New Skies of Arcadia Patch Delivers the Ultimate 60Hz Multi-Language Experience
A new fan patch for Skies of Arcadia offers the most refined version of the Dreamcast classic, fixing long-standing issues from previous 60Hz conversions. This update fully restores proper animation timings, corrects audio sync issues, and ensures seamless performance across all display modes—including RGB, VGA, and composite—while supporting multiple languages.
This patch builds upon the earlier 60Hz PAL conversion by Japanese_cake but goes a step further by undoing PAL-specific optimizations. The result is a version of Skies of Arcadia that runs identically to the original NTSC releases while allowing players to experience the game in English, Spanish, German, or French at a smooth 60Hz refresh rate.
Key improvements include:
• Perfectly Synced Cutscenes – Audio is now in complete sync with the NTSC releases, eliminating the delays found in the previous patch.
• Restored Sound Effects – SFX have been reverted to match the original NTSC versions, correcting distortions caused by PAL adjustments.
• Accurate Movement Speed – Walking speed now mirrors the JP/US releases, ensuring a faithful gameplay experience.
• Full 60Hz Display Support – Works flawlessly with RGB, VGA, and composite video on all region Dreamcast consoles.
• Region-Free Compatibility – Playable on any Dreamcast without modification.
For those looking for additional enhancements, Skye from the Skies of Arcadia Discord is developing a quality-of-life patch based on this release. It aims to restore censored content, adjust the high encounter rate, and reintroduce the original website functionality.
You can view the patch notes here, and download the new release here.
For now, if you’re seeking the ultimate Skies of Arcadia experience with perfect 60Hz performance, this patch is the definitive way to play.
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We have talked about Cronela’s Mansion before, and we are pleased to say that it is now live on Kickstarter, bringing a fresh yet nostalgic take on the genre. Developed by Straynus, this new title pays tribute to classics like Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island, promising a blend of humour, mystery, and intricate puzzles.
Credit: Kickstarter
What makes Cronela’s Mansion stand out is its dedication to retro gaming. Unlike most modern indie projects, this game is designed for multiple classic platforms, including the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and even PC and Nintendo Switch. The developer has gone the extra mile, ensuring each version is optimized for its respective system, with unique sprite work and adaptations.
Credit: Kickstarter
Set in a mysterious mansion filled with odd characters, supernatural occurrences, and plenty of puzzles, Cronela’s Mansion embraces the quirky, narrative-driven spirit of its inspirations. The game has already been showcased at MAGFest 2025, where it won Best Sound Design, further cementing its potential.
Credit: Kickstarter
The Kickstarter campaign is ambitious, with a funding goal of £103,966. As of now, the project has raised over £46,000 with 27 days remaining. Backers can choose from various editions, including digital copies, physical cartridges, collector’s items, and even a behind-the-scenes art book. Demos for multiple platforms are available, allowing players to get an early taste of what’s in store.
If you’re a fan of classic LucasArts-style adventure games or just love the idea of a new title built for retro hardware, Cronela’s Mansion is a campaign worth backing. The project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by March 6, 2025. You can check it out and support the game on Kickstarter.
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The latest MAME update, version 0.274, brings significant performance improvements and expands the emulator’s already vast library of supported arcade and console games. The new release enhances the emulation of several platforms while fixing long-standing issues and improving overall compatibility.
One of the major highlights of MAME 0.274 is the improved emulation of several Namco System 10 arcade games, including Gekitoride-Jong Space, which is now fully playable. Performance optimizations have also been applied to the driver for Namco’s Super System 22, allowing for a smoother experience when playing titles like Time Crisis 2 and 500 GP.
Gekitoride-Jong Space Arcade
Additionally, Capcom’s Magic Sword has received a sound fix that properly synchronizes effects with gameplay, addressing an issue that had persisted for years. MAME 0.274 also makes refinements to Sega’s Model 3 emulation, improving stability in games such as Virtua Fighter 3 and Scud Race.
Beyond arcade systems, the update introduces improvements to the emulation of several vintage computers and game consoles. The Atari Jaguar emulation has seen major fixes, allowing better compatibility with homebrew games, while the Tandy 1000 line of computers now supports improved graphics rendering.
The Tandy 1000
Performance optimizations have been applied across the board, reducing CPU usage in various drivers, and making the latest version of MAME more efficient even on lower-end hardware.
