In a move that has stirred excitement among fans of the Dreamcast, the team known for porting Grand Theft Auto III to the console has announced plans to bring Vice City to Sega’s final machine. The news, reported by Time Extension, marks a promising return for fans who have long cherished the unique charm of early open-world adventures wrapped up with one of the greatest sound tracks ever.
Developers SKMP—celebrated for their innovative adaptation of GTA III to the Dreamcast’s —now aim to capture the vibrant spirit of Vice City. Although still in the early stages, the project is expected to deliver updated visuals and refined gameplay mechanics that remain faithful to the game’s roots.
— Stefanos Kornilios Mitsis Poiitidis (@poiitidis) February 24, 2025
The announcement arrives at a time when a resurgence of interest in early 2000s gaming is evident. Many in the gaming community recall Vice City as more than just a title; it is seen as an emblem of a transformative era defined by bold creativity and groundbreaking design (and amazing music).
As details remain limited, Sega and GTA fans wait to see what can be achieved by this talented group of developers on the Dreamcast hardware. The Dreamcast is experience a revival of late with some interesting project emerging, such as being able to save your games in the cloud, as we reported previously.
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I will not bore you with more tales of Elden Ring and my Marvel Snap woes, so straight on with the news.
This week we have 45 stories and cover news of the Lego Gameboy, reviving the Game Boy e-reader, the Dreamcast getting cloud saving, lots of speed running shenanigans and a load more. Thanks for reading!
🎮 Limited Run Games Faces Backlash Over Faulty NES Cartridges – Customers report issues with Limited Run Games’ NES cartridges, including non-functioning copies and poor build quality. Retroshell
🧩 ‘Black Tower Enigma’ Aiming for Game Boy Release – A new puzzle adventure, Black Tower Enigma, is set to launch on the Game Boy, offering a retro-inspired experience. GoNintendo
🤖 ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ for Sega Saturn Receives English Patch – The long-awaited fan translation of Mobile Suit Gundam for the Sega Saturn is now available, bringing the game to English-speaking audiences. Retroshell
🎥 Amazon-MGM Takes Full Control of James Bond Franchise, Including Games – Amazon has secured full rights to the James Bond franchise, expanding its control over future films, TV, and video game adaptations. Gameranx
🧱 LEGO Nintendo Game Boy Set Launching This October – LEGO is set to release a Game Boy-inspired set in October, blending nostalgia with brick-building creativity. Retroshell
🎬 Legendary’s Live-Action ‘Street Fighter’ Movie Finds Its Director – The upcoming live-action Street Fighterfilm has officially secured a director, signalling progress on the anticipated adaptation. Time Extension
🕹 ‘Mouthwashing’ Brings Classic PS1-Style Horror to Consoles in 2025 – Mouthwashing, a new horror game inspired by classic PS1 aesthetics, is set to terrify players on modern consoles next year. Retroshell
🎮 Blaze’s Next Evercade Cart Features 10 Atari & Stern Games – The upcoming Evercade cartridge will bundle ten classic games from Atari and Stern Electronics. Time Extension
💾 ‘Manic Miner’ Returns with a New Fan-Made Port – The classic platformer Manic Miner has been revived with a new fan-made version, bringing fresh life to the retro favourite. Retroshell
🇯🇵 Super Real Mahjong VS for N64 Gets English Patch – The obscure N64 game Super Real Mahjong VS has received an English translation, making it more accessible to global players. Time Extension
🦖 ‘Jurassic Park 2’ for SNES Gets an Overhaul After 30 Years – A major fan-made overhaul breathes new life into the SNES classic Jurassic Park 2, enhancing graphics and gameplay. Retroshell
🎮 ‘Ecli’ is a Puzzling New Platformer Coming to Game Boy Color – Ecli, an upcoming Game Boy Color game, blends puzzle and platforming elements in a unique adventure. Retro Dodo
✨ Final Fantasy Joins Magic: The Gathering in an Epic Crossover – The Final Fantasy universe is set to collide with Magic: The Gathering in a newly announced crossover set. Retroshell
📀 Gold Master Series Brings Classic Games to Physical Form, Including an Exclusive Handheld – A new collection called Gold Master Series will offer physical releases of classic games, including Tetris Forever and a new handheld console. Retroshell
