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Tag Archives: retro gaming

Retro Gaming News

👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0139

Posted on by Owen

In this week’s newsletter we cover the greatest Game Cube games, linking the Dreamcast and the Neo Geo pocket, the rise of retro and a load more.

News

🛡️ Halo meets Hyrule – A modder has introduced Halo-inspired weapons and vehicles into The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, blending two iconic gaming franchises. Retroshell

🕹️ New classics on Switch Online – Donkey Kong ’94 and Mario’s Picross are now available on Nintendo Switch Online, expanding its library of retro games. Polygon

🇯🇵 Suda51’s lost story translated – A fan translation of Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special makes the game’s dark and legendary narrative accessible to Western audiences. Retroshell

🎮 NES history at GDC 2025 – GDC attendees are invited to explore the lost history of the Nintendo Entertainment System in a special presentation. GoNintendo

🐷 Snout lands on Game Boy Color – Snout, a new Game Boy Color adventure, is seeking funding on Kickstarter, promising fresh retro-style gameplay. Retroshell

🔍 Zelda’s hidden secrets – A deep dive into The Legend of Zelda series reveals fascinating hidden details and Easter eggs that many fans may have missed. Ranker

🦖 Baby T-Rex returns – The classic dinosaur platformer Baby T-Rex is making a comeback on the Game Boy, reviving a nostalgic adventure. Retroshell

🚀 Sigma Star Saga DX preorders open – Preorders are now live for Sigma Star Saga DX, a revamped version of the Game Boy Advance cult classic. Capsule Computers (below)

⚖️ Nintendo blocks piracy site – Nintendo has successfully taken down a French file-hosting site that was distributing pirated retro games. Retroshell

⭐ Underrated N64 gems – A look at some of the most overlooked yet beloved Nintendo 64 games, including Super Mario 64 and GoldenEye 007. ComicBook

🧩 Puyo Puyo gets English patch – The Sega Mega Drive/Genesis classic Puyo Puyo has received a full English fan translation. Retroshell

🎮 Analogue’s silence on N64 console – Analogue has yet to provide an update on its rumored 4K Nintendo 64 console, leaving fans waiting. Technowize

🏛️ Acclaim makes a comeback – The legendary game publisher Acclaim is returning in 2025, aiming to reclaim its place in the industry. Retroshell

🫧 Kiddy Bubble review – Kiddy Bubble, a love letter to the Game Gear era, delivers classic emulation a modern twist. Time Extension

The Kiddy Bubble. Strange name.

⚔️ Suikoden I & II return – Konami is reviving the beloved Suikoden JRPG series, bringing new life to these classic titles. Retroshell

🕹️ Namco’s Vs. Mystery Tower – The puzzle-platformer Vs. Mystery Tower is the latest Arcade Archives release, preserving another classic. Time Extension

🏆 Masahiro Sakurai honored – Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai is being celebrated for his influential game designs and lasting legacy. Retroshell

📢 Hyperkin apologizes for delays – Hyperkin has admitted to overpromising and underdelivering, addressing concerns about its gaming hardware. Time Extension

🎵 A Link to the Past joins Nintendo’s music library – The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past has been officially added to Nintendo’s music catalog. Retroshell

🦇 Castlevania: Dracula X revisited – A fresh look at Castlevania: Dracula X argues that it’s better than its reputation suggests. CBR

🕹️ Geometry Dash meets NES – Famidash, a new homebrew title, brings Geometry Dash-style gameplay to the NES. Retroshell

🎉 PlayStation 2 turns 25 – As the PlayStation 2 celebrates its 25th anniversary, its impact as the best-selling console in history is revisited. Gagadget

👻 GameCube games on Switch 2? – Rumors suggest that Luigi’s Mansion 4 and other GameCube titles could be part of the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup. ComicBook

Features

🎬 The Legend of Zelda movie update – New details have emerged about The Legend of Zelda live-action movie, including its creative team and production status. Retroshell

📈 Retro gaming’s digital rise – The resurgence of retro gaming in the digital era is explored, highlighting emulation, re-releases, and collector demand. Goomba Stomp

📉 Nintendo drops out of Metacritic’s top 20 – For the first time in years, Nintendo has fallen out of Metacritic’s top 20 publishers of 2024. Retroshell

🕹️ Inside the rare Nintendo PlayStation – A deep dive into the history and functionality of the ultra-rare Nintendo PlayStation prototype. XDA Developers (below)

