Tag Archives: master system

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0027

Welcome to issue #27! Not really, so much was released historically this week and I could not find any birthdays, so let’s celebrate 29 years to the release of Super Maio Land 3 on the Gameboy.

News

A NES Zelda VR remake using a Doom mod is (or maybe has) being made, based on the Famicom Disk System Legend of Zelda. Confused? Read more [TechSpot]. Link

This NES Zelda VR remake was created using a Doom mod
caption…

Sega has shut down ‘The Unofficial MD/GEN: A Visual Compendium’ book that was being developed by Bitmap. Strange when you consider they let a Master System one get made and Nintendo (who are the kings of litigation) let theirs go [News.com.au]. Link

Bitmap Books says it tried to stick to third-party titles, but Sega still shut the project down. Picture: Bitmap Books
 
This might be as close to the book as you will ever get

Want to run Java on your N64? Well, you might be in luck [Hackaday]. Link

 
Because why not
 

 

Features

Could you name the NES launch titles? GameRant looks back at the USA launch lineup. Link

 
Why was Mario blue…?

“While we are at it we might as well do the SNES launch titles as well.” – Someone at the GameRant offices (there were only 5). Link

“Shall we do the N64 as well?” GameRantLink

Slashgear want to tell you about what they consider to be the best video game launches of all time! Link

I love a failed console, there is something special for me about the hype and eventual downfall of the next big thing (I purchased a Tiger R-Zone after discovering it whilst making this newsletter). GameRant has a list of 8 good games on failed consoles. Link#

 
The Apprentice (bottom right) for the Philips CDi had some good looking graphics.

It’s 1985, the great video game crash happened and the Famicom was slowly restoring faith in the industry, but did you know Atari was going to be the company to bring the NES to the West it was to be called the “Advance Video System”? Inverse talk about it being shown at CES and the subsequent rest of the story [Inverse]. Link

Totalntertainment looks back in a shot feature of the evolution of music in video games. Link

Some of you might have seen the 80’s cartoons of Mario and Zelda, but there were more planned. CBR revealed which almost made it. Link

 
I can’t unsee Pac-Man in Mario’s eyes

The Enlightened Mindset (?!) has a nice feature on the creative minds behind the Sony Playstation. Link

 
Use RetroShell to stop your games from getting damaged

 

Lists/Rankings

Den of Geek gives you 15 NES game secrets you never knew existed – like the password for Metroid “Engage Ridley Mother F*cker” I kid you not (replace the star with the letter). Link

Metroid NES
 
Engage Ridley one more time, I dare you I double dare you mother f*cker.

Nintendo Life has run a reader poll and given you the 50 best NES games of all time. Hard to argue with the results, but I will not spoil them for you. Link

Pocket Tactics give their view on the beat games for the OG Game Boy & Color. Link

 
Everyone loves a golf game.

The Virtual Boy was a strange thing, I own one but must admit I do not play it at all as it’s really not easy on the neck. Destructoid ranks the 10 best games for the system. Link

That’s all for this week, thanks as ever for reading and please keep that feedback coming. If you are on TikTok or Instagram, please give us a follow by clicking on the links.

A brief history of video game protectors

Video game boxes have come a long way since the early days of gaming. In the beginning, video games were sold in simple cardboard boxes that were designed to hold the game cartridge or disc. These boxes were functional, but not very visually appealing. As the video game industry grew, so did the design and packaging of video game boxes.

Dall.E’s interpretation of a brief history of video game protectors in an art deco style.

In the 1980s and 1990s, video game boxes began to feature more colorful and dynamic artwork, which helped to attract customers and set games apart from one another on store shelves. The boxes also grew larger to accommodate instruction manuals and other materials that were included with the game. The design of the boxes also began to reflect the style and theme of the game itself, making the box art a form of advertising.

As technology has advanced, the way video games are packaged has also changed. With the advent of digital distribution, many games are now sold and downloaded directly to consoles or computers, eliminating the need for a physical box. However, some companies still produce physical copies of games, and these boxes continue to feature eye-catching artwork and design.

One important aspect that has been added to video game boxes is the use of “video game protectors” to ensure the longevity of the game. These protectors are usually made of plastic and are designed to fit snugly over the game cartridge or disc, protecting it from scratches, dust, and other damage. These protectors have become increasingly popular as a way to preserve the condition of the game and maintain its value over time.

In conclusion, video game boxes have come a long way since the early days of gaming, evolving from simple cardboard boxes to visually appealing designs that reflect the style and theme of the game. The addition of “video game protectors” has also become an important aspect to ensure the longevity of the game. While digital distribution has become more prevalent, physical copies of games and the traditional video game boxes are still an important part of the gaming industry.

