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Tag Archives: Homebrew

Modern Retro Games

Famidash Brings Geometry Dash to the NES in Latest Homebrew Triumph

Posted on by Owen

The NES homebrew development scene continues to thrive, showcasing the dedication and creativity of retro gaming fans. A standout project in this vibrant community is Famidash, a fan-made demake of the popular rhythm-action platformer Geometry Dash, now available for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Developed by a team initially led by Zephyrside and later maintained by kandowontu, Famidash was released on October 10, 2024, and brings the fast-paced challenge of its modern inspiration to the 8-bit console. With 12 levels recreated from the original game plus three community-designed additions, players navigate rhythm-based obstacles—switching between a jumping cube, flying ship, or rolling ball—within the NES’s tight technical limits. The latest update for the game brings the number of levels up to 63 and the game can be played in its entirety without a gamepad, utilising the SNES Mouse.

Credit: Rom Hack Plaza

The NES, first launched in 1985, has long been a favourite among homebrew developers due to its straightforward design and well-understood hardware. Nearly 40 years on, the scene remains active, supported by forums like NESdev, where coders exchange ideas and tackle the challenges of 6502 assembly programming. Famidash itself is built using a mix of C language and assembly, a feat that highlights the skill required to adapt a modern game to such vintage technology. The community has also seen growth thanks to tools like NESFab, which simplify development, leading to a steady stream of new titles like CelesteNES and Mosh-Lift.

Credit: Rom Hack Plaza

Activity in the NES homebrew world is robust, with developers regularly releasing games and sharing progress online. Platforms like Reddit and GBAtemp buzz with discussions about projects, while X posts reveal upcoming works like R-G-Bleeki. Famidash has been warmly received, praised for its faithful mechanics and nostalgic appeal, further fuelling interest in creating for the NES. This ongoing wave of innovation ensures the console’s legacy endures, blending classic gaming with fresh ideas. To get in on the Famidash action, you can check its project page on Rom Hack Plaza, or its Github page.

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New Hardware For Retro, Sega

GamesCare Unveils Revolutionary Dev Cart for Sega Genesis/Megadrive, Pushing Retro Gaming Boundaries

Posted on by Owen

Brazilian company GamesCare has revealed an open-source development cartridge for the Sega Genesis, known as the Mega Drive in the UK and Europe. This new tool promises to empower indie developers to craft games that exceed the original limitations of the iconic 16-bit console, potentially sparking a fresh wave of creativity within the Genesis homebrew community.

Credit: Games Care

The Sega Genesis first arrived in 1988, hitting UK shores in 1990 as the Mega Drive. It quickly became a household name, challenging Nintendo’s dominance with a stellar lineup including Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, and Phantasy Star IV. By the time production ceased in 1997, the console had sold over 30 million units worldwide, cementing its place in gaming history. Even today, its passionate fan base keeps the system alive through collecting, modding, and homebrew projects.

GamesCare’s dev cart is designed to unlock new possibilities for this classic platform. While full technical specs remain under wraps, the company claims it offers “several features” to help developers create titles that go “beyond the power of the console.” This could mean enhanced memory, additional processing capabilities, or support for larger game sizes—features that sidestep the Genesis’s original Motorola 68000 CPU and 64 KB RAM constraints. For a system capped at 4 MB per cartridge in its commercial peak, this represents a leap forward.

The implications are exciting for retro gaming enthusiasts. The Genesis homebrew scene has thrived in recent years, buoyed by tools like the Mega Everdrive Pro, which lets users play ROMs on original hardware. GamesCare’s cartridge, however, focuses squarely on creation, not just playback. It could pave the way for ambitious projects—think sprawling RPGs or visually stunning platformers—that were once unimaginable on the 16-bit machine.

This isn’t the first time developers have sought to expand retro consoles’ potential. The Everdrive series, for instance, has long supported multiple systems, while SNES homebrew has flourished with modern tools. Yet, GamesCare’s offering stands out for its Genesis-specific innovation, aligning with a growing trend of indie developers revisiting classic hardware. Still, some fans have raised concerns online about power draw potentially straining ageing consoles—a challenge GamesCare will need to address.

With the Sega Genesis now over 35 years old, this dev cart bridges its storied past and a future ripe with possibility. Protect your classic cartridges with RetroShell, the ultimate safeguard for your retro gaming treasures. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack newsletter, Retro Gaming News, delivered straight to your inbox every Monday.

Modern Retro Games, Sega

Dream Ride: A New Micro Machines-Style Party Racer for the Dreamcast

Posted on by Owen

The Sega Dreamcast continues to defy time, with a steady flow of new indie releases keeping the console alive. The latest addition is Dream Ride, an arcade-style party racer inspired by the classic Micro Machines series. Developed by Dream Quest Games, the title promises fast-paced, top-down multiplayer racing with chaotic twists.

“Dream Ride” supports single-player and multiplayer modes, accommodating up to four human players and eight CPU opponents. The game includes eight unique cars, each with distinct handling and speed, and features four different game modes.

Credit: Itch IO / Ginger Beard Man

The gameplay in “Dream Ride” emphasizes momentum and drift, requiring players to adapt to each vehicle’s characteristics. Power-ups such as magnets, ghosts, shields, and speed boosts are integral, with hazards like oil slicks and thunderbolts adding strategic depth.

The game runs at a consistent 60 frames per second, with dynamic sound effects and CD audio music. It also includes a cheat system for additional gameplay options. “Dream Ride” is playable on both original Dreamcast hardware and emulators, and is also compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android platforms. It can be downloaded from gingerbeardman’s itch.io page under a “name-your-own-price” model.