The gaming world could have been a very different place

🤖 Super Mario as an AI benchmark – Super Mario is now being used as a key test for AI performance, influencing machine learning research. Retroshell

🔌 GameCube HDMI upgrade – A new mod delivers crisp and clear HDMI output for the GameCube, enhancing its visuals on modern displays. Time Extension

🎂 Mario’s 40th anniversary tribute – A special Mario 40th-anniversary cover celebrates gaming’s most iconic hero and his enduring legacy. Retroshell

🔗 Dreamcast and Neo Geo Pocket link-up – A guide to connecting the Sega Dreamcast with the Neo Geo Pocket Color, unlocking exclusive features. MyGamer

Lists & Rankings

💰 Rarest Sega Genesis games – A look at the rarest and most valuable Sega Genesis games, with some fetching high prices among collectors. CBR

⚔️ Best 8-bit tactical RPGs – A ranking of the greatest 8-bit tactical RPGs, showcasing the strategy classics that defined the genre. GameRant

🕹️ Games that thrived on clones – Many famous games owe their success to unofficial clones and bootlegs that helped spread their popularity. How-To Geek

🎮 Best GameCube games – A definitive list of the greatest GameCube games, celebrating Nintendo’s beloved sixth-generation console. Beebom

Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Steam

Sigma Star Saga DX: Classic GBA Hybrid Returns with Enhanced Edition

Posted on by Owen

WayForward has announced Sigma Star Saga DX, a remastered version of their cult Game Boy Advance title that uniquely combined shoot-em-up action with role-playing game elements. The enhanced edition, now available for pre-order through Limited Run Games, revives the distinctive 2005 release with several new features while maintaining the innovative gameplay that set the original apart.

Credit: Way Forward

The Original Hybrid Experience

Sigma Star Saga initially released for the Game Boy Advance in 2005, developed by WayForward and published by Namco. The game garnered attention for its novel approach to genre blending, featuring top-down RPG exploration that seamlessly transitioned into horizontal shooting segments when encountering enemies. Players controlled Ian Recker, a human pilot infiltrating an alien force called the Krill during an interstellar war.

Credit: Limited Run Games

The title distinguished itself through its “Gun Data” system, allowing players to collect and combine different weapon components to create customised firearms for shooting sequences. This deep customisation system provided strategic depth rarely seen in handheld shooters of the era, with over 100 possible weapon configurations that significantly altered gameplay.

Enhanced Features in the DX Edition

The DX edition maintains the core gameplay while introducing several quality-of-life improvements. The remaster features enhanced visuals that preserve the original pixel art style while optimising it for modern displays. Audio enhancements include remastered sound effects and music that take advantage of improved hardware capabilities while maintaining the original compositions.

Credit: WayForward

New content includes an expanded gallery mode featuring previously unreleased concept art and development materials from the original release. The DX version also incorporates a refined user interface addressing some navigation issues present in the 2005 release, making the hybrid gameplay transitions more seamless.

Collector’s Edition Details

Limited Run Games is offering both standard ($49.99) and collector’s edition ($99.99) of Sigma Star Saga DX, due for release in November 24-30th 2025. The collector’s package includes a physical GBA cartridge compatible with original hardware, a detailed art book documenting the game’s distinctive visual style, and a soundtrack CD featuring both original and remastered audio tracks.

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Modern Retro Games, Rom Hack

Classic Street Fighter II Returns: Faithful Arcade Port Arrives on Amstrad CPC 6128

Posted on by Owen

A fan-made tech-demo of Street Fighter II for the Amstrad CPC has brought the legendary arcade brawler back into the spotlight. Developed meticulously to reflect the beloved original, this adaptation has gamers revisiting the glory days of arcade halls from the classic home computer.

Credit: Mojon Twins

Initially developed by Capcom and released in arcades in 1991, Street Fighter II became a global phenomenon, defining the fighting game genre and setting the standard for countless future titles. The recent Amstrad CPC adaptation, named Street Fighter II CPC Edition, is a remarkable achievement given the technical constraints of the vintage 8-bit computer system.

Notably, the Amstrad CPC version captures the essential gameplay elements of the original arcade version, including the distinctive fighting mechanics, iconic character moves, and detailed pixel art representations. Although constrained by the CPC’s hardware, developer Augusto Ruiz and the team offer 5 playable characters in the demo : Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Blanka and Guile and an enemy to fight, and they note there are still some glitches.

