Forever Entertainment has released a Steam demo for their upcoming House of the Dead 2: Remake. This modern take on the 1998 arcade classic is shaping up to be a treat for both longtime players and newcomers. Available as part of the February 2025 Steam Next Fest, the demo includes the game’s first level and its iconic cooperative mode.
Credit: Steam
The full release is slated for Spring 2025 and will hit PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. It’s a chance to experience the zombie-blasting action that made the original a standout light gun shooter, now with updated visuals and gameplay tweaks.
Credit: Steam
First unleashed in arcades by Sega, House of the Dead 2 became a fan favourite thanks to its campy horror vibe, quirky voice acting, and fast-paced shooting. Players teamed up as agents James Taylor and Gary Stewart to battle waves of undead monstrosities, all orchestrated by the sinister Goldman. Its popularity saw it ported to the Sega Dreamcast in 1999, cementing its status as a retro gaming gem. For many, it was a defining title in the light gun genre, blending scares with a playful edge that kept players coming back.
Credit: Steam
This isn’t Forever Entertainment’s first crack at the series. Their 2022 release, House of the Dead: Remake, brought the original game to modern platforms but met with mixed reviews. While the graphical overhaul impressed, some felt it fell short of capturing the arcade magic. The House of the Dead 2: Remake demo suggests lessons have been learned, with early feedback highlighting smoother mechanics and a closer nod to the source material. Still, changes like reworked voice acting have sparked debate among purists—will it retain the charm that defined the original?
The retro gaming community is buzzing, with players keen to see how this remake stacks up. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or discovering it anew, the Steam demo offers a perfect glimpse into what’s coming. As Spring 2025 approaches, the anticipation for this light gun revival continues to grow.
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In a surprising but welcome development, the Sega Dreamcast is getting modernized with cloud save support. Just like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, Sega’s final console is receiving a feature that was once thought impossible for legacy hardware. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of indie developers and the retro gaming community, Dreamcast owners will soon be able to back up and access their saved data online.
The cloud save functionality is being implemented via a new homebrew software initiative, developed by Robert Dale Smith – enabling Dreamcast users to store their VMU (Visual Memory Unit) data on a dedicated server. This advancement means no more worrying about lost or corrupted save files, a common issue with ageing VMU batteries. With cloud integration, players can now switch between consoles and restore their progress seamlessly.
Virtual VMU
Open source, self hosted cloud saves upload/download server designed for the Dreamcast Web Browser. pic.twitter.com/Pmm0wWdVKY
This update breathes new life into the Dreamcast, which remains a fan-favourite console due to its innovative library of games like Shenmue, Jet Set Radio, and Skies of Arcadia. The cloud save feature will be accessible through a simple online setup, with initial reports suggesting it will be compatible with original hardware and modified Dreamcast units.
While the Dreamcast may have been discontinued in 2001, its enduring fanbase continues to keep it relevant through advancements like this. The addition of cloud saves marks another milestone in the system’s impressive afterlife, proving once again that retro gaming isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about innovation, too.
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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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Indie developer Lowtek Games is back with Flea 2, a sequel to their 2020 retro platformer, bringing even more flea-jumping action to the Dreamcast and NES. Continuing the adventures of Henry the flea, this installment introduces new mechanics, levels, and characters while keeping the challenging, fast-paced gameplay intact.
Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Flea 2 offers tight, responsive controls and a unique jumping mechanic where Henry bounces uncontrollably, requiring precise timing to navigate obstacles and enemies. This time around, the game features a branching level system, allowing players to explore different paths as they collect blood packs and avoid deadly hazards.
Credit: Steam
The game is being developed for both the NES and Dreamcast, with physical copies available for collectors. NES cartridges are being made in limited batches, while Dreamcast editions come with a full-colour manual and case, embracing the spirit of classic releases.
Reviews from early players highlight Flea 2’s quirky pixel-art style, catchy chiptune soundtrack, and satisfying difficulty curve. The game maintains the retro aesthetic while introducing quality-of-life improvements, including optional paths for less experienced players.
