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Tag Archives: Fan Project

Modern Retro Games, Sega

Fan-Made Genesis Port of R-Type Levels Up with Exclusive New Content

Posted on by Owen

Retro gaming enthusiasts have reason to celebrate: the fan-made Sega Genesis port of R-Type is receiving exclusive new content, breathing fresh life into this classic shoot ’em up. For years, Genesis owners missed out on an official version of R-Type, a title that defined the genre with its unforgiving difficulty and innovative mechanics. Now, thanks to TheRoboZ, not only does the 16-bit console have its own rendition, but it’s also getting a unique addition that sets it apart from other ports.

The highlight of this update is the “Middo,” a new ship described as a “fighter overtaken and fused with the Bydo“—the sinister alien force players have battled since R-Type debuted in arcades in 1987. This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; the Middo promises a fresh gameplay experience, allowing players to “reclaim your ship and strike with a new type of force control.” Exclusive to the Genesis version, it’s a compelling reason for retro gaming fans to revisit this labour of love.

R-Type holds a special place in gaming history. First released by Irem, it became a benchmark for shoot ’em ups with its strategic “Force” pod system and memorable boss encounters. While it appeared on platforms like the Master System and PC Engine, the Genesis—famed for titles like G Darius and M.U.S.H.A.—never saw an official release. This fan-made port fills that gap, and the addition of the Middo shows the team’s commitment to enhancing the experience rather than simply replicating it.

The retro gaming community is abuzz. Social media posts reflect the excitement, with one fan writing, “The Middo could redefine how we play R-Type on Genesis!” Another praised the developers, saying, “This is pure dedication—keeping the spirit of the Mega Drive alive.” Their efforts highlight why retro gaming remains vibrant: it’s a blend of nostalgia and innovation.

So, power up your Genesis and prepare to face the Bydo with a twist. This isn’t just a port—it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of classic games. You can get the demo from here.

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Nintendo, Rom Hack

The Legend of Zelda: Dreaming Island – A Restoration of Link’s Awakening’s Original Vision

Posted on by Owen

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, released in 1993 for the Game Boy, has long been celebrated for its unique charm and engaging gameplay. However, recent discoveries from the 2020 Gigaleak have unveiled aspects of the game’s original design that were altered or omitted in the final release. Enter “Dreaming Island,” a comprehensive ROM hack that seeks to restore these elements, offering players a glimpse into what Link’s Awakening might have been.

Credit: Romhack Plaza

Restoring the Overworld and Characters

One of the most significant restorations in Dreaming Island is the overworld map. The hack reinstates the original map design, complete with areas like Kakariko Village, Hyrule Castle, Death Mountain, and the Eastern Palace. These locations initially intended to mirror those in A Link to the Past, provide a more expansive and varied world for players to explore.

In addition to the overworld, several non-playable characters (NPCs) have been reintroduced. Notably, Princess Zelda, who was absent from the final version of Link’s Awakening, now appears in the sanctuary. Other characters, such as the Old Man from the original The Legend of Zelda and Aginah from The Desert Sanctuary, enrich the game’s narrative and depth.

Credit: Romhack Plaza

Enhanced Gameplay and Debug Features

Dreaming Island doesn’t stop at visual and character restorations. The hack includes a debug pre-save labelled “ZELDA,” granting players all items, 10 hearts, and 509 rupees—mirroring early press screenshots of the game. This feature allows for immediate exploration and experimentation within the restored world.

Moreover, players can utilize debug functions such as warping to any location via the mini-map and toggling collision detection, providing a more flexible and user-friendly experience.

Accessing Dreaming Island

To experience Dreaming Island, players need to apply an IPS patch to a legitimate copy of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (USA, Europe) ROM (v1.0). Detailed instructions and the necessary patch file are available on RomHack Plaza.

Credit: Romhack Plaza

A Tribute to Zelda’s Legacy

Dreaming Island serves as both a tribute to the original vision of Link’s Awakening and a testament to the dedication of the fan community. By restoring these unused elements, the hack offers a fresh yet nostalgic experience for both new players and longtime fans of the series.

For more information and to download the patch, visit RomHack Plaza.

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