The release of “Dream Ride” follows the trend of indie games revitalizing the Dreamcast, with titles like “Xeno Crisis”, “Intrepid Izzy”, and “Rush Rush Rally Reloaded” also contributing to the console’s ongoing legacy.

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Game Port, Retro Gaming News

Mortal Kombat II Fan Project for 3DO Reaches New Milestone

Posted on by Owen

I don’t get to share too much news on the 3DO, for those of you who are not familiar, the 3DO company was founded by one of the co-founders from Electronic Arts in 1991, and at the time had a price tag of $699 (approx $1,300 in today’s money). The 3DO Company did not build the hardware itself, each manufacturer built their own, with Panasonic being the most popular model – releasing in 1993.

When it launched, the 3DO was technically advanced. It featured a 32-bit RISC CPU, two custom graphics processors, and support for full-motion video (FMV). It also had a built-in CD-ROM drive, which was not standard then.

It supported daisy-chained controllers, meaning multiple controllers could be connected in a series without the need for separate ports. It also came with stereo sound and high-resolution graphics for its era.

Despite its technological superiority, the 3DO sold poorly due to its high price and lack of killer apps. It sold around 2 million units worldwide, far below competitors like the PlayStation (102m units) or SNES (~49m units).

Anyhow, enough of the history lesson – the 3DO scene, whilst naturally not as big as some of the other consoles from its generation, still has a scene alive and kicking.

In an exciting development for fans of the console, the fan-made port of Mortal Kombat II for the 3DO console has reached its Release Candidate stage, with version 5.01 now available as a public BETA.

Shaun, the developer behind the project, shared this news through the 3DO HD YouTube channel, emphasizing that while this version is still in beta, it marks a significant step towards a complete port for a console that never officially received one.

This project, not affiliated with NetherRealm Studios or Warner Bros., is purely a non-profit fan endeavour. As noted in community comments, the port does not yet include all features from the arcade version, such as fighter-specific fatalities. Current limitations include Shang Tsung only morphing into the opponent and potential audio skips during background changes in the intro and ending scenes. However, Shaun has committed to addressing these and other bugs, as they are reported by the community.

The latest update includes gameplay improvements and bug fixes, with plans for a “complete” version in the future that will feature all the classic MK2 moves including fatalities, babalities, and friendships.

For those interested in contributing to or exploring this nostalgic project, the ISO can be downloaded from Google Drive, and fans can support Shaun’s ongoing work via Ko-fi.

This endeavour showcases the dedication of the retro gaming community to breathe new life into classic games on platforms they were never intended for, celebrating the 30-year legacy of both the game and the console.

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New Games, Nintendo

Annihilator: A Gritty Top-Down Shooter for the Game Boy Colour

Posted on by Owen

“Annihilator” is a new top-down shooter developed by SALT & PIXEL for the Game Boy Color. In this game, players control Shinryu, an ex-marine and activist who awakens from a robotic slumber seeking revenge against the corporation CRUSH, which has taken his family, life, and body. 

Credit: SaltAndPixel / Itch

The game features:

• Gameplay Modes: Three difficulty levels—Easy, Normal, and Hard—each offering a unique challenge.

• Controls: Simple controls with shooting, dodging, and item usage, optimized for the Game Boy Color.

• Cutscenes: Optional cutscenes that can be toggled on or off.

“Annihilator” is available for purchase at $10.00 USD, with a demo version also accessible for those who wish to try the game before buying. 

For the latest updates and to join the community, players can visit the developer’s page. 

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Game Port, New Games, Retro Gaming News, Rom Hack, Sega

Doom 64 “Final Build” Here for the Sega Dreamcast

Posted on by Owen

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.

Retro Gaming News, Sega

Exciting New Sega Genesis Shooter ZPF Opens for Pre-Orders

Posted on by Owen

The well-funded shooter ZPF from Mega Cat Studios has opened up for pre-orders, with shipping estimated at being February 2025.

The game reached its Kickstarter funding goal in just 19 minutes and went on to raise over $162,000 – more than 1,080% of its initial $15,000 target.

Developed by the ZPF Team and published by Mega Cat Studios, this new Sega Genesis/Mega Drive title features three unique playable characters, engaging scoring mechanics, and a mix of fantasy, sci-fi and horror elements across its various stages. The game is being created by a veteran team including Perry Sessions on art and animation, Mikael Tillander handling programming, and Jamie Vance composing the music.


The game is currently priced between $50 (the basic cartridge only) and $150 (the collector’s edition) and promises to deliver an authentic 16-bit shooting experience complete with mid-stage and end-stage bosses. Development is nearly complete, with only minor bug fixes and backer names left to be added before release.

You can pre-order it here.

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Retro Gaming News

Super Tilt Bro. Launches First Online Update for NES Wi-Fi Cartridge

Posted on by Owen

Title: Super Tilt Bro. Launches First Online Update for NES Wi-Fi Cartridge

Summary:

Exciting news from the world of retro gaming! Super Tilt Bro., the homebrew fighting game designed for the NES, has rolled out its first online update for its Wi-Fi-enabled cartridge. This marks a major milestone in the project, allowing players to experience online multiplayer battles using original NES hardware.

The update enhances matchmaking functionality, improves stability for online gameplay, and brings new refinements to the core mechanics of the game. Players can now connect globally, embracing the nostalgic charm of 8-bit visuals while enjoying modern features like online matchmaking.

This update is a glimpse into the future of Super Tilt Bro. and showcases the incredible potential of combining classic hardware with cutting-edge connectivity. The development team’s dedication has set the stage for an entirely new way to enjoy NES gaming.

For more details, visit: Super Tilt Bro. Official Update