Credit: Steam
Flea 2 is currently available on Steam as well, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond the original hardware. For fans of NES-style platformers and those who appreciate the thriving homebrew scene, this is one to watch.
The Sega Dreamcast continues to defy time, with a steady flow of new indie releases keeping the console alive. The latest addition is Dream Ride, an arcade-style party racer inspired by the classic Micro Machines series. Developed by Dream Quest Games, the title promises fast-paced, top-down multiplayer racing with chaotic twists.
“Dream Ride” supports single-player and multiplayer modes, accommodating up to four human players and eight CPU opponents. The game includes eight unique cars, each with distinct handling and speed, and features four different game modes.
Credit: Itch IO / Ginger Beard Man
The gameplay in “Dream Ride” emphasizes momentum and drift, requiring players to adapt to each vehicle’s characteristics. Power-ups such as magnets, ghosts, shields, and speed boosts are integral, with hazards like oil slicks and thunderbolts adding strategic depth.
The game runs at a consistent 60 frames per second, with dynamic sound effects and CD audio music. It also includes a cheat system for additional gameplay options. “Dream Ride” is playable on both original Dreamcast hardware and emulators, and is also compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android platforms. It can be downloaded from gingerbeardman’s itch.io page under a “name-your-own-price” model.
The release of “Dream Ride” follows the trend of indie games revitalizing the Dreamcast, with titles like “Xeno Crisis”, “Intrepid Izzy”, and “Rush Rush Rally Reloaded” also contributing to the console’s ongoing legacy.
A dedicated fan has brought the iconic Grand Theft Auto III to the Sega Dreamcast, which is a thrilling development for retro gaming enthusiasts. This console missed out on this groundbreaking title back in the day. The fan-made port, recently showcased online, offers Dreamcast players a chance to experience the open-world freedom and chaotic adventures of Liberty City on their beloved console.
The project, spearheaded by an individual passionate about both the Dreamcast and the GTA series, demonstrates not only the enduring love for these gaming classics but also the remarkable capabilities of the Dreamcast hardware. This port isn’t just a simple emulation; it’s been adapted to make use of the Dreamcast’s unique features, including its VMU for saving game progress, offering a truly authentic experience.
The fan behind this ambitious project has shared insights into the development process, highlighting the challenges of porting a modern game to a system from the early 2000s. From texture compression to frame rate optimizations, the journey to get GTA III running smoothly on the Dreamcast has been both a technical marvel and a labour of love.
For fans of retro gaming, this port represents more than just another game to add to their collection; it’s a celebration of what could have been and a testament to the community’s creativity and dedication. While this port is still in its early stages and not officially endorsed by Rockstar Games, it serves as a beacon for what fan projects can achieve, potentially inspiring more developers to revisit and reimagine classics for older platforms.
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their excitement over social media and forums, sharing gameplay footage, and discussing the implications of such fan-made projects for the preservation of gaming history.
The Sega Dreamcast, with its legendary 9/9/99 release date, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. This console, Sega’s swan song in gaming hardware, remains a fan favourite thanks to its innovative features and unforgettable games like Sonic Adventure, Shenmue, and Resident Evil Code: Veronica.
To honour this iconic system, we’re diving into what it takes to build the ultimate Dreamcast—a modernized version of the retro console that combines cutting-edge mods, thoughtful upgrades, and a splash of personal style. Whether you’re a modding enthusiast or a retro gaming fan looking to revitalise your setup, this guide will inspire your next Dreamcast build.
Step 1: Starting with a Rare VA0 Dreamcast Model
Our build begins with the VA0 Dreamcast model, the first revision of the console. While externally identical to other Dreamcasts, the VA0 features a unique and robust cooling system with heat pipes and a metal heat sink. This rarity makes it an ideal base for an upgraded system designed to handle modern modifications.