For retro gaming enthusiasts, this update ensures a more stable and accurate emulation experience. You can grab the latest MAME version from the official MAME website.
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Video game music composer Winifred Phillips has won the Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media for her work on the 2024 remake of Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. Originally released in 1981, Wizardry is often credited with laying the foundation for Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and countless other RPGs.
The 2024 Remaster of Wizardary, Credit: Steam
Phillips, known for her contributions to God of War (2005) and LittleBigPlanet 2, composed an entirely new score for this remake, as the original game lacked a dedicated soundtrack. Her work triumphed over notable nominees, including Bear McCreary (God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla), John Paesano (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2), Wilbert Roget II (Star Wars Outlaws), and Pinar Toprak (Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora).
In her acceptance speech, Phillips thanked Digital Eclipse, the studio behind the remake, and emphasised the unique experience of composing for interactive media—where the music adapts dynamically to the player’s actions.
The 1981 Original
This Grammy win not only celebrates Phillips’ achievements but also highlights Wizardry’s lasting influence on the RPG genre, cementing its place in gaming history over four decades after its debut.
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Atari is set to breathe new life into its classic arcade title with the announcement of Breakout Beyond, developed by Choice Provisions, the team behind the Bit.Trip series. This reimagined version of the 1976 classic introduces a fresh horizontal perspective, challenging players to smash through vibrant walls of blocks from left to right.
Credit: Atari
The game boasts 72 levels, an endless mode with online leaderboards, and a two-player local co-op feature, allowing friends to team up for the brick-breaking action. Dynamic procedural audio and visual effects enhance the experience, intensifying with each successful combo.
Originally conceived as an exclusive for the Intellivision Amico in 2020, Atari recognized the game’s potential and collaborated with Choice Provisions to adapt it for modern platforms. Breakout Beyond is slated for release later this year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (via Steam), Atari VCS, and Nintendo Switch.
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In a surprising turn of events, a family-owned supermarket in San Ramón, Costa Rica, has successfully defended its name, ‘Super Mario’, against gaming giant Nintendo.
The supermarket, operating under the slogan “Su lugar de confianza” (“Your trusted place”), has been a community staple for decades. When the owner’s son sought to renew their trademark last year, Nintendo challenged the application, citing its iconic video game character.
Despite feeling daunted by the prospect of facing such a “commercial monster,” the family, with the assistance of legal advisor José Edgardo Jiménez Blanco, decided to stand their ground. Their perseverance paid off when Costa Rica’s National Register ruled in their favor, noting that while Nintendo holds trademarks for ‘Super Mario’ in various categories, it does not cover supermarkets or the sale of groceries.
Credit: Facebook
Expressing their relief and joy, the family stated, “For a moment we thought about throwing in the towel. How were we going to win against such a commercial monster? Especially with the number of legal documents presented by them to ensure victory. Well, luckily Edgardo and I stood firm and a few days ago we received the good news.”
This case underscores the complexities of trademark law and highlights the challenges small businesses can face when up against global corporations. It’s a reminder that with determination and proper legal support, even the smallest entities can uphold their rights.
In a recent interview, Banjo-Kazooie composer Grant Kirkhope delivered a stark verdict for fans hoping to see a new instalment in Rare’s beloved platformer series. Kirkhope, who crafted the iconic soundtrack for the Nintendo 64 classics, expressed that he has “zero hope” for a new Banjo-Kazooie game ever being made.
Kirkhope went on to elaborate that even if a new game were greenlit, it would face insurmountable challenges in meeting fan expectations. “All you die-hard fans would instantly hate it,” he said, referencing the immense nostalgia and reverence surrounding the original titles. According to Kirkhope, any modern attempt to recapture the magic of the series would likely fall short of its legacy, leaving fans disappointed.
I’ve said it before … but .. I have zero hope for another Banjo game, plus all you die hard fans would instantly hate it and slag it off no matter how good it was , it never works.
The statement echoes a sentiment shared by many in the gaming community: reviving a classic franchise comes with high stakes and the potential for backlash. While Banjo-Kazooie made a celebrated return as guest characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and received a port on the Xbox platform, fans hoping for a full-fledged sequel may have to temper their expectations.
The Orginal
For now, the adventures of Banjo and Kazooie remain a cherished memory of gaming’s golden age, with little sign of a new journey on the horizon.