🃏 Mario Hanafuda: Nintendo’s Latest Fusion of Tradition and Nostalgia – Nintendo is reviving its traditional Hanafuda roots with a new Mario Hanafuda product. Retroshell
📀 ‘Ravi & Navi’ Becomes the First New Famicom Disk System Game Since 1992 – The Famicom Disk System is getting a new game after more than 30 years with the release of Ravi & Navi. Retroshell
🔥 Karnov Returns on Neo Geo Platforms – The classic arcade hero Karnov is returning with a new release on Neo Geo systems. Retroshell
🔧 Introducing Game Bub: An Open-Source FPGA Handheld for Retro Gaming – Game Bub is a new open-source FPGA handheld designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. Retroshell
🥷 ‘Special Ninja Squad’ Brings 16-Bit Action to TurboGrafx-16 – A new side-scrolling action game, Special Ninja Squad, is heading to the TurboGrafx-16. Retroshell
☁️ Sega Dreamcast Receives Cloud Save Support in 2025 – The Sega Dreamcast is getting modern functionality with newly introduced cloud save support. Retroshell
📜 Reviving the Game Boy Advance e-Reader with New Games – Developers are creating new content for the Game Boy Advance e-Reader, giving the accessory a fresh purpose. Retroshell
🧩 New 4-Player Puzzle Action Game ‘Block Panic DX’ Arrives on Neo Geo – Block Panic DX, a multiplayer puzzle-action title, is launching on Neo Geo. Retroshell
🌍 Argos no Senshi Gets Full English Translation for NES – The NES classic Argos no Senshi has been fully translated into English for modern players. Retroshell
🛹 New ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’ Remaster Possibly in the Works – A potential remaster of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater has been hinted at, sparking excitement among fans. Retroshell
🏊 Super Mario 64 Speedrunners Discover Bizarre Underwater Standing Trick – Speedrunners have found a strange new glitch in Super Mario 64 that allows Mario to stand underwater. Retroshell
Features
🎬 The Legend of Zelda Movie Trailer (Fan Video) – A fan-made trailer envisions what a Legend of Zelda movie could look like. ScreenRant (below)
🕹 Retro Gaming Thrives Among Gen Z in the UK, New Study Finds – A recent study highlights the growing popularity of retro gaming among Gen Z players in the UK. Retroshell
💻 Programmer Gets NES to Emulate a PC with Ridiculous Sounds – A programmer has managed to run a PC emulator on an NES, producing bizarre and unexpected audio glitches. TechSpot (below)
🎮 Former Xbox Designer Says Console Power Is No Longer the Priority – A former Xbox hardware designer argues that raw power is becoming less important in modern console development. Retroshell
🥷 How Sega’s Shinobi Games Have Evolved Through the Ages – A retrospective explores the evolution of Shinobi, from its arcade roots to modern reimaginings. Kakuchopurei
🏆 Blindfolded Super Mario 64 Speedrunner’s Near-Record Run Invalidated by Webcam Failure – A blindfolded Super Mario 64 speedrun was disqualified after a critical webcam malfunction. Retroshell
🔄 Mega EverDrive Pro: The Best Flash Cart for Your Genesis/Mega Drive – A review of the Mega EverDrive Pro highlights its features and why it’s a must-have for retro gaming fans. Time Extension
🛠 Building the Ultimate Xbox 360: A Modder’s Dream Console – A deep dive into extreme Xbox 360 modding, showcasing custom hardware and software enhancements. Retroshell
💰 Got $13,000? You Could Own This One-Off ‘Dream’ Copy of Harry Potter on PS1 – A rare, unique copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for the PS1 is up for auction at a staggering price. Time Extension
🌟 Legendary Star Fox and Zelda Developer Emphasizes Creativity Over Budget – A veteran game developer stresses that creativity, not massive budgets, leads to great games. Retroshell
🎥 Sony Canceled a Video Game Movie After Trailer Backlash – Sony reportedly scrapped a planned Sly Cooperfilm after poor reactions to its early trailer. SlashFilm (below)
👟 Nike’s Latest Shoe Design Pays Homage to Donkey Kong Country – Nike’s newest sneaker takes inspiration from Donkey Kong Country, featuring a design reminiscent of the classic platformer. Retroshell
🔍 Did You Know the Dreamcast Has a Hidden Menu System? – A newly discovered menu system hidden within the Dreamcast has surfaced, revealing unknown features. Time Extension
