Limited Run Games has announced that pre-orders for the classic action game BattleTanx on a playable Nintendo 64 (N64) cartridge are now open. Originally released in 1998, BattleTanx immerses players in a post-apocalyptic America, where they command powerful tanks to rescue the revered QueenLords from hostile factions.
Key Features:
• Multiplayer Action: Supports up to four players simultaneously, offering explosive 3D tank combat across various modes, including Campaign, Deathmatch, Annihilation, and Family modes.
• Diverse Levels: Features 17 intense levels set in a devastated American landscape, challenging players to strategize and survive.
• Rumble Pak Support: Compatible with the N64 Rumble Pak™, enhancing the gaming experience with tactile feedback.
Pre-Order Details:
• Price: $59.99
• Pre-Order Period: Open until Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
• Availability: This is an open pre-order for a limited time, with no purchase limit per customer.
This release is a unique opportunity for retro gaming enthusiasts to own a physical copy of BattleTanx for the N64, preserving a piece of gaming history.
Protect your N64 games with RetroShell’s premium Nintendo 64 protectors—the ultimate solution for collectors. Explore the world’s best retro game protectors at www.retroshell.com.
The Sega Saturn, while home to an impressive catalogue of games, poses a challenge for modern gamers due to the skyrocketing prices of its original titles. Enter the Saru cartridge, a groundbreaking solution that makes accessing Sega Saturn games affordable and convenient.
What is the Saru Cartridge?
The Saru cartridge is an innovative accessory for Sega Saturn enthusiasts, providing access to a vast game library without the need for expensive physical copies or extensive system modifications.
Key Features:
• Affordable Access: At around $75, it’s a fraction of the cost of many Saturn games.
• Pre-loaded Games: Comes with a Micro SD card stocked with popular titles.
• Simple Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Adding new games is as easy as transferring files on your computer.
Easy Setup and Compatibility
Setting up the Saru cartridge is beginner-friendly:
1. Remove the included Micro SD card.
2. Connect it to your computer.
3. Drag and drop game files into the designated ISO folder.
4. Reinsert the card into the cartridge and start gaming!
The cartridge supports a variety of content, including:
• Classic Sega Saturn Games
• Fan-Made Homebrew Titles
• Japanese Games with Translation Patches
Superior Performance
The Saru cartridge enhances the gaming experience with faster loading times and reliable hardware-level emulation. Here’s a glimpse at how it performs:
Game TitleLoad Time (Seconds)
Panzer Dragoon 2
X-Men vs. Street Fighter 3
Christmas Nights 1
Why the Saru Cartridge Stands Out
1. No System Modifications: Works with the Sega Saturn straight out of the box, no tinkering required.
2. Firmware Updates: Regular updates improve compatibility and add new features.
3. Enhanced Gameplay: Nostalgic classics like Christmas Nights can be experienced with minimal load times and no input lag.
A Must-Have for Sega Saturn Fans
For Sega Saturn owners, the Saru cartridge is a game-changer. It combines affordability, convenience, and performance, making it an essential accessory for collectors and newcomers alike.
Why Choose the Saru Cartridge?
• Access a diverse range of Sega Saturn games without the hefty price tag.
• Enjoy a user-friendly setup with no modifications needed.
• Enhance your experience with homebrew games and translation patches.
For retro gaming enthusiasts who want to explore Sega Saturn’s rich history, the Saru cartridge delivers a cost-effective and seamless solution. Revisit the classics and rediscover the joy of Sega Saturn without the financial strain.
For retro gaming fans, the idea of bringing Darkstalkers to the Sega Genesis is a dream come true. In a recent update video, Daniel from Retro Reloaded shared his progress on a fan project that aims to reimagine the beloved Capcom fighter for the classic 16-bit console. While the project is making headway, Daniel also highlighted some significant challenges in adapting the game to the Genesis’s limitations.
Progress Report: Characters and Animations
Daniel has completed most of the character animations, with all moves—except special attacks—successfully implemented. From Dimitri to Sasquatch, the roster is shaping up nicely. However, timing adjustments and hitbox refinements are still needed to bring the gameplay to life.
Key Milestones Achieved:
• Character animations are nearly finalized.
• Most stages are functional, though some require optimization.
• Work on special moves and balancing is scheduled next.
Challenges with VRAM Limitations
Adapting Darkstalkers to the Sega Genesis presents unique technical hurdles. Daniel discussed how the system’s limited VRAM (Video RAM) has forced compromises in stage design and even character inclusion.
Notable Issues:
• Stage Glitches: Some backgrounds disappear or exhibit visual glitches due to insufficient VRAM.
• Character Cuts: Acarus, a character with massive sprites and screen-wide moves, may need to be replaced by smaller, more manageable characters like BB Hood or Q-Bee.
