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Tag Archives: gaming news

Modern Retro Games, Retro Gaming News

New Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Remaster Possibly on the Way

Posted on by Owen

Fans of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series might have something to get excited about, as a fresh remaster could be in the pipeline. The news didn’t come from an official announcement but rather a casual slip-up by one of the game’s voice actors, leading to immediate speculation among fans.

The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater franchise has seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks in part to the critically acclaimed remaster of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2. The 2020 release was well-received, with its blend of nostalgic gameplay and modern enhancements. However, Activision has remained tight-lipped about further entries—until now.

According to the unnamed actor, on the Breakfast Show podcast, a new remaster is “about to come out,” though details remain scarce (credit Gematsu). This statement has left fans wondering whether the next title in line is Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, or perhaps another classic entry in the franchise getting the remake treatment.

Given the strong sales of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, it wouldn’t be surprising if Activision has quietly greenlit another project. The skateboarding series holds a special place in gaming history, and with the growing interest in revitalizing retro franchises, a new instalment could be a major win for both long-time players and newcomers.

While we wait for official confirmation, it’s clear that enthusiasm for the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games remains high. Whether or not this new remaster will live up to expectations is yet to be seen, but the possibility alone is enough to get fans talking.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo

Limited Run Faces Backlash Over Faulty NES Cartridges

Posted on by Owen

Limited Run Games, a company known for publishing physical editions of modern and retro-inspired titles, is under fire for allegedly producing NES cartridges that could potentially harm consoles. Reports from collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts suggest that these new cartridges may cause damage to the internal components of original NES hardware, sparking concerns across the community.

Rugrats may harm your console, picture credit Limited Run Games

The issue first came to light when multiple users reported their NES systems malfunctioning after using Limited Run’s cartridges. Some claim that improper voltage regulation or poor manufacturing could be to blame, with affected consoles showing symptoms ranging from graphical glitches to complete hardware failure. Given that many retro gamers rely on original hardware for an authentic experience, this controversy has raised serious alarm.

Limited Run Games contacted John Riggs who shared the content of the email (below) where they confirmed that “due to an issue with the voltage regulation, there is a small chance that prolonged use of these titles could result in damage to either the cartridge or the console hardware” 😳. The blame has been put on a supplier that is not their regular partner. The games in question are RugRats and PiioPow, both of which have sold out and are no longer available.

My email from Limited Run. Looks like my copy of Rugrats will just stay in the box.

[image or embed]

— JohnRiggs (@johnriggs.bsky.social) 19 February 2025 at 02:20

This incident underscores the risks associated with modern reproductions of retro hardware. While many companies have successfully released high-quality cartridges in recent years, quality control issues can still arise, and collectors are now questioning whether enough testing was conducted before these products hit the market.

For now, affected users are advising others to avoid inserting these cartridges into their NES systems until further investigation clarifies the risks. The retro gaming community will be closely monitoring the situation, waiting to see if Limited Run responds with a solution or refund policy.

Credit to TimeExtension for breaking this story.

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Fun Things, Nintendo

Blindfolded Super Mario 64 Speedrunner’s Near-Record Run Invalidated by Webcam Failure

Posted on by Owen

In the world of speedrunning, precision and adherence to rules are paramount. Blindfolded speedrunner Bubzia, renowned for his expertise in Super Mario 64, recently experienced a heartbreaking incident where a technical glitch nullified a near-record-breaking run.

On 10th February 2025, during an attempt to surpass his own blindfolded 70-star world record, Bubzia was on an impressive pace. Approximately 24 minutes into the run, unbeknownst to him, his webcam ceased functioning. In blindfolded speedrunning, continuous visual proof is essential to validate that the player is indeed not seeing the game. Without this verification, runs are deemed invalid. Bubzia, unable to notice the malfunction due to his blindfold, continued the run, ultimately finishing just seconds shy of the world record. It was only after completing the run that he realised the webcam had failed, rendering his effort void.

This incident underscores the unique challenges faced by blindfolded speedrunners, where not only in-game performance but also reliable equipment play crucial roles in successful attempts.

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New Games

New Castlevania Game Rumoured for 2025 Release

Posted on by Owen

Fans of the iconic Castlevania series may have reason to celebrate, as recent reports suggest that a new installment is on the horizon. According to a recent article, the studio behind Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is developing a new entry in the franchise, with a potential release date set for 2025.  

