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Category Archives: Modern Retro Games

Modern Retro Games, PC Gaming

System Shock 2: Celebrating a Classic and Its Upcoming 25th Anniversary Remaster

Posted on by Owen

Released in 1999, System Shock 2 has long been hailed as a groundbreaking title in the realm of immersive simulation and horror gaming. Developed by Irrational Games and Looking Glass Studios, the game masterfully blended elements of role-playing, first-person shooting, and survival horror, setting a new standard for atmospheric storytelling and gameplay depth.

A Pioneering Legacy

Set aboard the starship Von Braun, players navigate a haunting narrative filled with cybernetic enemies, environmental puzzles, and the ever-looming presence of the malevolent AI, SHODAN. The game’s intricate design and eerie ambiance have influenced numerous titles over the years, including the acclaimed BioShock series, which drew inspiration from System Shock 2’s mechanics and narrative style.

Credit: Nightdive Studios

The 25th Anniversary Remaster

In celebration of the game’s enduring legacy, Nightdive Studios has announced the System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster. This remastered edition aims to enhance the original experience with updated visuals, improved controls, and modernised interfaces, making it accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers.

The remaster is expected to be available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and GOG.  

As we await the release of the System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster, it’s an opportune moment to revisit the original and appreciate its lasting impact on the gaming landscape.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

Cult N64 Platformer ‘Glover’ Set to Launch on Nintendo Switch

Posted on by Owen

The classic Nintendo 64 platformer Glover is making its way to the Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2025, priced at $19.99. Originally released in 1998, Glover offers a unique gameplay experience where players control a magical glove navigating various levels atop a transformative ball.

In Glover, players embark on a quest to restore balance to the kingdom by solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles across six distinct worlds. The game’s mechanics revolve around the ability to change the ball’s properties, providing diverse interactions and challenges.

This upcoming release is a port of the original N64 version, developed by QUByte Interactive. Notably, a physical edition was previously offered through Limited Run Games, with pre-orders closing in September 2024 and shipments expected in January 2025. However, this physical release has already sold out, making the digital launch a prime opportunity for those who missed out.

Fans are hopeful that this Switch version will address issues present in the 2022 Steam release, which faced criticism for various bugs. The developers have yet to confirm any specific improvements, but the community remains optimistic for a polished experience.

Credit: Steam

For those looking to relive a piece of gaming history or experience Glover for the first time, the upcoming Switch release offers a convenient and accessible way to enjoy this cult classic.

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Fun Things, Modern Retro Games, Nintendo

Star Fox Artist Advocates for ‘Star Fox Assault’ on Switch 2

Posted on by Owen

As Star Fox Assault reaches its 20th anniversary, original series artist Takaya Imamura has expressed his desire to see the GameCube title become available on Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console. Imamura, who designed iconic characters like Fox McCloud and Falco Lombardi, shared an illustration on social media featuring Fox holding a submarine, symbolising both Star Fox Assault and Steel Diver Sub Wars, another title he hopes will be playable on the new system.

Released in 2005, Star Fox Assault was developed by Namco and combined traditional space combat with ground-based missions. While the game received mixed reviews, with some criticism directed at its on-foot segments, it has maintained a dedicated fan base over the years.

Imamura’s advocacy for bringing classic titles to modern platforms isn’t new. In 2022, he called for a port of Star Fox Zero, a Wii U exclusive, to the Nintendo Switch, highlighting his ongoing commitment to the franchise and its accessibility to new audiences.

As Nintendo prepares for the launch of the Switch 2, fans share Imamura’s enthusiasm for making classic games more accessible. The potential inclusion of titles like Star Fox Assault could offer both nostalgic experiences for longtime players and fresh adventures for newcomers.

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Fun Things, Modern Retro Games, Sega

Dreamcast Minecraft Developer Showcases Insanely Fast Voxel Engine

Posted on by Owen

A developer known as Meesedev is creating a voxel engine, dubbed the Meese Engine, inspired by Minecraft beta 1.7.3. The goal is to build an engine capable of handling voxel-based games, eventually replacing Minecraft assets with original ones to create a new game surpassing Minecraft in both gameplay and graphical fidelity.