If you want your video games to have the best protection, you should use RetroShell for your retro video game protection needs!

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0026

I hope everyone’s new year is starting well. This week 36 years ago a Zelda game was released in Japan, can you guess what system it was released for (answer at the bottom)?

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Thanks to everyone that has taken the time to share the newsletter with friends, family and retro-gaming communities worldwide – it is appreciated.

 
Old games need superior protection.

News

Game Rant looks into some of the interesting omissions from Mortal Kombat II after the recent source code was leaked. Link

 
A much more cunning plan than just killing them.

Lego is releasing a New Atari 2600 video game console set [Digital Spy]. Link

lego icons atari 2600 video game console adults set
 
Another one for the “want but don’t need” category

With CES being across the news, the show has a “Wall of shame” which showcases a number of failed tech. Some honourable mentions for retro gaming [Daily Mail]. Link

 
The Virtual Boy was only for sale for 5 months in Japan and 7 months in the USA.

The Switch has overtaken the Game Boy to become the third best-selling console of all time [The Gamer] can you guess numbers 1 and 2? Link

Someone is porting Starfox to the Sega Megadrive/Genesis and it looks pretty good. Link

 
Simply the finest tees

Features

Fan Banter looks at how video game graphics have developed through the years. Link

Video game crossovers are not a new thing, some make sense, others less so. Pocket Tactics look at some of the weirdest ones. Link

 
Who is the guest character here?

Hackaday discusses an epic quest to build the ultimate Game Boy. Link

There was a mask that was due to be put in the Majora’s Mask, which never made it into the game as it would have broken it. Screen Rant report. Link

 
Look into my eyes, don’t look around the eyes. You’re under.

Leiria Economica (wtf) gives you 5 things you did not know about the Super Nintendo (I knew one of these things. Link

 
I said the door was closed because I was BANKING mum.

Next in the random publication hitting you with nothing but facts is OIC Canadian (???) telling you 5 things you didn’t know about the Nintendo 64. Link

 

Lists

Video games are fun, but did you also know they are able to predict the future? Well, I did not but Hard Drive gives you 4 examples of where video games perfectly predicted the future. Link

 
The prophet from Pleasanton – Madden.

Want to relive the 80s through nothing but video games? Well, Unique News Online have 6 games to help you capture this time. Link

GamePur has a list of the greatest handheld consoles. Link

Destructoid has a list of their 10 best NES soundtracks, with some games I am unfamiliar with. Going to check some of these out. Link

Silver Surfer Lizard Stage
 
A lot is going on here, but this is the best music of any NES game ever (according to Destructoid).

And that’s a wrap for this week, the system Zelda II was launched on was the Famicom Disk system. Thanks for reading and if you have any comments or feedback, please let me know!

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0025

Happy new year to all the readers! I wish you all the best for the coming year.

This week, a certain video game character turns 57 – this character has appeared in a lot of games nfirst appearing in 1985, and is immune to poison. Can you guess who it is?

 
Protect your games.

News

There is a Rom hack being developed for Ghostbusters for the Megadrive/https://www.retroshell.com/product-category/sega/Genesis which will include Winston [Bloody Disgusting]. Link

 
Chill Winston

A programmer has managed to get PC games running on a NES! Far too complicated for me to really understand, but impressive [TecheBlog]. Link

Run Microsoft Windows Games NES
 
Off to find Princess Whats Her Name

The Arduboy Mini is live on kickstarter and the reviews seem good for this matchbox sized, 8 bit, monochrome gaming device [The Verge]. Link

Rumour has it that F-Zero might be coming back in 2023 [GameRant]. Link

A WWE star (Xavier Woods) got the entire N64 collection for Christmas – lucky (rich) man [GameRant]. Link

 
This is what my face would look like if I got the entire N64 USA collection for Christmas.

The Polymega has just announced pre orders for a module allowing you to play N64 cartridge [HypeBeast]. I was not familiar with the PolyMega, but it looks like a fine piece of hardware 😍. Link

Polymega Ultra Module Set EM05 N64 games news retro gaming nintendo video games
 
Some very nice hardware. Want.

Features

In a nice feature, Nintendo Life look back at the gaming magzines of 30 years ago to see what they were reporting on and how they were reviewing the hot new releases back in 1992. Link

 
I miss the excitement of gaming magazines being the sole source of news.

