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Tag Archives: retro gaming

Arcade, New Hardware For Retro

Experience Retro Gaming with the Official Data East BurgerTime Quarter Size Arcade Cabinet

Posted on by Owen

Step back into the golden age of arcades with the officially licensed Data East BurgerTime Quarter Size Arcade Cabinet, meticulously crafted by Numskull Designs. This 1:4 scale replica brings the classic 1982 BurgerTime game to your home, office, or personal game room, delivering an authentic retro gaming experience.

Credit: Quarter Arcades

Key Features:

• Authentic Design: Constructed from real wood, this cabinet faithfully reproduces the original arcade machine, featuring official artwork, a 4-way joystick, and illuminated marquee and coin doors.

• Fully Playable: Utilizing the original arcade game ROM on a bespoke emulator, it offers an immersive gameplay experience.

• High-Quality Display and Sound: Equipped with a 5-inch TFT screen and a 3W built-in speaker with volume control, ensuring vibrant visuals and clear audio.

• Portable Power Options: Powered via USB-C (cable included) and includes an internal rechargeable lithium battery for true portability.

• High Score Saving: Compete with friends and family by saving high scores, adding a competitive edge to your gaming sessions.

Credit: Quarter Arcades

Pricing and Availability:

The BurgerTime Quarter Size Arcade Cabinet is available for pre-order at £219.99 / $249.99 / €249.99, with an expected shipping date showing as the 25th of January.

About BurgerTime:

Originally launched in 1982 by Data East, BurgerTime is a classic arcade game where players guide Chef Peter Pepper to create burgers while avoiding enemies like Mr. Egg, Mr. Hotdog, and Mr. Pickle. This quarter-sized cabinet allows fans to relive the excitement of assembling the perfect virtual burger.

Where to Order:

Secure your Official Data East BurgerTime Quarter Size Arcade Cabinet through the official Quarter Arcades website.

Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Retro Gaming News

Embark on a Retro Adventure with Pokettohiro! for Game Boy Color

Posted on by Owen

Retro gaming enthusiasts have a new title to celebrate: Pokettohiro!, an action-adventure game developed by David Marín, now available for the Game Boy Color.  

Credit: Broke Studio

Game Overview

Pokettohiro! invites players into a vast world filled with secrets, hidden dungeons, and engaging side missions. Players can forge bonds with villagers, assist them in solving problems, and discover useful items to aid in their quest. A standout feature is the ability to release imprisoned heroes, each possessing unique skills, and unite them to your cause.  

Credit: Broke Studio

Physical Edition Details

The physical edition of Pokettohiro! is priced at €50.00 and includes:

• A brand new Game Boy Color cartridge

• A full-color cardboard box

• A full-color manual

• A brand new cardboard tray

• A ROM file for emulator play

• A digital game manual (PDF)

This collector’s package offers both a tangible keepsake and digital convenience for gamers.  

Compatibility

Pokettohiro! has been tested on authentic Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance systems, including Classic and SP models. As a GBC game, it is not compatible with the original Game Boy models (DMG, Pocket, Light). The game also functions on the Analogue Pocket. However, compatibility with clones or unofficial systems is not guaranteed.  

Digital Version

For those who prefer digital formats, Pokettohiro! is available on itch.io.  

About the Developer

David Marín, the creator of Pokettohiro!, has crafted a game that pays homage to the classic action-adventure titles of the 1990s, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for retro gaming fans.  

Where to Purchase

Pokettohiro! can be purchased directly from Broke Studio’s official website.

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Gaming History, Nintendo

Takaya Imamura: The Artist Behind Nintendo’s Iconic Worlds

Posted on by Owen

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Takaya Imamura reflects on his 32-year tenure at Nintendo, where he played a pivotal role in shaping some of the company’s most beloved franchises.

Journey to Nintendo

Imamura joined Nintendo in 1989, inspired by Shigeru Miyamoto’s groundbreaking work. Despite initial reservations about his lack of programming skills, he was hired for his artistic talent. His early contributions included designing vehicles and characters for F-Zero, notably creating Captain Falcon.

Credit: The Guardian

Contributions to Iconic Franchises

Throughout his career, Imamura left an indelible mark on several major titles:

• Star Fox Series: He was instrumental in designing the anthropomorphic characters, drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore and Nintendo colleagues.

