Retro gaming enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the classic 1984 MSX shooter, Scope, has been re-released on Project EGG, the emulation-based video game distribution service managed by D4 Enterprise. Originally developed for the MSX platform, Scope challenges players to navigate a fighter jet through seven distinct enemy types, offering a nostalgic experience for fans of vintage shoot-’em-up games.
Credit: 4Gamers
Project EGG, which stands for “Engrossing Game Gallery,” has been dedicated to preserving and distributing classic Japanese video games since its launch in 2001. The service boasts a vast library of over 1,000 titles from 23 different platforms, including the MSX, PC-9801, and FM-7 systems. By adding Scope to its collection, Project EGG continues its mission to make retro games accessible to modern audiences.
For more information on the re-release of Scope, you can visit the official announcement on 4Gamer.net here.
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Fans of Ultima VII: The Black Gate, one of the most celebrated RPGs of all time, have reason to rejoice with the release of Ultima VII Revisited Version 0.1.0. This ambitious open-source project, spearheaded by ViridianGames, aims to rebuild and enhance the beloved game from the ground up, making it accessible to a modern audience while preserving its intricate world and storytelling.
What is Ultima VII Revisited?
Ultima VII Revisited is an open-source reimplementation of Ultima VII: The Black Gate, originally released by Origin Systems in 1992. Built using modern programming techniques and tools, the project seeks to recreate the original game’s depth and charm while addressing the technical limitations of its early ‘90s engine.
The project is hosted on GitHub, allowing contributors to collaborate on its development, ensuring that the essence of the original remains intact while benefiting from community input.
Key Features of Version 0.1.0
The release of version 0.1.0 marks a significant milestone in the project’s development. Here’s what players can expect:
1. Faithful Reconstruction:
The game world, characters, and iconic storytelling of The Black Gate have been meticulously recreated to mirror the original experience.
2. Modern Compatibility:
No need to struggle with DOSBox or emulators—Ultima VII Revisited runs natively on modern systems, bringing the game’s timeless story to a new generation.
3. Improved UI and Controls:
Updated interface elements and streamlined controls provide a more intuitive experience without sacrificing the game’s classic feel.
4. Open Source Accessibility:
The project is open to community contributions, allowing fans and developers to add their own improvements or features.
Why This Matters
Ultima VII: The Black Gate is often hailed as a masterpiece for its open-world design, compelling characters, and deep narrative. However, running the original game on modern hardware can be challenging due to its reliance on dated software and hardware. Ultima VII Revisitedsolves this problem by bringing the game into the 21st century with updated tools, ensuring it remains playable for years to come.
Version 0.1.0 is just the beginning. While it is a foundational release, it paves the way for future updates, including potential quality-of-life improvements and expansions that build on the original experience.
Getting Started
Interested players can download version 0.1.0 of Ultima VII Revisited directly from its GitHub repository. Installation instructions are detailed on the site, making it easy for newcomers and veterans alike to dive in.
For more insights into the project, visit the official site at Ultima VII Revisited.
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Retro gaming enthusiasts have a new title to celebrate: Pokettohiro!, an action-adventure game developed by David Marín, now available for the Game Boy Color.
Credit: Broke Studio
Game Overview
Pokettohiro! invites players into a vast world filled with secrets, hidden dungeons, and engaging side missions. Players can forge bonds with villagers, assist them in solving problems, and discover useful items to aid in their quest. A standout feature is the ability to release imprisoned heroes, each possessing unique skills, and unite them to your cause.
Credit: Broke Studio
Physical Edition Details
The physical edition of Pokettohiro! is priced at €50.00 and includes:
• A brand new Game Boy Color cartridge
• A full-color cardboard box
• A full-color manual
• A brand new cardboard tray
• A ROM file for emulator play
• A digital game manual (PDF)
This collector’s package offers both a tangible keepsake and digital convenience for gamers.
Compatibility
Pokettohiro! has been tested on authentic Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance systems, including Classic and SP models. As a GBC game, it is not compatible with the original Game Boy models (DMG, Pocket, Light). The game also functions on the Analogue Pocket. However, compatibility with clones or unofficial systems is not guaranteed.
Digital Version
For those who prefer digital formats, Pokettohiro! is available on itch.io.
About the Developer
David Marín, the creator of Pokettohiro!, has crafted a game that pays homage to the classic action-adventure titles of the 1990s, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for retro gaming fans.
