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Category Archives: Steam

Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

Sigma Star Saga DX: Classic GBA Hybrid Returns with Enhanced Edition

Posted on by Owen

WayForward has announced Sigma Star Saga DX, a remastered version of their cult Game Boy Advance title that uniquely combined shoot-em-up action with role-playing game elements. The enhanced edition, now available for pre-order through Limited Run Games, revives the distinctive 2005 release with several new features while maintaining the innovative gameplay that set the original apart.

Credit: Way Forward

The Original Hybrid Experience

Sigma Star Saga initially released for the Game Boy Advance in 2005, developed by WayForward and published by Namco. The game garnered attention for its novel approach to genre blending, featuring top-down RPG exploration that seamlessly transitioned into horizontal shooting segments when encountering enemies. Players controlled Ian Recker, a human pilot infiltrating an alien force called the Krill during an interstellar war.

Credit: Limited Run Games

The title distinguished itself through its “Gun Data” system, allowing players to collect and combine different weapon components to create customised firearms for shooting sequences. This deep customisation system provided strategic depth rarely seen in handheld shooters of the era, with over 100 possible weapon configurations that significantly altered gameplay.

Enhanced Features in the DX Edition

The DX edition maintains the core gameplay while introducing several quality-of-life improvements. The remaster features enhanced visuals that preserve the original pixel art style while optimising it for modern displays. Audio enhancements include remastered sound effects and music that take advantage of improved hardware capabilities while maintaining the original compositions.

Credit: WayForward

New content includes an expanded gallery mode featuring previously unreleased concept art and development materials from the original release. The DX version also incorporates a refined user interface addressing some navigation issues present in the 2005 release, making the hybrid gameplay transitions more seamless.

Collector’s Edition Details

Limited Run Games is offering both standard ($49.99) and collector’s edition ($99.99) of Sigma Star Saga DX, due for release in November 24-30th 2025. The collector’s package includes a physical GBA cartridge compatible with original hardware, a detailed art book documenting the game’s distinctive visual style, and a soundtrack CD featuring both original and remastered audio tracks.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

ZX Spectrum and C64 Classic “Head Over Heels” Steps Back into the Spotlight on PC and Switch

Posted on by Owen

Originally released in 1987, Head Over Heels first captured the imaginations of gamers on the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 with its inventive isometric puzzle-platform gameplay. Created by developer Jon Ritman and artist Bernie Drummond, it stood out for its dual-character mechanic: players could switch between “Head,” known for impressive jumps, and “Heels,” who excelled in speed. By working in tandem, the pair navigated a labyrinth of cleverly designed rooms, solving puzzles that demanded equal parts timing and strategy.

Over time, Head Over Heels gained cult status among enthusiasts of 8-bit computing, thanks to its charming graphics, distinctive abilities system, and a depth of play that rivalled many contemporary releases. Even decades later, it is often cited as a quintessential example of isometric design done right, alongside other legendary titles such as Batman (1986), which shared similar mechanics.

Now, according to recent updates, this classic is returning for a new generation on PC and Nintendo Switch. The remaster promises polished visuals that retain the game’s original feel, while introducing a smoother framerate, refined controls, and enhanced audio. Early demonstrations suggest that the developers have been careful to preserve the spirit of the original, ensuring that each puzzle remains faithful to its 8-bit roots. Additional checkpoints, a more intuitive item-collection system, and a dynamic help feature are also rumoured, aiming to keep the experience accessible without sacrificing the core challenge.

This revitalised release illustrates a wider movement in retro gaming: bringing classic titles to modern platforms while respecting their heritage. In the case of Head Over Heels, fans can look forward to reliving an iconic puzzle adventure, while newcomers will get a taste of 1980s innovation in a freshly updated format.

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Modern Retro Games, Steam

House of the Dead 2 Remake Demo Lands on Steam

Posted on by Owen

Forever Entertainment has released a Steam demo for their upcoming House of the Dead 2: Remake. This modern take on the 1998 arcade classic is shaping up to be a treat for both longtime players and newcomers. Available as part of the February 2025 Steam Next Fest, the demo includes the game’s first level and its iconic cooperative mode.