• The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask: Imamura designed the game’s titular mask and the iconic moon, infusing the game with its distinctive eerie atmosphere.

• F-Zero Series: Beyond the original, he collaborated with Sega on F-Zero GX, which he regards as the pinnacle of the series.

Life After Nintendo

After retiring in 2021, Imamura transitioned to academia, teaching at the International Professional University of Technology in Osaka. He also pursued personal projects, including creating the manga Omega 6, which is being adapted into a retro-styled adventure game.  

Credit: The Guardian

Legacy and Impact

Imamura’s work has significantly influenced Nintendo’s creative direction, blending art and storytelling to create immersive gaming experiences. His designs continue to resonate with fans worldwide, exemplifying the profound impact of artistic vision in game development.

For a more in-depth look at Takaya Imamura’s journey and contributions, read the full interview on The Guardian.

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Fun Things, Nintendo

Always wanted to have a slideshow of your images for the Game Boy? Problem solved.

Posted on by Owen

A new online tool allows users to create custom Game Boy ROMs featuring slideshows of personal images. By visiting the website, users can simply drag and drop their images, adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and dithering, and generate a ROM file ready for use on Game Boy emulators or hardware. Notably, the tool operates entirely within the browser, ensuring that images are not uploaded to any server, thereby maintaining user privacy.  

Developed by Sebastian Staacks, the Game Boy SlideShow ROM Generator can be downloaded here.

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Fun Things, Modern Retro Games, Nintendo

Sakurai Teases Real-Life Characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – But Should They Join the Fight?

Posted on by Owen

When it comes to gaming legends, few names command as much respect as Masahiro Sakurai. The creative genius behind Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) has built a legacy by uniting iconic fictional characters under one roof. From Mario to Solid Snake, SSBU celebrates gaming history like no other. But Sakurai’s recent comments about real-life characters entering the fray have sparked a fresh wave of curiosity – and controversy.

Masahiro Sakurai

The Legacy of Super Smash Bros.

Since its debut in 1999, Super Smash Bros. has been a celebration of fictional heroes. The series takes fan-favourite characters from across the gaming universe and pits them against each other in chaotic, joyous brawls. Sakurai has always been the mastermind of this incredible roster, ensuring that every character represents its source material authentically while blending seamlessly into the game’s mechanics.

The OG – 1999 Super Smash Bros.

So why mention real-life characters now?

Fiction Meets Reality

In a recent discussion, Sakurai mused about the idea of adding real-life characters to SSBU. While this is far from a concrete plan, it’s enough to get fans talking. Imagine iconic figures from history, esports legends, or even developers themselves standing shoulder-to-shoulder with gaming titans. It’s a thought-provoking idea, but it raises an important question: Does reality have a place in a game that celebrates fantasy?

The Challenges of Real-Life Characters

While some games, like Assassin’s Creed, weave historical figures into their narratives, SSBU’s core identity is rooted in fictional escapism. Introducing real people might feel jarring. There are also practical concerns: How do you balance a real-life character’s abilities in a universe with dragons, electric rodents, and intergalactic bounty hunters? And what about the cultural or ethical implications?

Fans Weigh In

The community has been buzzing with mixed reactions. Some fans love the idea of including real-life figures like esports icons or legendary creators, while others argue it would disrupt the game’s harmony. Would it be thrilling or cringe-inducing to see someone like Shigeru Miyamoto wielding a Master Sword?

Cultural and Ethical Questions

Adding real-life characters also invites scrutiny. Would their inclusion overshadow the fictional heroes? Would the game risk offending audiences by misrepresenting real people? Sakurai has always been a stickler for detail, so if anyone could pull it off, it’s him. But even he admits this idea is purely speculative – for now.

The complete canon roster – credit: Reddit

What’s Next for Smash?

Sakurai’s comments, while hypothetical, are a testament to his ever-evolving creativity. Whether or not real-life characters ever join the SSBU roster, one thing is certain: Sakurai knows how to spark a conversation.

Would you want to see real-life figures in SSBU? Or should the series stick to celebrating the worlds of fantasy and fiction? Let us know what you think – and in the meantime, keep your retro gaming treasures safe with a RetroShell premium protector.

