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.
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!
My OG console, the Sega Megadrive (aka Genesis to the USA) arrived in my house, via Santa Claus – in December 1990. I still remember the joy of seeing the box under the tree and then unwrapping it, unpacking it, and setting it up on the only spare TV we had in the house which was commissioned for child use. It was a 14″ CRT monitor for my Amstrad CPC 6128 which my dad kindly decided to buy the TV base for, so it doubled up as a TV (albeit one you had to manually tune via a knob for each of the 4 channels we had at the time).
I still remember via muscle memory where on the dial each of the channels was and could easily reach behind the TV for the switch to change it to the Megadrive, and tune it to the right frequency in a matter of seconds.
Anyway, fast forward to today – and the Sega Megadrive/Genesis is still alive and kicking, you might argue 2025 could be the best year since 1995 for fans of the console. Not only do we have a long list of games in production for release this year, we also have a live and kicking modding scene to bring all the modern conveniences to the classic console.
In light of the huge retro resurgence that 2024 brought, here is a list of products you can buy now for the Sega Genesis. If I have missed anything worth mentioning, let me know in the comments.
10. HDMI Cable for Sega Genesis Model 1/2 / 3, Sega CD, Sega CDX, Sega 32X, Sega Nomad, Original Sega Master System Console
Ok, so boring af – I get it, but this is a must-have if you do not have a CRT TV lying about (or if you do not have the space for the old beasts). Allowing you to plug in your old console to a modern TV will solve the need for most people looking to hook up their console via HDMI, as a bonus it will also work with the “tower of power” allowing you to connect the 32x as well. The adaptor allows you to switch between 4:3 and 16:9 for that original experience.
Looking for some relief from the winter chill? Sega has got you covered (literally) with a Green Hill Zone 100% polyester fleece blanket. I like the vibrant design on this and it’s a good size (50″ x 60″), printed on only one side. A good gift idea for any retro gaming Sega fans.
Limited to only 1,500 copies, and at the time of writing down to the last 20% of stock, this classic run and gun with a plethora of weapons and bosses to beat is a modern classic for a genuine classic console. I really like the quality of the games that are provided and this is one of my favourite new games for the console.
7. Alex Kidd “Janken Champion 1986” SEGA Master System video game Hoodie
What is there not to like about Alex Kidd? His crazy ears and his massive fists along with some very good games, have made him a Sega Icon. The Sega-produced hoodie is available in several colours and comes in sizes from S to XXL.
6. Retro-Bit Official Sega Genesis Controller 6-Button Arcade Pad for Sega Genesis – Original Port (Black)
We all agree that the 6 button Sega pads were the GOAT controllers. Right? Right…? Well, I do. The ability to play Streetfighter II without having to use the horrible shoulder buttons on the SNES was the knockout blow for me in this series of console wars. Well, the good folk at Retro-Bit make a damn fine range of controllers that look and feel identical to the original beauties.
5. Square Enix Sega Hardware Series “Bright Arts Gallery” diecast metal model
Think you have it all when it comes to collectables? Well, you don’t. You don’t have this $43.99 model Sega Genesis from Square Enix. It is due for release in April 2025 and I can confirm it looks like a Sega Genesis. Sadly it does not play games, and being tiny (H 0.59 in x W 2.36 in x D 1.77 in) it might get lost, but you might also make some profit by snapping one of these collectables up for the future!
4. RetroShell premium quality acrylic Sega Genesis game protectors
Ok, biased here as these are our products but we stand by the quality and need for serious collectors to protect and preserve their collections, whilst being able to display your treasures. Our RetroShell cases are made from 4mm acrylic and allow easy access via a trap door, along with being stackable either horizontally or vertically. We offer free worldwide shipping to our international customers and stand by our promise that these are the finest game protectors in the world.
3. 8Bitdo M30 2.4G Wireless Gamepad for the Original Sega Genesis
Let’s be real, the cable length on the older consoles was designed for small TVs (huge was 28″) so we could sit too close and “ruin your eyes” (quote from my mum). But we are not in the 90s any more, and not everyone has the official Sega wireless pads (I do 🧐) so the team at 8BitDo have got you covered. I love the quality of their products and this is a beauty which will connect to the OG console and other devices via 2.4g wireless.