Gamers Grade have an article discussing which was the best Nintendo generation? Link

 

 

Pigsy’s Retro Game Dev Tutorials has a video looking at the 25 new Sega Genesis/Megadrive games in production for 2023. Link

Paste Magazine has a guide on modern handheld consoles to play retro games. Useful as there are quite a lot these days. Link

A Beginner's Guide to Retro Gaming Handhelds
 
Too many games, not enough time

24sSports have a lit of the best 10 Sega Saturn games. Link

 
Another Shining Force game I was not aware of 😍

Want to know what its like to play N64 on the worlds smallest monitor? Then TecheBlog will enlighten you. Link

Gaming Smallest Monitor World
 
He likes to watch…

Lists

The Gamer looks at 10 games that are turning 30 this year. Amazing ability to create a list out of nothing. Link

 

CBR (the Kings of lists) have decided to rank every Donky Kong Game (No mention of the actual game Donkey Kong, which is strange). Lin

 

k

ScreenRant (the queen of lists) have a list on 10 innovative gaming technologies that flopped with a few honourable mentions in the retro category. Link

 
Not so retro but worth a read

GameRant (see a theme with the previous news source…) also love a list. Here they rank all of the Nintendo console controllers. Link

Duelshockers has a look at the best rail shooters of all time. Link

 
Might want to get those wounds looked at

Thats all for this week. The answer to this weeks birthday is Princess Peach! Thanks for reading and please do give us a like and/or a share if you enjoyed it.

Why Retro Gaming?

Retro gaming has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many people rediscovering the joys of playing classic video games from the past. In my opinion, there are several reasons why retro gaming is worth revisiting.

First, retro games are a nostalgiciac trip down memory lane. For many people, playing classic games brings back fond memories of their childhood and allows them to relive the experiences they had while playing these games for the first time.

Second, retro games are often simpler and more focused than modern games, which can be a refreshing change of pace. Without the distractions of high-resolution graphics, cutscenes, and complex storylines, retro games allow players to focus on the core gameplay and challenge themselves to improve.

Third, retro games are often more affordable than newer games. Many classic games can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of new releases, making them an affordable option for gamers on a budget.

Finally, retro gaming can be a great way to introduce younger generations to the history of video games. Many classic games are considered classics for a reason, and playing them can give younger players a sense of perspective and appreciation for the evolution of the medium.

Overall, I believe that retro gaming is a valuable and enjoyable pastime that is worth exploring for anyone who is a fan of video games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking to relive old memories or a newcomer who is curious about the history of the medium, there is something for everyone in the world of retro gaming.

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0023

Welcome to issue #23 of the newsletter, thank for all of the feedback on the survey – it is appreciated and is already shaping the newsletter (for the better I hope) – I will do a separate edition to share the results with you all. If you still want to give your views, you can find the survey here.

Bomberman was released 37 years ago today (19/12/87) for the Famicom and a certain video game character turned 35 (17/12/87). His OG name was Rockman, can you guess who he is (answer at the bottom)?

 
Remember Baywatch? You will love Nostalgiatron.

 

News

Switch online has added 4 new Megadrive/Genesis games – including Columns [Eurogamer]. Link

The Daily Mail report on what they think is the largest video game collection in the world, worth an estimated $2.1m. I truly believe that retro is a wise investment. Link

 
The angels decided to pimp their iPad with colourful dots

A forgotten game called Scramble Training for the Sega AS-1 has been found at a car boot sale featuring some Michael Jackson video [NME]. Link

Michael Jackson
 
I wonder if this game was Bad?

The Wonderboy anniversary collection will be launching on January 26th for the Switch [Nintendo Everything]. Link

 
What is the secret of your power?

Articles

Redbrick have a feature on the gaming on the wars in the 90’s and the impact on wider gaming. I used to be team Megadrive (Genesis) as that is what my parents got me, but it’s hard to see it as being better than the SNES these days. Link

 
Lets just call them the two goats 🐐

Continuing the console history theme, Stratechery have a history go video games starting way back in 1958, its well worth a read. Link

Khabar Non Stop have a feature on the Rare “Play Boy” handheld that was never released (unfortunately). Link

Meet The "Playboy" Handheld, Rare's Unreleased Game Boy Rival | Time  Extension
 
Someones (was) gonna get sued

Destructoid have a feature as they revisit on Final Fight 3 on the SNES. Link

Final Fight 3 Haggar Beating Nazis
 
Take a look at what I’m wearing, people. You think anybody wants a roundhouse kick to the face while I’m wearing these bad boys? Forget about it – Mike Haggar

If you have a VR unit and want to recreate a working 90’s bedroom of your dreams, you need EmuVR (can be played without as well) [Lifehacker]. Link

 
4mm Acrylic “built like a tank” display cases for your retro games

Make Tech Easier have a run down about the best dedicated controllers for retro gamers. Link

Who knew there was a game called Millenium Falcon Challenge? Who knew there was a games console called the Tiger-R Zone. If you answered no to either question then you will enjoy this look at the “worst games console of all time” and a forgotten Star Wars game [California 18]. Link

This Star Wars video game you've never played: Millenium Falcon Challenge
 
Full disclosure, I never knew this existed until now.