🎯 Super Mario 64 Speedrunners Achieve the Impossible Blindfolded – A group of speedrunners has managed to complete nearly impossible feats in Super Mario 64 without sight. Retroshell
🚦 GTA 3 Almost Penalized Players for Running Red Lights – An early concept for GTA 3 included a penalty system for traffic violations, but it was ultimately scrapped. Retroshell
📀 Squaresoft’s Push for CDs on the N64: A Lost Opportunity – A look at how Squaresoft’s efforts to bring CD-based gaming to the N64 could have changed gaming history. Retroshell
Lists & Rankings
🎮 The Rarest Dreamcast Games and Their Prices – A look at the rarest and most valuable Sega Dreamcast games, with some fetching high prices in the collector’s market. CBR
📖 The Best Stories in Sega Games, Ranked – A ranking of the most compelling narratives in Sega’s gaming history, highlighting standout storytelling moments. GameRant
🕹 Best Third-Party GameCube Games, Ranked – A ranking of the best third-party titles released for the Nintendo GameCube, showcasing must-play experiences. CBR
🔥 The Best Sega Franchises of All Time – An in-depth ranking of Sega’s greatest gaming franchises, from classic arcade hits to modern legends. Hardcore Gamer
A developer known as Meesedev is creating a voxel engine, dubbed the Meese Engine, inspired by Minecraft beta 1.7.3. The goal is to build an engine capable of handling voxel-based games, eventually replacing Minecraft assets with original ones to create a new game surpassing Minecraft in both gameplay and graphical fidelity.
In a recent update, Meesedev showcased the engine’s performance, “blasting through an existing world file at 2,800 km/h, holding a perfect 60fps with a 64-chunk render distance.” This demonstration was conducted on the PC port of the GameCube version of the engine.
Blasting through an existing world file at 2800 km/h, holding a perfect 60 FPS with a 64-chunk render distance on the PC port of my Gamecube voxel engine. Feels unreal how well this thing is running. This is shaping up to be one of the most high-performance Minecraft-style voxel… pic.twitter.com/yiXDeFj5sT
The developer has also implemented “world saving and loading” features, enabling the engine to load “14,000 chunks (~500 million blocks) in just a few seconds,” sufficient for a 64-chunk render distance. Notably, Meesedev dedicates only one day per week to this project, making the progress particularly impressive.
While the Meese Engine is not planned to be fully open source, Meesedev has indicated that some smaller components might be made open source in the future.
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Indie developer Lowtek Games is back with Flea 2, a sequel to their 2020 retro platformer, bringing even more flea-jumping action to the Dreamcast and NES. Continuing the adventures of Henry the flea, this installment introduces new mechanics, levels, and characters while keeping the challenging, fast-paced gameplay intact.
Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Flea 2 offers tight, responsive controls and a unique jumping mechanic where Henry bounces uncontrollably, requiring precise timing to navigate obstacles and enemies. This time around, the game features a branching level system, allowing players to explore different paths as they collect blood packs and avoid deadly hazards.
Credit: Steam
The game is being developed for both the NES and Dreamcast, with physical copies available for collectors. NES cartridges are being made in limited batches, while Dreamcast editions come with a full-colour manual and case, embracing the spirit of classic releases.
Reviews from early players highlight Flea 2’s quirky pixel-art style, catchy chiptune soundtrack, and satisfying difficulty curve. The game maintains the retro aesthetic while introducing quality-of-life improvements, including optional paths for less experienced players.
Credit: Steam
Flea 2 is currently available on Steam as well, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond the original hardware. For fans of NES-style platformers and those who appreciate the thriving homebrew scene, this is one to watch.
Fans of classic RPGs are buzzing after Sega filed a new trademark for the beloved Dreamcast title, Skies of Arcadia. The trademark, spotted in Japan’s intellectual property database, has reignited speculation that the game may finally receive a modern remaster or remake as reported originally by Gematsu.
