fan Video) – A fan-made trailer envisions what a Legend of Zelda movie could look like. ScreenRant (below)
🕹 Retro Gaming Thrives Among Gen Z in the UK, New Study Finds – A recent study highlights the growing popularity of retro gaming among Gen Z players in the UK. Retroshell
💻 Programmer Gets NES to Emulate a PC with Ridiculous Sounds – A programmer has managed to run a PC emulator on an NES, producing bizarre and unexpected audio glitches. TechSpot (below)
🎮 Former Xbox Designer Says Console Power Is No Longer the Priority – A former Xbox hardware designer argues that raw power is becoming less important in modern console development. Retroshell
🥷 How Sega’s Shinobi Games Have Evolved Through the Ages – A retrospective explores the evolution of Shinobi, from its arcade roots to modern reimaginings. Kakuchopurei
🏆 Blindfolded Super Mario 64 Speedrunner’s Near-Record Run Invalidated by Webcam Failure – A blindfolded Super Mario 64 speedrun was disqualified after a critical webcam malfunction. Retroshell
🔄 Mega EverDrive Pro: The Best Flash Cart for Your Genesis/Mega Drive – A review of the Mega EverDrive Pro highlights its features and why it’s a must-have for retro gaming fans. Time Extension
🛠 Building the Ultimate Xbox 360: A Modder’s Dream Console – A deep dive into extreme Xbox 360 modding, showcasing custom hardware and software enhancements. Retroshell
💰 Got $13,000? You Could Own This One-Off ‘Dream’ Copy of Harry Potter on PS1 – A rare, unique copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for the PS1 is up for auction at a staggering price. Time Extension
🌟 Legendary Star Fox and Zelda Developer Emphasizes Creativity Over Budget – A veteran game developer stresses that creativity, not massive budgets, leads to great games. Retroshell
🎥 Sony Canceled a Video Game Movie After Trailer Backlash – Sony reportedly scrapped a planned Sly Cooperfilm after poor reactions to its early trailer. SlashFilm (below)
👟 Nike’s Latest Shoe Design Pays Homage to Donkey Kong Country – Nike’s newest sneaker takes inspiration from Donkey Kong Country, featuring a design reminiscent of the classic platformer. Retroshell
🔍 Did You Know the Dreamcast Has a Hidden Menu System? – A newly discovered menu system hidden within the Dreamcast has surfaced, revealing unknown features. Time Extension
🎯 Super Mario 64 Speedrunners Achieve the Impossible Blindfolded – A group of speedrunners has managed to complete nearly impossible feats in Super Mario 64 without sight. Retroshell
🚦 GTA 3 Almost Penalized Players for Running Red Lights – An early concept for GTA 3 included a penalty system for traffic violations, but it was ultimately scrapped. Retroshell
📀 Squaresoft’s Push for CDs on the N64: A Lost Opportunity – A look at how Squaresoft’s efforts to bring CD-based gaming to the N64 could have changed gaming history. Retroshell
Lists & Rankings
🎮 The Rarest Dreamcast Games and Their Prices – A look at the rarest and most valuable Sega Dreamcast games, with some fetching high prices in the collector’s market. CBR
📖 The Best Stories in Sega Games, Ranked – A ranking of the most compelling narratives in Sega’s gaming history, highlighting standout storytelling moments. GameRant
🕹 Best Third-Party GameCube Games, Ranked – A ranking of the best third-party titles released for the Nintendo GameCube, showcasing must-play experiences. CBR
🔥 The Best Sega Franchises of All Time – An in-depth ranking of Sega’s greatest gaming franchises, from classic arcade hits to modern legends. Hardcore Gamer
A pioneering project has fused retro gaming with modern computing by running a lightweight Linux distribution on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and within Animal Crossing on the GameCube. Dubbed NES86, this breakthrough leverages an IBM PC emulator hosting the Embeddable Linux Kernel Subset (ELKS)—a minimal Linux kernel tailored for low-resource hardware.
The NES, with its 2 kilobytes of RAM and 1.79 MHz processor, falls far short of ELKS’s 256-kilobyte RAM requirement. To bridge this gap, developer “decrazyo” crafted an emulator mimicking an Intel 8086 PC, a 16-bit system from the IBM PC era. “We’re not running Linux directly on the NES—we’re emulating a PC that runs ELKS,” decrazyo explained. This emulation, detailed in the video, uses memory mapping to access larger ROM capacities, overcoming the NES’s constraints despite significant processing delays.