Credit: Steam

The full release is slated for Spring 2025 and will hit PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. It’s a chance to experience the zombie-blasting action that made the original a standout light gun shooter, now with updated visuals and gameplay tweaks.

Credit: Steam

First unleashed in arcades by Sega, House of the Dead 2 became a fan favourite thanks to its campy horror vibe, quirky voice acting, and fast-paced shooting. Players teamed up as agents James Taylor and Gary Stewart to battle waves of undead monstrosities, all orchestrated by the sinister Goldman. Its popularity saw it ported to the Sega Dreamcast in 1999, cementing its status as a retro gaming gem. For many, it was a defining title in the light gun genre, blending scares with a playful edge that kept players coming back.

Credit: Steam

This isn’t Forever Entertainment’s first crack at the series. Their 2022 release, House of the Dead: Remake, brought the original game to modern platforms but met with mixed reviews. While the graphical overhaul impressed, some felt it fell short of capturing the arcade magic. The House of the Dead 2: Remake demo suggests lessons have been learned, with early feedback highlighting smoother mechanics and a closer nod to the source material. Still, changes like reworked voice acting have sparked debate among purists—will it retain the charm that defined the original?

The retro gaming community is buzzing, with players keen to see how this remake stacks up. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or discovering it anew, the Steam demo offers a perfect glimpse into what’s coming. As Spring 2025 approaches, the anticipation for this light gun revival continues to grow.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Sony, Steam

Justice Ninja Casey Brings a 1994 SNES Classic to the West This Week

Posted on by Owen

A long-lost gem from the Super Nintendo era is finally crossing borders. Shounen Ninja Sasuke, a 1994 Japan-exclusive title developed by Sunsoft, is set to launch in the West as Justice Ninja Casey on February 28, 2025. Retro gaming fans have something special to look forward to, with this release bringing a slice of SNES history to modern platforms at an affordable price of $5.99 / €5.99.

Credit: Ratalaika Games

The game will be available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, thanks to the efforts of Ratalaika Games and Shinyuden. Originally a side-scrolling action-adventure following a young ninja rescuing a kidnapped princess, Shounen Ninja Sasuke earned a modest 21 out of 40 from Famicom Tsūshin (now Famitsu) at launch. Yet, it’s since built a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts, often likened to Konami’s The Legend of the Mystical Ninja for its fast-paced gameplay and vibrant visuals.

What makes this release stand out are the modern touches added for today’s players. An English translation breaks the language barrier that kept it Japan-only for three decades, while features like rewind and turbo functions, save states, and a jukebox with the original soundtrack enhance accessibility. Sunsoft, known for classics like Blaster Master, teams up with Ratalaika and Shinyuden—specialists in reviving retro titles—to ensure Justice Ninja Casey feels fresh yet faithful to its roots.

This launch taps into the growing appetite for classic games, reflecting a trend of bringing Japan-exclusive SNES titles to Western audiences. At under £5, it’s a budget-friendly way for collectors and newcomers alike to experience a piece of gaming history, complete with screen filters and cheat options for a tailored playthrough. For retro gaming fans, February 28 marks a date to circle on the calendar.

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Modern Retro Games, PC Gaming, Steam

Neverwinter Nights Receives Official Expansion 23 Years After Original Release

Posted on by Owen

Fans of classic role-playing games have a new reason to revisit Neverwinter Nights, a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) title first launched in 2002 by BioWare. A new expansion, Doom of Icewind Dale, has been released, marking the game’s first official addition in over two decades. This development underscores the enduring popularity of a game that has thrived thanks to its dedicated community and modding culture.

Credit: Steam

The expansion, Doom of Icewind Dale, is the work of Luke Scull, a developer who began his career creating mods for Neverwinter Nights. Officially sanctioned by Wizards of the Coast, the stewards of the D&D franchise, this project reflects a rare bridge between fan creativity and professional game design. Scull’s transition from modder to lead developer highlights the game’s unique legacy within the gaming world.

