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Tag Archives: gaming news

Fun Things, Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda Movie: What We Know So Far

Posted on by Owen

A live-action Legend of Zelda film is officially in development, a surprising turn for Nintendo after years of reluctance from creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Announced in November 2023, the project has fans eager for details. Here’s what’s known, when it might release, and how it ties to the success of recent video game films.

Miyamoto once firmly opposed a Zelda movie, even rejecting the idea if Steven Spielberg pitched it, according to Gail Tilden, ex-Nintendo of America marketing head in a podcast with the Video Game History Hour. The disastrous 1993 Super Mario Bros. film likely fuelled his stance. Yet, decades later, he’s now a producer on this adaptation.

Nintendo confirmed Wes Ball (Maze Runner) as director and Avi Arad (Marvel veteran) as a producer alongside Miyamoto. Announced via an official press release, the live-action film remains in early pre-production. Few specifics exist, but Nintendo’s hands-on approach suggests a focus on staying true to the franchise.

With the announcement in late 2023, a release is likely years away. The Super Mario Bros. Movie took five years (2018–2023), and Sonic the Hedgehog spanned six (2014–2020). A 2026 or 2027 premiere seems plausible, depending on production scale.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie earned over £1 billion globally in 2023, while Sonic films each cleared £240 million. Their success, blending fan service with broad appeal, likely convinced Nintendo to greenlight Zelda, capitalising on a proven market for game adaptations.

The Zelda movie marks Nintendo’s cinematic expansion amongst a number of successful game to big screen adaptions. Details remain scarce, but anticipation is high.

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Sony

Sony Surprises Gamers with PlayStation 3 Update Nearly Two Decades Post-Launch

Posted on by Owen

In an unexpected move, Sony has released a system software update for the PlayStation 3 (PS3), bringing the console’s firmware to version 4.92. This update, rolled out on March 5, 2025, comes nearly 19 years after the PS3’s initial debut in 2006. 

According to the official patch notes, the update aims to “improve system performance.” While the specifics are sparse, such updates typically enhance system stability and address minor issues to ensure a smoother user experience.  

A notable aspect of this update is the renewal of the Blu-ray player encryption key. This renewal is essential for maintaining compatibility with newer Blu-ray disc releases, as the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) encryption keys require periodic updates to function correctly. Without this update, users might face difficulties when attempting to play recently released Blu-ray titles.  

Despite ceasing PS3 production in 2017, Sony has consistently provided annual updates for the console, primarily to ensure ongoing Blu-ray playback capabilities. These updates are crucial because the AACS encryption keys, vital for Blu-ray functionality, have expiration periods and need regular renewal.  

For PS3 owners looking to install this update, it’s recommended to have at least 200 MB of free storage space. The update can be downloaded directly via the console’s system update feature or through a USB storage device formatted to FAT32.  You can find all of the information on the upgrade to 4.92 on Sony’s website.

This unexpected update underscores Sony’s commitment to supporting its legacy hardware, ensuring that even long-time PS3 users continue to enjoy their media without interruption.

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Modern Retro Games

Terminator 2D: NO FATE Brings Retro Action to Modern Consoles

Posted on by Owen

In a thrilling blast from the past, Terminator 2D: NO FATE is gearing up to hit screens on 5 September 2025, reimagining the blockbuster Terminator 2: Judgment Day as a pixel-perfect, side-scrolling adventure. Developed by Bitmap Bureau and published by Reef Entertainment, this retro-inspired title will launch on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. It’s a game that bridges decades, blending the gritty essence of 80s arcade classics with the enduring appeal of the Terminator franchise—perfect for those who cherish gaming’s golden era.

Credit: Reef.direct

The Terminator saga has long captivated gamers, starting with the 1991 MS-DOS release The Terminator, a clunky yet ambitious effort limited by its era’s hardware. The franchise evolved through titles like the Sega Mega Drive’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day, a 1992 hit that nailed the film’s tense action. Now, Terminator 2D: NO FATE takes a deliberate step back, embracing a 2D aesthetic with meticulously crafted sprites and a reimagined T2 soundtrack that echoes Brad Fiedel’s iconic score. Players can dive into Story, Arcade, and Boss Rush modes, guiding Sarah Connor, John Connor, and the T-800 through familiar scenes and fresh twists, complete with multiple endings.

