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Tag Archives: Retro Gaming News

Collecting, Fun Things, Nintendo

Mario Hanafuda: Nintendo’s Latest Fusion of Tradition and Nostalgia

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo is blending history with its beloved Mario franchise in a new collection of “Mario Hanafuda” goods, launching on February 17, 2025. The lineup, available at Nintendo TOKYO, OSAKA, KYOTO, and the My Nintendo Store, celebrates the rich heritage of Hanafuda—a traditional Japanese card game—with a Super Mario twist.

Credit: Nintendo

The collection features intricate designs inspired by classic Hanafuda cards, each reimagined with iconic Mario characters. Yoshi is represented in the “February Plum” pattern, Donkey Kong takes the spotlight in “April Wisteria,” while Princess Peach is beautifully depicted in “March Cherry Blossom.” Other designs include Mario’s “June Peony” and Boo’s hauntingly elegant “August Mang.”

Beyond the stunning card designs, Nintendo is offering a range of stylish merchandise incorporating these unique motifs. The collection includes:

  • T-Shirts (Black) – 3,960 yen
  • Half Towel Handkerchiefs – 715 yen
  • Face Towels – 1,375 yen
  • Reversible Azuma Bags – 3,520 yen
  • Mini Letter Sets – 770 yen
  • Pair Glasses (Moon Viewing & Cherry Blossom Viewing Editions) – 3,080 yen

This collection is a nod to Nintendo’s deep roots in Hanafuda manufacturing before it became a global gaming powerhouse. It’s a perfect fusion of classic artistry and modern gaming nostalgia, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.

For those interested, these goods will be available in limited quantities. Be sure to check Nintendo’s stores or online marketplaces like Amazon and Rakuten to secure your favourites.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

Cult N64 Platformer ‘Glover’ Set to Launch on Nintendo Switch

Posted on by Owen

The classic Nintendo 64 platformer Glover is making its way to the Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2025, priced at $19.99. Originally released in 1998, Glover offers a unique gameplay experience where players control a magical glove navigating various levels atop a transformative ball.

In Glover, players embark on a quest to restore balance to the kingdom by solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles across six distinct worlds. The game’s mechanics revolve around the ability to change the ball’s properties, providing diverse interactions and challenges.

This upcoming release is a port of the original N64 version, developed by QUByte Interactive. Notably, a physical edition was previously offered through Limited Run Games, with pre-orders closing in September 2024 and shipments expected in January 2025. However, this physical release has already sold out, making the digital launch a prime opportunity for those who missed out.

Fans are hopeful that this Switch version will address issues present in the 2022 Steam release, which faced criticism for various bugs. The developers have yet to confirm any specific improvements, but the community remains optimistic for a polished experience.

Credit: Steam

For those looking to relive a piece of gaming history or experience Glover for the first time, the upcoming Switch release offers a convenient and accessible way to enjoy this cult classic.

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Fun Things, Modern Retro Games, Nintendo

Star Fox Artist Advocates for ‘Star Fox Assault’ on Switch 2

Posted on by Owen

As Star Fox Assault reaches its 20th anniversary, original series artist Takaya Imamura has expressed his desire to see the GameCube title become available on Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console. Imamura, who designed iconic characters like Fox McCloud and Falco Lombardi, shared an illustration on social media featuring Fox holding a submarine, symbolising both Star Fox Assault and Steel Diver Sub Wars, another title he hopes will be playable on the new system.

Released in 2005, Star Fox Assault was developed by Namco and combined traditional space combat with ground-based missions. While the game received mixed reviews, with some criticism directed at its on-foot segments, it has maintained a dedicated fan base over the years.

Imamura’s advocacy for bringing classic titles to modern platforms isn’t new. In 2022, he called for a port of Star Fox Zero, a Wii U exclusive, to the Nintendo Switch, highlighting his ongoing commitment to the franchise and its accessibility to new audiences.

As Nintendo prepares for the launch of the Switch 2, fans share Imamura’s enthusiasm for making classic games more accessible. The potential inclusion of titles like Star Fox Assault could offer both nostalgic experiences for longtime players and fresh adventures for newcomers.