Yahoo News has a gift guide on dedicated modern consoles to play retro games (and controllers). Link

 
Each tee is limited edition and individually numbered

 

Lists

The Hawkeye give their ranking on the classic MegaMan games. I never really played any of them and should really get around to doing so. Link

Graphic by Alexander Cha
 
Rockman (spoiler alert for the question in case anyone reads this)

The Review Geek look at the top Mario games of all time, and there are some surprising entries amongst the more usual suspects. Link

Thats all for this week, the answer to the question is Mega Man (aka Rockman). The link to the survey is here – and please share with communities if you enjoy the newsletter. Thanks!

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0022

 

Last call for the survey on content – some very interesting and constructive responses so far and I will share the results in a future episode. You can find the link here and it will only take 2 mins of your time.

On this day (12th December) in 1960 – a character from Street Fighter was born. He likes John Wayne films, his hair and dog walking. Can you guess which character turning 62 today (answer at the end of the newsletter)?

I have broken the newsletter into new sections (thanks for the feedback) – let me know how this works for you as it will include all consoles in all sections (broken down as News/Features/Lists – NFL).

 
Everything else is just a flimsy plastic case

News

Final Fantasy V celebrated turning 30 – it was an iconic game in an iconic series, and Nintendo Life go into why it was a landmark in the series. Link

 
Such amazing artwork from Square Enix 😍

25 years later, the once cancelled Airball for the NES is being released (also available for GBA) by Retro Room Games – you can view the trailer here.

Toejam and Earl and getting a film (The Verge)! Link

 

Features

Nintendo Life has a nice feature on Christmas gifts for Nintendo fans. Link

 
Etsy has it all.

Essentially Sports looks at the gaming life of Elon Musk as he suggested the Atari 2600 was his first console. Link

CRT’s and Retro Gaming go together like ET and landfill – the smallest CRT ever released was the Panasonic CT-101, so of course someone has hooked it up to a NES to play retro (TecheBlog). Link

Panasonic CT-101 Smallest Color CRT TV Super Nintendo
 
What is this? A TV for ants?

Abernic are launching the RG35XX which comes in a Game Boy style case and comes with 2 Micro SD Card Slots, a 2100mh battery and an IPS screen with HDMI out and an A9 processor (Notebook Check). Link

 
A good looking device, but has to be #2

Hackster have info on modding a Game Boy Advance to be a wireless whole house remote. Link

And Peta Pixel have a feature on 3D printing new lenses for the Game Boy OG camera – 2 bit all the way baby. Link

 
An Elegant Camera for a More Civilized Age

Wired review the Evercade EXP (spoiler 7/10). Link

Want some geeky, retro inspired Christmas Tree decorations? Gizmodo has got you covered! Link

 
From Hallmark of all places!

Chained Echos is getting rave reviews for modern consoles – it is a 16 bit (retro) inspired RPG which looks great. He is the YouTube launch trailer. Link

 
They liked to watch….

Khabar Nonstop have a feature on the Nintendo seal of quality that adorned many of the best games. Link

CBR has a feature on why Kiddy Kong was so controversial (I never knew he existed 🫣). Link

 
He does look annoying.

Final Weapon has a feature on gaming in the 90’s. Link

Reutir looks at 8 bit compatibility on modern OS’s. Link

 

Lists

Gamespot have a long list of the greatest NES games of all time – and inspiration to revisit some of these classics. Link

CBR love a list, so when the decided to share us their best Nintendo games with the worst endings we just had to feature it. Link

And GameRant has a list of the 6 N64 games with the best cut scenes. Link

10 things you did not know about the Atari 2600 (Adafruit). Link

Cultured Vultures has a list of the 20 best N64 games of all time. Link

 
#11 was a Japanese only release – any ideas?

No one: The Gamer: The 7 best Alligators in video games. Link

And finally

Thanks for reading, please help me to improve by giving your feedback on the survey (link here).

The answer to this weeks question is Guile!

 

 

 

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0021

39 years ago this week the innovatively named ”Baseball” was launched on the humble Famicom. You can play one of the granddaddy of sports games here.

Thanks to those that have shared their feedback on the survey – if you have not, I would be very grateful if you could spend 2 mins letting me know what you like or don’t like about the newsletter so that it can be improved. Here is the link.