Adding a twist, the project exploits Animal Crossing’s built-in NES emulator on the GameCube. Originally designed to play classic NES titles in-game, this emulator was patched via a custom NES ROM loaded from a GameCube memory card. Decrazyo doubled the emulator’s RAM allocation to support the x86 emulator and ELKS, as shown in a 6-minute YouTube demonstration. The result: Linux boots within a virtual Animal Crossing house, albeit at a glacial pace—about 1/64th of normal speed.
The technical hurdles were steep. The NES’s 8-bit architecture and limited memory demanded creative solutions, likely involving bank switching (possibly via the MMC5 mapper, though unconfirmed), to emulate a 16-bit PC environment. The Animal Crossing setup required rewriting parts of the in-game emulator to handle unsupported features and extra RAM, a feat documented on Hackaday.
Collaboration enriched this effort. Decrazyo built on prior work by James Chambers (who exposed Animal Crossing’s emulator capabilities in 2018) and Cuyler36, alongside inspiration from the ELKS project. While the broader NES Dev Community and Animal Crossing decompilation team aren’t directly credited, their foundational contributions to retro hacking paved the way. Performance lags, with noticeable keyboard input delays, reflect the emulation’s overhead, yet the proof-of-concept stands firm.
“This isn’t about speed—it’s about what’s possible,” decrazyo noted, hinting at future refinements like a custom cartridge to enhance compatibility. The project echoes a wider trend of retro experimentation, from Doom on NES to Linux on PlayStation 2, showcasing a passionate community’s drive to reimagine old hardware.
In conclusion, NES86 blends nostalgia with technical prowess, proving even the humblest gaming systems can host modern OSes. Future iterations might streamline performance or target other platforms, keeping retro tech vibrant and relevant.
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A recent study in the Metro has revealed that retro gaming is alive and well among younger generations, with one in four Gen Z Brits owning a classic gaming console. Despite growing up in an era dominated by digital downloads and high-end graphics, many younger gamers are gravitating towards the nostalgia and simplicity of older systems.
The research highlights a growing appreciation for vintage gaming, with consoles like the PlayStation 1, Super Nintendo, and Game Boy remaining popular choices among younger players. The appeal appears to stem from a mix of factors, including an interest in gaming history, a love for pixel art aesthetics, and the desire for a more straightforward, pick-up-and-play experience compared to modern, complex titles.
Another contributing factor is the rising trend of second-hand and refurbished console markets, making it easier for younger generations to access older hardware. Many online retailers and independent sellers cater specifically to the demand for classic gaming, offering refurbished consoles and cartridge-based games in near-original condition.
Social media and content creators have also played a major role in fueling the resurgence. Popular YouTubers and TikTok influencers frequently showcase retro games, sparking curiosity among their followers. Additionally, modern re-releases and mini-console versions, like the SNES Classic Edition, have made it even more convenient for newcomers to experience old-school gaming without hunting down original hardware.
This study reinforces the idea that retro gaming isn’t just for those who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s—it’s a timeless hobby being rediscovered by new audiences. With gaming history becoming more accessible and celebrated, it’s clear that classic consoles and their iconic games will continue to find a place in the hearts of future generations.
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With the gaming industry on the brink of a new generation, a former Xbox designer in an interview with Video Gamer, has weighed in on the ongoing debate about hardware power. As speculation surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to build, the veteran developer argues that raw performance is becoming less critical, with content now taking centre stage.
Seamus Blackley with the original Xbox
Seamus Blackley, often credited as the father of the original Xbox, recently discussed how he might have approached console development differently today. According to Blackley, the industry’s landscape has shifted dramatically since the early 2000s, when the race for the most powerful hardware was a key factor. Now, he believes that content and player experience outweigh sheer graphical capabilities.
His comments come at a time when Nintendo, a company known for prioritizing innovation over technical specs, is preparing to launch its next console. The Switch proved that high-powered hardware isn’t always necessary to achieve commercial success, thanks to a robust library of first-party exclusives and strong third-party support.
Blackley’s perspective aligns with an industry trend that prioritizes accessibility and creative game design over raw computing power. Services like cloud gaming and cross-platform experiences are changing how players interact with games, reducing the reliance on cutting-edge specs.
While power will always have a role in shaping game experiences, it’s clear that software innovation, unique gameplay mechanics, and a strong library are what truly define a successful platform. As the Switch 2’s announcement looms, it will be interesting to see how Nintendo balances hardware advancements with its signature emphasis on gameplay.
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