The Kickstarter campaign for In This House, a retro-inspired horror game, has 4 days left to hit its funding target of $10,583. Developed for retro gaming enthusiasts, this project aims to deliver a chilling and immersive experience while paying homage to the aesthetics and gameplay of classic 16-bit titles.
Here at RetroShell we are avid supporters of indie developers breathing new life into classic consoles so we are always scouring sources to find new projects that we can support and share with our communities.
Set within a haunted house filled with unsettling secrets, In This House combines eerie visuals, atmospheric sound design, and clever puzzles to create a truly spine-tingling adventure. The game’s developers promise a unique blend of psychological horror and nostalgic gameplay, capturing the essence of classic horror titles while introducing modern twists.
Backers of the campaign can choose from various tiers, including exclusive physical editions for retro consoles, digital downloads, and behind-the-scenes development content. Higher pledge tiers offer unique perks, such as custom in-game content and collector’s items.
With its combination of retro charm and horror storytelling, In This House is poised to become a standout title in the indie scene. Retro horror enthusiasts and collectors are encouraged to support the campaign early to secure exclusive rewards.
Learn more about the project and back it here: In This House Kickstarter, and you can find the creator Jakub on X.
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Fans of the Shenmue series have a reason to celebrate. Limited Run Games has announced an exclusive collection of Shenmue merchandise, now available for a limited time. This new collection includes apparel, collectables, and accessories inspired by the iconic game series.
The sweet little orphan kitten of Yamanose Shrine needs a place to call home! But you only have one week left to claim her as your own!
Among the standout items are Shenmue-themed t-shirts, hoodies, and posters, all designed to capture the essence of the franchise. Fans can also get their hands on unique collectables like enamel pins, art cards, and even a Shenmue-themed journal for note-taking in true Ryo Hazuki style.
This merchandise drop is a dream come true for collectors and longtime fans of the series. Limited Run Games, known for its premium-quality, limited-edition offerings, has ensured this collection meets the same high standards. With only a short window to purchase these items (orders close on Sunday 12th January), the rush is on to grab these nostalgic pieces.
Shenmue, first released in 1999, has been celebrated for its revolutionary open-world design and gripping narrative. This merchandise release not only honours the game’s legacy but also offers fans a way to keep its spirit alive in their everyday lives.
Act fast—this collection is only available for a limited time through the Limited Run Games website.
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Fans of retro gaming and ROM hacking have a reason to celebrate with the release of the Gunstar Heroes Ultimate Edition ROM hack. This enhanced version of the iconic Sega Genesis/Megadrive game introduces exciting updates and refinements to the beloved Treasure classic, bringing new life to the run-and-gun masterpiece from BillyTime!Games and Ryu.
I did a collaboration with member Ryu on @romhackplaza to bring you the first revision of Gunstar Heroes – Ultimate Edition.
The game has been re-localized, region free, a new game manual, the ability to switch fire modes in game, AND AN XP SYSTEM! pic.twitter.com/LU8fo92hRr
PlatinumGames has launched a special website to commemorate the 15th anniversary of their acclaimed action game, Bayonetta. The website, “Bayonetta 15th Anniversary Year,” hints at various celebratory projects planned throughout the year.
The original Bayonetta game was released in 2009. It introduced players to the enigmatic witch Bayonetta and her intense, fast-paced combat against angelic adversaries. The series has since garnered a dedicated fanbase, leading to sequels and appearances in other media.
While specific details about the anniversary projects remain under wraps, fans can anticipate a series of events and announcements celebrating the game’s legacy. The special website is expected to be a hub for these upcoming initiatives. They have promised a wallpaper each month. and have shared January’s version (below).
For more information and to stay updated on the anniversary celebrations, visit the official website: Bayonetta 15th Anniversary Year.
If you are a fan of retro gaming and want to keep up with all the latest news, check out our free weekly Substack which gives you a free roundup each week of all the biggest stories in the world of retro.
