As reported yesterday, PlayStation has issued a DMCA takedown against the beloved Bloodborne PSX demake, forcing its complete removal from Itch.io and other platforms. The project, a passion-driven recreation of Bloodborne in the style of a PlayStation 1-era game, has built a devoted following since its release in early 2022. Fans of the demake praised its authentic retro aesthetic and faithful reinterpretation of Bloodborne’s opening sections.
The takedown, however, does not affect developer Lilith Walther’s other project, Nightmare Kart, a gothic racing game that began as an April Fools’ joke but evolved into a standalone title. Originally conceived as a Bloodborne Kart fangame, Nightmare Kart has since transformed to distance itself from Sony’s intellectual property, with original character designs and worldbuilding.
Walther confirmed that development on Nightmare Kart continues, and the game will receive a DLC expansion, despite the legal roadblock on Bloodborne PSX. This news comes as a disappointment to fans who had hoped Sony might embrace the Bloodborne demake, particularly in the absence of an official PC or PS5 remaster of the game.
🏁Nightmare Kart: THE OLD KARTS🏁
➡️ Brand new FREE expansion! 💉 New mini campaign! 🏎️ New racers & karts! 🗺️ New tracks! 💥 New power ups & game modes!
While Sony’s crackdown is unsurprising given its IP protection stance, it does little to alleviate the ongoing frustration among Bloodborne fans who have been clamouring for a modern re-release. For now, Nightmare Kart lives on, ensuring that the spirit of Walther’s work isn’t entirely lost.
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The Bloodborne PSX demake, a fan-made reimagining of FromSoftware’s gothic horror classic with PlayStation 1 aesthetics, has been struck with a copyright claim. This latest takedown follows a familiar pattern, where ambitious fan projects based on popular IPs are swiftly removed due to legal action from publishers.
Credit: Itch IO
But according to Lance McDonald, the creator of Bloodborne’s unofficial 60fps mod, this could signal something more hopeful: an official remake or remaster.
On February 21st, 2021, I created and released a patch for Bloodborne which makes the game run at 60fps. Today I received a DMCA takedown notification on behalf of Sony Interactive Entertainment asking that I remove links to the patch I posted on the internet, so I've now done so
McDonald speculated that Sony’s decision to target the project now, despite its release in early 2022, might suggest something is brewing behind the scenes. In the past, companies have issued copyright claims strategically, often ahead of an official announcement. While this doesn’t confirm anything, it’s enough to reignite the long-standing hopes for a proper Bloodborne update—whether that’s a remaster, a PC port, or even a full remake.
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MarkScan are a company hired by Sony Interactive Entertainment. They’re the same company that DMCAed my page about the Bloodborne 60fps patch. And now they’ve DMCAed an old video about the Bloodborne PSX demake project. That’s pretty wild. What the hell are they doing?? https://t.co/yMwdHHc8NY
Bloodborne remains one of the most beloved PlayStation exclusives, yet it has been stranded at 30fps on the PS4 with no official enhancements for newer hardware. The demand for a modernized version has been constant, and while rumors surface now and then, nothing concrete has materialized. If McDonald’s theory holds any weight, this copyright claim might be more than just corporate housekeeping—it could be a hint that Sony has something in store for fans.
After more than two decades, a pre-release build of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City has surfaced online, offering a glimpse into the game’s development just weeks before its official launch in 2002. This build, dated October 2, 2002, was shared by GTA Forums user IAmNotToniCipriani, who noted that it was initially dumped online by “johndoe2”. Interestingly, the pause menu reveals a compile date of October 1, 2002, indicating it was finalized 28 days prior to the game’s release on PlayStation 2.
Fans speculate that this build was a press preview copy, possibly intended for GameSpot, rather than a version meant for public consumption. Despite being close to the final release, the build contains numerous differences that shed light on the game’s evolution during its final stages.
Notable Differences in the Leaked Build:
• SWAT Team Appearance: The SWAT uniforms exhibit a more vibrant blue color compared to the final version.
• Vehicle Variations: The RC Goblin was originally green, and police cars appeared in white.
• Logos and References: The “Top Fun” logo was initially a clearer homage to “Top Gun”.
• Cutscene Alterations: Some cutscenes feature alternate angles, and the intro at Ken’s office includes a scene of Ken entering, which differs from the retail version.