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Nintendo, Rom Hack

Double Dragon II: The Revenge Ported from NES to SNES by Rumbleminze

Posted on by Owen

Renowned developer Rumbleminze has successfully ported the classic NES game Double Dragon II: The Revenge to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). This latest release enhances the original gameplay experience by leveraging the SNES’s advanced hardware capabilities.

Credit: Rumbleminze

Key Enhancements:

• Dedicated Jump Button: The SNES ‘A’ button now functions as a dedicated jump button, simulating the simultaneous press of ‘Y’ and ‘B’ buttons, thereby improving control responsiveness.

• MSU-1 Audio Support: Players can enjoy an enriched auditory experience with the inclusion of MSU-1 audio support, allowing for high-quality, CD-like music during gameplay.

• Simplified Continuation: The port removes the need for inputting continuation codes after game-overs, enabling players to resume progress seamlessly.

• Difficulty Adjustments: The game is now completable on all difficulty settings, offering a balanced challenge for both newcomers and veteran players.

• Visual Refinements: Updates to the title screen palettes provide a refreshed visual appeal, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the game.

These improvements are made possible by utilizing FastROM/HiROM techniques, which expedite data transfer and when combined with the SNES’s higher sprite limit, effectively reduce flicker and slowdown issues present in the original NES version.

Rumbleminze has previously undertaken similar NES-to-SNES conversions, including titles like Rescue Rangers, Rygar, Super Dodgeball, and Kid Icarus, each benefiting from the SNES’s superior hardware to deliver smoother and more polished gameplay experiences.

You can download it from here, or here.

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Retro Gaming News, Rom Hack

“Castlevania Reincarnation” English Translation Now Available!

Posted on by Owen

Castlevania Reincarnation, a rare non-official and lesser-known entry in the Castlevania series, has been translated into English. The game, originally released in China for mobile devices, now offers English-speaking fans a chance to explore its haunting world with a freshly translated patch.

What Is Castlevania Reincarnation?

Castlevania Reincarnation is an unofficial spinoff in the iconic Castlevania series. Known for its challenging gameplay, gothic atmosphere, and classic soundtrack, the game draws players into a dark and sprawling castle filled with secrets, monsters, and legendary boss battles. Castlevania Reincarnation is a Chinese-developed entry into Konami’s franchise that was launched in the early 2000s for Java Phones.

Originally limited to Chinese audiences, this entry never officially saw a global release, leaving international fans looking for a way to experience it in their native language.

The Translation Effort

The English translation, spearheaded by Oersted, brings the core dialogue and menus into a legible format for non-Chinese speakers. However, some elements of the user interface could not be translated due to technical limitations. Despite this, the patch makes the game fully playable and accessible for English-speaking audiences.

You can view the translated game being played by Oersted here – Watch on YouTube.

How to Download the Patch

The English patch for Castlevania Reincarnation is available for download from two sources:

• Mega.nz

• Archive.org

A Nostalgic Adventure Rekindled

With this translation, fans can dive into Castlevania Reincarnation and experience its dark and mysterious world for the first time in English. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a retro gaming enthusiast, this release is a chance to rediscover a forgotten gem of the Castlevania franchise.

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Atari

Sega launches “Japanese Game Centres Guide” to give tourists the low down on Japanese arcades

Posted on by Owen

Today, January 20, 2025, SEGA Group’s Sega Feve Co., Ltd. unveiled the Japanese Game Centers Guide, a comprehensive website aimed at helping foreign tourists explore Japan’s vibrant arcade culture. Available in five languages—English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese—the guide offers a detailed introduction to the unique world of Japanese game centres.

Credit: Sega Gamecentre Guide

A Deep Dive Into Japanese Arcade Culture

The guide categorises Japanese arcade games into six distinct genres: crane games, music games, racing games, video games, photo booths (purikura), and medal games. For each genre, SEGA provides recommendations for must-play games, step-by-step instructions on how to play, and tips for winning prizes in crane games.

The website also explains the rules and manners unique to Japanese game centres. Visitors will find information on exchanging money, using electronic payment methods, and the etiquette expected within arcades—essential knowledge for tourists unfamiliar with Japan’s cultural nuances.

