Tag Archives: 8-bit

Baby T-Rex Returns to Game Boy: A Classic Dinosaur Adventure Revived

Baby T-Rex, originally released in 1993, has made a surprise comeback for the Nintendo Game Boy via the Chromatic. The game, developed by Beam Software, places players in control of an feisty dinosaur tasked with navigating colourful levels, dodging obstacles, and collecting items along the way. Known for its bright visuals and straightforward mechanics, Baby T-Rex is a nostalgic favourite among fans who enjoyed the light-hearted fun on the go.

Credit: ModRetro

Today, fans can experience the title once again thanks to a new physical release from ModRetro. The revived cartridge faithfully preserves the original’s side-scrolling action and cute dinosaur protagonist.

Credit: ModRetro

Interested players can purchase Baby T-Rex through ModRetro, where it retails for approximately £28/$35. The packaging features artwork reminiscent of the original, adding a dose of 1990s nostalgia to any game shelf. With its family-friendly gameplay and distinct platforming segments, Baby T-Rex is a throwback platformer which will appeal to retro gamers who preferred the simpler times.

Interestingly, Baby T-Rex was released under different names in various regions, such as Agro Saur in Australia, Bamse in Sweden and We’re Back! A Dinosaurs Story in North America.

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Famidash Brings Geometry Dash to the NES in Latest Homebrew Triumph

The NES homebrew development scene continues to thrive, showcasing the dedication and creativity of retro gaming fans. A standout project in this vibrant community is Famidash, a fan-made demake of the popular rhythm-action platformer Geometry Dash, now available for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Developed by a team initially led by Zephyrside and later maintained by kandowontu, Famidash was released on October 10, 2024, and brings the fast-paced challenge of its modern inspiration to the 8-bit console. With 12 levels recreated from the original game plus three community-designed additions, players navigate rhythm-based obstacles—switching between a jumping cube, flying ship, or rolling ball—within the NES’s tight technical limits. The latest update for the game brings the number of levels up to 63 and the game can be played in its entirety without a gamepad, utilising the SNES Mouse.

Credit: Rom Hack Plaza

The NES, first launched in 1985, has long been a favourite among homebrew developers due to its straightforward design and well-understood hardware. Nearly 40 years on, the scene remains active, supported by forums like NESdev, where coders exchange ideas and tackle the challenges of 6502 assembly programming. Famidash itself is built using a mix of C language and assembly, a feat that highlights the skill required to adapt a modern game to such vintage technology. The community has also seen growth thanks to tools like NESFab, which simplify development, leading to a steady stream of new titles like CelesteNES and Mosh-Lift.

Credit: Rom Hack Plaza

Activity in the NES homebrew world is robust, with developers regularly releasing games and sharing progress online. Platforms like Reddit and GBAtemp buzz with discussions about projects, while X posts reveal upcoming works like R-G-Bleeki. Famidash has been warmly received, praised for its faithful mechanics and nostalgic appeal, further fuelling interest in creating for the NES. This ongoing wave of innovation ensures the console’s legacy endures, blending classic gaming with fresh ideas. To get in on the Famidash action, you can check its project page on Rom Hack Plaza, or its Github page.

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