Credit: Konami

This news aligns with earlier indications from Konami about reviving some of its classic franchises. In 2021, reports emerged that Konami was looking to breathe new life into series like Metal Gear and Castlevania.  

The Castlevania series, which debuted in 1986, has been celebrated for its gothic atmosphere and challenging gameplay. The potential return of the franchise is generating excitement among long-time fans and newcomers alike.

As of now, official details remain scarce, and Konami has yet to make a formal announcement. However, the prospect of a new Castlevania game has certainly piqued the interest of the gaming community.

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Nintendo

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Remains a Sales Powerhouse on Switch

Posted on by Owen

Despite being over a decade old, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to defy expectations, securing its place as one of the best-selling games of all time. As of December 31, 2024, the game has sold a staggering 67.35 million copies, reinforcing its dominance as the highest-selling title on the Nintendo Switch. Getting an excellent score of 92 on Metacritic its is widely regarded as one of the best Mario Kart games containing aspects from its previous versions.

In Nintendo’s latest financial report, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe added another 5.38 million units in Q3 of the 2025 fiscal year, making it the second-best-selling Switch game of the quarter. It was only outpaced by Super Mario Party Jamboree, which launched in October and quickly moved 6.17 million units. This is a remarkable feat considering Mario Kart 8 Deluxe originally debuted on the Wii U in 2014 before receiving its Switch port in 2017.

Nintendo’s overall hardware and software sales have seen a decline, with hardware dropping 30.6% year-over-year, yet Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to perform, proving that quality kart racing never goes out of style. With the game’s longevity, it’s easy to see why fans keep coming back, whether for local multiplayer chaos or intense online races.

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Rom Hack, Sony

Bloodborne PSX Demake Hit by Copyright Strike—What It Could Mean for an Official Remake

Posted on by Owen

The Bloodborne PSX demake, a fan-made reimagining of FromSoftware’s gothic horror classic with PlayStation 1 aesthetics, has been struck with a copyright claim. This latest takedown follows a familiar pattern, where ambitious fan projects based on popular IPs are swiftly removed due to legal action from publishers.

Credit: Itch IO

But according to Lance McDonald, the creator of Bloodborne’s unofficial 60fps mod, this could signal something more hopeful: an official remake or remaster.

McDonald speculated that Sony’s decision to target the project now, despite its release in early 2022, might suggest something is brewing behind the scenes. In the past, companies have issued copyright claims strategically, often ahead of an official announcement. While this doesn’t confirm anything, it’s enough to reignite the long-standing hopes for a proper Bloodborne update—whether that’s a remaster, a PC port, or even a full remake.

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Bloodborne remains one of the most beloved PlayStation exclusives, yet it has been stranded at 30fps on the PS4 with no official enhancements for newer hardware. The demand for a modernized version has been constant, and while rumors surface now and then, nothing concrete has materialized. If McDonald’s theory holds any weight, this copyright claim might be more than just corporate housekeeping—it could be a hint that Sony has something in store for fans.

Steam

The Sim’s 2 Returns With A Mixed Reception

Posted on by Owen

After more than a decade, The Sims 2 has made its return to modern platforms, now available on the EA App and Steam. This re-release includes compatibility for Windows 10 and 11, along with support for widescreen and high resolutions. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a full remaster; the game remains largely as it was during its original 2004 release.  

Early feedback from players has been mixed. While some are thrilled to revisit the classic life simulation, others have reported frequent crashes and technical issues that hinder the experience. On Steam, the game currently holds a “mixed” review status, with many users expressing frustration over these persistent problems.  

Credit: Steam

Despite these challenges, the re-release offers a nostalgic journey for fans, complete with the original’s charm and quirks. The iconic music and unique gameplay mechanics remain intact, providing a trip down memory lane for those who enjoyed the game in its heyday.  

It’s worth mentioning that this version includes all previously released DLCs, offering a comprehensive package for players. However, given the technical issues, potential players might want to wait for patches or updates that address these problems before diving back into the world of The Sims 2.  

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Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Online Announces Regional Price Adjustments

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo has announced upcoming price increases for its Nintendo Switch Online service in select Latin American countries, effective March 1, 2025, as reported by Centro Leaks on X. The adjustments will affect both individual and family plan subscriptions.

