Category Archives: Retro Gaming News

All of the latest Retro Gaming news each week.

Super Tilt Bro. Launches First Online Update for NES Wi-Fi Cartridge

Title: Super Tilt Bro. Launches First Online Update for NES Wi-Fi Cartridge

Summary:

Exciting news from the world of retro gaming! Super Tilt Bro., the homebrew fighting game designed for the NES, has rolled out its first online update for its Wi-Fi-enabled cartridge. This marks a major milestone in the project, allowing players to experience online multiplayer battles using original NES hardware.

The update enhances matchmaking functionality, improves stability for online gameplay, and brings new refinements to the core mechanics of the game. Players can now connect globally, embracing the nostalgic charm of 8-bit visuals while enjoying modern features like online matchmaking.

This update is a glimpse into the future of Super Tilt Bro. and showcases the incredible potential of combining classic hardware with cutting-edge connectivity. The development team’s dedication has set the stage for an entirely new way to enjoy NES gaming.

For more details, visit: Super Tilt Bro. Official Update

Unreleased Shenmue II US Dreamcast Prototype Offers a Glimpse into a Canceled Release

The gaming preservation community has unearthed a prototype of Shenmue II for the US Dreamcast, dated September 14, 2001. This build reveals unique insights into the game’s development, including two debug menus that allow players to explore features such as scene selection, environment testing, and direct control over key mechanics.

Shenmue II, an iconic action-adventure game, follows Ryo Hazuki’s journey as he continues his quest for vengeance across sprawling, detailed environments in Hong Kong. Renowned for its open-world design, realistic NPC interactions, and deep narrative, the game was a pioneer in blending cinematic storytelling with sandbox gameplay.

Although slated for a US release, Shenmue II was canceled in the region due to SEGA of America’s decision to shift focus away from the Dreamcast. However, the game was released in Japan and Europe, allowing fans outside the US to experience this masterpiece.

This prototype, now publicly available, provides a rare look into the planned but ultimately shelved US release and offers a deeper appreciation of the game’s groundbreaking design.

For more information, visit: Unreleased Shenmue II US Dreamcast Prototype

Hacking Games in Hex (Sega Genesis Edition) – A Beginner’s Guide by BillyTime! Games

BillyTime! Games (X: @BillytimeG has released a comprehensive document titled Hacking Games in Hex (Sega Genesis Edition), aimed at beginners interested in modifying Sega Genesis games. This guide explains the hexadecimal format of 68k Assembly used by the Sega Genesis and introduces tools like trace logs and breakpoints. Readers will learn to create cheat codes, alter color palettes, and develop SRAM hacks. The document includes annotated source code snippets from previous hacks to illustrate various techniques. Available in English, the guide was published on December 17, 2024, and is free to download.

For more information and to download the guide, visit: Hacking Games in Hex (Sega Genesis Edition) – RomHack Plaza

The Lion King (SNES) March 22, 1994 Prototype Released by Codebound

A previously unreleased prototype of The Lion King for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), dated March 22, 1994, has been made available for public download by Codebound. This early build offers insights into the game’s development process, showcasing differences from the final retail version, including unfinished levels, alternative graphics, and varying gameplay mechanics. Preservationists and retro gaming enthusiasts can now explore this piece of gaming history, providing a unique opportunity to study the evolution of this classic title.

A previously unreleased prototype of The Lion King for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), dated March 22, 1994, has been made available for public download. This early build offers insights into the game’s development process, showcasing differences from the final retail version, including unfinished levels, alternative graphics, and varying gameplay mechanics. Preservationists and retro gaming enthusiasts can now explore this piece of gaming history, providing a unique opportunity to study the evolution of this classic title.