Credit: Reef.direct

I remember the original Terminator 2 game for the Sega Megadrive/Genesis and this has a similar look and feel.

Credit: Reef.direct

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Modern Retro Games

Stars Reach Aims to Revive the Sandbox MMO Glory of Star Wars Galaxies

Posted on by Owen

For retro gaming fans, the closure of Star Wars Galaxies in 2011 left a void that few massively multiplayer online (MMO) games have managed to fill (for me it was when they changed to a levelling based system named the New Game Enhancements aka NGE). That could soon change with Stars Reach, a new sci-fi MMO from Playable Worlds that’s generating buzz among enthusiasts of classic games. Spearheaded by Raph Koster—veteran designer of Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies—this ambitious project has already smashed its Kickstarter funding goal in under an hour, proving the appetite for a true sandbox experience remains strong.

Credit: Stars Reach / Kickstarter

A Spiritual Successor to a Retro Classic

Stars Reach is being billed as a spiritual successor to Star Wars Galaxies, a game beloved by retro gaming fans for its open-ended gameplay and player-driven world. Launched in 2003 by Sony Online Entertainment, Star Wars Galaxies let players live out their galactic fantasies as bounty hunters, smugglers, or even musicians, all within a sprawling Star Wars universe. Its shutdown, prompted by the rise of Star Wars: The Old Republic, left many yearning for a modern equivalent. Enter Stars Reach, which promises a vast galaxy where players can explore, build homes, craft goods, and shape their own stories—hallmarks of the sandbox style that defined early MMOs.

Playable Worlds’ Kickstarter pitch emphasises community backing to polish and expand the game. Early access begins at the £23 ($30) pledge tier, while the full release will be free-to-play, supported by optional microtransactions and a subscription for premium features like interplanetary home-building. This hybrid model echoes the evolution of MMOs since the days of EverQuest and Asheron’s Call, balancing accessibility with depth for dedicated players.

Why Retro Gamers Are Excited

The appeal of Stars Reach for retro gaming enthusiasts lies in its roots. Koster’s track record with Ultima Online—one of the first MMOs to prioritise player freedom—suggests a return to form for a genre that’s shifted towards linear, theme-park-style experiences like World of Warcraft. Historical context adds weight: Star Wars Galaxies thrived in an era when MMOs were experimental, offering systems like player-run economies and dynamic events that modern titles often streamline out. Stars Reach aims to recapture that magic, updated for today’s tech.

Though no release date is set, only a date of January 2026 – the Kickstarter’s success—fuelled by fans of retro classics—signals strong momentum. Development updates will be key, as sandbox MMOs require intricate balancing to avoid the pitfalls that plagued some early titles, like server instability or grind-heavy gameplay.

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Modern Retro Games

Tony Hawk’s Next Chapter: March 4th Sparks New Excitement for Fans

Posted on by Owen

Tony Hawk enthusiasts are set for a thrilling ride as the official website has begun a countdown to March 4th will which marks a significant milestone in the skateboarding legend’s storied legacy. The announcement, which has quickly garnered attention across gaming circles, suggests that a major new release or update is on the horizon, promising to reignite the passion of longtime fans and hopefully, captivate a new generation.

Credit: TonyHawkTheGame.com

As reported last week, an actor for the game said that a new remaster “is about to come out” and the countdown could well prove this to be a solid rumour.

The anticipation is palpable among fans, many of whom have followed the evolution of Tony Hawk’s franchise with keen interest. Veteran gamers recall the original releases with fondness, cherishing the adrenaline-pumping tricks and immersive environments that defined the series. I still remember looking at places differently after being slightly obsessed with the original games, considering what things I could grind on, or jup off.

Now, with a fresh chapter on the horizon, there is widespread optimism that this next installment will capture that same spirit while pushing the boundaries of what modern skateboarding games can offer.

As the countdown to March 4th begins, the gaming community is urged to stay tuned for further announcements. With the prospect of revisiting a cherished legacy infused with modern flair, Tony Hawk’s next move promises to be a defining moment in the ongoing evolution of skateboarding and gaming culture.

