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Tag Archives: Video Game News

Nintendo

Super Soccer to Exit Switch Online in Japan

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo has sent ripples through the retro gaming community with the announcement that Super Soccer will be removed from the Switch Online SNES collection in Japan on 28 March 2025. This unexpected move marks a rare cull from the service’s lineup, stirring nostalgia among players who recall the game’s pixelated pitches and infectious chiptune soundtrack. First launched in 1991 for the Super Famicom—Japan’s version of the SNES—Super Soccer was a pioneering effort by Human Entertainment, delivering a fresh take on football simulation with its distinctive behind-the-goal camera angle.

What set Super Soccer apart was its use of the SNES’s Mode 7 graphics, a technical marvel that allowed for a pseudo-3D effect, rotating and scaling the pitch to create an immersive experience. This innovation was groundbreaking in an era dominated by flatter, top-down perspectives. The game boasted a solid lineup of international teams, offering exhibition matches and tournament play that balanced accessibility with tactical depth. Since joining the Switch Online library in 2019 as an early third-party title, it’s been a cherished gem for those revisiting the 90s golden age of gaming.

So why the removal? Nintendo hasn’t spilled the beans, but speculation points to licensing hurdles with Spike Chunsoft, the current rights holder. For collectors, the game endures through original cartridges or emulation, though its exit from Switch Online underscores the fragility of digital preservation. Fans of vintage football titles might turn to contemporaries like International Superstar Soccer or FIFA International Soccer, which also left their mark on classic consoles.

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Modern Retro Games, PC Gaming, Steam

‘Flesh Made Fear’: A Retro Survival Horror Revival Announced for PC

Posted on by Owen

Tainted Pact Games, in collaboration with Assemble Entertainment, has unveiled Flesh Made Fear, a survival horror game that pays homage to the classic PlayStation era. Scheduled for a Q4 2025 release on PC via Steam, the developers have launched a Kickstarter page with the campaign due to launch soon; to fund additional features and potential console ports.  

Credit: Steam

Drawing inspiration from the original Resident Evil trilogy, Flesh Made Fear combines fixed and dynamic camera angles, tank controls, and intricate puzzles to recreate the tension and atmosphere of 90s survival horror games. Players will navigate a world filled with grotesque creatures and mind-controlled adversaries, all products of twisted experiments and occult rituals.  

The narrative centers on the Reaper Intervention Platoon (R.I.P.), a covert task force assigned to eliminate Victor “The Dripper” Ripper, a former CIA agent turned rogue scientist. His experiments have transformed a secluded town into a nightmare realm. Players can choose between two operatives: Natalie, who has less health but a larger inventory, or Jack, who boasts greater health but a smaller inventory. Each character offers unique storylines and stats, enhancing replayability.  

Key features of the game include:

• Classic Survival Horror Mechanics: Fixed and dynamic camera perspectives, limited saves requiring collectible items, and strategic inventory management with access to safe room storage.

• Puzzle-Driven Narrative: Engage with intricate puzzles intertwined with the story, unlocking hidden secrets and new areas.

• Terrifying Adversaries and Arsenal: Face grotesque abominations born of Ripper’s twisted experiments, using weapons like pistols and grenade launchers. Ammo is limited, challenging players’ resourcefulness.

The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise funds for additional features and console ports, allowing backers to support the game’s development and bring this retro-inspired horror experience to a wider audience.  

For a glimpse into the chilling world of Flesh Made Fear, check out the announcement trailer below:

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Rom Hack

Golden Axe Revitalised: Neo Geo Port Now Available

Posted on by Owen

Golden Axe, the iconic 1989 beat ’em up from Sega, has been meticulously ported to the Neo Geo platform by developer Hoffman. This fan-driven project brings the classic hack-and-slash experience to a new audience, ensuring both authenticity and enhanced features.

Hoffman’s approach combined reverse engineering with new development to closely match the original gameplay and visuals. The port supports MVS, AES, and Neo Geo CD systems, offering flexibility for various hardware setups. Players can select game regions (World/JP) and adjust original arcade difficulty settings to tailor their experience.