For more information and to download the prototype, visit: The Lion King (SNES) March 22, 1994 Prototype

The SNES Pixel Book – A Visual Celebration of Super Nintendo’s 16-Bit Era

Bitmap Books presents The SNES Pixel Book, a 272-page hardcover tribute to the golden age of 16-bit gaming on Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). This meticulously crafted volume showcases thousands of screenshots, sprites, and level maps from iconic titles such as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid. Grouped by genre, the book offers thoughtful insights into the evolution of game design and its lasting impact on today’s video game landscape. Authored by Robert Bannert and Christine Bauer, with translation by Thomas Nickel, the book is encased in a spot-varnished protective slipcase, reflecting Bitmap Books’ commitment to high-quality publications.

For more information, visit: The SNES Pixel Book – Bitmap Books

Gimmick! 2 Collector’s Edition Pre-Orders Open for Switch and PS5

Limited Run Games has announced that pre-orders for the Gimmick! 2 Collector’s Edition are now open for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. This sequel to SUNSOFT’s legendary 8-bit platformer Gimmick! invites players to embark on a new adventure with the green yokai Yumetaro, featuring physics-based gameplay, puzzles, and hidden treasures. The Collector’s Edition, priced at $99.99, includes the game with a booklet, a collector’s edition box, original soundtrack, a Yumetaro vinyl figurine with a light-up star and remote, an Ohagi squishy, artbook, and sticker sheet. Pre-orders are available until January 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

For more information, visit: Gimmick! 2 Collector’s Edition (Switch, PS5) – Limited Run Games

Slipstream Deluxe Edition Pre-Orders Open for Switch and PS5

Limited Run Games has announced that pre-orders for the Slipstream Deluxe Edition are now open for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Slipstream is a racing game inspired by the visuals, music, and cars from the late ’80s and early ’90s, offering an authentic retro feel with modern gameplay mechanics. The Deluxe Edition, priced at $79.99, includes the game, a deluxe plastic case, soundtrack, 12” x 16” double-sided poster, acrylic standee, and enamel keychain. Pre-orders are available until January 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

For more information, visit: Slipstream Deluxe Edition (Switch, PS5) – Limited Run Games

New Platformer for ZX Spectrum 128k Inspired by The Great Giana Sisters

Indie developer Amaweks has released Marlow, a platform game for the ZX Spectrum 128k inspired by The Great Giana Sisters. Players navigate an apocalyptic world, jumping, stomping on enemies, collecting crystals, throwing molotov cocktails, and breaking blocks across 17 levels and 5 boss battles. The game features 7 catchy soundtracks, 10 full-screen illustrations, and fluid gameplay mechanics. Developed using MPAGD Gen2, Marlow is available for purchase at $6.00 USD.

For more information, visit: Marlow (ZX Spectrum) by Amaweks

Microcraft: Fan-Made Minecraft Demake for Game Boy Released

Indie developer Psyco has launched Microcraft, a fan-made demake of Minecraft designed for the original Game Boy. Developed using GB Studio, Microcraft offers a nostalgic 8-bit rendition of the popular sandbox game, featuring a creative mode where players can build and explore procedurally generated worlds. The game includes a functional seed system for world generation and charming 8-bit renditions of Minecraft’s music. While still in development, future updates are planned to introduce additional features such as survival mode, more mobs, cave systems, and multiplayer support. Microcraft is available for free, with an option to support the developer through donations.

For more information, visit: Microcraft on itch.io

The 14th Axe Wound: Retro-Inspired Horror RPG Now Available

Indie developer A. V. Dossow has released The 14th Axe Wound, a retro-style horror RPG that pays homage to classic slasher films. Players guide a group of stereotypical horror characters through a haunted forest, making strategic choices to survive the relentless pursuit of undead serial killer Mason Mourder. The game features an estimated 35-minute story mode with eight possible endings, a bonus killer mode, original artwork by NewmoniaCute, and an original soundtrack by Dossow. Notably, the game incorporates permanent death mechanics, ensuring that decisions have lasting consequences. The 14th Axe Wound is available for free, with optional contributions to support the developer.

For more information, visit: The 14th Axe Wound on itch.io