Where to Purchase
Pokettohiro! can be purchased directly from Broke Studio’s official website.
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Castlevania Reincarnation, a rare non-official and lesser-known entry in the Castlevania series, has been translated into English. The game, originally released in China for mobile devices, now offers English-speaking fans a chance to explore its haunting world with a freshly translated patch.
What Is Castlevania Reincarnation?
Castlevania Reincarnation is an unofficial spinoff in the iconic Castlevania series. Known for its challenging gameplay, gothic atmosphere, and classic soundtrack, the game draws players into a dark and sprawling castle filled with secrets, monsters, and legendary boss battles. Castlevania Reincarnation is a Chinese-developed entry into Konami’s franchise that was launched in the early 2000s for Java Phones.
Originally limited to Chinese audiences, this entry never officially saw a global release, leaving international fans looking for a way to experience it in their native language.
The Translation Effort
The English translation, spearheaded by Oersted, brings the core dialogue and menus into a legible format for non-Chinese speakers. However, some elements of the user interface could not be translated due to technical limitations. Despite this, the patch makes the game fully playable and accessible for English-speaking audiences.
With this translation, fans can dive into Castlevania Reincarnation and experience its dark and mysterious world for the first time in English. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a retro gaming enthusiast, this release is a chance to rediscover a forgotten gem of the Castlevania franchise.
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This week in gaming I have been playing around with the Analogue Handheld and the Chromatic, getting all of the ROMS I want to try running on the former (any hidden gems for the handheld retro consoles – let me know in the comments).
We have 36 hand-picked stories for you this week, covering such things as a Saturn Sat Nav system, Game Boy modding a 32x deep dive and a whole lot more.
News
🐿️Embark on a charming new Game Boy adventure with Squirrel Falls, a delightful addition to the classic handheld’s library. [RetroShell] Link
🐬Sega’s recent trademark filing hints at a possible revival for Ecco the Dolphin—time to dive into nostalgia! [DualShockers] Link
💿A rare Hitachi Sega Saturn has surfaced for sale, offering collectors a chance to own a unique piece of gaming history. [RetroShell] Link
📀Unreleased Atari Jaguar title LiveWire is finally getting a physical release decades after its development. [Time Extension] Link
📚The Hand-Drawn Game Guides: Mega Man Kickstarter smashed its funding goal in just 12 minutes! [RetroShell] Link
🕹️Golden Axe fans rejoice—a fan-made Neo Geo port of the arcade classic appears to be in the works. [Time Extension] Link
🚀The long-lost Jaleco shoot-’em-up P-47 II MD is back, revived for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis after 35 years. [RetroShell] Link
⚡Gradius II lands on Analogue Pocket and MiSTer FPGA, bringing classic space battles to modern platforms. [Time Extension] Link
🔫Step into the gritty world of Annihilator, a thrilling top-down shooter for the Game Boy Colour. [RetroShell] Link
🏰Prince of Persia finds a new home on the Sega Dreamcast, thanks to an unofficial port. [Time Extension] Link
📜GOG strengthens game preservation efforts by joining the European Federation for Video Game Preservation. [RetroShell] Link
🎵The Super Metroid soundtrack has been beautifully reimagined in the From the Depths of Zebes LP—now available! [RetroShell] Link
💾The MemCard Pro series gets even better with exciting new firmware updates for retro gaming enthusiasts. [RetroShell] Link
🎮The Dreamcast is alive! Counter-Strike 1.6 runs on the console via the new Xash3D engine port. [RetroShell] Link
Features
🚗Discover how to transform your GBA into a car speedometer in this ingenious retro hardware hack. [RetroShell] Link
🎶Learn to create authentic 8-bit video game sounds in your DAW using a free synth, perfect for retro-inspired tunes. [MusicRadar] Link
🛠️Take a look at the EZdmg-103 Nintendo Game Boy mod—a sleek transformation into a DS-like gaming experience. [TecheBlog] Link
👓Enhance your Virtual Boy gameplay with SSF Designs’ Virtual Lens Set, now available for retro enthusiasts. [RetroShell] Link
📚Explore the staggering number of games made for the Game Boy—Nintendo’s most iconic handheld. [The Gamer] Link
🗺️Check out a handcrafted 3D map of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past—a stunning tribute to Hyrule. [RetroShell] Link
⚖️A Nintendo lawyer explains the company’s aggressive stance on emulator takedowns—here’s why they do it. [Glitched] Link
🎮Play retro games on Apple TV with an Xbox controller—or any other controller—following these simple steps. [RetroShell] Link
