Battle Marine, the naval-themed shoot ’em up by SUZUKIPLAN, has been successfully ported to the Sega Game Gear and is now available on cartridge. Originally released on Steam, this intense bullet-hell shooter challenges players to master laser attacks and tactical manoeuvres as they navigate increasingly challenging waves of enemies.
The Game Gear version comes with packaging that replicates the original Japanese design, making it a perfect addition for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. The cartridge is available internationally, offering fans a chance to experience this high-energy shooter on classic hardware.
Onkyo has introduced a pair of true wireless earphones inspired by the iconic SEGA Saturn console. The CP-TWS01A model features earbuds designed to resemble the Saturn’s controllers, while the charging case mirrors the console’s aesthetic. Notably, these earphones incorporate the SEGA Saturn’s startup and system sounds, enhancing the nostalgic experience for users.
Key Features:
• Design: The earbuds and charging case are meticulously crafted to reflect the SEGA Saturn’s design elements, appealing to retro gaming enthusiasts.
• Audio Integration: Includes authentic SEGA Saturn startup and system sounds, providing an immersive nostalgic experience.
• Technical Specifications: Equipped with Qualcomm’s QCC3040 chipset, supporting SBC, AAC, and Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive audio codecs for high-quality sound reproduction. Features IPX7 water resistance (excluding the charging case), ambient microphone functionality, and a battery life of up to 9 hours on a single charge.
• Wireless Charging: An optional wireless charging pad, designed to resemble a game disc, is available for purchase separately.
Availability:
The SEGA Saturn-themed CP-TWS01A earphones are available for purchase in Japan, priced at approximately $100 USD for the earphones alone, and around $130 USD when bundled with the wireless charging pad.
The MSXdev’24 competition has unveiled a new entry, Sam.Pr Explorer, an engaging game for the MSX2 platform that transports players to the enigmatic world of ancient Egypt.
Game Overview:
In Sam.Pr Explorer, players assume the role of Sam.PR, an intrepid explorer who finds himself trapped within the labyrinthine corridors of an Egyptian pyramid. The objective is to navigate through a series of perilous rooms, each filled with traps and adversaries, to secure an escape. The game offers varying difficulty levels, challenging players to clear multiple rooms within a set timeframe, all while evading foes intent on thwarting their progress.
Key Features:
• Authentic Egyptian Setting: Immerse yourself in the atmospheric recreation of ancient pyramid interiors, complete with thematic challenges and obstacles.
• Time-Based Challenges: Race against the clock to solve puzzles and overcome traps, with difficulty levels that adjust the number of rooms and time constraints.
• Dynamic Adversaries: Encounter a variety of enemies designed to impede your escape, requiring strategic thinking and quick reflexes.
Sam.Pr Explorer is a testament to the enduring creativity within the MSX community, offering both nostalgia and fresh challenges to enthusiasts of the classic platform.
Moririn Co., Ltd. has unveiled the Sega Saturn Happy Bag, a limited-edition merchandise bundle celebrating the iconic Sega Saturn console. Available exclusively in Japan, this special package includes a variety of themed items designed for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Key Features:
• Exclusive Merchandise: The Happy Bag contains unique Sega Saturn-themed items, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles, all featuring the distinctive branding and design elements of the classic console.
• Limited Availability: This exclusive bundle is available for a limited time, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of Sega’s 32-bit era.
• Purchase Information: Interested customers can visit the official website for more details and to place an order.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Sega’s entry into the home console market in Japan , the Sega SG-1000 30th Anniversary Collection offers a comprehensive 4-CD set that chronicles the musical evolution of Sega’s early gaming systems. This collection features tracks from the SG-1000, Sega Mark III, and Master System, highlighting both arcade ports and original titles that defined an era.
Key Features:
• Extensive Tracklist: The collection includes music from classics such as Congo Bongo, Star Jacker, Girl’s Garden, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Space Harrier, OutRun, After Burner, and Phantasy Star. Notably, it features both PSG and FM sound versions for titles that supported FM synthesis, offering a comprehensive auditory experience.