• Character Design: Auntie Poulet’s attire was yellow instead of the purple seen in the PC release.
• Weapon Mechanics: Reloading animations for the shotgun and M4 were nearly instantaneous, likely due to a bug.
• Mission Icons: The Print Works asset missions showcased different icons.
• Vehicle Branding: The Sandking vehicle featured prominent Rockstar logos on its sides and top.
• Camera Perspectives: The melee combat camera was positioned further out, providing a broader view during fights.
Fans are meticulously analysing the build, comparing textures and models to the retail version. Some textures appear crisper and uncompressed, offering insights into the game’s graphical adjustments before release. This discovery provides a fascinating look into the developmental decisions and refinements that shaped the final version of GTA: Vice City.
In a recent interview with MinnMax, Sony veteran Shuhei Yoshida shed light on an intriguing chapter of gaming history: PlayStation’s first video game was an FMV (Full Motion Video) space shooter developed for Nintendo. This project was nearly complete before the well-known rift between Sony and Nintendo led to its cancellation.
Yoshida, who joined Ken Kutaragi’s team in February 1993, recalled that newcomers were introduced to the Nintendo-Sony PlayStation prototype upon arrival. He had the opportunity to play the nearly finished game on his first day. He described it as reminiscent of the Sega CD version of “Silpheed,” featuring a faux 3D perspective with FMV backgrounds streamed from the disc. This approach allowed for richer graphics than was standard at the time.
Unfortunately, Yoshida couldn’t recall details about the development team or whether the game was produced in the U.S. or Japan. While this particular title never saw the light of day, Sony later published similar games on the PlayStation, such as “Philosoma” in 1995 and “Novastorm,” which had been developed earlier by Sony’s subsidiary, Psygnosis.
This revelation offers a rare glimpse into what the software library for the Nintendo PlayStation might have included. Prior to this, “Secret of Mana” was the most notable game known to be in development for the add-on, which reportedly underwent significant cuts during its transition from CD to SNES cartridge. The existence of this FMV space shooter suggests that the Nintendo PlayStation could have boasted a diverse and graphically advanced game lineup, had the collaboration between Sony and Nintendo continued.
We hope that one day a Rom for this might emerge so we can see what might have been and preserve this for future generations.
Welcome to this weeks newsletter, this week I started to play Elden Ring and wow, what a game – my retro gaming might get a little bit hampered by this game, but lets see.
This week we have 39 stories including some new games for the NES and Genesis/Megadrive, a new motherboard for the PS1 and one adaptor to power all your consoles – plus a lot more.
News
🕹️ A Famicom enthusiast in Japan is selling an almost complete collection of the console’s games before passing away, sparking significant attention online. Automaton Media
Got, got, need
🎵 “Banjo-Kazooie” composer Grant Kirkhope has cast doubt on the possibility of the beloved series making a return. Retroshell
🔥 The risqué shoot-’em-up “Steam Hearts” and fighting game “Advanced Variable Geo” are getting modern console releases. Time Extension
🚀 Sega has filed a new trademark for “Skies of Arcadia,” fueling speculation about a potential remaster. Retroshell
⛏️ Data Man: New NES Game Launches via Broke Studio. Retroshell
🎮 A determined modder has released a “GTA: Vice City” mod despite takedown threats. Retroshell
🐱 “SkateCat,” a retro-inspired adventure game, is rolling onto Nintendo Switch, Itch, and Steam. Retroshell
🔫 The indie shooter “Lethal Wedding” is gearing up for a Kickstarter campaign. Retroshell
🕹️ A custom PlayStation 1 motherboard, “NSOne,” has been unveiled, marking the first in 30 years. Retroshell
⌚ Atari has teamed up with Nubeo to launch a luxury watch inspired by the classic game “Asteroids.” Retroshell
👽 “The Thing: Remastered” has become Nightdive Studios’ fastest-selling game to date. Retroshell
🎮 Songbird Productions is reviving classic Atari Jaguar titles with high-quality reprints. Retroshell
🎼 The “Super Mario RPG” soundtrack is set to release on April 9, including a Super Famicom version in Japan. Retroshell