Credit: Mojon Twins

Technical ingenuity is essential in overcoming the CPC’s limitations—primarily its modest 64KB RAM in the CPC 464 and 8-bit processing capacity. Presently the game is working on the CPC 6128 however they are working on the CPC 464 version with more animation, working on less RAM (the 6128 has 128KB RAM). Ruiz and his colleagues leveraged clever coding optimisations and memory management techniques to maintain performance without sacrificing the authentic feel.

Such ambitious fan projects serve as a reminder of gaming’s vibrant history and the dedicated communities keeping classic games alive. You can download the game from Mojon Twins.

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Nintendo, Rom Hack

Halo Meets Hyrule: Modder Adds Iconic Weapons and Vehicles to Ocarina of Time

Posted on by Owen

A modder has fused The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time with Halo, integrating the shooter’s iconic weapons and vehicles into the classic Nintendo 64 game. Developed by notCHase, this fan-made project introduces a fresh way to explore Hyrule, blending two distinct gaming worlds. Released in 1998, Ocarina of Time remains a landmark title, and this mod showcases the creativity still thriving in its modding community.

What the Mod Brings to the Game

The modification equips Link with Halo staples like the Energy Sword, a melee weapon known for its lethal precision, and grenades, offering explosive combat options. The standout addition is the Warthog, Halo’s all-terrain vehicle, which replaces Epona as Link’s transport. Players can even recruit Princess Zelda as a gunner in the Warthog, adding a cooperative twist to the adventure, all made possible through the game’s open-source PC port.

Merging Two Gaming Legacies

This mod builds on Ocarina of Time’s rich modding history, where fans have long experimented with new content. Meanwhile, Halo, launched by Bungie in 2001, is celebrated for its distinctive arsenal, making this crossover a technical feat and a nostalgic treat.

By combining Halo’s sci-fi flair with Hyrule’s fantasy, notCHase has crafted an inventive spin on a beloved game.

Protect your retro treasures with RetroShell, built to preserve your collection. For more retro gaming news, sign up to our free Substack newsletter, landing in your inbox every Monday!

New Games, Nintendo

Nintendo Slips Out of Metacritic’s Top 20 of 2024

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo, historically revered for its consistently polished releases, has slipped outside the top 20 in Metacritic’s 15th Annual Game Publisher Rankings. The news has come as a shock to long-time followers who have come to expect high scores for the company’s titles, many of which have roots stretching back to the 1980s and beyond. Metacritic’s annual ranking analyses critical reception and overall performance, making Nintendo’s lower placement a notable departure from its usual standing near the top.

Credit: Metacritic

The 2025 ranking suggests that the publisher’s newer releases, while not necessarily lacking in quality, have not reached the stellar acclaim of previous generations. Still, this could be influenced by the competitive nature of the modern gaming landscape, where publishers vie for attention across multiple platforms.

Though the rankings are surprising, many believe Nintendo’s legacy of imaginative gameplay and focus on hardware innovation will endure. After all, the gaming giant has weathered various market cycles since its early ventures, including its transition from playing card production to pioneering family-friendly consoles. Whether it’s the ongoing popularity of Super Smash Bros. tournaments or enduring fan communities sharing tips, gaming history shows that a single ranking rarely defines a publisher’s overall standing in the long run.

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Nintendo, Rom Hack

Pokémon Mario Red And Luigi Green: Iconic Nintendo Worlds Intertwine In New Rom Hack In Development

Posted on by Owen

A new ROM hack called Pokémon Mario Red and Luigi Green has recently been announced, merging two of Nintendo’s most enduring franchises into a single project. This inventive spin on the original Pokémon adventures replaces familiar pocket monsters with beloved Mushroom Kingdom characters, which is a really interesting project.

Credit: DogPond4 Twitter

Mario has been synonymous with Nintendo since the 1980s, headlining titles from the earliest NES releases to more modern platforms, while Pokémon, first published in 1996 for the Game Boy, quickly became a worldwide sensation. Both remain central pillars of Nintendo’s heritage, with each franchise having introduced millions to gaming in their formative years. By fusing these icons, the ROM hack pays homage to the playful exploration found in classic Pokémon while embracing the whimsical spirit of the Mario series.

From a technical perspective, ROM hacking is an intricate process that involves altering a game’s original data to introduce new visuals, storylines, or gameplay mechanics. While the practice has its roots in the broader retro gaming community. It is going to be very interesting to see how DogPond4 approaches the balance of the characters, will he simply lift the stats from the Pokemon and assign them to the Mario characters, and which ones will align with the different Pokemon types? I already like the approach that has been shared regarding how the evolutions and shinies will work in the hack.