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This week has not been very focused on gaming, as I built a new app (more details to be shared very soon), however, I did manage to play Marvel Snap a lot and also get my Analogue Pocket updated with a load of cores and I started to put some ROM’s on it for future reference. I also got accepted to “Stars Reach” pre-Alpha, but do not have a PC to run it. This looks like a good Star Wars Galaxy successor (the 🐐 in my opinion), but let’s see.
This week we have 40 entries to the newsletter, making it the biggest yet. We cover more “new” Game Boy games, updates on the Superstation One (FPGA PS1), a Tang $69 FPGA console, and a load more.
News
🎮 Embark on a Retro Adventure with PokettoHiro for Game Boy Color. A new retro-style game called PokettoHiro has been released for the Game Boy Color, offering an exciting mix of platforming and RPG mechanics. Retroshell.
🎵 Gimmick! Gets a New Arranged Album Featuring an All-Star Lineup. A newly arranged album for the NES classic Gimmick! is in production, featuring contributions from renowned musicians. Time Extension.
🕹️ Ultima VII Revisited: Version 0.1.0 Breathes New Life into a Classic RPG. A fan project updating Ultima VII has released version 0.1.0, introducing modern enhancements while preserving its classic RPG charm. Retroshell.
🎮 Balenciaga’s Limited Edition Game Console Misses the Mark. Balenciaga’s new luxury game console highlights the disconnect between high fashion and gaming culture. Yanko Design.
👻 The Demo for Cronela’s Mansion Has Dropped. A playable demo for Cronela’s Mansion is now available, teasing a spooky new experience for fans of indie horror games. Retroshell.
🎮 Metal Miracle: A New Game Boy Color Title from Hermano’s Creators(below). The developers of Hermanohave unveiled Metal Miracle, a fresh RPG for the Game Boy Color. Retrododo.
🕹️ Mega EverDrive Core: Affordable Flash Cartridge for Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. The Mega EverDrive Core is a cost-effective flash cartridge offering new accessibility for Sega Genesis and Mega Drive gaming. Retroshell.
⚔️ Game Boy Classic Ninja Five-O Returns February 25. Ninja Five-O, a beloved Game Boy Advance action game, will make a comeback on February 25. Hardcore Gamer.
⚔️ Ninja Five-O: Konami’s Forgotten GBA Gem Returns. Konami’s cult classic Ninja Five-O is being re-released, rekindling interest in the overlooked GBA title. Retroshell.
🎨 Limited Run Games Adds Phantasy Star Online Merch Line. Limited Run Games has launched new merchandise inspired by Phantasy Star Online. GoNintendo.
🔑 The New SEGA Account Connects Fans with Iconic Games. Sega introduces a unified account system to enhance access to its game ecosystem. Retroshell.
🕺 Dreamcast Dance Rhythm Game Puyo Puyo DA Now in English. The rhythm game Puyo Puyo DA for the Dreamcast has been translated into English, making it accessible to a wider audience. Time Extension.
🌟 The Meating Special Edition Glow-in-the-Dark Shell Unveiled. A glow-in-the-dark special edition shell for The Meating has been announced. Retroshell.
❄️ Snow Bros. 2 Special Brings Frosty Fun Back. The arcade classic Snow Bros. 2 is set to return with updated visuals and gameplay tweaks. Retroshell.
🎮 Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics Gearing Up for Launch. Technos Japan’s arcade classics are bundled into Super Technos World, bringing nostalgic titles to modern platforms. Retroshell.
🤓 Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit Coming to Modern Consoles and NES. The Angry Video Game Nerd’s 8-bit game is launching soon for both modern consoles and the original NES. Retroshell.
🦆 Tiny Duck Hunt 3D Demo Available Now. A 3D reimagining of Duck Hunt has released its demo, showcasing a modern twist on the NES classic. Retroshell.
🎮 Three New SNES Games Join Switch Online Library. Nintendo has added three new SNES titles to its Switch Online service. Retroshell.
⚠️ Atari Warns Against Unauthorized Use of Pong Trademark. Atari has issued a warning to a cryptocurrency project for unauthorized use of the Pong trademark. Retroshell.
🥋 Mortal Kombat II Fan Project for 3DO Reaches New Milestone. A fan-made version of Mortal Kombat II for the 3DO has made significant progress, including gameplay refinements. Retroshell.