Happy 2025! I hope you all are enjoying a positive start to the new year.
My week in gaming has been a continued quest to get my PS3 Slim loaded with all the Guitar Hero games from the PS2/3 onto the console with CFW. I do not have a hard-wired solution, so transfers are very slow (especially for the larger PS3 games). The guitar is on order, so gaming should commence this week. Also been playing some (too much) Marvel Rivals and Marvel Snap. I have also been working on some new products for RetroShell, expect some updates on the new collection of protectors soon. Plus, I have been continuing to build RetroShell as a news website.
We have 37 stories this week, covering everything from building a N64 Mini, upgrading your GBC with a radio, a new Sega Sonic game and a whole load more.
The people have spoken, and I will add generation 6 to the next edition. Thanks for reading, and I will always strive to make the newsletter better.
News
🎮Atari and My Arcade team up to tease an exciting new console at CES 2025—could this be a retro gaming revolution? [RetroShell] Link
The number pad is a strange addition…
🎨AYANEO’s Pocket Micro gets a Famicom-inspired makeover—perfect for retro enthusiasts! [Time Extension] Link
❄️Snow Bros. Deluxe Edition brings frosty fun to NES, Genesis, Mega Drive, and Game Boy—don’t miss this wintry revival! [RetroShell] Link
🕵️♂️A YouTuber’s bizarre saga involving fake Nintendo lawyers and DMCA takedowns—you won’t believe what happened next! [Game Rant] Link
🐉Dragonyhm, a magical retro RPG, breathes new life into the Game Boy Color—explore its enchanting world! [RetroShell] Link
📥Nintendo offers free N64 game downloads—here’s how you can grab these classics for your collection! [Gaming Bible] Link
⚡A fan-made Sega Saturn Sonic Galactic beta is here, and it’s already wowing gamers. [RetroShell] Link
✨Sonic Galactic is so polished it feels like an official Sega product—fan projects don’t get much better than this! [Time Extension] Link
💥Street Fighter IV gets an unexpected retro twist with a fan-made demo for the Sega Mega Drive and Genesis. [RetroShell] Link
🔧The modder behind the Sega Neptune is now eyeing the SNES PlayStation hybrid—could retro gaming dreams come true? [Time Extension] Link
🏴☠️Lost Treasure of Lima brings adventurous platforming to the Game Boy—set sail for some retro fun! [RetroShell] Link
🐺36 years later, the Sega Genesis finally gets a proper port of Shadow Dancer—better late than never! [Time Extension] Link
🥷🏻Shinobi surprises fans with a Neo Geo jump in this impressive fan project! [RetroShell] Link
📼The Atari Jaguar is coming to the Analogue Pocket—another win for retro hardware enthusiasts. [Time Extension] Link
🚀Exciting new Sega Genesis shooter ZPF opens for pre-orders—lock in your copy today! [RetroShell] Link
Features
🍄Dive into the unmatched legacy of Super Mario Bros. 3 and discover why it remains a timeless classic. [RetroShell] Link
Choose your weapon
📺How YouTube’s censorship policies are creating new challenges for retro game historians preserving gaming’s past. [Time Extension] Link
💾Explore the Famicom Disk System’s unique take on Mario’s legacy, uncovering a fascinating chapter in Nintendo’s history. [RetroShell] Link
Really want one of these.