Credit: DogPond4 / Twitter

Interestingly, the original Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy ranked among the best-selling RPGs of all time, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide. The ongoing popularity of Pokémon, combined with the universal appeal of Mario, underscores the significance of this hybrid hack for classic games collectors and Nintendo devotees alike. You can follow the project, by following DogPond4 on X.

Keep your classic games safe with [RetroShell], designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, [subscribe to our free Substack], delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Fun Things

New Funko Mortal Kombat 11 Figures Celebrate Iconic Fatalities

Posted on by Owen

The Mortal Kombat series, which began thrilling arcade-goers in 1992, has always been known for its intense combat and unforgettable finishing moves. Now, Funko is honouring the legacy of Mortal Kombat 11 with a new line of Pop! figures that showcase the game’s signature Fatalities. Fans who remember the franchise’s early days on classic consoles will recognise the gritty charm that made Mortal Kombat a sensation in the 16-bit era. The new Funko models are due for release on the 16th May and pre-orders are open @ Amazon.

Credit: Funko

These new Funko designs emphasise the vivid details of each character’s finishing manoeuvre. Collectors can expect Scorpion in a mid-attack pose, Sub-Zero with icy effects, and other favourites sporting their distinctive Fatality styles. It’s a clear nod to the franchise’s origins, when digitised actors and controversial violence caught the attention of gamers and parents alike. Despite evolving graphics and modern platforms, Mortal Kombat has retained its essential gameplay and flair, making these figures all the more appealing to those who value both nostalgia and contemporary collectibles.

Get Over Here / Credit: Funko

With over three decades in the spotlight, Mortal Kombat continues to entertain generations of players with its dynamic battles and storylines. This fresh wave of Funko figures reflects that enduring appeal, bridging the gap between seasoned arcade veterans and newcomers who discovered the series via the latest consoles. By combining classic Fatalities with contemporary Pop! artistry, Funko has created a fitting tribute to one of gaming’s most influential fighting franchises.

Kung Lao Exclusive – Credit: Funko Pop

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, made to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack—it’s delivered to your inbox every Monday! Interestingly, the original Mortal Kombat introduced digitised sprites using real actors, an innovation that set it apart from other fighters of its era.

Modern Retro Games, New Games, Nintendo

Snout Brings Fresh Adventures to the Game Boy Color via Kickstarter

Posted on by Owen

Retro gaming enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate: Snout, a charming platformer for the Game Boy Color, has launched on Kickstarter. Developed to run on original hardware, it puts players in the trotters of an eager little pig, navigating colourful levels filled with hidden challenges. You can access the demo for the game here.

Credit: Kickstarter (we love the box)

The campaign has sparked considerable excitement among collectors who enjoy seeing fresh content on vintage systems. As of today, backers can choose from a digital-only download for around £8 (approximately €9 or $10), a standard physical cartridge tier for roughly £32 (approximately €37 or $40), and a collector’s package set at around £48 (approximately €55 or $60). These pledge levels give fans the flexibility to support Snout in a way that suits their budget, while also ensuring continued interest in new Game Boy titles.

Credit: Kickstarter

This project is part of a growing trend of indie developers reviving older platforms with brand-new experiences. Over the past few years, other Game Boy Color releases have popped up, demonstrating a renewed creative energy in handheld retro gaming. Enthusiasts note the technical skill required to develop for the Game Boy Color, given its limited memory and modest CPU speed—yet these constraints often inspire clever design choices, with modern coders often pushing the hardware beyond what was seen in its heyday. It is remarkable that, despite the Game Boy Color’s initial release in 1998, fan-driven passion still brings forth titles that can run on genuine hardware today.

Interestingly, the original Game Boy line remained so popular that Nintendo sold over 100 million units worldwide before discontinuation. This enduring appeal speaks volumes about its place in gaming history.

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Fun Things, Nintendo

How Super Mario Became the New Benchmark for AI Performance

Posted on by Owen

Super Mario Bros., the iconic 1985 Nintendo classic, has found an unexpected new role in the modern digital age: benchmarking artificial intelligence systems. According to a recent report by TechCrunch, researchers are now routinely using Nintendo’s beloved plumber as a litmus test for evaluating AI capabilities.

Credit: TechCrunch

Originally released in 1985 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Mario Bros. quickly became one of the most influential video games of its generation, credited with revitalising the home video game market after the infamous crash of 1983. Designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, the game introduced mechanics that laid foundations for platformers, a genre that dominated gaming throughout the late 80s and 90s.