A standout feature for Neo Geo CD users is a specially crafted soundtrack by composer Richard Douglas, providing a fresh auditory experience while maintaining the game’s classic feel. Additionally, Hoffman enhanced six voice samples by sourcing higher-quality versions from 1980s films like Conan, American Werewolf in London, and Rambo, enriching the game’s audio authenticity.

The port is compatible with most flash cart solutions, real hardware, and emulators, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of players. While minor differences and edge-case glitches exist, Hoffman’s dedication to visual accuracy and gameplay fidelity shines through, making this a noteworthy addition to the Neo Geo library.

For those eager to revisit the world of Golden Axe on Neo Geo hardware, the port is available for download on Hoffman’s itch.io page.

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Fun Things

London Gets an Immersive Minecraft Experience This April

Posted on by Owen

London is about to become a paradise for Minecraft fans, as an all-new immersive experience based on the blockbuster game arrives this April. The event, titled Minecraft Experience, will take place at a yet-to-be-announced venue in the capital, offering a hands-on adventure for players of all ages.

Credit: Minecraftexperience.com

Unlike simply playing the game at home, this interactive event will bring Minecraft’s signature blocky world to life with large-scale physical installations, augmented reality elements, and cooperative challenges. Attendees can expect to explore environments inspired by the game, solve puzzles, and even battle iconic mobs in a real-world setting. According to the event’s organizers, the experience will feature a mix of digital and physical gameplay, blurring the lines between reality and the pixelated landscapes players know and love.

Tickets are £20 for children from 3-15 and £24 for 16+ adults. London’s version of the Minecraft Experience follows the success of similar immersive video game attractions in other cities, including past experiences based on The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario.

Minecraft, developed by Mojang Studios and now owned by Microsoft, has sold over 300 million copies since its release in 2011, making it the best-selling video game of all time. With its focus on creativity, exploration, and survival, the game has captivated players worldwide, and this real-world event is expected to draw a diverse crowd of fans, from casual builders to hardcore Redstone engineers.

If you’re a Minecraft fan, mark your calendar for April—this could be your chance to step inside the game like never before.

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Modern Retro Games, New Games, Nintendo, PC Gaming, Sony

Ninja Five-O: Konami’s Forgotten GBA Gem Returns

Posted on by Owen

Originally released on the Game Boy Advance (GBA) in April 2003, Ninja Five-O (known as Ninja Cop in some regions) became a cult classic despite its limited production run. Developed by Hudson Soft and published by Konami, it combined swift platforming, sword combat, and a grappling hook mechanic that let players swing across levels like a stealthy superhero.

Credit: Konami

Low print numbers and minimal marketing turned Ninja Five-O into a prized collector’s item, with used cartridges fetching high prices online. Critics adored the game’s tight controls and arcade feel, praising its unexpected depth and polished presentation. Over time, word-of-mouth elevated it to near-legendary status among GBA enthusiasts.

Now, Konami is finally acknowledging that legacy. Their recent Tweet teased a remastered edition of Ninja Five-O, sparking excitement across social media. Meanwhile, the official Konami website overview confirms the revival, promising updated visuals, scaled to modern screens, as well as potential new modes for speedrunners and fans chasing high scores.

While the story, levels, and trademark difficulty remain, the remake is expected to include adjustable challenges for newer players. Crucially, the beloved grappling hook feature returns, letting you swing, slash, and stealth through each stage. No firm release date has been announced, but Konami suggests it will appear on multiple modern platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.

For fans who missed the original’s short-lived retail run, this re-release marks an affordable chance to try a near-forgotten gem. With old-school ninja flair and frenetic 2D combat, Ninja Five-O could once again captivate a generation used to open-world epics and high-definition shooters.

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And if you still have cherished GBA cartridges or other vintage treasures, protect them with premium RetroShell cases. Keep your precious pieces safe and display them proudly—it’s all part of preserving gaming history.