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Fun Things, Nintendo, Steam

Omega 6 Manga by Star Fox Artist Set for English Release

Posted on by Owen

Takaya Imamura, renowned for his work on Star Fox and F-Zero, is bringing his manga Omega 6 to English-speaking audiences. Originally released in France, the 216-page English edition will be published by Dark Horse Comics and is scheduled for release on October 21, 2025, priced at $14.99.

Omega 6 follows protagonists Thunder and Kyla, bounty hunters journeying through space in search of a new home for humanity. This narrative serves as the foundation for the video game adaptation, Omega 6: The Triangle Stars, which was released in Japan last year. The English version of the game is set to launch on February 28, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam).

Junji Seki, president of the game’s developer Happymeal, emphasizes that the game’s storyline is distinct from the manga, offering fresh experiences for fans of both mediums. He notes, “The video game version is a totally different story, set in the same world as the Omega 6 comic.”

Imamura, who departed Nintendo in 2021 after a three-decade tenure, expressed his enthusiasm for reaching a broader audience: “I sincerely hope that my manga and games can be enjoyed by people regardless of where they live.”

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Fun Things, Modern Retro Games, Sega

Dreamcast Minecraft Developer Showcases Insanely Fast Voxel Engine

Posted on by Owen

A developer known as Meesedev is creating a voxel engine, dubbed the Meese Engine, inspired by Minecraft beta 1.7.3. The goal is to build an engine capable of handling voxel-based games, eventually replacing Minecraft assets with original ones to create a new game surpassing Minecraft in both gameplay and graphical fidelity.

In a recent update, Meesedev showcased the engine’s performance, “blasting through an existing world file at 2,800 km/h, holding a perfect 60fps with a 64-chunk render distance.” This demonstration was conducted on the PC port of the GameCube version of the engine.

The developer has also implemented “world saving and loading” features, enabling the engine to load “14,000 chunks (~500 million blocks) in just a few seconds,” sufficient for a 64-chunk render distance. Notably, Meesedev dedicates only one day per week to this project, making the progress particularly impressive.

While the Meese Engine is not planned to be fully open source, Meesedev has indicated that some smaller components might be made open source in the future.

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Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered Announced for Switch and PC

Posted on by Owen

Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced that Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered will be released on May 22, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. Originally launched in 2012 for the PlayStation Vita, this remastered version brings the game to Western audiences for the first time, complete with enhanced visuals and English localisation.  

Credit: Bandai

Players will have the opportunity to relive iconic moments from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, choosing to align with one of three factions: Earth Alliance Forces, ZAFT, or the Archangel. The game features over 100 mobile suits, all redesigned with high-resolution textures, and includes side stories from the Gundam SEED universe, such as Astray and C.E. 73: STARGAZER.  

The remastered edition offers a redesigned user interface tailored for modern platforms, improved tuning options, mission selection enhancements, and a new lock-on mode for more accessible gameplay. These updates aim to provide a smoother and more engaging experience for both new players and longtime fans.  

Credit: Bandai

Pre-orders for the Steam version are currently available, with Nintendo Switch pre-orders opening at a later date. For more information, visit the official website.  

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Fun Things, Nintendo

Berkshire Hathaway Considered Buying Nintendo (and Activision)

Posted on by Owen

In a recent episode of the Grit Podcast, former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick revealed that Berkshire Hathaway, led by vice chairman Charlie Munger, once contemplated acquiring Nintendo. Kotick recounted a conversation where Munger suggested purchasing both Activision and Nintendo, noting that Nintendo was valued at $13 billion with $7 billion in cash at the time. Munger humorously remarked that if the investment turned sour after his passing, it could be attributed to “the folly of an 82-year-old.”

This revelation adds to the list of companies that have considered acquiring Nintendo. Notably, Microsoft once approached Nintendo with a buyout offer, which was reportedly met with laughter.

While these discussions never materialized into actual deals, they highlight the gaming industry’s allure to major conglomerates. Nintendo’s enduring success and unique position in the market continue to make it a subject of interest for potential acquisitions.

