RetroGaming

I hold the Wii pretty high in my head. However, I also know that the grass is often very green on the other side.

Is it actually as fun as I remember? I see that a lot of the classic games are pretty rare so that is not reassuring.

Overview

A modder by the name of Sakimotor has translated the exclusive Japanese Xbox 360 title Tetris The Grand Master: Ace. This game was originally released in Japan in 2005 as part of Arika's 'The Grand Master Series'.

Key Points

• Game Details: Tetris The Grand Master: Ace is a specialized version of Tetris that focuses on mastery. It never made it outside of Japan but now, thanks to Sakimotor, English-speaking gamers can enjoy the game.
• Translation Process: Sakimotor used Google Translate and DeepL for initial translation efforts before making necessary revisions to fit within the series' language context.
• Availability: The patch modifies a retail 1.0 release of the game, translating most or all Japanese text found in it. However, as the author notes, they have not tested the XBL-exclusive game modes due to limitations in their setup.

Fun Fact

There are many such games that never saw Western audiences but now benefit from fan translations and ROM hacks, broadening gaming experiences worldwide.

How do you feel about these types of retro fan translations? Are they helping preserve the history and legacy of gaming, or just providing a novelty experience?

https://k-tec.uk/

Retro arcade streaming platform Antstream has added five games from the cult classic PlayStation-era Net Yaroze initiative to its game catalog.

Key Points:

• What is Net Yaroze?
• Net Yaroze was an early method allowing bedroom developers to create games for the original PlayStation without needing expensive development kits. A fee was required for a special PlayStation console and software, along with support from Sony and a community of fellow developers.
• Games Added:
• Time Slip (puzzle-platformer)
• Pushy IIb (block-pushing puzzler)
• Bouncer 2 (brick-breaking arcade-style game)
• Adventure Game (exploration-heavy action RPG)
• Arena (fast-paced mech shooter)
• Significance These games, not released commercially and largely lost since the late 90s, have now been made available on Antstream. The platform plans to continue collaborating with these creators to bring more titles to its library.

What other early development tools or initiatives do you feel deserve preservation and recognition?

https://k-tec.uk/

Brief Overview

• Fusion Retro Books and their partners, Pixel Jockey, have launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the release of a collector’s edition cassette boxset of classic ZX Spectrum games: 3D Tank Duel, 3D Starstrike, and Starstrike II.
• The campaign aims to raise £10,500 for production costs.

Key Details

• All three games were originally released back in the 1984/86 era on the ZX Spectrum.
• The boxset includes all-new cassette pressings and a stylish slipcase.
• The campaign is available via Kickstarter and will run until December 9, 2024 at 7pm UTC.

Campaign Progress

• The crowdfunding has already surpassed £7,500.

How do modern gamers feel about reliving the spirit of classic games on authentic hardware? Would you support this Kickstarter or prefer digital releases?

https://k-tec.uk/

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/22613952

I just wanted a pocketable device, so I decided to pick Mini over 5.

Originally, I wanted to order the white color but ended up choosing the black one because it makes the bezels and pillar boxes blend into the case. It also looks like a small SteamDeck 😅

When I'm not programming, I'm playing GTA III on it and earning RetroAchievements 😃

An FPGA developer Boogermann has recently released an MSX core for the Analogue Pocket.

• MSX Background: Developed in 1983 as part of a joint venture between ASCII Corporation and Microsoft, the MSX initiative aimed to create a standardized home computer architecture. However, it gained little traction in North America despite moderate success in Japan and Europe.
• Analogue Pocket: Known for its FPGA-based power and compact size, the Analogue Pocket supports various classic and retro systems through custom cores.

Boogermann's MSX core currently supports MSX 1 cartridge ROM files, with plans to implement floppy disk and cassette support in the future. Future updates may add an on-screen keyboard, enhancing the user experience significantly.

The release of this core marks a revival for the MSX system, which has seen renewed interest from enthusiasts in recent years thanks to projects like Kazuhiko Nishi's work on the '1ChipMSX3'.

Would you be interested in using this core? Do you think software emulation is good enough for MSX?

https://k-tec.uk/

• PlayStation Plus has announced the addition of several classic titles to its exclusive Classics Catalog in November 2024. These games span across different generations and include a range of genre experiences, appealing to fans of RPGs, action-adventure, first-person shooters, and more.