🎥David Lynch’s surreal PS2 adverts remain unforgettable in the world of gaming marketing—relive them here. [Eurogamer] Link
🐉Fans were devastated by the cancellation of the Pokémon RPG for the N64—uncover why it remains a sore spot. [CBR] Link
🌟Celebrate the legacy of Super Mario Land, Nintendo’s underrated Game Boy classic that captured hearts. [RetroShell] Link
🎬Revisit a PS2 adaptation of your favourite movie from 21 years ago—a nostalgic dive into gaming’s tie-in era. [GamesRadar] Link
🔍A Super Mario 64 player discovers a new log-clipping glitch—proof that this classic still surprises us. [RetroShell] Link
🔪Resident Evil 4 turns 20! Celebrate the game that redefined the survival horror genre. [Gamereactor] Link
🌀Explore Sega’s 32X—the ambitious add-on that aimed high but fell short of expectations. [RetroShell] Link
🎞️Dive into the wild 1980s era of video games based on 18-rated films—unrated chaos and creativity. [Film Stories] Link
Lists & Rankings
🎮Check out the best video games created by developers before they hit the big leagues—hidden gems galore! [CBR] Link
🎮Ranking the top 10 8BitDo controllers based on review scores—find your next favourite retro gaming accessory! [RetroShell] Link
🔥The best SNES action games of all time, ranked—find out which classic tops the list. [CBR] Link
⚔️Step into rebellion with these JRPGs where you play as a rebel, fighting against the odds. [DualShockers] Link
📺Take a nostalgic journey from the NES to the Switch 2 by watching all of Nintendo’s console launch commercials. [IGN] Link
🎮Discover the best video game consoles of all time—does your favourite make the list? [Digital Trends] Link
Super Metroid enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate with the release of “From the Depths of Zebes: Super Metroid Resynthesized” LP. This album offers a meticulously recreated version of the iconic 1994 game’s soundtrack, providing a fresh auditory experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Credit: Pixelcrib
The project is the brainchild of Louisiana-based composer and producer Jammin’ Sam Miller. Miller painstakingly reconstructed the original compositions by sourcing the exact instruments and samples used in the game’s development. He translated the MIDI data into a contemporary studio setting, incorporating modern mixing techniques to enhance the sound quality. Miller explains, “This was made possible by locating the original instrument samples from workstation keyboards and drum machines before they were put into the game and rebuilding the soundtrack from the ground up, applying some modern mixing techniques along the way to lift the veil of 16-bit compression and create an updated listening experience.”
The album is pressed on biovinyl, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional vinyl. Biovinyl replaces petroleum-based materials with recycled substances like used cooking oil or industrial waste gases, resulting in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions during production. Additionally, biovinyl is fully recyclable and reusable, aligning with sustainable production practices.
Credit: Pixelcrib
The LP features 27 tracks, including memorable pieces such as “Theme of Super Metroid,” “Brinstar Overgrown With Vegetation Area,” and “Mother Brain.” Each track captures the atmospheric essence of the original game, blending ambient soundscapes with dynamic synth arrangements that mirror protagonist Samus Aran’s journey through the alien world of Zebes.
For those interested in adding this unique piece to their collection, “From the Depths of Zebes: Super Metroid Resynthesized” is available for purchase through PixelCrib, a retailer specializing in video game music and memorabilia.
In addition to this release, PixelCrib offers other Metroid-inspired albums, such as “Samus & Chill,” which reimagines music from the franchise in a lofi hip hop style.
Whether you’re a vinyl collector, a Super Metroid fan, or someone who appreciates video game music, this album provides a nostalgic yet refreshed listening experience that pays homage to one of gaming’s most acclaimed soundtracks.
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Raph Koster, renowned for his work on Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies, has unveiled his latest venture: Stars Reach. This ambitious MMORPG aims to revitalise the genre by offering a vast, persistent galaxy where players can explore, craft, and shape the universe around them.
Credit: Raph Coster
A Living Galaxy Awaits
In Stars Reach, no two planets are alike. The game boasts a fully modifiable environment, allowing players to make lasting changes—from chopping down trees to constructing buildings—that impact the world in meaningful ways. This level of interactivity harks back to the immersive experiences of Koster’s earlier projects, promising a dynamic sandbox for players to inhabit.