 

Nintendo

Game Rant has some weird ports of retro fighting games. Streetfighter 2 on the Spectrum anyone? Link

 
Contestants in this year’s tournament were feeling blue.

There is a new trailer for the Super Mario Bros. film. Link

Some footage of a lost Metroid games for the N64 has surfaced (The Gamer). Link

Ruetir has some interesting (or not) facts about Donkey Kong. Link

 
A lot going on in this picture

There is a new multi-game changer for the Game Boy Colour, which is totally crazy, but sometimes crazy is cool (Hackaday). Link

 
Complicated solutions for simple problems

Tech E Blog has a complete history of Super Mario Kart and why is was made. Link

Complete History Super Mario Kart Nintendo
 
Mario Kart v1

Destructoid has a list of the 5 best games for the N64, not as obvious a choice as you might have thought. Link

Other

ABC News have a feature on the rise of demand for retro consoles. Link

Destructoid has compiled the best consoles that are the worst to collect for. No mention of the 32x! Link

 
If you know, you know.

Make Use Of have an article on which modern console is best for retro gaming (the ones you can hack usually…). Link

 
What is this? A Commodore for ants?!

Want to know the best 10 Sega Genesis games that were made in the 21st century? No? Well either way CBR have a list. Link

 
None sighted thus far in the 21st century

And CBR also has a look at some cancelled Konami games which might have been nice had they actually seen the light. Link

Pong has turned 50! Yahoo/Engadget have an interview on its creation. Link

Spokesman has an article on how to care for some of the retro consoles, nothing ground-breaking but definitely some “good to know” points made. Link

That’s all for this week, a gentle nudge to give your feedback on the newsletter if you have 2 mins you can spare. Please do share the newsletter with friends and retro communities if you enjoy it.

 

Retro Gaming Weekly News #0020

27 years ago this week Mega Man X3 was launched for the SNES in Japan. You can play it here.

This newsletter is still a work in progress, but if you can find 2 mins to fill in this survey so I can understand what kind of news is most popular it would be helpful for me to collate the proper selection. You can find the survey here (and thanks very much).

Subscribe now

 

 

Nintendo

DualShockers have a list of 10 of the best villains from NES RPG’s. Niche, but provides a good visual for the cover of the newsletter. Link

 
Dude on the left is packing some interesting pants.

 

Inverse has a nice article on how Nintendo need to treat their older games with more respect. Link

Forbes looks back at the lessons learned on consumer values from the OG Game Boy. Link

Crunchyroll has announced Hime’s quest for the Game Boy Color and PC, as reported by Gematsu. Link

 
Is that Miles hiding on Hime’s head?

Destructiod gives their view on the best 5 Pokemon games (60% retro). Link

 
Pixel art is the best art.

A modder has created the worlds smallest Game Boy, TecheBlog report. Link

Worlds Smallest Nintendo Game Boy
 
Game Baby?

The SnesDev Party team have announced the release of Supercooked! a cooking co-op game that works with the OG 16-bit hardware and emulators. Looks like fun! RealotakuGamer has more. Link

 
The younglings!!!!

Rare is a publisher of distinguished quality, but there have been a surprising number of games that there cancelled. CBR do what they do best and provides a list of them. Link

 

 

Reur goes deep on the story of Star Fox 2 – the lost game. Worth a read if you are a fan. Link

From myth to reality: the story behind Star Fox 2, the lost SNES game - Nintenderos
 
Furries in space.

Back to Rare, Diddy Kong Racing turns 25 and Exputer takes a look back on why you should not judge a game by its cover. Link

Others

California 18 feature a look at the Sega offices in Japan. Link

Bounding into Comics take a look at some very interesting Sega Genesis/Megadrive ROM hacks. Link

Split image of hacked roms for Castlevania: Bloodlines, Streets of Rage 2, and Golden Axe on Sega Genesis
 
Is that a cigar in your mouth?

Game Asylum look back at the Atari 7800 catalogue – an underrated console? Link

Hacker Noon looks back at some film-to-game conversions that are worth a look. No ET. Link

 

Cultured Vultures give their view on the 20 best Sega Genesis games ever. Link

Toejam & Earl
 
Only #20?

Duealshockers have a piece on what Atari was like before the crash of ‘83. Link

 
Box art was amazing back then.

For the Atari 50 celebration, they developed a new Atari Jaguar emulator from the ground up. GameRant reports. Link

 
Best console logo ever?

And that’s all for this edition – hope that you enjoyed it. If you missed it at the beginning or forgot, and you have a spare 2 mins – it would be very much appreciated if you can share your feedback on the newsletter (link here).