• Exclusive Arrangements: In addition to original soundtracks, the set includes special 1980s-style arrangements by the elusive arranger Kei Takanishi, known for his work in Beep magazine. These tracks provide a nostalgic reinterpretation of classic themes.
• High-Quality Presentation: Released on July 31, 2013, the collection is priced at ¥5,500 and comes with a spot-varnished protective slipcase, reflecting Sega’s commitment to quality and preservation of its musical heritage.
This anniversary collection serves as both a nostalgic trip for long-time fans and an educational resource for those interested in the early days of video game music.
Limited Run Games has announced that pre-orders for the Jelly Boy Standard Edition cartridges are now open for both Game Boy and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Originally developed by Probe Software and published by Ocean Software in 1995, Jelly Boy is a platformer that puts players in control of a jelly baby with morphing abilities, navigating through various levels to collect items and overcome obstacles. This re-release offers retro gaming enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the classic game on original hardware. Pre-orders are available until January 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Title: Super Tilt Bro. Launches First Online Update for NES Wi-Fi Cartridge
Summary:
Exciting news from the world of retro gaming! Super Tilt Bro., the homebrew fighting game designed for the NES, has rolled out its first online update for its Wi-Fi-enabled cartridge. This marks a major milestone in the project, allowing players to experience online multiplayer battles using original NES hardware.
The update enhances matchmaking functionality, improves stability for online gameplay, and brings new refinements to the core mechanics of the game. Players can now connect globally, embracing the nostalgic charm of 8-bit visuals while enjoying modern features like online matchmaking.
This update is a glimpse into the future of Super Tilt Bro. and showcases the incredible potential of combining classic hardware with cutting-edge connectivity. The development team’s dedication has set the stage for an entirely new way to enjoy NES gaming.
The gaming preservation community has unearthed a prototype of Shenmue II for the US Dreamcast, dated September 14, 2001. This build reveals unique insights into the game’s development, including two debug menus that allow players to explore features such as scene selection, environment testing, and direct control over key mechanics.
Shenmue II, an iconic action-adventure game, follows Ryo Hazuki’s journey as he continues his quest for vengeance across sprawling, detailed environments in Hong Kong. Renowned for its open-world design, realistic NPC interactions, and deep narrative, the game was a pioneer in blending cinematic storytelling with sandbox gameplay.
Although slated for a US release, Shenmue II was canceled in the region due to SEGA of America’s decision to shift focus away from the Dreamcast. However, the game was released in Japan and Europe, allowing fans outside the US to experience this masterpiece.
This prototype, now publicly available, provides a rare look into the planned but ultimately shelved US release and offers a deeper appreciation of the game’s groundbreaking design.
BillyTime! Games (X: @BillytimeG has released a comprehensive document titled Hacking Games in Hex (Sega Genesis Edition), aimed at beginners interested in modifying Sega Genesis games. This guide explains the hexadecimal format of 68k Assembly used by the Sega Genesis and introduces tools like trace logs and breakpoints. Readers will learn to create cheat codes, alter color palettes, and develop SRAM hacks. The document includes annotated source code snippets from previous hacks to illustrate various techniques. Available in English, the guide was published on December 17, 2024, and is free to download.
A previously unreleased prototype of The Lion King for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), dated March 22, 1994, has been made available for public download by Codebound. This early build offers insights into the game’s development process, showcasing differences from the final retail version, including unfinished levels, alternative graphics, and varying gameplay mechanics. Preservationists and retro gaming enthusiasts can now explore this piece of gaming history, providing a unique opportunity to study the evolution of this classic title.
A previously unreleased prototype of The Lion King for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), dated March 22, 1994, has been made available for public download. This early build offers insights into the game’s development process, showcasing differences from the final retail version, including unfinished levels, alternative graphics, and varying gameplay mechanics. Preservationists and retro gaming enthusiasts can now explore this piece of gaming history, providing a unique opportunity to study the evolution of this classic title.
