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Category Archives: Fun Things

Fun Things, Nintendo

Zelda’s SNES Classic ‘A Link to the Past’ Joins Nintendo Music: The Must-Listen Tracks

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo has recently made the iconic soundtrack from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past available on its official Nintendo Music platform, a welcome treat for fans for of this legendary game . First released in 1991 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), A Link to the Past quickly established itself as one of the pivotal entries in the series. Its unforgettable score, composed by the renowned Koji Kondo, has been lauded for capturing the spirit of exploration and the grandeur of Hyrule’s landscapes.

Arguably the most recognisable piece is the “Overworld Theme,” featuring a rousing melody that perfectly embodies Link’s heroic journey. Listeners often cite the “Dark World Theme” as another standout track, bringing an edgy, sombre layer to the adventure, hinting at the hidden dangers of the alternate realm. The gentle, almost homely tune of “Kakariko Village” offers a contrast to the game’s more intense moments, providing a sense of respite amidst the chaos. Likewise, “Hyrule Castle” and its regal progressions underline the weight of Link’s quest to save Princess Zelda.

Technically, the SNES’s audio hardware (utilising the SPC700 sound chip) allowed Koji Kondo’s compositions to shine in more nuanced ways than the original Nintendo Entertainment System ever could. Despite limitations such as a mere eight channels, the sound team’s creativity resulted in a rich, layered soundtrack that continues to resonate with retro gaming fans. A Link to the Past also influenced subsequent Zelda soundtracks, setting the bar for orchestration and thematic cohesion in future instalments.

As of February 27, 2025, the full collection can now be streamed officially, giving newcomers and long-time devotees a chance to revisit these defining compositions. With each track, one is reminded of how music can elevate gameplay into a truly immersive experience, and take you back to playing the game – even decades after a title’s original release.

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Collecting, Fun Things

New Mario and Kirby-Themed Collectables from Bandai have just Dropped in Japan

Posted on by Owen

Bandai has launched a fresh line of products in Japan featuring two of Nintendo’s most cherished characters: Mario and Kirby. Available now, these items include character magnets and gummy chocolates. This release underscores Bandai’s ongoing collaboration with Nintendo, a partnership that has long produced merchandise celebrating the company’s iconic franchises.

Credit: Bandi Japan

Mario, the plumber who leapt into fame with Donkey Kong in 1981, and Kirby, the pink hero of Kirby’s Dream Land from 1992, are cornerstones of gaming history. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Masahiro Sakurai respectively, both characters have evolved from their 8-bit origins into global icons, spawning countless games and collectibles. Bandai’s latest offerings tap into this legacy, blending nostalgia with modern appeal for players who grew up with these titles.

Credit: Bandai Japan

The Mario Character Magnets, now in their second series, cost 250 yen each—roughly €1.55, $1.65, or £1.30, based on exchange rates as of February 2025. Sold in blind bags, each pack includes a magnet, a memo card, and a piece of gum, with 22 designs featuring Mario and his universe’s characters. The Kirby gummy chocolates, priced at 200 yen per bag (about €1.25, $1.35, or £1.05), offer 11 distinct Kirby designs encased in a chocolate shell with a gummy centre. These prices reflect Japan’s retail market, though international fans may need to explore import options like HobbyLink Japan or Play-Asia, as direct purchase links from Bandai remain Japan-focused.

Credit: Bandai Japan

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Collecting, Fun Things

Magic: The Gathering Embraces Spider-Man in a Blockbuster 2025 Line-Up

Posted on by Owen

Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the trailblazing collectible card game that reshaped gaming culture since its debut in 1993, is swinging into 2025 with a spectacular crossover featuring Marvel’s Spider-Man. Launching on September 26, 2025, this set introduces Spider-Man, Venom, and a rogues’ gallery of villains to MTG’s strategic battlefield. Preorders are live on Amazon, offering Play Boosters ($209.70 for a box), Collector Boosters, Scene Boxes ($41.99) which include six new-to-Magic cards like “Grasping Tentacles” and “Pumpkin Bombs” tailored for Commander play, and a MTG/Spider Man Bundle ($69.99). This collaboration, the first of several Marvel-themed expansions, blends retro gaming heritage with modern flair, appealing to collectors and players alike.

