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Tag Archives: Final Fantasy

Collecting, Fun Things

Magic: The Gathering Embraces Spider-Man in a Blockbuster 2025 Line-Up

Posted on by Owen

Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the trailblazing collectible card game that reshaped gaming culture since its debut in 1993, is swinging into 2025 with a spectacular crossover featuring Marvel’s Spider-Man. Launching on September 26, 2025, this set introduces Spider-Man, Venom, and a rogues’ gallery of villains to MTG’s strategic battlefield. Preorders are live on Amazon, offering Play Boosters ($209.70 for a box), Collector Boosters, Scene Boxes ($41.99) which include six new-to-Magic cards like “Grasping Tentacles” and “Pumpkin Bombs” tailored for Commander play, and a MTG/Spider Man Bundle ($69.99). This collaboration, the first of several Marvel-themed expansions, blends retro gaming heritage with modern flair, appealing to collectors and players alike.

The Spider-Man set is fully draftable and Standard-legal, featuring mechanics that mirror the web-slinger’s agility—think cards with evasion abilities—and Venom’s brute force, possibly tied to black mana’s sacrifice themes. Scene Boxes add a collectible twist, with foil cards forming larger artworks, while the removal of the Universes Beyond frame ensures a cohesive MTG aesthetic. This isn’t just a nostalgic nod; it’s a calculated evolution of a game that pioneered the CCG genre, influencing everything from Pokémon to today’s digital card games.

Beyond Spider-Man, 2025 is a packed year for MTG. The Final Fantasy set, releasing June 13, brings materia and summons to the table, blending JRPG roots with MTG’s mechanics—a treat for fans of classic console gaming. August’s Bloomburrow introduces an animalfolk plane, offering fresh lore and draftable play. Meanwhile, Duskmourn: House of Horror, out September 26 alongside Spider-Man, delves into horror with haunted house-inspired cards, rounding out a diverse slate. Each release builds on MTG’s legacy, rooted in tabletop gaming’s golden age, while pushing boundaries with new IPs and designs.

For collectors of gaming history, these sets echo the creativity of MTG’s early days, when expansions like Arabian Nights set the stage for thematic storytelling. Today’s crossovers marry that spirit with cutting-edge card design, ensuring MTG remains a cornerstone of gaming culture.

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Fun Things, Gaming History, Sony

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within Returns to The Big Screen as a Landmark in CG Animation

Posted on by Owen

More than two decades after its original release, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within is set to return to the big screen as part of a film festival celebrating milestones in Japanese CGI animation, as reported by Eiga. Though the film is best remembered for its financial struggles and the turmoil it caused Square Enix, it remains an important piece of cinematic history.

Released in 2001, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within was a bold attempt to bring the beloved RPG franchise into the world of photorealistic CG films. With an enormous budget and cutting-edge technology for the time, it aimed to push animation boundaries. However, despite its technical achievements, the movie failed to resonate with audiences and became a box office disaster, nearly leading to the downfall of Square Pictures and playing a role in Square’s eventual merger with Enix.

Despite its commercial shortcomings, the film has since gained a cult following and is recognized for its ambition to pioneer realistic computer-generated characters. The upcoming screening at the festival will highlight its significance in shaping the future of CGI in Japan, influencing later works in both animation and gaming.

This renewed interest in The Spirits Within reflects a broader appreciation for experimental projects that dared to push industry limits. While it may not have been the blockbuster Square Enix hoped for, its impact on the gaming and animation industries remains undeniable. For fans of the Final Fantasy series and animation history, this screening is a chance to revisit a film that was ahead of its time.

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Collecting, Fun Things

Final Fantasy Joins Magic: The Gathering in an Epic Crossover

Posted on by Owen

Two of the biggest fantasy franchises in gaming history are colliding as Final Fantasy makes its debut in Magic: The Gathering. Wizards of the Coast has revealed a first look at the upcoming Final Fantasy crossover set, bringing iconic characters, spells, and lore from Square Enix’s legendary RPG series into the world of collectable card gaming.