In Mexico, the annual fee for the Expansion Pack Family Plan will rise from MX$1,599 to MX$1,999. Brazilian subscribers will see an increase from R$262.99 to R$299.00, while in Argentina, the price will go from ARS$76,899 to ARS$93,079. These changes represent increases ranging between 11% and 25%.

Nintendo has not provided specific reasons for these regional price adjustments. While the company has not announced similar changes in other regions, some industry observers speculate that broader price revisions could accompany the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Currently, Nintendo Switch Online offers various subscription options. A standard membership is available at $3.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 for twelve months. The Expansion Pack tier, which includes additional content, is priced at $49.99 annually.

As of now, Nintendo has not commented on potential price changes for other regions or provided further details regarding the upcoming adjustments.

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Modern Retro Games, PC Gaming, Sega, Steam

Yuzo Koshiro’s Earthion: From Mega Drive (Genesis) Roots to a Steam-Powered Evolution

Posted on by Owen

Yuzo Koshiro, the legendary composer and developer known for iconic soundtracks in games like Streets of Rage and The Revenge of Shinobi, has shared an exciting update on his latest project, Earthion. Originally designed as a passion project for the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis), Koshiro has revealed that the game is now also in development for Steam, promising modern enhancements that build upon the 16-bit version’s nostalgic charm.

In a tweet shared on January 25, 2025, Koshiro confirmed the progress:

“The development of the Steam version of Earthion is progressing smoothly. We are including additional elements not found in the Mega Drive version, so please look forward to it.”

An Eye for Detail: Final Stages of Development

Koshiro’s message reflects his meticulous approach to game development, emphasizing daily improvements and a deep commitment to quality. Despite the inevitable debugging challenges, Koshiro has found the process enjoyable, underscoring his passion for Earthion. This hands-on care and attention suggest players can expect a polished and engaging experience, whether they play on vintage hardware or Steam.

Credit: Yuzo Koshiro

A Nod to the Past, A Leap Into the Future

First showcased at the Tokyo Game Show, Earthion immediately caught the attention of retro gaming fans with its visually striking 16-bit aesthetic and gameplay reminiscent of the golden age of gaming. Attendees praised its vibrant graphics and tight mechanics when it was playable at Happinet’s booth.

Initially planned for a 2024 release, Koshiro opted to delay the game to 2025, citing the need to refine the experience further. The move hopefully ensures Earthion will deliver on its potential when it launches on both the Mega Drive / Genesis and Steam.

A Legend in Gaming Continues to Innovate

Koshiro’s decision to expand Earthion to modern platforms like Steam broadens its and bridges retro gaming with modern gamers.

Stay tuned for more updates as Earthion nears completion, promising to deliver a blend of classic and modern gaming that only a master like Yuzo Koshiro could create.

Game Port, Modern Retro Games, PC Gaming, Sony

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Cracked on PC Amidst Piracy Controversy

Posted on by Owen

Square Enix’s Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has been confirmed cracked on PC, igniting a flurry of discussions and debates across gaming forums and communities. Initially launched on PlayStation 5 as a timed exclusive, the game officially hit PC platforms on January 23, 2025, via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Despite this, unauthorized versions have now surfaced on piracy sites, leading to widespread discourse about the ethics and implications of such actions.

Credit: Square Eniz

The Leak and its Implications

The unauthorized PC versions of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth seem to have originated from pre-release builds or unauthorized modifications. Discussions on platforms like Reddit’s r/PiratedGames and Steam Community forums indicate that these cracked versions include functional gameplay elements, including graphical settings. This situation raises questions about the security of game builds before official releases.

Square Enix has yet to make an official statement on this specific incident, but it underscores the ongoing battle against piracy within the gaming industry.

Fan and Industry Reaction

The gaming community’s response is mixed. Some view the cracked version as a way to circumvent the exclusivity period, while others argue that piracy undermines the developers’ hard work. The debate touches on issues like game pricing, exclusivity, and accessibility, fueling conversations across platforms.

Developers and publishers are under increasing pressure to implement robust anti-piracy measures without alienating their paying customers. This event showcases the delicate balance between security, accessibility, and player satisfaction, especially in a global market where consumer expectations can vary widely.

For those interested in the official release, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth can be purchased on Steam or the Epic Games Store.