📻Meet the Orange FM Game Boy cartridge—a quirky accessory that doubles as a radio! [TechEBlog] Link
🎮Building the ultimate Nintendo 64 in 2025? Check out these essential upgrades for modern gaming perfection. [RetroShell] Link
📼A world record on the Nintendo 64, a dusty VHS tape, and a 15-year-long mystery solved—read this incredible gaming story. [Jason Deegan] Link
🔧Discover what you can still buy for the Sega Genesis in 2025—keeping retro alive in style! [RetroShell] Link
🐉Uncover the story of a fully playable Shenmue port for the PS2 that Sega developed but never released. [DualShockers] Link
🏆Ranking the top 10 Nintendo 64 games by Metacritic scores—how many of your favourites made the list? [RetroShell] Link
📉From ambitious beginnings to unexpected failures, revisit the reasons why Sega’s consoles ultimately stumbled. [SlashGear] Link
👾2025’s best NES products are here! See what’s keeping the Nintendo Entertainment System alive for another generation. [RetroShell] Link
🕵️Masahiro Sakurai’s connection to Detective Club reveals a surprising side of the Super Smash Bros. creator’s legacy. [EventHubs] Link
🎮Building the ultimate Nintendo 64 in 2025? Don’t miss these essential upgrades! [RetroShell] Link
Lists & Rankings
🕹️Explore the hottest Sega Genesis products you can buy in 2025—keeping retro gaming alive and well! [RetroShell] Link
🌀What if Sonic the Hedgehog wasn’t Sega’s mascot? Discover the surprising replacements Sega considered. [CBR] Link
🎮Nintendo’s official ranking of the 10 greatest NES games—find out which classics made the cut! [RetroShell] Link
💾Uncover the rarest PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 games and what collectors are paying to own them. [Game Rant] Link
🎂The best SNES games of all time—Newsweek reveals the crème de la crème of the 16-bit era. [Newsweek] Link
🔍Classic video game fans rejoice—Season 2 of Secret Level dives deeper into gaming history. [CBR] Link
🌟The top 10 Nintendo 64 games ranked by Metacritic scores—are your favourites on the list? [RetroShell] Link
🎮Which handheld gaming consoles had the best graphics? A look at portable powerhouses through the years. [CBR] Link
💎Discover the rarest Neo Geo AES games and how much they’re worth in today’s collector market. [Game Rant] Link
The Dreamcast homebrew community is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, exemplified by the recent fan-made port of Doom 64. Developed by jnmartin84, this port introduces significant enhancements that push the Dreamcast’s hardware to new limits.
Key Features of the Doom 64 Dreamcast Port:
• Performance Enhancements: The game achieves an uncapped frame rate, averaging 60 FPS, providing a smoother gameplay experience.
• Dynamic Lighting: Supports up to 16 simultaneous dynamic lights, enhancing the game’s visual depth.
• Enhanced Visuals: Incorporates bump-mapped environments and weapon geometry, offering a more modern aesthetic.
• Control Support: Compatible with mouse, keyboard, and dual analog controllers, catering to diverse player preferences.
• Additional Content: Includes the “Lost Levels” from the 2020 Steam version and a fan-made recreation of “Doom Episode 1: Knee Deep in the Dead,” expanding the gameplay experience.
This project underscores the Dreamcast’s enduring appeal and the dedication of its fanbase. The homebrew scene continues to thrive, with developers exploring the console’s capabilities and delivering experiences that rival modern platforms.
For enthusiasts interested in exploring this port, the source code and compilation instructions are available on GitHub. It’s important to note that, in respect of intellectual property rights, compiled builds are not provided; users are encouraged to compile the game themselves.
The Dreamcast’s homebrew community remains a testament to the console’s lasting legacy, continually breathing new life into this classic system. As projects like the Doom 64 port demonstrate, the possibilities for innovation and creativity within this scene are boundless.
In a remarkable fusion of retro gaming nostalgia and cutting-edge technology, independent developer Kou is crafting a new mystery adventure titled “Do you like/?” for the Game Boy Color. This ambitious project not only revives Nintendo’s iconic handheld console from 1998 but also integrates modern AI capabilities and Wi-Fi connectivity, offering a unique gaming experience that bridges past and present.