Key Highlights:

• Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain (PS1) – A dark action-adventure game that marks the start of the series.
• Blood Omen 2 (PS2) – The sequel to Blood Omen with a modern setting and more advanced gameplay.
• Resistance: Fall of Man (PS3) – A first-person shooter set in an alternate history where humanity battles against alien invasion.
• Resistance 2 (PS3) – The follow-up to Resistance, expanding on the story and introducing larger scale battles.
• Synapse (PS VR2) – Offering a unique VR experience with telekinetic powers, making it one of the key new additions this month.

These titles will join other modern classics such as Grand Theft Auto V, Dying Light 2: Stay Human, and Like a Dragon: Ishin for Premium members.

How do you feel about incorporating classic games into the PlayStation Plus service? Which of these new additions are you most excited to revisit or discover?

https://k-tec.uk/

I'm just kidding, but in your opinion, what's the best super nintendo game based on a movie?

Riviera: The Promised Land Remaster for Nintendo Switch

The remaster of Riviera: The Promised Land is set to arrive on the Nintendo Switch on November 28, 2024.

Key Points:

• The original game was first released on Game Boy Advance in 2004 and later appeared on PSP.
• A Japanese remastered version was previously released, bringing the classic visuals to modern players with updated visuals and enhancements.
• Known for its unique blend of turn-based combat, exploration, and visual narrative storytelling featuring the Grim Angel Ein tasked with preventing the destruction of Riviera.

How well do you think it will translate from the Game Boy Advance era to a modern console?

https://k-tec.uk/

The Something Nerdy Studios kickstarter for their upcoming NES (and PC) title Former Dawn has reached its goal of $160,000. The game is a sci-fi RPG inspired by classic Nintendo and Sony titles like Final Fantasy IV through VI, Chrono Trigger, and Final Fantasy Tactics.

Key Facts:

• Genre: Sci-Fi RPG
• Platforms: NES (including TinyNES console) and PC
• Kickstarter Goal Reached: $160,000
• Special Edition: Backers of any physical tiers can add a Former Dawn-branded special edition of the open-source TinyNES console for an additional fee.
• Memory Mapper: Uses a new MXM-1 designer to offer advanced NES experiences with superior memory mapping and expansion audio capabilities.
• CD-ROM Emulation: The game will feature CD-ROM emulation for FMV cutscenes, enhancing the retro experience even beyond typical NES games.

This Kickstarter aims to cover development and manufacturing costs.

What do you think about this project? Did you back it on Kickstarter?

https://k-tec.uk/

Flap Happy, a new platformer from Mega Cat Studios, has recently launched on NES and Game Boy. The game uses traditional platforming mechanics mixed with roguelike elements.

• Developer: Refresh Games
• Publishers: Mega Cat Studios
• Platforms: NES, Game Boy
• Order details: Both versions come with a cart, box, and manual.

Flap Happy is designed to be as much of a challenge as it is a fun experience. Players control Flappy, our daring bird, flying through procedurally generated mazes filled with obstacles like hungry sharks, spikes, and more.

Does this game make you want to dust off your NES or Game Boy?

https://k-tec.uk/

Overview

GOG, the popular digital distributor of video games on PC, has announced their Preservation Programme, designed to safeguard and modernize over 100 iconic titles. This initiative aligns with GOG’s commitment to preserving gaming history.

Details

• Titles Featured: Over 100 classic games including Heroes of Might & Magic III, Diablo + Hellfire, Fallout: New Vegas, and System Shock II will be included in the programme.
• Modernization: The preserved titles have undergone updates, optimizations, and technical support to ensure smooth performance on modern systems such as Windows 10 and 11.
• Access: Games are accessible DRM-free with additional features like downloadable content, manuals, and ongoing technical support.

Impact

The Preservation Programme is a significant step towards protecting these timeless classics for future generations. It aims to preserve games facing the risks of technological obsolescence while making them more accessible to contemporary gamers.

According to GOG’s managing director Maciej Golębiewski, the foundation of GOG lies in preserving classic games, and this program is an extension of that commitment.

Conclusion

GOG's Preservation Programme represents a vital effort to maintain gaming history by addressing the challenges posed by technological progress.

Do you think this move from GOG will inspire other companies to do more for game preservation?

https://k-tec.uk/

Anyone remember this game? It was a blast and hard.

Includes:

• Castlevania
• Castlevania II Simon's Quest
• Castlevania III Dracula's Curse
• Super Castlevania IV
• Castlevania The Adventure
• Castlevania II Belmont's Revenge
• Castlevania Bloodlines
• Kid Dracula

Blizzard has officially launched remastered editions of Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness in celebration of the franchise’s 30th anniversary.