These adjustments are critical to ensuring the game runs smoothly on Genesis hardware.
A Fan-Led Labor of Love
This project is a solo effort, with Daniel managing every aspect of development. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about completing the game, potentially by next Christmas. Fans of Darkstalkers are encouraged to provide feedback on character roster decisions, as these will impact the project’s timeline and final quality.
Preserve Your Retro Gaming Memories
For collectors excited about Darkstalkers and other retro gems, keeping your cartridges and consoles in top condition is essential. RetroShell’s protective cases are the perfect way to showcase and safeguard your collection, offering durable and stylish protection for your gaming treasures.
Stay Tuned for Updates
As the project progresses, fans can follow Daniel’s journey on Retro Reloaded’s YouTube channel. Whether you’re a Darkstalkers enthusiast or just love fan projects that push retro hardware to its limits, this project is one to watch.
The gaming industry in 2024 was marked by significant challenges and transformative trends that reshaped its landscape.
Key Trends:
• Industry Layoffs and Studio Closures: The year witnessed unprecedented layoffs, with over 10,000 developers losing their jobs in 2023 and a 40% increase in job losses in 2024. High-profile studio closures and project cancellations underscored the industry’s volatility.
• Rise of AI in Game Development: Approximately 62% of developers incorporated AI tools into their workflows, leveraging generative AI for asset creation and other production processes.
• Unionization Efforts: There was a notable increase in labor organization within the industry, with quality assurance roles becoming a focal point for unionization to advocate for better wages and career opportunities.
• Economic Pressures and Market Shifts: Economic fluctuations, rising development costs, and changing consumer spending habits contributed to the industry’s challenges, prompting a reevaluation of business models and strategies.
• Indie Developer Struggles: Independent studios faced significant hardships, with many small developers shutting down due to financial constraints and limited access to funding.
Despite these challenges, the industry demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with ongoing discussions about sustainable practices and the future of game development.
The preservation of video game history often focuses on early builds and prototypes, but an equally valuable source lies in the documentation surrounding a game’s development. Recently, the Video Game History Foundation was gifted a remarkable collection of documents and files from Michael Manheim, a game developer whose career spans decades with companies like Sunsoft, EA, and 3DO. Among the gems of this collection are detailed records of Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes, revealing fascinating insights into its development.
Nine Fascinating Facts About Sarge’s Heroes
1. A Lightning-Fast Development Cycle
From pitch to store shelves, the development of Sarge’s Heroes took only 18 months—a remarkable feat considering it was one of five Army Men titles released in 1999.
2. Inspired by Tomb Raider and GoldenEye
Drawing inspiration from console hits like Tomb Raider and GoldenEye, the game shifted the series’ focus from strategy to a character-driven adventure, tailored for home consoles.
3. Simplified Gameplay for Development Feasibility
Initial ambitious plans included squad mechanics, vehicle controls, and co-op campaigns. Many features were cut to meet deadlines, though echoes of these ideas appeared in later titles.
4. The Creation of Vikki
The design of Vikki, the series’ lone female character, faced unique challenges. Early concepts struggled to balance her role as a character and as an appeal to the target audience.
5. Built with the N64 in Mind
The original pitch firmly positioned Sarge’s Heroes as an N64-focused title, leveraging the console’s strengths in rendering expansive 3D environments and supporting four-player split-screen gameplay.
6. A Name from Trip Hawkins
The name Sarge’s Heroes was suggested by EA and 3DO founder Trip Hawkins, aiming to give the game a unique identity while hinting at its narrative focus.
7. Robin Williams as Sarge?
Robin Williams, an avid gamer, was once considered for the role of Sarge. Ultimately, the character was voiced by the prolific Jim Cummings.
8. Aiming for a Multimedia Brand
Plans for Sarge’s Heroes extended beyond games to include action figures, a television series, and even a feature film. While some of these plans were unrealized, the IP became a cornerstone of the Army Men franchise.
9. Nintendo’s Behind-the-Scenes Input
Rare glimpses into Nintendo’s internal testing feedback highlight the depth of their involvement. Suggestions for graphical tweaks and design refinements helped shape the final product.
Why This Matters to Retro Gaming Enthusiasts
The insights from Manheim’s documents illustrate the creative and technical challenges of game development in the late 1990s. From ambitious pitches to hard decisions on cuts, these stories enrich our understanding of gaming history. Collectors and fans of retro gaming can also find joy in preserving these relics, much like the cartridges and consoles themselves.
Protect and Showcase Your Gaming Memories
For collectors of retro games like Army Men: Sarge’s Heroes, keeping your treasures in pristine condition is key. RetroShell’s protective cases provide durable, high-quality storage to safeguard your collection while showcasing your love for classic gaming.