🕹️ Sipeed Introduces Tang Console: A $69 FPGA Device for Retro Gaming. The Tang Console is a $69 FPGA-based device aimed at retro gaming enthusiasts. Retroshell.
📚 Video Game History Foundation Opens Digital Library to the Public. The Video Game History Foundation is sharing its digital library, granting public access to rare game materials. Retroshell.
Features
🎮 Sega has launched a Japanese Game Centre Guide to help tourists navigate the vibrant arcade scene in Japan. Retroshell
🎸 A deep dive into the “Family Bass,” exploring the unique low-end sounds of the Famicom’s musical capabilities (below). Sonic State
🎨 Takaya Imamura, the artist behind Nintendo’s iconic worlds, is celebrated for his creative contributions to gaming. Retroshell
🕹️ A comparison of the Sega Saturn and PlayStation highlights the defining aspects of the 1990s console wars. CBR
🛠️ A Neo Geo Pocket Color modder has enhanced the handheld with a Raspberry Pi, expanding its capabilities. Retroshell
🚫 Lizardcube, the studio behind Wonder Boy and Streets of Rage, declined the chance to work on a Metal Slug title. Time Extension
🔫 Marvel’s The Punisher celebrates its 20th anniversary, reflecting on the legacy of the brutal vigilante in gaming. Inverse
Lists & Rankings
📚 A list of 10 books about retro gaming offers insights and knowledge for enthusiasts and historians. Retroshell
🎥 The best Super Nintendo movie-based games are ranked, highlighting their impact and quality. CBR
🍌 All mainline Donkey Kong games are ranked from best to worst, showcasing the franchise’s evolution. Augustman
🎯 A ranking of the best pinball video games of all time explores this unique gaming niche. CBR
🎮 The best video game controllers of all time are discussed, emphasizing design and innovation. Digital Trends
🕹️ The best Sega Genesis RPGs are ranked, celebrating the console’s standout role-playing games. CBR
🐵 Donkey Kong’s most iconic characters are ranked based on their contributions to the franchise. TheGamer
✨ A look at SNES RPGs that would benefit from HD-2D visuals highlights the potential for modern remakes. CBR
It’s hard to believe, but nearly a year has passed since Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves was officially revealed. Now, SNK has announced the Open Beta Test, giving fans their first hands-on experience with the long-awaited sequel.
Credit: SNK
The beta kicks off on Thursday, February 20, and runs until Sunday, February 24. It will be available across all platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. No active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass membership will be required to join the fight online.
The beta includes 8 playable characters from the confirmed roster of 13 fighters. Players can face off in three online modes—Ranked Match, Casual Match, and Room Matches—or hone their skills in the included Training Mode. However, progress made during the beta won’t carry over to the full release this spring.
The roster revealed so far includes returning favourites like Terry, Rock, B. Jenet, and Hotaru, alongside newcomers such as Vox Reaper and Preecha. Gato, now sporting a fresh new look, was also recently confirmed as part of the cast.
For those looking to pre-order, physical copies of the Special and Deluxe Editions are now available at Best Buy in the United States. Digital pre-orders include a bonus: a few days of early access to the game.
Credit: SNK
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is due out for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on April 24.
For more retro gaming updates and news, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, Retro Gaming Substack. Don’t forget to protect your retro game collection with the world’s finest game protectors from RetroShell.
For fans of The Last of Us Part II, a unique collectable is now available that’s as stylish as it is functional. The Last of Us Part II Notebook, available at PixelCrib, captures the gritty essence of the critically acclaimed game in a practical and beautifully designed format.
A Closer Look at the Notebook
This premium notebook is officially licensed and features intricate design elements inspired by The Last of Us Part II. Here’s why it’s the perfect addition to any fan’s collection.
Credit: Pixelcrib
• Stylish Design:
The notebook cover features the iconic fern motif associated with Ellie, rendered in a sleek and understated design. It’s the perfect blend of functionality and fandom.
• Quality Materials:
Crafted with high-quality paper and a durable cover, this notebook is built to last, making it ideal for daily use or as a collector’s item.
• Ample Writing Space:
With plenty of pages, the notebook is perfect for jotting down notes, sketches, or personal reflections—whether you’re chronicling your survival adventures or everyday thoughts.
The Last of Us Part II Notebook is now available for purchase at PixelCrib.
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