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Modern Retro Games

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – Leaked Roster Details Ignite Fan Fervour

Posted on by Owen

In a development that has captivated the fighting game community, fresh details of the base roster and planned DLC characters for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves have reportedly leaked online. Reliable sources close to the development team suggest that the leak reveals not only the complete line-up of core fighters but also a selection of surprise characters set to join as downloadable content.

Credit: Monstervine

According to Reddit user MistressMello, a recent data mine of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves has unveiled both launch and DLC characters. The data indicates that several fighters anticipated by fans – including Terry, Rock, Hotaru Futaba, and Gato – are confirmed, alongside well-known favourites such as Mai Shiranui and Tizoc. Additionally, the data mine reveals that some names remain unannounced, including Kim Jae Hoon, Freeman, and Hokutomaru, noted as the young protégé of Andy Bogard. It is also significant that three spots remain available in the launch roster. These additional characters have previously appeared in Mark of The Wolves, and Marco Rodrigues is also confirmed as a member of the City of the Wolves lineup.

The new entry in the iconic Fatal Fury series promises to blend the classic, hard-hitting mechanics of its predecessors with modern graphical enhancements and innovative character designs. According to the leaked information, the base roster appears meticulously balanced, featuring veteran fighters alongside newcomers engineered to bring fresh strategic dynamics to the gameplay. The anticipated DLC is expected to expand the narrative and offer players additional customization options, further deepening the game’s competitive appeal.

Industry insiders have noted that the leak provides intriguing insights into the developers’ approach, highlighting their commitment to honouring the series’ heritage while embracing contemporary design trends. The details have sparked vigorous discussion on social media and dedicated gaming forums, where fans are eagerly speculating on potential match-ups and storyline developments. Despite the excitement, the development team has yet to issue an official confirmation, leaving many questions unanswered.

As anticipation builds for the official release, we wonder what other announcements or leaks might emerge. The leak, while unofficial, has undoubtedly reinvigorated interest in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves as one of the most promising entries in the fighting game genre in recent years.

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Collecting, Fun Things

Marvel Rivals Funko Pops Are Flying Off the Shelves

Posted on by Owen

The highly anticipated Marvel Rivals Funko Pop collection is proving to be a massive hit, with preorders selling out rapidly across multiple retailers. These collectable figures, based on the Marvel Rivals game, bring fan-favourite superheroes and villains to life in Funko’s signature style, making them a must-have for both collectors and gaming enthusiasts.

The Marvel Rivals Funko Pop line includes characters from across the Marvel universe, featuring iconic heroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Black Panther, alongside notorious villains such as Venom and Thanos. Each figure is designed with intricate details inspired by their in-game appearances, adding an extra layer of appeal for fans eager to get their hands on them.

With demand surging, many online retailers have already run out of stock for key figures, prompting collectors to scramble for remaining inventory or look to secondary markets. Given the popularity of both Marvel and Funko Pop figures, this frenzy isn’t surprising. Past limited-edition Marvel Funkos have appreciated significantly in value, making them not just cool display pieces but also desirable collector’s items.

Presently there is a Dr Doom, Magneto, Iron Man and Galacta available at Amazon for $12.99, with the Galacta one showing as unavailable for pre-order at Amazon.

If you missed out on the initial preorder wave, don’t panic just yet—additional stock is expected to become available closer to the official release date. However, based on early sales trends, these figures are likely to be hot commodities, so keeping an eye on restocks will be essential.

For Marvel and gaming fans alike, the Marvel Rivals Funko Pops are a fun way to celebrate the upcoming game. Whether you’re an avid collector or just looking for a standout figure to display, these highly detailed Funkos are sure to be a highlight in any collection.

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Microsoft

Microsoft Explores AI to Bring Classic Xbox Games Back to Life

Posted on by Owen

Microsoft is looking toward artificial intelligence as a potential tool for reviving classic Xbox titles. The company has hinted at the possibility of using AI-driven technology to enhance, remaster, or even fully restore beloved games from its extensive back catalogue using its Muse technology.

Credit: Microsoft

During a recent discussion, Microsoft executive Phil Spence suggested that AI could assist in modernizing older games by upscaling graphics, improving frame rates, and even restoring missing content. AI-driven restoration techniques have already been used in the gaming industry to remaster textures and voice work, so Microsoft’s move to explore this technology isn’t entirely unexpected.