News Summary

Resident Evil 2, one of the iconic survival horror games, is set to be released on several Apple devices including iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro models, and every iPad and Mac with the M1 chip or later. This remake is due to launch on December 10th, 2024.

Resident Evil 2 on iPhone and iPad includes enhanced controls and a new autofire feature which allows players to automatically fire weapons after aiming at enemies for a short time. The game supports a range of compatible controllers across these devices as well.

The remake rebuilds the original game using Capcom’s RE ENGINE, offering updated visuals, immersive audio, a new over-the-shoulder camera, and modernized controls on top of the gameplay modes from the original game. It was first released in 1998 for PlayStation but now sees a reimagined version available on newer platforms.

Key Highlights

• Platform Availability: iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, iPad, Mac with M1 chip or later.
• Launch Date: December 10th, 2024.
• New Features: Enhanced controls and the autofire feature.

Have you played the remake on other devices? How well do you think it will adapt to mobile platforms?

https://k-tec.uk/

cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/28078075

Showcase

I backed the Kickstarter and have to say it's well worth the wait. The plastic feels like an OEM shell.

Ports of Shining Force Chronicle I, II, and III have been preserved by fans.

The original games were based on the Game Gear series Shining Force Gaiden titles released in Japan for mobile devices like Keitai phones before being ported to Android. They were available through the PuyoSega subscription service but are in Japanese, but were subsequently removed.

Thankfullly, Yeetdom101 has been able to recover the APK files and the games have now been preserved.

These games represent an important step in preserving Shining Force history, especially considering that Sega no longer supports these games officially.

What are your memories of the originals on the Game Gear? Have you played these mobile versions?

https://k-tec.uk/

The Evercade retro console format has just unveiled its November 2024 Game of the Month, which is available to download for those owning an Evercade VS, Evercade EXP, or Evercade Alpha system.

• Title: Batty Zabella
• Developer: Retro Room
• Type: Horror-themed point-and-click adventure originally developed for the Game Boy

Even though we’re already halfway through November, the month's featured game can now be downloaded onto your Evercade console. Once you update to the latest system software. This will be available until it gets replaced by next month’s new Game of the Month.

Interestingly, all the Games of the Month are compiled onto one of Evercade's Indie Heroes cartridges, which are released early the following year if you wish to keep them as permanent additions to your collection.

Did you play Batty Zabella on the Game Boy? What were your impressions?

https://k-tec.uk/

Is anyone familiar with PPSSPP multiplayer? I see there are two options, ad hoc and online and have a few questions. I read that online multiplayer is really just tricks around ad hoc mode, and it requires port opening on the router to work. Does that mean that it won't even work if I'm on cellular data?

If I'm playing with someone on the same WiFi in ad hoc mode, both on Android phones, will it work as is or are there also ports to open? I don't even know what kind of firewall Android sets up. Thanks for your answers, just want to play with friends.

The retro shooter masterpiece, Xeno Crisis by Bitmap Bureau, has finally made its way onto the Game Boy Advance (GBA)! This game had been a favourite since its initial release for Mega Drive in 2018 and now it's available on several other systems including the SNES, N64, Dreamcast, and GameCube.

Key Points:

• The GBA version of Xeno Crisis comes with beautifully designed region-specific box art. * All regions (Europe, USA, Japan) are supported and the carts are region-free. They work on any GBA, GBA SP, GB Micro, or after-market devices like Analogue Pocket.
• Purchasers also get access to a downloadable ROM file for use in emulators.

Have you been waiting for the GBA releaes of Xeno Crisis?

https://k-tec.uk/

ANBERNIC has just announced their newest handheld device, the RG406H. This is a horizontal form factor with an interesting blend of design elements from previous models.

• Key Features:
• 4″ IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 960 x 720 and black bezels
• T820 CPU, capable of emulating PS2, Gamecube, and Wii games
• Good build quality with upgraded shoulder buttons, LED hall-joysticks, and a responsive D-PAD
• Runs Android for additional gameplay options
• Available in three colour variations: black, white, and transparent purple

This announcement comes after ANBERNIC has released multiple handhelds this year. There's no official release date yet but it’s expected to be priced around $150+.

Given the powerful CPU and the ability to emulate high-end consoles, what do you think about the claimed emulation capabilities? Can this device truly handle all PS2 games?

https://k-tec.uk/