In a recent update, Meesedev showcased the engine’s performance, “blasting through an existing world file at 2,800 km/h, holding a perfect 60fps with a 64-chunk render distance.” This demonstration was conducted on the PC port of the GameCube version of the engine.

The developer has also implemented “world saving and loading” features, enabling the engine to load “14,000 chunks (~500 million blocks) in just a few seconds,” sufficient for a 64-chunk render distance. Notably, Meesedev dedicates only one day per week to this project, making the progress particularly impressive.

While the Meese Engine is not planned to be fully open source, Meesedev has indicated that some smaller components might be made open source in the future.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered Announced for Switch and PC

Posted on by Owen

Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced that Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered will be released on May 22, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. Originally launched in 2012 for the PlayStation Vita, this remastered version brings the game to Western audiences for the first time, complete with enhanced visuals and English localisation.  

Credit: Bandai

Players will have the opportunity to relive iconic moments from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, choosing to align with one of three factions: Earth Alliance Forces, ZAFT, or the Archangel. The game features over 100 mobile suits, all redesigned with high-resolution textures, and includes side stories from the Gundam SEED universe, such as Astray and C.E. 73: STARGAZER.  

The remastered edition offers a redesigned user interface tailored for modern platforms, improved tuning options, mission selection enhancements, and a new lock-on mode for more accessible gameplay. These updates aim to provide a smoother and more engaging experience for both new players and longtime fans.  

Credit: Bandai

Pre-orders for the Steam version are currently available, with Nintendo Switch pre-orders opening at a later date. For more information, visit the official website.  

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Modern Retro Games, PC Gaming, Steam

‘Flesh Made Fear’: A Retro Survival Horror Revival Announced for PC

Posted on by Owen

Tainted Pact Games, in collaboration with Assemble Entertainment, has unveiled Flesh Made Fear, a survival horror game that pays homage to the classic PlayStation era. Scheduled for a Q4 2025 release on PC via Steam, the developers have launched a Kickstarter page with the campaign due to launch soon; to fund additional features and potential console ports.  

Credit: Steam

Drawing inspiration from the original Resident Evil trilogy, Flesh Made Fear combines fixed and dynamic camera angles, tank controls, and intricate puzzles to recreate the tension and atmosphere of 90s survival horror games. Players will navigate a world filled with grotesque creatures and mind-controlled adversaries, all products of twisted experiments and occult rituals.  

The narrative centers on the Reaper Intervention Platoon (R.I.P.), a covert task force assigned to eliminate Victor “The Dripper” Ripper, a former CIA agent turned rogue scientist. His experiments have transformed a secluded town into a nightmare realm. Players can choose between two operatives: Natalie, who has less health but a larger inventory, or Jack, who boasts greater health but a smaller inventory. Each character offers unique storylines and stats, enhancing replayability.  

Key features of the game include:

• Classic Survival Horror Mechanics: Fixed and dynamic camera perspectives, limited saves requiring collectible items, and strategic inventory management with access to safe room storage.

• Puzzle-Driven Narrative: Engage with intricate puzzles intertwined with the story, unlocking hidden secrets and new areas.

• Terrifying Adversaries and Arsenal: Face grotesque abominations born of Ripper’s twisted experiments, using weapons like pistols and grenade launchers. Ammo is limited, challenging players’ resourcefulness.

The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise funds for additional features and console ports, allowing backers to support the game’s development and bring this retro-inspired horror experience to a wider audience.  

For a glimpse into the chilling world of Flesh Made Fear, check out the announcement trailer below:

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Modern Retro Games, Sega, Sony

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Set for August Release

Posted on by Owen

Sega has officially announced the upcoming release of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, a 2D action platformer developed by Lizardcube, the studio renowned for Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap and Streets of Rage 4. The game is scheduled to launch on August 29, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, priced at $29.99 USD.

Credit: Sega

Players will once again step into the shoes of Joe Musashi, the iconic ninja protagonist, embarking on a quest for vengeance across more than a dozen stages filled with challenging platforming puzzles. The combat system is designed to be combo-driven, offering a variety of tools such as the Katana Oborozuki, Kunai, Ninjutsu arts, and Ninpo to defeat adversaries.