The Original
Skies of Arcadia, originally released in 2000, is one of the most acclaimed JRPGs of its era, praised for its vibrant world, airship battles, and unforgettable characters – it has a stellar score of 93 on Metacritic.
While it was ported to the Nintendo GameCube in 2003 as Skies of Arcadia Legends, it has yet to make its way to modern consoles.
The new trademark could mean several things: a re-release, a remaster, or even a sequel. However, trademarks don’t always guarantee new projects, as companies often renew them simply to protect intellectual property. Still, the timing feels significant, with Sega increasingly mining its back catalogue for nostalgic projects, including Sonic Origins and the Like a Dragon series.
Will Skies of Arcadia finally return to the skies? Only time will tell, but Sega’s move has undeniably sparked hope.
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In a surprising development for retro gaming enthusiasts, developer
@craf7y24 has successfully ported the Xash3D engine, a versatile engine compatible with Half-Life, to the Sega Dreamcast. This port was highlighted in a tweet by @falco_girgis where a direct hardware capture demonstrated Counter-Strike 1.6 running on the Dreamcast, a feat that brings a modern gaming experience to the 25-year-old console.
The Xash3D engine not only resolves visual issues like polygon jittering but also aims to pioneer features such as downloading custom maps and assets directly onto the Dreamcast, utilizing either an SD card or an IDE/SATA hard drive mod. This development could significantly expand the Dreamcast’s library with a host of GoldSrc mods, enhancing its legacy in the gaming community.
For those interested in seeing this in action or exploring other Dreamcast homebrew projects, @falco_girgis recommends checking out DC-SWAT’s YouTube channel, where the author of DreamShell, a popular homebrew operating system for Dreamcast, regularly posts new captures. This project represents a major step forward in the homebrew scene, potentially bringing online connectivity and modern gameplay mechanics to a console that has long been out of production.
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The Dreamcast homebrew community is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, exemplified by the recent fan-made port of Doom 64. Developed by jnmartin84, this port introduces significant enhancements that push the Dreamcast’s hardware to new limits.
Key Features of the Doom 64 Dreamcast Port:
• Performance Enhancements: The game achieves an uncapped frame rate, averaging 60 FPS, providing a smoother gameplay experience.
• Dynamic Lighting: Supports up to 16 simultaneous dynamic lights, enhancing the game’s visual depth.
• Enhanced Visuals: Incorporates bump-mapped environments and weapon geometry, offering a more modern aesthetic.
• Control Support: Compatible with mouse, keyboard, and dual analog controllers, catering to diverse player preferences.
• Additional Content: Includes the “Lost Levels” from the 2020 Steam version and a fan-made recreation of “Doom Episode 1: Knee Deep in the Dead,” expanding the gameplay experience.
This project underscores the Dreamcast’s enduring appeal and the dedication of its fanbase. The homebrew scene continues to thrive, with developers exploring the console’s capabilities and delivering experiences that rival modern platforms.
For enthusiasts interested in exploring this port, the source code and compilation instructions are available on GitHub. It’s important to note that, in respect of intellectual property rights, compiled builds are not provided; users are encouraged to compile the game themselves.
The Dreamcast’s homebrew community remains a testament to the console’s lasting legacy, continually breathing new life into this classic system. As projects like the Doom 64 port demonstrate, the possibilities for innovation and creativity within this scene are boundless.
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.
The gaming preservation community has unearthed a prototype of Shenmue II for the US Dreamcast, dated September 14, 2001. This build reveals unique insights into the game’s development, including two debug menus that allow players to explore features such as scene selection, environment testing, and direct control over key mechanics.
Shenmue II, an iconic action-adventure game, follows Ryo Hazuki’s journey as he continues his quest for vengeance across sprawling, detailed environments in Hong Kong. Renowned for its open-world design, realistic NPC interactions, and deep narrative, the game was a pioneer in blending cinematic storytelling with sandbox gameplay.
Although slated for a US release, Shenmue II was canceled in the region due to SEGA of America’s decision to shift focus away from the Dreamcast. However, the game was released in Japan and Europe, allowing fans outside the US to experience this masterpiece.
This prototype, now publicly available, provides a rare look into the planned but ultimately shelved US release and offers a deeper appreciation of the game’s groundbreaking design.