2. Bitmap Books – Run ‘N’ Gun: A History of on-foot shooters
Not specifically for the Sega Genesis, but I find it hard to make a list of quality products for Sega fans without including a masterpiece from Bitmap Books. All of their books are visually spectacular and the books themselves are very well made and take pride of place in any collection, plus it comes with a free PDF version of the book 😎.
1. Hyperkin RetroN 3 HD 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console
I will be the first to admit that I am not a huge fan of the quality of this product, it is not FPGA, relying on emulation of the original cartridges to be able to play the games, and the controllers are not great. However, this will play all of your original cartridges, and give you HDMI and will also play Super Nintendo and Super Famicom games. Ideally, you want the Analogue Mega SG – but these are not likely to be for sale any time soon, and if you are lucky you might get a controller for $250+, so the Hyperkin RetroN is a good solution for 720p gaming and a quick and easy setup.
So there you have it, a list of products you can buy for the Sega Genesis. If you are reading this far, thanks – I appreciate you. If you love retro gaming, then perhaps you might like to sign up for our free, weekly Retro gaming substack. Click here to view the latest issue.
Cheat codes and gaming go hand in hand. They’re like secret handshakes that give players the power to bend the rules of a game, transforming frustrating challenges into triumphant victories or just adding a bit of chaotic fun. But where did this culture of gaming cheats originate? Much of it can be traced back to a humble yet groundbreaking device that emerged in the early 1990s: the Game Genie.
This magical little accessory redefined the gaming landscape, introducing players to the wild world of customisable gameplay through cheat codes. Let’s dive into the story of the Game Genie, from its scrappy beginnings to its legendary legacy.
The Birth of a Genius Idea
In the late 1980s, Codemasters, a British gaming company known for its innovative spirit, sought to collaborate with Nintendo to create an officially sanctioned product. The company’s founders, Richard and David Darling, were keen to harness their creative energy in partnership with the console giant. However, Nintendo wasn’t interested. For many, that rejection might have marked the end of the story. For the Darlings, it was just the beginning.
Spurred on by the snub, Codemasters teamed up with a programmer named Ted Carron, who successfully reverse-engineered Nintendo’s security features. The result was the Game Genie, a device that allowed players to manipulate games on their own terms. It wasn’t just about beating the game; it was about playing it your way.
How the Game Genie Worked
The Game Genie wasn’t just a plug-and-play accessory; it was a gateway to a new dimension of gaming. Functioning as an intermediary cartridge, players would insert their game into the Game Genie, which then plugged into their console. Upon startup, the device intercepted the game’s code, allowing users to input 3-5 cheat codes. These codes, which had been meticulously tested by a team of developers called Codebusters, could alter various aspects of the game.
Want infinite lives in Super Mario Bros.? No problem. Fancy moon gravity in Sonic the Hedgehog? You’ve got it. The Game Genie turned console gaming into a playground of possibility.
But how did these codes work? Essentially, the device modified the values stored in the game’s memory. This process, though straightforward today, was a technical marvel in its time, requiring hours of trial and error to discover which bits of data corresponded to certain game functions.
A Legal Showdown with Nintendo
Of course, not everyone was thrilled about the Game Genie’s existence. Nintendo, notorious for its tight grip on intellectual property, saw the device as a direct threat. The company claimed that the Game Genie created unauthorised derivative works and sued Galoob, the distributor of the Game Genie in the US, along with Codemasters.
The case was nothing short of a spectacle. Nintendo argued that altering their games violated copyright law, while Galoob and Codemasters contended that the Game Genie merely modified how games were played, not their underlying code.
In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Galoob and Codemasters, establishing a critical precedent: players had the right to modify games they legally purchased. The court even ordered Nintendo to pay $15 million in damages and legal fees, a bitter defeat for the gaming giant.
This legal victory wasn’t just a win for Codemasters—it was a win for gamers everywhere, solidifying the concept of player agency and laying the groundwork for the modding communities we see today.