Step 2: Installing the GDEMU Optical Drive Emulator
The first major upgrade is the GDEMU, an optical drive emulator that replaces the original GD-ROM drive with a modern SD card-based solution. This eliminates the wear-and-tear risks of mechanical drives and provides faster loading times for your favourite games.
However, the VA0 model requires some tweaking—specifically, replacing resistors to adjust the voltage from 5V to 3.3V to ensure compatibility with the GDEMU. It’s a small but necessary step to keep this mod running smoothly.
Step 3: Adding a Custom BIOS Chip
Next, we replace the original BIOS chip with a custom BIOS that enables region-free gaming and introduces a custom startup animation. While the GDEMU allows for playing imports, the BIOS upgrade enhances the console’s capabilities and adds a personalised touch. This chip also unlocks quirky features, such as a modified boot screen, making the Dreamcast truly your own.
Step 4: Upgrading to HDMI with PixelFX Retro GEM
No modernised console is complete without crisp, high-definition visuals. The PixelFX Retro GEM HDMI kit transforms the Dreamcast’s output, offering up to 1440p resolution via a full-size HDMI port. The mod includes scaling options, aspect ratio adjustments, and even a direct mode that allows you to connect the console to an external scaler for even more customization.
This mod is challenging to install, requiring precise soldering of a ribbon cable, but the end result is a Dreamcast that looks stunning on today’s 4K TVs.
Step 5: Swapping the Shell for a Custom Look
To give the console a fresh aesthetic, swap the original casing for a translucent Sonic Blue shell. The vibrant colour modernises the look while preserving some of the original charm by reusing the grey buttons, controller port shroud, and lid hardware. The result is a visually striking console that feels authentic and contemporary.
Step 6: Installing a USB-C Power Supply
The Dreamcast’s original power supply operates at Japan’s 100V standard, limiting its usability in other regions. By installing a USB-C power supply, the console becomes universally compatible and capable of running on 100V, 120V, or 240V standards. This upgrade also allows for a sleek, modern power setup with a USB-C charger, reducing the console’s footprint and adding convenience.
Step 7: Improving Cooling and Fan Noise
The VA0’s fan was lubricated with bearing oil to improve performance and reduce noise, while outdated thermal pads were replaced with high-quality alternatives. These small tweaks ensure the console runs cooler and quieter, preserving its longevity and enhancing the gaming experience.
Step 8: Enhancing the Controller Setup
To complete the ultimate Dreamcast, we upgraded to the Retro Fighter Striker Wireless Controller. This modern accessory offers wireless convenience while maintaining compatibility with the VMU. While other controllers like the DreamConn+ offer even more advanced features, such as internal VMU support, their premium price may not suit every budget.
For added flair, the VMU itself was swapped out for the VM2, which features a backlit display, USB-C charging, and virtually unlimited storage via microSD cards. These enhancements make the Dreamcast’s unique memory system more functional and user-friendly.
Step 9: Final Touches and Troubleshooting
The final steps involved resolving a compatibility issue with the GDEMU by 3D-printing a custom bracket and adding a unique custom BIOS startup screen for an extra dose of personality. After troubleshooting and fine-tuning, the build was complete—a fully tricked-out Dreamcast that combines retro charm with modern convenience.
Why Build the Ultimate Dreamcast?
The Dreamcast is more than a gaming console; it’s a piece of history. Building the ultimate Dreamcast breathes new life into this beloved system, allowing it to shine on modern hardware while preserving its legacy. From high-definition visuals to wireless controllers, this project proves that retro consoles can evolve without losing their nostalgic appeal.
Conclusion: A Dream Revived
This Dreamcast build showcases the incredible potential of the retro modding community and highlights why the console remains a favourite among gamers. Whether you’re playing classics like Shenmue or exploring indie titles, this setup offers the ultimate Dreamcast experience.
What mods would you add to your Dreamcast? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more retro gaming projects. If you’re looking to modernise your Dreamcast, this build is the perfect blueprint to get started.