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Fun Things, Microsoft

Minecraft Movie’s Villager Design Is Pure Nightmare Fuel

Posted on by Owen

The upcoming Minecraft movie has unveiled its depiction of the game’s iconic villagers, eliciting strong reactions from fans. In a recent trailer, viewers were introduced to a more realistic portrayal of these characters, featuring prominent foreheads, pronounced unibrows, and large, rectangular noses. This design choice has led to widespread discomfort among the community.

Many fans have taken to social media to express their unease, with some drawing comparisons to Squidward from SpongeBob SquarePants. Comments range from lighthearted jokes to concerns that the new villager design might be unsettling for younger audiences. One user remarked that the villagers are “actually quite disturbing,” while another speculated that “kids will be having nightmares from this.”

The Minecraft movie, set to release on April 4, 2025, has been a topic of much anticipation and scrutiny. As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen how audiences will react to these creative decisions and whether the film will capture the charm of the original game.

For those looking to preserve their gaming history, consider RetroShell, the world’s finest video game protector, offering premium quality and superior display and protection. Stay updated with the latest retro gaming news by subscribing to our free weekly Substack, delivered every Monday, at Retro Gaming News.

Fun Things, Gaming History

James Bond Producer’s Concerns Over Violence and having Guns in GoldenEye 007 Wii Remake

Posted on by Owen

In a recent discussion on the Grit podcast, former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick revealed that Barbara Broccoli, co-owner of the James Bond film franchise rights, expressed reservations about including violence and firearms in the 2010 GoldenEye 007 Wii remake. Kotick noted, “We made a sequel, and it was a challenging thing to make because Barbara Broccoli did not really want anything that was violence. And she didn’t really want guns in the game.”

The original GoldenEye 007, released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64, is often credited with boosting the console’s popularity. Kotick remarked, “GoldenEye is what actually sold the N64.” The 2010 reimagining for the Wii featured Daniel Craig as James Bond, replacing Pierce Brosnan from the original game. Despite the challenges, the remake was developed to align with the expectations of a modern first-person shooter while respecting the franchise’s legacy.

Kotick acknowledged Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson as “great custodians for the IP,” understanding their concerns about violence, especially considering the franchise’s appeal to younger audiences. He emphasized the difficulty in balancing these concerns with the expectations for a new GoldenEye game.

The 2010 GoldenEye 007 was initially exclusive to the Wii and later released as GoldenEye 007: Reloaded for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2011. The game aimed to modernize the classic while introducing new gameplay elements and updated graphics.

Source: Gamespot.

For those interested in preserving their gaming collections, consider RetroShell, the world’s finest video game protector, offering premium quality and superior display and protection. Stay updated with the latest retro gaming news by subscribing to our free weekly Substack, delivered every Monday, at Retro Gaming News.

Modern Retro Games, Sega, Sony

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Set for August Release

Posted on by Owen

Sega has officially announced the upcoming release of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, a 2D action platformer developed by Lizardcube, the studio renowned for Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap and Streets of Rage 4. The game is scheduled to launch on August 29, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, priced at $29.99 USD.

Credit: Sega

Players will once again step into the shoes of Joe Musashi, the iconic ninja protagonist, embarking on a quest for vengeance across more than a dozen stages filled with challenging platforming puzzles. The combat system is designed to be combo-driven, offering a variety of tools such as the Katana Oborozuki, Kunai, Ninjutsu arts, and Ninpo to defeat adversaries.

Credit: Sega

For enthusiasts seeking additional content, a Digital Deluxe version will be available for $39.99. This edition includes early access to the game, a starter pack with in-game items, a digital art book and soundtrack, and a DLC stage featuring bosses inspired by iconic Sega villains, slated for release in early 2026.

The Shinobi series, which debuted in the late 1980s, has been a cornerstone of Sega’s gaming legacy. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance marks the first new installment in 14 years, following previous revivals on the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo 3DS. Fans of the series and newcomers alike can look forward to experiencing this modern take on a classic franchise.

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