The Spider-Man set is fully draftable and Standard-legal, featuring mechanics that mirror the web-slinger’s agility—think cards with evasion abilities—and Venom’s brute force, possibly tied to black mana’s sacrifice themes. Scene Boxes add a collectible twist, with foil cards forming larger artworks, while the removal of the Universes Beyond frame ensures a cohesive MTG aesthetic. This isn’t just a nostalgic nod; it’s a calculated evolution of a game that pioneered the CCG genre, influencing everything from Pokémon to today’s digital card games.

Beyond Spider-Man, 2025 is a packed year for MTG. The Final Fantasy set, releasing June 13, brings materia and summons to the table, blending JRPG roots with MTG’s mechanics—a treat for fans of classic console gaming. August’s Bloomburrow introduces an animalfolk plane, offering fresh lore and draftable play. Meanwhile, Duskmourn: House of Horror, out September 26 alongside Spider-Man, delves into horror with haunted house-inspired cards, rounding out a diverse slate. Each release builds on MTG’s legacy, rooted in tabletop gaming’s golden age, while pushing boundaries with new IPs and designs.

For collectors of gaming history, these sets echo the creativity of MTG’s early days, when expansions like Arabian Nights set the stage for thematic storytelling. Today’s crossovers marry that spirit with cutting-edge card design, ensuring MTG remains a cornerstone of gaming culture.

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Fun Things, New Hardware For Retro

Gibson and CRKD Unveil New Guitar Controllers

Posted on by Owen

Gibson and CRKD have joined forces to launch two striking guitar controllers, unveiled on 27 February 2025. Dubbed the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller Range, this collaboration resurrects the iconic Les Paul silhouette—famous from Guitar Hero 3—in two flavours: the Encore Edition and the Pro Edition. Tailored for titles like Fortnite Festival, Clone Hero, and Rock Band 4, these controllers blend nostalgia with modern flair. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping slated for June 2025, promising to reignite the strumming spirit of gaming’s golden age.

Credit: CRKG

The mid-2000s saw rhythm games strike a chord with players worldwide. Guitar Hero, launched in 2005 on the PlayStation 2, turned plastic guitars into household names, while Rock Band upped the ante with full-band play. The Gibson Les Paul controller, debuted in Guitar Hero 3, became a symbol of that era—its sleek design etched into the memories of late-night shredders. As rhythm gaming faded from the mainstream, its legacy endured among devotees. Today, with Fortnite Festival and fan-driven projects like Clone Hero, the genre is strumming back to life, and CRKD x Gibson are here to lead the encore.

Credit: CRKD

The Encore Edition sports mechanical frets and a classic strum bar, perfect for casual players. The Pro Edition, however, ups the tempo with Hall effect frets and a matching strum bar—magnetic sensors that offer pinpoint accuracy and durability, a godsend for precision-dependent rhythm titles. Both boast a Hall effect whammy bar, RGB lighting, and tilt sensors for star power, bridging retro vibes with cutting-edge tech. They’re compatible with PC, Switch, Android, and Xbox, and a Legacy mode unlocks PS3 classics like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, ensuring no vintage track is left unplayed.

CRKD, known for its stylish Nitro Deck, includes a Purple/Orange Ombre Guitar Shoulder Strap and a Collector’s Pin with pre-orders. The Les Paul design screams display-worthy, appealing to those who cherish gaming’s tangible past. Whether you’re a veteran of Rock Band marathons or a newbie to the fretboard, these controllers promise a riff-tastic revival.