The potential applications of AI in gaming preservation are vast. From updating older titles with modern features like improved physics and lighting to assisting in porting classic games to newer platforms, AI could play a key role in keeping gaming history accessible to future generations. This initiative aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to backward compatibility, which has already seen hundreds of legacy Xbox titles made available on newer consoles.

Although Microsoft has yet to confirm specific games that might benefit from AI enhancements, fans have begun speculating on which classics could receive the revival treatment. Titles like Fable, MechAssault, and Crimson Skies remain fan favourites that many would love to see enhanced for modern hardware.

If Microsoft follows through with AI-assisted restoration, it could set a new precedent for the preservation of video game history. With an increasing focus on maintaining and celebrating gaming’s past, AI technology might be the next step toward keeping classic experiences alive for both long-time fans and new audiences.

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Retro Gaming News

Speedrunning Community Faces Challenges as Twitch Limits Video Storage

Posted on by Owen

The speedrunning community is grappling with a major shift as Twitch introduces new restrictions on video storage, impacting highlights and past broadcasts. This change has sparked frustration among gamers who rely on archived footage for records, analysis, and historical documentation.

Under the new policy, Twitch will limit how long highlights and uploads are stored, meaning that many of the platform’s most iconic speedruns could be at risk of deletion. Speedrunners frequently use Twitch’s video-on-demand (VOD) feature to review gameplay, verify world records, and share their runs with the broader gaming community. With these limitations, there’s growing concern that valuable content could be lost if not backed up elsewhere.

Prominent figures in the speedrunning scene have voiced their disappointment, noting that Twitch has long been the preferred platform for streaming live gameplay and maintaining archives. While alternatives like YouTube exist, many speedrunners prefer Twitch for its built-in community features and integration with leaderboards. The change forces players and organizers to rethink how they preserve past achievements and share content going forward.

Some speedrunning groups are now urging players to manually save and re-upload their runs to more permanent platforms. Others are looking into external solutions for archiving, such as community-driven projects that aim to store records outside of Twitch’s ecosystem. Despite the frustration, speedrunners remain determined to adapt, as preserving the history of gaming achievements remains a priority.

For now, the Twitch update serves as a reminder of the importance of digital preservation. Whether the community finds a sustainable long-term solution remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—speedrunning will continue to thrive, even if it means adjusting to new challenges.

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Modern Retro Games

Gold Master Series Brings Classic Games Including Tetris Forever to Physical Form including an Exclusive Handheld

Posted on by Owen

For fans of classic gaming, there’s exciting news on the horizon. Digital Eclipse has announced that its Gold Master Series will be receiving physical editions, allowing collectors to own high-quality versions of these carefully curated retro game releases due for release on the 25th of February 2025 from Atari’s website, Limited Run Games, and select retailers internationally.

Credit: Digital Eclipse

The Gold Master Series is a line of games dedicated to preserving and celebrating gaming history. Each release is more than just a game—it’s a deep dive into the title’s development, legacy, and impact on the industry. Featuring behind-the-scenes content, developer insights, and historical context, these releases offer a unique look at some of these influential games.

For those looking to grab a copy, multiple editions will be available. The Standard Edition includes the game, a collector’s booklet, and digital extras, priced at $39.99. The Deluxe Edition, priced at $69.99, comes with exclusive packaging, an art book, and a behind-the-scenes documentary. Finally, the Ultimate Collector’s Edition, at $129.99, features all Deluxe Edition content plus a numbered certificate, premium display case, and limited-edition physical memorabilia.

Credit: Digital Eclipse

Now, with physical editions confirmed, fans will be able to add these historical collections to their shelves. While details on the packaging and additional content are still forthcoming, expectations are high for premium releases that reflect the same level of care Digital Eclipse has shown in past projects.

Credit: Digital Eclipse

This move is particularly exciting for preservationists and collectors who value owning tangible copies of gaming history. In an era where digital distribution dominates, physical releases provide a sense of permanence that many retro gamers appreciate.

With the Gold Master Series already showcasing some of gaming’s greatest titles, these physical editions are shaping up to be must-have additions for fans of video game history.

Protect your collection! If you’re a retro game collector, safeguard your treasures with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And if you’re just here for the latest retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh every Monday!