🔄 A roundup of the best Sega-related posts on Reddit from the past week. Retroshell
🎮 A collection of the most popular original Xbox, PS1, and PS2 posts on Reddit this week. Retroshell
🕹️ Highlights of the best retro Nintendo gaming posts on Reddit from the last week. Retroshell
📼 A roundup of this week’s best Reddit posts covering Atari, Neo Geo, WonderSwan, TurboGrafx, and the 3DO. Retroshell
🕹️ “Quarter Arcades” is adding “Bad Dudes vs. DragonNinja” and “Lunar Lander” to its collection of mini arcade cabinets. Retroshell
🧙 The “Elminage” series is making its way to modern consoles for the first time. Retroshell
⚖️ A local supermarket has won a trademark dispute against Nintendo. Retroshell
🎲 Atari has launched 15 “mystery patch” packs for collectors and retro gaming fans. Retroshell
🏎️ “Dream Ride,” a Micro Machines-style party racer, is coming to the Dreamcast. Retroshell
Dream Ride
💰 Nintendo Switch Online is adjusting its regional pricing, affecting subscribers worldwide. Retroshell
🎮 “The Sims” nostalgia is in full swing with a new Y2K-themed website dedicated to the classic life-sim. Retroshell
🚗 “Ridge Racer 64” is drifting onto Nintendo Switch Online. Retroshell
🦤 A bizarre Kazooie puppet just sold for over $2,000, despite its unsettling appearance. Time Extension
Nightmare Fuel
🎮 A fan is developing an NES-style version of “Celeste,” and it’s already playable. Time Extension
Features
🎲 Technōs Japan’s Famicom RPG Sugoro Quest is finally receiving an official English translation next month. Destructoid
🎨 A look at how Kirby’s box art has evolved across cultures, from cute to combat-ready. Retroshell
🕹️ Megami Tensei’s author explains why the game had two distinct versions for the Famicom and Japanese computers. Time Extension
⚙️ A deep dive into the differences between FPGA hardware and traditional software emulation for retro gamers. Retroshell
📜 A complete timeline of video game consoles, from the industry’s origins to today. Digital Trends
🐵 Donkey Kong designer discusses the character’s iconic redesign and the creation of Diddy Kong. Retroshell
🦇 A look back at why Castlevania’s Nintendo 64 entries are considered some of the franchise’s biggest missteps. CBR
⚖️ Nintendo’s legal battle against emulators intensifies, raising concerns for preservationists and retro gamers. Android Police
🔌 The Retro-Tap lets users power up to 10 retro consoles with a single power block. Retro Dodo
📖 An excerpt from a book detailing the history of the Intellivision console and its impact on gaming. Polygon
🎮 A guide to modern retro gaming consoles, including top systems like the SuperStation One. GeekSided
Lists & Rankings
🛡️ A list of games where players must heavily rely on equipment to survive and progress. TheGamer
🎨 A showcase of SNES games with some of the most incredible box art designs. CBR
A new wave of PlayStation 2 memory cards is changing the way we play. Devices like the SD2PSX and MemCard Pro 2 are no ordinary memory cards—they’re powered by microcontrollers, packed with features, and can now launch PS2 games directly from a microSD card, eliminating the need for discs, hard drives, or USB sticks.
Originally designed to store unlimited PS1 and PS2 save files, the SD2PSX, an open-source project, recently received a major update thanks to a group of developers known as SD2PSX Extended. They introduced a new protocol called Multi-Purpose Memory Card Emulation (MMCE), allowing the PS2 to communicate with the memory card in two ways—handling save files as normal while also loading game ISOs seamlessly.
The MemCard Pro 2, developed by 8BitMods, has also been updated with the same functionality, making it another excellent all-in-one solution for PS2 gaming. The process is plug-and-play, requiring no console modifications. Users simply install firmware, organize their games into folders, and launch titles via Open PS2 Loader (OPL), all from a single memory card.
Even the original MemCard Pro 1 (latest hardware revision) has gained this feature, providing more options for players. The SD2PSX remains the open-source alternative, while the MemCard Pro 2 offers a polished experience with built-in Wi-Fi, Google Drive backups, and an intuitive web interface.
With these innovations, PS2 enthusiasts now have a streamlined way to enjoy their favourite classics. Whether opting for the open-source SD2PSX or the feature-packed MemCard Pro 2, both devices redefine what a PS2 memory card can do.