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Fun Things, Nintendo

Metroid Prime’s Legacy Bound in Print: A Visual Retrospective Unveiled

Posted on by Owen

Today, we’ve got a cracking bit of news that’ll thrill anyone who’s ever donned Samus Aran’s Varia Suit in virtual battle. On February 27, 2025, Piggyback and Nintendo unveiled an official release date for Metroid Prime 1–3: A Visual Retrospective, a lavish art book celebrating over two decades of the iconic first-person adventure series. Slated to hit shelves on June 24, 2025, this 215-page hardcover promises a deep dive into the artistry and development of Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, and the stunning Metroid Prime Remastered. For fans of vintage Nintendo brilliance, this is a must-have.

The Metroid Prime saga began in 2002 on the GameCube, a bold shift from the series’ 2D roots to a 3D masterpiece crafted by Retro Studios. It was a gamble that paid off, blending atmospheric exploration with technical wizardry that pushed the console’s limits—think 60 frames per second and texture work that still holds up today. The trilogy continued with Echoes in 2004 and Corruption on the Wii in 2007, each refining the formula while introducing innovations like motion controls. The 2023 Switch remaster of the original only cemented its status as a timeless classic. Now, this book—priced at £39.99/$49.99/ C$69.99—offers concept sketches, developer notes, and a foreword by producer Kensuke Tanabe, peeling back the curtain on a franchise that redefined retro gaming’s potential. Amazon already has pre-orders open and you can get 10% discount ($44.99).

What makes this announcement timely is the buzz around Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, still pegged for a 2025 Switch release. With its predecessor’s art book dropping just weeks before summer, speculation is rife that Nintendo’s aligning its ducks—or rather, its Space Pirates—for a blockbuster year. Piggyback, known for their sumptuous Zelda guides, brings their A-game here, with premium paper and a metallic foil cover that’ll gleam on any collector’s shelf. For those who’ve scoured Tallon IV or battled Phazon corruption, this is more than a book—it’s a tribute to a golden era of gaming heritage.

So, preserve your treasured classics with RetroShell, the ultimate shield for your retro collection. For more vintage gaming scoops, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh to your inbox every Monday!

Arcade, Collecting, Fun Things

Unreleased Commodore 64 Game Magnum Force Discovered After Decades

Posted on by Owen

In a thrilling find for lovers of classic gaming and C64 fans, an unreleased Commodore 64 title, Magnum Force, has surfaced after more than 30 years in obscurity. Unearthed on a Codemasters 30 games CD pack, this scramble-like clone never hit the shelves as a standalone release, making its discovery a delightful surprise. Preservationists, notably from the Games That Weren’t project, have brought this hidden piece of history to light, offering fans a chance to peek into the past.

Credit: Indie Retro News

The game draws inspiration from Scramble, a landmark title released by Konami in 1981. As one of the earliest side-scrolling shooters, Scramble had players piloting a spaceship through hazardous landscapes, taking down enemies in a fast-paced challenge. Its influence rippled through the gaming world, shaping the shoot ‘em up genre. Magnum Force, crafted by Gavin Raeburn for Codemasters, sought to echo that excitement on the Commodore 64—a machine celebrated in the 1980s for its remarkable visuals and audio.

What makes this find curious is its unreleased status. Codemasters, known for budget-friendly offerings, might have shelved Magnum Force for quality concerns or strategic reasons, only slipping it onto a compilation disc as an extra. Described as a “sooped up Scramble clone,” it boasted end-of-level bosses and power-ups—features that spiced up the original formula. Yet, its obscurity persisted, likely because few snapped up that particular CD pack.

This discovery highlights the vital work of preserving gaming’s legacy. Efforts by groups like Games That Weren’t ensure these forgotten titles aren’t lost forever, giving us insight into the creativity and hurdles of early developers. For those who cherish the Commodore 64’s golden era, Magnum Force is a fascinating artefact, sparking wonder about other lost games still out there.

Protect your treasured classics with RetroShell, crafted to safeguard your vintage collection. Stay in the loop with retro gaming news by subscribing to our free Substack, landing in your inbox every Monday!

Fun Things, Nintendo

AI Takes on Pokémon Red in Slow but Steady Twitch Challenge

Posted on by Owen

ClaudeAI, developed by Anthropic, is currently attempting to play Pokémon Red, the 1996 Game Boy classic, in a live Twitch stream. Having played for 22 hours, the AI has progressed beyond Pewter City, earning the Boulder Badge from gym leader Brock. This effort highlights a growing interest in AI engaging with retro games, offering a modern twist on a title that shaped gaming history.