Credit: Wizards of the Coast

The announcement was made at MagicCon Chicago, where fans got an exclusive preview of the upcoming set. The cards will span multiple Final Fantasy titles, from the early NES-era classics to modern blockbusters like Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy XIV. Expect to see legendary figures such as Cloud Strife, Sephiroth, and Terra Branford translated into beautifully illustrated Magic: The Gathering cards.

Credit: Wizards of the Coast

Beyond just character representation, the set will also introduce spells and mechanics inspired by the Final Fantasyuniverse. Summons like Ifrit and Shiva may appear as powerful creature cards, while signature magic like Ultima and Meteor could become game-changing spells. The crossover aims to capture the essence of both franchises, blending the deep lore and strategy of Magic: The Gathering with the beloved characters and worlds of Final Fantasy.

Credit: Wizards of the Coast

This is part of Wizards of the Coast’s ongoing expansion of Magic: The Gathering’s crossover series, which has already included properties like The Lord of the Rings and Warhammer 40,000. Given the passionate fanbase of both Magic and Final Fantasy, this collaboration is expected to be a major hit among collectors and competitive players alike.

The Final Fantasy set is slated for release in June 2025, with more details expected to emerge as the launch approaches. Whether you’re a longtime Magic player or a Final Fantasy enthusiast looking to experience the franchise in a new way, this crossover is shaping up to be one of the most exciting card game events in recent memory.

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Fun Things, Nintendo, Rom Hack

Five Must-Play Super Famicom Fan Translations

Posted on by Owen

If you grew up gaming in the West, there’s one phrase that likely still haunts you: Japan-exclusive. Nothing was more frustrating than seeing a game teased in Nintendo Power or mentioned in a gaming magazine, only to realise it would never be localised. Thankfully, the dedicated ROM-hacking community has been hard at work since the 1990s, translating some of the greatest Japanese-exclusive titles into English. Now, fans can finally experience these gems without needing to learn Japanese.

The Super Famicom in particular boasts one of the most legendary libraries of Japan-only titles. Today, we’re highlighting five essential fan translations that every retro gaming enthusiast should try.

1. Seiken Densetsu 3 (Secret of Mana 2)

One of the most famous fan translations of all time, Seiken Densetsu 3 was the highly anticipated sequel to Secret of Mana, but it never saw an official Western release until Trials of Mana in 2019. Back in 2000, the fan group LNF Translations stepped in, delivering a superb English patch despite the game’s complex branching storylines. This translation paved the way for the game’s cult following outside Japan. Interestingly, Square Enix developers later admitted they wanted their official release to surpass the fan translation—20 years after the fact!

2. ActRaiser (Japanese Restoration Patch)

Yes, ActRaiser received an official English release, but it was heavily censored. The original game was rich in religious themes, with the player controlling an actual deity battling Satan himself—elements that were toned down in the Western version. The ActRaiser Restoration Patch restores the original difficulty, dialogue, and religious references, making it a must-play for fans of the classic.

3. Radical Dreamers

Did you know Chrono Trigger had a sequel before Chrono Cross? Radical Dreamers was released in 1996 via the Satellaview, an obscure Japan-only add-on for the Super Famicom that allowed players to download games. A unique text-based RPG, it never saw a Western release—until 2005, when the fan group DemiForce delivered an English patch. Square Enix would eventually release an official version, but once again, fans beat them to the punch by nearly two decades!

4. Shockman Zero

Unlike the RPG-heavy entries on this list, Shockman Zero is a side-scrolling beat-’em-up with an outlandish and comedic world. While not the most story-driven game, its quirky humor and bizarre characters shine thanks to a fan translation. This obscure title proves that no game is too small for the ROM-hacking community’s efforts.

5. Final Fantasy V

The granddaddy of all fan translations, Final Fantasy V was the first RPG to receive an English fan patch, setting the stage for the entire fan translation movement. RPGOne’s 1998 translation allowed Western fans to finally experience its deep job system years before Square Enix’s official release, which was plagued by poor localization choices (Wyverns turned into “Wyburs”, and a character was given an exaggerated pirate accent). To this day, many purists still prefer the fan translation over the official one.