The Commercial Triumph
Despite the legal drama, the Game Genie was a massive commercial success. By 1992, it had generated a staggering $65 million in revenue for Galoob, and by the end of its lifecycle, approximately 5 million units had been sold. The device was released for five major platforms:
Each version opened up new realms of possibilities for players, making the Game Genie a must-have accessory for those who wanted to take their gaming experience to the next level.
Unfulfilled Potential: The Game Genie 2
While the Game Genie was a runaway success, its story isn’t without a few “what-ifs.” Codemasters had plans for a Game Genie 2, a device that promised advanced features like user-discoverable codes and conditional cheats. Unfortunately, the rapidly changing gaming market, coupled with the rise of newer consoles, meant that the second iteration never made it to store shelves.
It’s fascinating to imagine what could have been. A Game Genie with the ability to let players create their own codes would have been a game-changer—pun intended.
Legacy: More Than Just Cheats
The Game Genie’s impact extends far beyond its initial success. It inspired a wave of similar products, such as the GameShark and Action Replay, which brought their own innovations to the table. More importantly, the legal battle surrounding the Game Genie helped define the rights of players and the boundaries of intellectual property law in gaming.
Even today, the spirit of the Game Genie lives on. Modding communities owe a debt to this little device, as it was one of the first to empower players to modify their games. The cheat culture it popularised has evolved into a vibrant ecosystem of mods, hacks, and customisations that keep old games alive and make new ones even more exciting.
The Cheat Code Culture
It’s easy to dismiss cheat codes as relics of the past, but they remain an integral part of gaming culture. From the Konami Code to modern Easter eggs, the ethos of bending the rules in creative ways is as popular as ever. Speedrunners exploit glitches to achieve record-breaking times, and modders build entire new worlds within existing games.
The Game Genie wasn’t just a tool—it was a cultural phenomenon that encouraged players to think outside the box and explore what gaming could truly be.
Conclusion: A Genie Worth Remembering
The Game Genie was more than a gaming accessory; it was a statement. It told players that games weren’t just static experiences to be consumed—they were dynamic worlds to be shaped, explored, and personalised. Whether it was infinite ammo in Contra or high-jump shenanigans in Mega Man, the Game Genie brought joy, creativity, and a touch of chaos to every game it touched.
Its legacy is felt in every cheat code, every mod, and every gamer who’s ever asked, “What if I could play this my way?” The Game Genie may have been a product of the 1990s, but its influence is timeless.
If you are a game collector, and you want the finest protectors to display and protect your retro treasures, be sure to protect them with RetroShell, the worlds best game display protectors.
Keep playing—and never stop dreaming of what’s possible.
The Sega Genesis and Mega Drive communities are set for an exciting year in 2025, with a new game lineup that blends nostalgia with innovation. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most anticipated titles:
Earthion
Developed by legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro, Earthion is a highly anticipated shoot ’em up (shmup) for the Genesis/Mega Drive. Originally slated for a late 2024 release, the game has been delayed to 2025 to ensure a polished experience for players.
P-47 II MD
A revival of the classic arcade shooter, P-47 II MD is set to launch on March 13, 2025, for the Mega Drive. This release brings back the intense aerial combat that fans of the original series will remember.
Kirito The Game
An action-packed title for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Kirito The Game has successfully secured funding through Kickstarter. With its campaign fully funded and 58 days to go, the game is on track for development and release.
Traysia
Originally developed by Telenet Japan, Traysia is a classic JRPG making its return with a new physical edition. This release features a brand-new translation and artwork, with pre-orders open until April 29, 2025, and delivery expected by May 25, 2025.
Sovietborgs
Set in a post-Cold War universe where the USSR has turned the world into a nuclear wasteland, Sovietborgs is a new release for the Mega Drive. The game is expected to offer a unique narrative and gameplay experience. These titles highlight the dedication and creativity within the retro gaming community, ensuring that the legacy of the Sega Genesis and Mega Drive continues to thrive.
The Mega Drive Tracker is an invaluable resource for a comprehensive list of upcoming releases. It catalogues all new physical releases for Sega’s 16-bit console.
If you are a Sega Megadrive / Genesis collector, check out RetroShell’s finest video game protectors.
Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments in retro gaming!
