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Tag Archives: console gaming

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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Nintendo

Nintendo Reports 46% Drop in Operating Profit Amid Sluggish Sales

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo has reported a 46% decline in operating profit over the past nine months, with both hardware and software sales falling below expectations. The company’s latest earnings report highlights the financial impact of a maturing Switch market and weaker software sales compared to previous years.

From April to December 2023, Nintendo’s operating profit fell to ¥410.5 billion ($2.8 billion USD) from ¥560 billion in the same period last year. Net sales also saw a 7.6% decrease, reflecting slowing demand for the Switch console. This is despite strong performances from key titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Pikmin 4.

Japanese Adverts Hit Different

A major factor behind this decline is the natural slowdown of the Nintendo Switch after nearly seven years on the market. While it remains a strong seller, demand is clearly tapering off, with Switch hardware sales down 7.8% year-over-year. The company has also revised its full-year Switch sales forecast from 15 million units to 13.5 million, further signaling the console’s late-stage lifecycle.

On the software side, game sales dropped 4%, despite Super Mario Bros. Wonder surpassing 11.96 million copies sold in under three months. While this is impressive, Nintendo’s 2023 lineup didn’t match the explosive performance of 2022’s Pokémon Scarlet & Violet or Splatoon 3.

With speculation mounting about the release date for the Switch 2, and the company maintaining a strong software pipeline and a vast player base, suggesting it will remain a dominant force in gaming.

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Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony

Elminage Series Set for Modern Console Debut

Posted on by Owen

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.

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Gaming History, Retro Gaming News

The Rise and Fall of Sega’s Ambitious Final Console

Posted on by Owen

A Historic Launch: The Dreamcast’s Dazzling Start

September 9, 1999—Sega’s Dreamcast launched in the U.S. with unprecedented fanfare, generating nearly $100 million in sales within 24 hours. Boasting cutting-edge graphics, a built-in modem for online gaming, and a stellar lineup of launch titles like Soul Calibur and NFL 2K, the Dreamcast seemed destined for greatness. It was hailed as the biggest launch in entertainment history, surpassing the debuts of the PlayStation and Nintendo 64.

Yet, less than two years later, Sega would exit the console market entirely.

The Dreamcast’s Unique Vision

Sega envisioned the Dreamcast as a console ahead of its time, with features like:

• Online Gaming: The first console with a built-in modem, paving the way for titles like Phantasy Star Online.

• High-Quality Graphics: 128-bit processing power showcased in games like Shenmue and Jet Set Radio.

• Innovative Hardware: A sleek design, a visual memory unit (VMU) for unique in-game experiences, and support for downloadable content (DLC).

Peter Moore, Sega of America’s marketing VP, described their mantra as: “We’re taking gamers where gaming is going.”

The Competition: PS2’s Shadow Looms Large

Despite its early success, the Dreamcast couldn’t escape the impending arrival of Sony’s PlayStation 2:

• Unrivaled Hype: Sony’s marketing machine painted the PS2 as not just a gaming console, but a revolutionary multimedia device with a built-in DVD player—a sought-after feature in 2000.

• Developer Loyalty: Sony’s dominance with the original PlayStation ensured strong third-party support, which Sega struggled to secure for the Dreamcast.

• Consumer Hesitation: Sony’s branding of the Dreamcast as a “transitional console” discouraged long-term investment from gamers and retailers.

Internal Struggles and Strategic Missteps

Sega’s challenges went beyond competition:

• Lack of Third-Party Support: While titles like Shenmue and Sonic Adventure showcased Sega’s in-house talent, big publishers hesitated to commit. EA famously withheld its games from the Dreamcast, further hurting its appeal.

• Lingering Saturn Scars: The Sega Saturn’s failure eroded consumer trust, leaving many hesitant to invest in the Dreamcast.

• Financial Instability: Years of declining profits left Sega ill-equipped to compete with giants like Sony and the upcoming Microsoft Xbox.

Ahead of Its Time, but Misaligned with Its Era

The Dreamcast was a trailblazer, introducing concepts like online gaming, semi-open-world gameplay, and DLC long before they became industry standards. However, these innovations arrived before the market was ready to embrace them:

• Phantasy Star Online was groundbreaking but released four years before World of Warcraft popularized MMOs.

• Sega’s online service, SegaNet, failed to attract a significant user base despite its promise.

• The console’s internet capabilities added costs that were challenging for Sega to recoup.

The Final Days: An Inevitable Decline

By late 2000, the Dreamcast’s fate was sealed. Despite early momentum, sales plateaued, and Sega couldn’t compete with the financial might of Sony or Microsoft. In January 2001, Sega announced its exit from the hardware business, transitioning to a third-party developer.

Legacy: The Dreamcast’s Enduring Impact

Though short-lived, the Dreamcast left an indelible mark on gaming:

• A Cult Classic: Beloved by fans for its innovation and unique library, including titles like Crazy Taxi, Skies of Arcadia, and Jet Set Radio.

• Pioneering Online Play: Its emphasis on connectivity laid the groundwork for modern online console gaming.

• Lessons in Risk: Sega’s boldness demonstrated both the potential and pitfalls of pushing the envelope too far, too soon.

Dreamcast: A Visionary Console Gone Too Soon

The Dreamcast’s story is one of ambition, innovation, and heartbreak. While it ultimately fell victim to a rapidly evolving industry, its influence can still be felt today. For those who experienced it, the Dreamcast remains a symbol of what gaming could—and can—be.

Source: The Rise and Fall of the Dreamcast by IGN.