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Tag Archives: Beat-’Em-Up

Modern Retro Games

Final Vendetta Neo Geo Release Delayed, But Quality Enhancements Promised

Posted on by Owen

Bitmap Bureau has shared news about the upcoming release of Final Vendetta for the Neo Geo AES and MVS. During final testing, the team uncovered an intermittent audio playback issue, leading to a delay. Rather than release a subpar product, they’re revising the PROG PCB board to ensure the game’s sound matches their ambitious vision.

Credit: Bitmap Bureau

The Neo Geo, launched by SNK in 1990, was a pioneer in delivering arcade-quality gaming at home. Its steep price made it a luxury item, but its longevity endures through a passionate retro gaming community. Final Vendetta, a modern beat ’em up echoing classics like Streets of Rage and Final Fight, fits perfectly on this iconic platform. Bitmap Bureau, who previously impressed with Xeno Crisis on Neo Geo, knows the stakes are high for retro enthusiasts.

Credit: Bitmap Bureau

The audio hiccup emerged because the team is stretching the Neo Geo’s hardware to include the full stereo soundtrack from modern console versions. Occasional clicks and crackles prompted this hardware tweak, showcasing their dedication to quality over haste. It’s a bold move, considering the Neo Geo’s audio limitations were a known challenge even in its heyday.

There’s good news amid the delay. The Neo Geo edition will boast four exclusive unlockable tracks by Featurecast, a composer celebrated for retro-style soundtracks. These will later reach modern consoles, but Neo Geo fans get first dibs. Bitmap Bureau is also experimenting with custom PCB silk screens, turning the cartridges into collector’s gems. A test image they shared hints at a premium physical release.

Manufacturing updates offer further hope. The CHA board and all Collector’s and Limited Edition items are ready for assembly. The studio’s recent acquisition by Reef Creative Group has boosted their production and shipping resources, smoothing the path ahead. They’re now aiming for a Q2 2025 shipping window, determined to deliver without cutting corners.

For retro gaming fans, this delay is a small price for a polished Final Vendetta. The blend of enhanced audio, bonus tracks, and a refined physical package promises a release worth waiting for.

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Rom Hack

Golden Axe Revitalised: Neo Geo Port Now Available

Posted on by Owen

Golden Axe, the iconic 1989 beat ’em up from Sega, has been meticulously ported to the Neo Geo platform by developer Hoffman. This fan-driven project brings the classic hack-and-slash experience to a new audience, ensuring both authenticity and enhanced features.

Hoffman’s approach combined reverse engineering with new development to closely match the original gameplay and visuals. The port supports MVS, AES, and Neo Geo CD systems, offering flexibility for various hardware setups. Players can select game regions (World/JP) and adjust original arcade difficulty settings to tailor their experience.

A standout feature for Neo Geo CD users is a specially crafted soundtrack by composer Richard Douglas, providing a fresh auditory experience while maintaining the game’s classic feel. Additionally, Hoffman enhanced six voice samples by sourcing higher-quality versions from 1980s films like Conan, American Werewolf in London, and Rambo, enriching the game’s audio authenticity.

The port is compatible with most flash cart solutions, real hardware, and emulators, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of players. While minor differences and edge-case glitches exist, Hoffman’s dedication to visual accuracy and gameplay fidelity shines through, making this a noteworthy addition to the Neo Geo library.

For those eager to revisit the world of Golden Axe on Neo Geo hardware, the port is available for download on Hoffman’s itch.io page.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, PC Gaming, Sony

Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics Gears Up for Launch

Posted on by Owen

Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics has just been officially announced, and it’s coming to PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC, shining a spotlight on the legendary games from Technos Japan. If you’ve ever had fun throwing dodgeballs in Super Dodge Ball or duking it out in the pixelated streets of Double Dragon, this collection is definitely something you’ll want to dive into. Arc System Works, who now hold the rights to the Kunio-kun series, are behind this nostalgic journey, bringing together some of the most iconic retro beat-’em-ups and sports games in one cozy package.

While we’re still waiting for the full lineup to be revealed, we know for sure that this collection will feature several entries from the River City (Kunio-kun) series, known for their humor, wild brawls, and charming visuals. Mark your calendars for April 24th, as that’s when this treasure trove of retro gaming will hit the shelves. You can pre-order your copy now to secure your spot.

Technos Japan originally shook up the gaming world with games like River City Ransom, which took schoolyard rivalries to a whole new level with its unique blend of action and RPG elements. This compilation aims to be a heartfelt tribute to those classic vibes, but with modern enhancements for today’s consoles and PCs, ensuring smoother gameplay and perhaps a few surprises.

Arc System Works has hinted at new features that will enhance the original experiences, possibly including quality-of-life improvements or new modes that weren’t available back in the arcade days. Their official website suggests that each game might come with customizable settings, so you can choose how you want to experience these classics—either staying true to the original or with modern comforts.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of side-scrolling brawlers or new to the scene, this collection offers a nostalgic trip back or a fresh introduction to the 8-bit and 16-bit era’s charm and chaos.

Keep an eye out for more details on the final game list and any additional goodies that might be included. In the meantime, why not dive into some nostalgia with our free weekly Retro Gaming Substack at Retro Gaming News? And to keep your precious retro games safe, check out the top-tier protection at RetroShell.