Support the Video Game History Foundation
To continue exploring and preserving video game history, consider supporting the Video Game History Foundation through their YouTube channel or Patreon. Every contribution helps keep the stories of our gaming past alive.
The MSXdev’24 competition has unveiled a new entry, Sam.Pr Explorer, an engaging game for the MSX2 platform that transports players to the enigmatic world of ancient Egypt.
Game Overview:
In Sam.Pr Explorer, players assume the role of Sam.PR, an intrepid explorer who finds himself trapped within the labyrinthine corridors of an Egyptian pyramid. The objective is to navigate through a series of perilous rooms, each filled with traps and adversaries, to secure an escape. The game offers varying difficulty levels, challenging players to clear multiple rooms within a set timeframe, all while evading foes intent on thwarting their progress.
Key Features:
• Authentic Egyptian Setting: Immerse yourself in the atmospheric recreation of ancient pyramid interiors, complete with thematic challenges and obstacles.
• Time-Based Challenges: Race against the clock to solve puzzles and overcome traps, with difficulty levels that adjust the number of rooms and time constraints.
• Dynamic Adversaries: Encounter a variety of enemies designed to impede your escape, requiring strategic thinking and quick reflexes.
Sam.Pr Explorer is a testament to the enduring creativity within the MSX community, offering both nostalgia and fresh challenges to enthusiasts of the classic platform.
8BitDo has introduced the Ultimate Mini Wired Controller, a compact and lightweight gamepad officially licensed by Xbox. Designed for gamers with smaller hands, including teenagers and children, this controller is 20% smaller and 10% lighter than the standard 8BitDo Ultimate C model, enhancing comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Key Features:
• Compact Design: Tailored for smaller grips, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic gaming experience.
• Hall-Effect Triggers and Joysticks: Provides higher precision and sensitivity, enhancing gameplay accuracy.
• Fire Ring RGB Lighting: Interactive LED lighting around each joystick with multiple modes, including Fire Ring, Light-tracing, and Rainbow Ring, adding a dynamic visual element to gaming.
• Enhanced Grip and Tactile Feedback: Features refined bumpers and a D-pad recalibrated for a clicky yet smooth feel, along with impulse triggers and high-definition vibration for immersive gameplay.
• 3.5mm Audio Jack: Includes a standard CTIA connector for seamless audio integration.
Compatibility:
The Ultimate Mini Wired Controller is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 systems, offering versatility across platforms.
Availability:
Available in translucent white, pink, and green, the controller is priced at $34.99 and can be purchased through 8BitDo’s official store and select retailers.
Moririn Co., Ltd. has unveiled the Sega Saturn Happy Bag, a limited-edition merchandise bundle celebrating the iconic Sega Saturn console. Available exclusively in Japan, this special package includes a variety of themed items designed for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Key Features:
• Exclusive Merchandise: The Happy Bag contains unique Sega Saturn-themed items, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles, all featuring the distinctive branding and design elements of the classic console.
• Limited Availability: This exclusive bundle is available for a limited time, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of Sega’s 32-bit era.
• Purchase Information: Interested customers can visit the official website for more details and to place an order.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Sega’s entry into the home console market in Japan , the Sega SG-1000 30th Anniversary Collection offers a comprehensive 4-CD set that chronicles the musical evolution of Sega’s early gaming systems. This collection features tracks from the SG-1000, Sega Mark III, and Master System, highlighting both arcade ports and original titles that defined an era.
Key Features:
• Extensive Tracklist: The collection includes music from classics such as Congo Bongo, Star Jacker, Girl’s Garden, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Space Harrier, OutRun, After Burner, and Phantasy Star. Notably, it features both PSG and FM sound versions for titles that supported FM synthesis, offering a comprehensive auditory experience.
• Exclusive Arrangements: In addition to original soundtracks, the set includes special 1980s-style arrangements by the elusive arranger Kei Takanishi, known for his work in Beep magazine. These tracks provide a nostalgic reinterpretation of classic themes.
• High-Quality Presentation: Released on July 31, 2013, the collection is priced at ¥5,500 and comes with a spot-varnished protective slipcase, reflecting Sega’s commitment to quality and preservation of its musical heritage.
This anniversary collection serves as both a nostalgic trip for long-time fans and an educational resource for those interested in the early days of video game music.
Limited Run Games has announced that pre-orders for the Jelly Boy Standard Edition cartridges are now open for both Game Boy and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Originally developed by Probe Software and published by Ocean Software in 1995, Jelly Boy is a platformer that puts players in control of a jelly baby with morphing abilities, navigating through various levels to collect items and overcome obstacles. This re-release offers retro gaming enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the classic game on original hardware. Pre-orders are available until January 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