Fans of the classic dungeon RPG series Elminage have reason to celebrate. Developer Mebius has announced plans to release the first in a series of console ports for the STARFISH-SD-developed Elminage games, with an official announcement expected in mid to late February.
The Elminage series, known for its deep dungeon-crawling mechanics and homage to the Wizardry franchise, includes several titles:
• Elminage: Priestess of Darkness and The Ring of the Gods (2008)
• Elminage II: Twin Goddesses and The Land of Destiny (2009)
• Elminage III: Dark Apostle and The Palace of the Sun (2011)
• Elminage Gothic (2012)
• Elminage Ibun: Ame no Mihashira (2012)
Elminage Gothic
According to Mebius, the upcoming console ports will be based on the 3DS versions of these games, with adjustments made for easier playability. The first title is scheduled for release in early summer in Japan.
While the specific title for the initial port hasn’t been officially confirmed, a poll conducted by Mebius in May 2024 revealed that Elminage II was the top choice among fans, securing 66.9% of the votes. This suggests that Elminage IImight be the first to make its way to modern consoles.
For those unfamiliar, the Elminage series offers a rich blend of character customization and challenging dungeon exploration, reminiscent of classic RPGs. The games have garnered a dedicated following over the years, with titles like Elminage Original receiving “Very Positive” reviews on platforms like Steam.
As we await the official announcement, it’s clear that Mebius is committed to bringing these classic adventures to a new generation of gamers.
Another redditor is suggesting their perfect Saturday night (listening to Lil Wayne is a pass from me) nd asks others for theirs (mine would probably involve Guitar Hero, and some Pro Evolution with 3 other friends).
There you have the highlights from the subs, thanks for reading.
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Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has announced that Hideaki Nishino will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2025. This leadership change aims to “maximise synergies” within the company, as stated in a recent press release.
Credit: Sony Interactive
Nishino, who began his career at Sony in 2000, currently serves as CEO of the Platform Business Group at SIE. In this capacity, he has overseen technology, products, services, and platform experience, in addition to managing third-party publisher and developer relations, as well as commercial operations, including sales and marketing of hardware, services, and peripherals.
In his new role, Nishino will continue to lead the Platform Business Group. Hermen Hulst, previously co-CEO alongside Nishino, will maintain his position as CEO of the Studio Business Group, reporting directly to Nishino. Hulst will continue to oversee the development, publishing, and business operations of SIE’s first-party content, focusing on creating games across multiple devices, including PlayStation consoles and PCs, and expanding video game IPs through PlayStation Productions.
This leadership restructuring coincides with broader changes within Sony Group Corporation. Hiroki Totoki, currently President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of Sony Group Corporation, will step down from his position as SIE Chairman to become President and CEO of Sony Group Corporation, effective 1 April 2025. Lin Tao, Senior Vice President of Finance, Corporate Development, and Strategy at SIE, will also transition to a new role as Chief Financial Officer of Sony Group Corporation.
Reflecting on his appointment, Nishino stated, “Technology and creativity are two of our biggest strengths as we continue to focus on developing experiences that deliver entertainment for everyone. We will continue to grow the PlayStation community in new ways, such as IP expansion, while also delivering the best in technology innovation.”
These strategic leadership changes underscore Sony’s commitment to strengthening its position in the entertainment industry and fostering innovation across its gaming platforms.
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Retro gaming fans can look forward to another arcade classic hitting modern consoles as Hamster releases Arcade Archives Thunder Fox on January 30, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.
Originally developed by Taito in 1990, Thunder Fox is a fast-paced anti-terrorist action game, where players take on the role of an elite commando squad battling against terrorist forces. The game features a variety of vehicles, including combat jeeps, gyrocopters, and water bikes, adding a dynamic twist to the side-scrolling action.
The Arcade Archives series aims to faithfully reproduce classic arcade experiences, complete with adjustable difficulty settings and CRT-style display options. Online leaderboards will also be available, allowing players to compete for high scores globally.
To celebrate the launch, Hamster will air a special episode of its YouTube program Arcade Kaiber on January 30 (in Japanese), featuring former Taito developer Hiroyuki Maekawa alongside other industry guests to discuss the game’s history and development.
You can find out more on the official website (in Japanese).