Credit: Sega

For enthusiasts seeking additional content, a Digital Deluxe version will be available for $39.99. This edition includes early access to the game, a starter pack with in-game items, a digital art book and soundtrack, and a DLC stage featuring bosses inspired by iconic Sega villains, slated for release in early 2026.

The Shinobi series, which debuted in the late 1980s, has been a cornerstone of Sega’s gaming legacy. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance marks the first new installment in 14 years, following previous revivals on the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo 3DS. Fans of the series and newcomers alike can look forward to experiencing this modern take on a classic franchise.

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Modern Retro Games, Steam

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Exceeds Sales Expectations

Posted on by Owen

Square Enix’s Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake has surpassed initial sales projections, providing a bright spot in the company’s recent financial report. The game, which reimagines the classic 1988 RPG with modern HD-2D graphics, has resonated strongly with both longtime fans and newcomers.

Credit: Square Enix / Steam

In its latest earnings report, Square Enix noted that while some recent titles underperformed, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake delivered “stronger sales” than anticipated. This success is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by other major releases in the same period.

The HD-2D style, which blends pixel art with 3D effects, has been praised for its nostalgic yet fresh aesthetic. This visual approach has been previously utilised in titles like Octopath Traveler, and its application to a beloved classic like Dragon Quest 3 has evidently struck a chord with players.

Credit: Square Enix / Steam

The original Dragon Quest 3 is often hailed as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, introducing features like a class system and a more open-world exploration compared to its predecessors. Its enduring popularity has made it a prime candidate for this modern makeover.

For those interested in experiencing this blend of classic gameplay and modern visuals, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is available on multiple platforms, such as Steam. Its success may also pave the way for similar remakes of other entries in the series, as Square Enix continues to explore the potential of its extensive back catalog.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo

‘Save Me Cows!’: A New Game Boy Action Puzzle Adventure

Posted on by Owen

In a delightful nod to retro gaming, developer Danny Bliss has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Save Me Cows!, an action-puzzle game designed for the original Game Boy and compatible systems. Drawing inspiration from Sega’s classic ChuChu Rocket!, this title replaces the original’s mice and cats with cows and UFOs, offering a fresh yet nostalgic experience.  

Credit: Kickstarter

Players assume the role of a cowpoke employed by Edgar, a renowned rancher and four-time alien abductee. The objective is to guide Edgar’s prized cattle through 100 challenging levels, ensuring they reach safety before being abducted by alien UFOs. The gameplay involves strategic planning and quick reflexes to outmaneuver the extraterrestrial threats.  

The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise $21,138 to fund the project’s development. As of now, it has garnered $5,338, with 17 days remaining. Backers can choose from various reward tiers, starting with a $13 digital ROM version of the game. For collectors, a $74 limited edition boxed version is available, featuring a physical cartridge with a metal shell, a manual, a sticker sheet, and digital files, including the game’s soundtrack.  

Notably, Save Me Cows! has been tested on all original Game Boy models, the Analogue Pocket, and Modretro’s Chromatic handheld, ensuring compatibility across a range of devices. This dedication to quality and authenticity highlights the developer’s commitment to delivering a polished product to both retro enthusiasts and new players alike.  

Credit: Kickstarter

For those interested in supporting this project or learning more, the Kickstarter campaign provides detailed information and updates. The campaign is set to conclude on February 28, 2025, leaving a limited window for potential backers to contribute.  

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, PC Gaming, Top 10

Bubble Ghost Floats Back to Life with a Full Remake

Posted on by Owen

The classic Game Boy title Bubble Ghost is making a return with a full remake, set to launch on March 27, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC. Originally developed by Christophe Andréani in 1987, the game tasks players with guiding a fragile bubble through a haunted mansion, avoiding hazards like candles, electric currents, and fans.

This new version, developed by Nakama Game Studio and published by Selecta Play, retains the charm of the original while introducing modern enhancements. The remake includes all 35 classic levels, plus 40 additional new ones, along with Challenge and Speedrun modes. Art direction is being handled by Ken Niimura, known for his unique illustration style, giving the game a fresh visual appeal.

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