Credit: Sega Gamecentre Guide

Why It Matters

Japanese arcades are an iconic part of the country’s gaming culture, offering experiences that differ significantly from those in other parts of the world. SEGA’s Japanese Game Centers Guide bridges the gap for foreign visitors, making arcades more accessible and enjoyable.

Whether you’re a fan of classic racing games or curious about purikura photo booths, this guide ensures you won’t miss a thing.

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Atari, Modern Retro Games, New Games

FASTER: A New High-Speed Racing Game for the Atari STE

Posted on by Owen

FASTER, a 2.5D racing game developed by Jonathan Thomas, designed specifically for the Atari STE. This game delivers a smooth and rapid racing experience, running at 50 frames per second on the standard 8MHz Atari STE.

Credit: Jonathon Thomas / Itch

Key Features:

• High Performance: Achieves 50 frames per second on an 8MHz Atari STE, providing fluid gameplay.

• Enhanced Graphics: Utilizes the STE’s Blitter chip to render over 15 large, full-colour sprites simultaneously, displaying more than 30 colours on screen.

• Dynamic Environment: Features a full 24-hour day/night cycle, adding depth to the racing experience.

• Immersive Audio: Offers simultaneous digital engine noises, sound effects, and a YM soundtrack.

• Classic Arcade Feel: Embraces pure 1980s-style arcade action without modern complexities like multiple game modes or tutorials.

FASTER secured first place in the Silly Venture 2024 WE Atari ST/STE games competition, highlighting its excellence in design and performance.

System Requirements:

• Atari STE with at least 1MB of RAM.

• Compatible with Atari TOS or EmuTOS operating systems.

• Requires a double-sided floppy drive or equivalent, such as a Gotek drive.

• A digital joystick connected to port 1.

For those without original Atari STE hardware, FASTER can be played using emulators like Steem SSE or Hatari.

The game is available for free download on Itch.io, with the developer encouraging players to share their experiences and reviews across social media platforms to help spread the word.

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New Games, New Hardware For Retro, Nintendo

Mario Kart 9: Nostalgia Meets Innovation on the Switch 2

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo has been hard at work revving up excitement for Mario Kart 9, and recent glimpses of the game suggest it could be one of the most nostalgic entries in the franchise. Set to launch with the much-anticipated Switch 2, the next instalment in this iconic series promises a perfect blend of classic charm and modern gameplay innovations.

Credit: Nintendo / YouTube

A Blast from the Past: Princess Peach’s Classic Outfit

One of the most striking nods to nostalgia is Princess Peach’s return to her debut outfit from Super Mario Kart (1992). Gone is the sleek racing suit seen in more recent iterations; instead, Peach will don her original pink gown and tiara.

Credit: Nintendo / YouTube

This aesthetic shift mirrors the game’s broader vibe, which seems to lean heavily into retro-inspired elements. Longtime fans of the franchise will appreciate the throwback, while new players can experience the charm of Mario Kart’s early days.

Yoshi’s Roadside Diner: A Sweet Tribute to the SNES Era

Another delightful addition is the inclusion of a Yoshi-shaped roadside diner named “Yoshi’s.” This cheerful track-side landmark pays homage to Yoshi’s Cookie, a 32-year-old SNES puzzler that holds a special place in Nintendo history.

Credit: Nintendo / YouTube

The diner isn’t just a backdrop—it’s fully integrated into the gameplay. Players can zip through the parking lot, dodging cars, while a neon-lit sign glows above the course. Details like this elevate the game world, making it feel alive and connected to Nintendo’s broader legacy.

Gameplay Innovations and Switch 2 Features

While Nintendo has yet to confirm all details, Mario Kart 9 is expected to take full advantage of the Switch 2’s improved hardware. Enhanced graphics, smoother performance, and more interactive tracks are just some of the features teased.

The game will also reportedly expand on its track roster with circuits inspired by classic Nintendo games, merging nostalgia with fresh experiences. Combined with its subtle yet powerful nods to history, Mario Kart 9 feels like a celebration of everything the series has achieved over the decades.

Credit: Nintendo / YouTube

Nostalgia and Fresh Thrills

Between Princess Peach’s retro look, the charming Yoshi’s Diner, and the promise of cutting-edge features, Mario Kart 9 is shaping up to be an unforgettable entry in the franchise. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this release on the Switch 2 is sure to have something for everyone.

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