Why choose Super Mario Bros. for AI testing? Technically, the game’s structure offers clear objectives, straightforward controls, and increasing levels of complexity, making it an ideal candidate to assess the decision-making, problem-solving, and generalisation abilities of modern AI models. AI systems are tasked with navigating Mario through various levels, dodging obstacles, and reacting swiftly to dynamic in-game environments. The game’s relatively simplistic graphics mask deeper computational challenges, as Mario must swiftly adapt to changing scenarios—something humans handle intuitively, but AI often finds difficult.

Historically, Super Mario Bros. was first released in Japan in 1985 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), quickly becoming a global phenomenon. By 1987, it was the best-selling video game of all time, a title it held for decades, selling over 40 million copies worldwide. Its cultural impact is undeniable, influencing game design principles used to this day, which explains why researchers consistently return to Mario as a reliable metric for technological advancement.

Remarkably, this isn’t Mario’s first brush with AI innovation. Back in 2015, an AI called ‘Mari/O’ successfully navigated complex levels autonomously, showcasing early neural network capabilities. Today, the complexity of these tests has evolved significantly, with contemporary AIs not only completing levels but optimising paths and discovering exploits unknown to human players.

A truly compelling fact: In 2021, a fan-created AI managed to complete the entire Super Mario Bros. game in under five minutes, exploiting glitches that even seasoned human speed-runners had overlooked for decades. This achievement highlighted the powerful—and sometimes unexpected—capabilities of AI.

Preserve your retro gaming heritage with RetroShell, creators of premium cases like their iconic Nintendo 64 protectors. For more fascinating retro gaming insights, subscribe to our newsletter, delivered directly to your inbox every Monday!

Fun Things

Nanogaming: Classic Video Games Plus Cutting-Edge Nanotechnology = The Worlds Smallest Video Game

Posted on by Owen

In a remarkable fusion of retro gaming charm and advanced nanotechnology, researchers from Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Engineering have unveiled what they describe as the world’s smallest shooting game. This innovative project manipulates nanoparticles approximately one billionth of a meter in size, drawing inspiration from classic arcade games to create an interactive experience at the nanoscale.

Credit: Physics.Org

The Nanogame Experience

The research team, led by Professor Takayuki Hoshino, developed a system that integrates digital technology with the physical nanoworld in real time. Utilizing high-speed electron beams, they generate dynamic patterns of electric fields and optical images on a display surface, allowing for precise control over nanoparticles. Players interact with this system using a joystick to maneuver a triangular spaceship, reminiscent of vintage arcade shooters. The objective is to ‘shoot’ at enemy characters, represented by nano-sized polystyrene balls, effectively merging digital gameplay with tangible nano-objects.  

Historical Context: From Pixels to Nanoparticles

The evolution of video games has been closely tied to technological advancements. In the 1970s and 1980s, limitations in computing power led to the creation of pixel art, where images were crafted from small, distinct pixels. Games like “Space Invaders” (1978) and “Pac-Man” (1980) are iconic examples from this era.  The current nanoscale game represents a significant leap, transitioning from manipulating pixels to controlling individual nanoparticles, showcasing the strides made in both gaming and nanotechnology. 

Technical Insights: The Mechanics Behind the Game

The game’s functionality hinges on the precise control of electron beams to manipulate electro-force fields at the nanoscale. By adjusting these beams in real time, the system can influence the movement of nanoparticles, allowing for interactive gameplay. This method not only demonstrates the potential for entertainment but also paves the way for applications in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering, such as assembling biomolecular structures or targeting specific cells within organisms.  

Implications and Future Prospects

Beyond its novelty, this nanoscale game exemplifies the potential of “nano-mixed reality” (nano-MR), a technology that seamlessly merges digital interfaces with the nanoscopic world. The ability to interact with and manipulate nanoparticles in real time opens new avenues in scientific research and medical applications. For instance, similar techniques could be employed to guide therapeutic agents directly to virus-infected cells, enhancing treatment efficacy.  

Preserving Gaming Heritage in the Age of Nanotechnology

This development also highlights the enduring influence of classic video games. By drawing inspiration from early arcade shooters, the researchers have paid homage to the origins of gaming while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible today. It serves as a testament to how the foundational elements of retro games continue to inspire innovation across diverse fields.

Credit: Physics.Org for the original article.

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