Community-Driven Development
After five years of development under Koster’s studio, Playable Worlds, Stars Reach is nearing completion. To navigate the challenging landscape of game investment, the team plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign, inviting the gaming community to participate in bringing this project to fruition. Koster notes that the game has already garnered positive feedback from early testers, reminiscent of the acclaim received during his tenure on Ultima Online.
Get Involved
While the Kickstarter campaign is set to commence in about a month, enthusiasts can sign up for notifications to stay informed about its progress. This initiative not only seeks funding but also aims to build a community around Stars Reach, fostering a collaborative spirit akin to the game’s own emphasis on player-driven content.
For more details, visit the official announcement.
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In a recent interview with the team at Time Extension, hardware innovator Taki Udon unveiled his latest project: an FPGA-based console inspired by Sony’s original PlayStation. This initiative aims to make FPGA gaming more accessible by eliminating common entry barriers.
Credit: @TakiUdon_
Key Features of the FPGA PS1:
• Comprehensive Compatibility: The console supports original PS1 controllers and memory cards, ensuring an authentic gaming experience. An optional add-on allows users to play original PS1 discs, enhancing its versatility.
• Integrated Connectivity: Unlike traditional setups requiring multiple dongles, this console offers built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and various analogue video outputs, streamlining the user experience.
• Affordable Entry Point: Continuing his mission to democratise FPGA gaming, Udon has priced the console starting at $149, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Udon’s previous venture, the MiSTer Pi, significantly reduced the cost of FPGA gaming, and this new project builds upon that success. By focusing on user-friendly design and affordability, Udon hopes to attract both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the FPGA community.
For a comprehensive understanding of Taki Udon’s vision and the development journey of the FPGA PS1, you can read the full interview here.
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GOG, a prominent European digital game distribution platform, has become a member of the European Federation of Game Archives, Museums, and Preservation Projects (EFGAMP). This coalition, established in 2012, is dedicated to preserving video games as cultural heritage.
Credit: GoG
EFGAMP comprises over 20 heritage institutions, including VIGAMUS in Rome, MO5.COM in France, and the Computerspielemuseum in Berlin. GOG’s inclusion marks the first Polish institution to join, bridging the private sector with cultural organizations across Europe.
Maciej Gołębiewski, Managing Director at GOG, stated, “GOG was created with video game preservation in mind.” He highlighted the GOG Preservation Program, launched in 2024, which ensures compatibility for over 100 classic games, delivering hundreds of enhancements to keep them accessible on modern systems.
Andreas Lange, COO of EFGAMP, welcomed GOG’s membership, noting that GOG’s experience in making classic games accessible complements the work of existing members and brings additional digital expertise to collective preservation efforts.
GOG’s collaboration with EFGAMP underscores the growing importance of preserving digital media. As concerns about the disappearance of digital content increase, initiatives like this play a crucial role in maintaining access to the titles that have shaped the gaming medium.
By joining EFGAMP, GOG reinforces its dedication to protecting gaming’s cultural legacy, ensuring that players worldwide can continue to enjoy classic games for years to come.
For more information, visit the official announcement.
NF Publishing, LLC has launched a Kickstarter campaign for an officially licensed, fully hand-illustrated guide to the original Mega Man game – and it got funded in 12 minutes.
Credit: Kickstarter / Capcom
Campaign Highlights:
• Official Licensing: This guide is officially licensed by Capcom, ensuring authenticity and quality.
• Hand-Drawn Illustrations: Every page is meticulously hand-illustrated, capturing the essence of the original game.
Credit: KickStarter
• Comprehensive Coverage: The guide offers detailed walkthroughs, enemy profiles, boss strategies, and more, making it an invaluable resource for both newcomers and seasoned players.
• Collector’s Item: With its unique artistic approach, this guide serves as both a functional manual and a collectable piece of art.
Supporting the Project:
Backers can choose from various pledge levels, each offering different rewards, including digital copies, physical books, and exclusive merchandise. The campaign aims to raise funds to cover production costs, ensuring that the final product meets the highest standards.
Why It Matters:
In an era dominated by digital media, this hand-drawn guide offers a tangible connection to the classic gaming experience. It celebrates the artistry and challenge of the original Mega Man, providing fans with a nostalgic journey back to the game’s roots.
For more details and to support the project, visit the Kickstarter page.