A Retro Console Meets Modern Innovation
The Game Boy Color, celebrated for its role in portable gaming history, ceased production years ago. Yet, “Do you like/?” aims to breathe new life into this classic device. The game employs a Wi-Fi-enabled cartridge, inspired by Sebastian Staacks’ “wifi-game-boy-cartridge,” allowing for real-time AI interactions and dynamic storytelling. Notably, the Wi-Fi module complies with Japanese technical standards, ensuring seamless connectivity.
An AI-Driven Murder Mystery
“Do you like/?” immerses players in a suspenseful narrative where they assume the role of one of four amnesiac characters trapped in a deadly game orchestrated by an AI named Luna. The storyline draws inspiration from the early internet urban legend of the “Red Room,” with AI-generated scenarios that evolve based on player choices and dialogues. This real-time branching narrative promises a personalized and engaging experience, a groundbreaking feature for Game Boy Color titles.
Bilingual Support and Compatibility
The game is being developed with both English and Japanese language options, catering to a diverse audience. While optimized for the Game Boy Color and compatible devices, it’s important to note that the Wi-Fi and AI functionalities may not operate correctly on other hardware.
Crowdfunding Success and Release Timeline
As of now, the Kickstarter campaign for “Do you like/?” has garnered significant support, raising approximately ¥450,000 towards its ¥500,000 goal. With development reported to be 70% complete, the team anticipates delivering the game to backers by March. This project exemplifies a growing trend of indie developers creating new content for vintage gaming systems, blending nostalgia with contemporary technological advancements.
The much-anticipated Sonic Galactic beta demo has arrived, offering fans a fresh take on the beloved franchise. Developed by a talented group of indie creators, this unofficial fan-made game draws inspiration from the classic 2D Sonic titles while introducing new features and mechanics that promise to elevate the experience for both newcomers and long-time fans.
In Sonic Galactic, players can choose from five playable characters—each with unique abilities and gameplay styles—bringing a refreshing twist to the classic formula. From speeding through vibrant levels to uncovering hidden secrets, the demo showcases fast-paced platforming and creative level design that stays true to Sonic’s roots while adding its own flair.
The game’s visuals are a standout, blending nostalgic pixel art with modern enhancements that make the environments pop. The physics and controls have also been fine-tuned, delivering the smooth, responsive gameplay fans expect from a Sonic title.
The well-funded shooter ZPF from Mega Cat Studios has opened up for pre-orders, with shipping estimated at being February 2025.
The game reached its Kickstarter funding goal in just 19 minutes and went on to raise over $162,000 – more than 1,080% of its initial $15,000 target.
Developed by the ZPF Team and published by Mega Cat Studios, this new Sega Genesis/Mega Drive title features three unique playable characters, engaging scoring mechanics, and a mix of fantasy, sci-fi and horror elements across its various stages. The game is being created by a veteran team including Perry Sessions on art and animation, Mikael Tillander handling programming, and Jamie Vance composing the music.
The game is currently priced between $50 (the basic cartridge only) and $150 (the collector’s edition) and promises to deliver an authentic 16-bit shooting experience complete with mid-stage and end-stage bosses. Development is nearly complete, with only minor bug fixes and backer names left to be added before release.
For retro gaming enthusiasts interested in following more stories like this and staying up to date with the latest developments in the classic gaming scene, subscribe to our free weekly retro gaming news Substack, delivered to your inbox each Monday.
An exciting new fan project has emerged that reimagines SEGA’s classic ninja action game Shinobi for the Neo Geo hardware. This ambitious demake demonstrates the creative spirit still alive in the retro gaming community.
The project, developed by H0ffman, showcases what Shinobi might have looked like if it had been released on SNK’s powerful arcade system. While SEGA’s original Shinobi was known for its tight controls and ninja action on the Master System and Genesis, this Neo Geo interpretation brings a fresh perspective to the beloved franchise.
For retro gaming enthusiasts interested in following more stories like this and staying up to date with the latest developments in the classic gaming scene, subscribe to our free weekly retro gaming news Substack, delivered to your inbox each Monday. Keep playing!