Credit: Steam

Set in the Forgotten Realms—the expansive fantasy universe shared by Neverwinter Nights and other D&D titles—the storyline of Doom of Icewind Dale unfolds two decades after the original campaign. Players start as a character left for dead, stripped of memories, and must unravel a sinister plot tied to a vengeful godling in the icy north. The expansion delivers 10-15 hours of gameplay, introducing players to locations like Icewind Dale and the Reghed Glacier, alongside new monsters and an original soundtrack.

Available for $10 on Steam, Doom of Icewind Dale requires the Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition, a remastered version of the base game released in 2018 by Beamdog (source: Steam store page). This pricing and compatibility make it accessible to both returning players and newcomers eager to explore a piece of gaming history.

Neverwinter Nights earned acclaim in 2002 for its faithful adaptation of D&D’s third edition rules and its Aurora toolset, which empowered players to craft their own stories. The toolset fostered a vibrant modding community, sustaining the game’s relevance long after its initial release. The arrival of Doom of Icewind Dale is a nod to that community’s passion, offering a professionally crafted chapter rooted in the game’s rich heritage.

This release arrives at a time when retro gaming continues to captivate audiences, blending nostalgia with fresh content. For a game approaching its 23rd anniversary, Doom of Icewind Dale stands as a testament to the lasting appeal of well-crafted role-playing experiences.

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Modern Retro Consoles, Steam

Mouthwashing Brings Classic PS1-Style Horror to Consoles in 2025

Posted on by Owen

Retro-inspired horror fans have something eerie to look forward to as Mouthwashing, prepares to make its way to consoles later this year (presently available on Steam). Drawing inspiration from the low-poly aesthetic of PS1-era survival horror classics, this unsettling title delivers an experience reminiscent of Silent Hill and Resident Evil while introducing its own unique, disturbing narrative.

Developed by indie studio Tooth & Claw, Mouthwashing immerses players in a deeply psychological nightmare where reality twists and shifts unpredictably. The game’s grainy textures, limited lighting, and deliberately awkward controls contribute to the nostalgic yet oppressive atmosphere, transporting players back to the golden age of survival horror.

The story follows a protagonist who finds themselves trapped in an eerie, decayed environment, with cryptic messages and grotesque imagery hinting at a sinister backstory. Players will need to solve puzzles, manage limited resources, and evade terrifying entities while uncovering the dark truths hidden within the game’s surreal world.

The recent surge in low-poly horror titles has proven that classic aesthetics still have a powerful hold on modern gamers. With its unsettling visual style and psychological depth, Mouthwashing looks poised to join the ranks of other successful retro-inspired horror games that have captivated players in recent years.

Tooth & Claw has confirmed that Mouthwashing will be released on multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, ensuring a broad audience can experience its unsettling horrors. Expect more details on a firm release date as we get closer to launch.

For fans of old-school survival horror or those simply looking for an unnerving experience, Mouthwashing is shaping up to be a must-play in 2025.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

Cult N64 Platformer ‘Glover’ Set to Launch on Nintendo Switch

Posted on by Owen

The classic Nintendo 64 platformer Glover is making its way to the Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2025, priced at $19.99. Originally released in 1998, Glover offers a unique gameplay experience where players control a magical glove navigating various levels atop a transformative ball.

In Glover, players embark on a quest to restore balance to the kingdom by solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles across six distinct worlds. The game’s mechanics revolve around the ability to change the ball’s properties, providing diverse interactions and challenges.

This upcoming release is a port of the original N64 version, developed by QUByte Interactive. Notably, a physical edition was previously offered through Limited Run Games, with pre-orders closing in September 2024 and shipments expected in January 2025. However, this physical release has already sold out, making the digital launch a prime opportunity for those who missed out.

Fans are hopeful that this Switch version will address issues present in the 2022 Steam release, which faced criticism for various bugs. The developers have yet to confirm any specific improvements, but the community remains optimistic for a polished experience.

Credit: Steam

For those looking to relive a piece of gaming history or experience Glover for the first time, the upcoming Switch release offers a convenient and accessible way to enjoy this cult classic.