The Legacy of Fan Translations

Even in 2025, new Super Famicom translations continue to surface, proving that the passion for preserving gaming history is alive and well. The fan translation scene has allowed countless players to experience lost classics, and for that, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the dedicated ROM-hacking community.

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Nintendo, Top 10

The Greatest Hits: Top 10 Game Boy Advance Games According to Metacritic

Posted on by Owen

When it comes to finding the best games to play, Metacritic is a trusted resource. It aggregates reviews from critics and gamers alike, giving players an overall rating based on diverse opinions. This means you get a well-rounded view of what games truly shine. The Game Boy Advance (GBA), one of Nintendo’s beloved handhelds, boasts an incredible library, and Metacritic has ranked its top 10 games. Let’s dive into the list and explore what made these titles unforgettable.

10. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (2003) – 91 Metascore

Set in 2035, this action-packed Castlevania entry introduces Soma Cruz and his unique ability to absorb enemy souls. With tight gameplay, an intriguing story, and gothic visuals, this title is a standout.

Interesting Fact: Aria of Sorrow was one of the first Castlevania games to break from the series’ Dracula-centric storylines, introducing Soma Cruz as a potential reincarnation of Dracula himself.

9. Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 (2002) – 91 Metascore

This whimsical platformer sees Yoshi carrying Baby Mario through a beautiful, hand-drawn world. Creative levels and fun mechanics make it unforgettable.

Interesting Fact: Yoshi’s Island introduced the “crying Baby Mario” mechanic, where Mario’s wails get louder if Yoshi doesn’t rescue him quickly, adding a unique level of tension to the gameplay.

8. Final Fantasy VI Advance (2007) – 92 Metascore

A stellar port of one of the most beloved RPGs. Its emotional story, deep characters, and timeless gameplay shine on the GBA.

Interesting Fact: The GBA version includes additional dungeons and updated translations, giving even veteran fans new challenges to conquer.

7. Metroid Fusion (2002) – 92 Metascore

Samus faces her most personal battle yet in this intense sci-fi adventure. With a gripping story and excellent exploration, it’s Metroid at its peak.

Interesting Fact: Fusion introduces the SA-X, a terrifying doppelgänger of Samus, creating some of the most nerve-wracking moments in the series’ history.

6. Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 (2002) – 92 Metascore

Mario’s SNES classic gets new life on the GBA. Dinosaur Land is packed with secrets, power-ups, and fun platforming.

Interesting Fact: This version includes the ability to play as Luigi with unique physics, a first for Super Mario World.

5. Advance Wars (2001) – 92 Metascore

Tactical brilliance at your fingertips. Plan your moves carefully and command your troops in this addictive, easy-to-learn strategy game.

Interesting Fact: Advance Wars was initially delayed in North America due to the 9/11 attacks, as its military themes were considered sensitive at the time.

4. Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001) – 93 Metascore

Speed through colourful tracks, drop banana peels, and throw shells at your rivals. This portable Mario Kart is pure multiplayer chaos.

Interesting Fact: Super Circuit includes all 20 tracks from the original Super Mario Kart on the SNES, giving it the largest roster of tracks in the series at the time.

3. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (2003) – 94 Metascore

The definitive version of Mario’s NES masterpiece. Challenging, rewarding, and packed with charm, this platformer is a joy to play.

Interesting Fact: Using the e-Reader accessory, players could unlock exclusive levels not found in the original NES version, adding new gameplay elements.

2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (2001) – 95 Metascore

Skateboarding perfection comes to the GBA with tight controls, iconic music, and the freedom to perform outrageous tricks on the go.

Interesting Fact: Despite being on a handheld, the game retains its console counterpart’s signature levels and gameplay, an impressive feat for the GBA’s hardware.

1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords (2002) – 95 Metascore

The ultimate blend of single-player and multiplayer adventure. A Link to the Past remains a timeless classic, and Four Swords introduces cooperative chaos.

Interesting Fact: Four Swords was the first multiplayer Zelda game, requiring players to link up using GBA cables to solve puzzles and explore together.

So there you have it! What are your thoughts? Any glaring omissions that should be on the list?

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