Pokémon Red, first released in Japan in 1996 and globally in 1998, introduced players to the Kanto region, where they catch, train, and battle Pokémon. Its straightforward mechanics and portable charm on the Game Boy—launched in 1989—helped it sell millions, laying the foundation for a global franchise. Claude’s team includes Squirtle (Shell), Nidoran (Spike), Pikachu (Bolt), and Spearow (Swift), reflecting early-game choices familiar to fans.

The AI relies on general reasoning, screenshot analysis, dynamic note-keeping, and game memory access to navigate the adventure. Yet, its progress is gradual, hampered by issues such as repeatedly circling the Pewter City gym fence and voicing concern when Bolt’s health dropped to 1 HP against a Caterpie. These stumbles suggest the complexity of Pokémon Red’s open-ended design poses a notable challenge for AI.

This project echoes the 2014 “Twitch Plays Pokémon” event, where over 121,000 players collectively guided the game via chat commands. By contrast, Claude’s solo run is a slower, algorithmic journey. A prior version, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, reached Lt. Surge’s gym—the third in the game—indicating past advancements, according to an Anthropic X post. The current effort may prioritise broader learning over speed.

Such experiments could preserve strategies for ageing games, shed light on design intricacies, and rekindle interest in classics. As Claude presses on through Kanto, it underscores both the potential and the limits of AI in retro gaming.

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Fun Things, Gaming History, Microsoft, PC Gaming

BioWare Co-Founder Reflects on Jade Empire’s Missed Opportunity

Posted on by Owen

Jade Empire, BioWare’s 2005 action RPG set in a world inspired by Chinese mythology, remains a cherished title among retro gaming enthusiasts. Known for its martial arts combat and deep storytelling, it earned praise from critics but struggled commercially, selling under a million copies in its first year. Recently, BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk has suggested that its modest success may stem from an ill-timed release, influenced by what he now calls “absolute moronic advice” from Microsoft.

Credit: Steam Community

Speaking on the My Perfect Console podcast, Zeschuk explained that Microsoft encouraged BioWare to launch Jade Empire on the original Xbox in April 2005, just seven months before the Xbox 360 arrived in November. He believes that waiting to release it as an Xbox 360 launch title could have elevated it to the status of BioWare’s later hits, Dragon Age and Mass Effect. “We could have had another franchise,” he remarked, frustrated that the studio followed Xbox’s guidance rather than delaying to refine the game for the new console.

The timing was indeed challenging. By early 2005, the original Xbox, launched in 2001, was nearing the end of its life cycle, and gamers were turning their attention to the next generation. The Xbox 360’s debut lineup, featuring titles like Perfect Dark Zero, lacked a standout RPG—a gap Jade Empire might have filled. Historically, BioWare had built a reputation with classics like Baldur’s Gate and Knights of the Old Republic, making Jade Empire’s unique setting a bold shift that deserved a bigger stage.

Yet, a delay wasn’t without risks. Adapting the game for the Xbox 360 would have demanded extra time and resources, possibly clashing with BioWare’s development of Mass Effect, released in 2007. Still, Zeschuk’s hindsight raises a compelling question for retro gaming fans: could better timing have sparked a Jade Empire series? Today, it endures as a cult classic, its potential tantalisingly unrealised.

Protect your classic games with RetroShell, the ultimate guardian for your retro treasures. For the latest insights into retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack at Retro Gaming News, delivered every Monday.

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.

Safeguard your nostalgic classics with RetroShell – the ultimate protector for your retro gaming gems. For the latest updates and insights on retro gaming, join our free Substack newsletter, landing in your inbox every Monday!

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.

Protect your cherished classics with RetroShell – the definitive shield for your vintage games. For the latest updates and deep dives into retro gaming, join our free Substack, landing in your inbox every Monday!