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Fun Things, Nintendo, Steam

Omega 6 Manga by Star Fox Artist Set for English Release

Posted on by Owen

Takaya Imamura, renowned for his work on Star Fox and F-Zero, is bringing his manga Omega 6 to English-speaking audiences. Originally released in France, the 216-page English edition will be published by Dark Horse Comics and is scheduled for release on October 21, 2025, priced at $14.99.

Omega 6 follows protagonists Thunder and Kyla, bounty hunters journeying through space in search of a new home for humanity. This narrative serves as the foundation for the video game adaptation, Omega 6: The Triangle Stars, which was released in Japan last year. The English version of the game is set to launch on February 28, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam).

Junji Seki, president of the game’s developer Happymeal, emphasizes that the game’s storyline is distinct from the manga, offering fresh experiences for fans of both mediums. He notes, “The video game version is a totally different story, set in the same world as the Omega 6 comic.”

Imamura, who departed Nintendo in 2021 after a three-decade tenure, expressed his enthusiasm for reaching a broader audience: “I sincerely hope that my manga and games can be enjoyed by people regardless of where they live.”

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered Announced for Switch and PC

Posted on by Owen

Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced that Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered will be released on May 22, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. Originally launched in 2012 for the PlayStation Vita, this remastered version brings the game to Western audiences for the first time, complete with enhanced visuals and English localisation.  

Credit: Bandai

Players will have the opportunity to relive iconic moments from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, choosing to align with one of three factions: Earth Alliance Forces, ZAFT, or the Archangel. The game features over 100 mobile suits, all redesigned with high-resolution textures, and includes side stories from the Gundam SEED universe, such as Astray and C.E. 73: STARGAZER.  

The remastered edition offers a redesigned user interface tailored for modern platforms, improved tuning options, mission selection enhancements, and a new lock-on mode for more accessible gameplay. These updates aim to provide a smoother and more engaging experience for both new players and longtime fans.  

Credit: Bandai

Pre-orders for the Steam version are currently available, with Nintendo Switch pre-orders opening at a later date. For more information, visit the official website.  

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Modern Retro Games, PC Gaming, Steam

‘Flesh Made Fear’: A Retro Survival Horror Revival Announced for PC

Posted on by Owen

Tainted Pact Games, in collaboration with Assemble Entertainment, has unveiled Flesh Made Fear, a survival horror game that pays homage to the classic PlayStation era. Scheduled for a Q4 2025 release on PC via Steam, the developers have launched a Kickstarter page with the campaign due to launch soon; to fund additional features and potential console ports.  

Credit: Steam

Drawing inspiration from the original Resident Evil trilogy, Flesh Made Fear combines fixed and dynamic camera angles, tank controls, and intricate puzzles to recreate the tension and atmosphere of 90s survival horror games. Players will navigate a world filled with grotesque creatures and mind-controlled adversaries, all products of twisted experiments and occult rituals.  

The narrative centers on the Reaper Intervention Platoon (R.I.P.), a covert task force assigned to eliminate Victor “The Dripper” Ripper, a former CIA agent turned rogue scientist. His experiments have transformed a secluded town into a nightmare realm. Players can choose between two operatives: Natalie, who has less health but a larger inventory, or Jack, who boasts greater health but a smaller inventory. Each character offers unique storylines and stats, enhancing replayability.  

Key features of the game include:

• Classic Survival Horror Mechanics: Fixed and dynamic camera perspectives, limited saves requiring collectible items, and strategic inventory management with access to safe room storage.

• Puzzle-Driven Narrative: Engage with intricate puzzles intertwined with the story, unlocking hidden secrets and new areas.

• Terrifying Adversaries and Arsenal: Face grotesque abominations born of Ripper’s twisted experiments, using weapons like pistols and grenade launchers. Ammo is limited, challenging players’ resourcefulness.

The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise funds for additional features and console ports, allowing backers to support the game’s development and bring this retro-inspired horror experience to a wider audience.  

For a glimpse into the chilling world of Flesh Made Fear, check out the announcement trailer below:

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