RetroGaming

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?

Earlier this week, a new port of the classic Nintendo arcade game Donkey Kong was released for the ZX Spectrum by Artonapilos and Bubu Marcianito. This version looks impressive with characters closer to the original arcade design and vibrant colors compared to previous versions.

The ZX Spectrum port features more authentic visuals, better performance, and is a considerable improvement over Ocean Software's 1986 version.

However, there are significant concerns about this project. Since the game is unlicensed yet being sold for €5 on itch.io, it may face legal action from Nintendo.

The developer is potentially putting a big target on their back with Nintendo by charging money for an unlicensed port of a copyrighted game.

Would you support this project if possible? Do you hope the developers and Nintendo can come to an arrangement to ensure its continued distribution?

https://k-tec.uk/

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/

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

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/

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

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/

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

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/

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

Showcase

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/

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

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/

Key Details:

• Game Title: Casey’s Gold
• Console: Atari 2600, and its modern counterparts (Atari 2600+ and Atari 7800+)
• Release Date: November 25, 12 noon PST

Background:

The legendary Atari 2600 has found new life in recent times with the release of its updated versions. This article brings to light a new homebrew title designed for this retro console, Casey’s Gold.

Description:

In Casey’s Gold, players take on the role of Casey O’Kelly, a conductor responsible for moving gold bars from the hills outside town back east. The railroad company has hired you to search every train and retrieve any missing gold bars that have been scattered by saboteurs who hope to collect them at the destination.

Why It Matters:

The resurgence of classic consoles like the Atari 2600 is fascinating, especially when it comes to dedicated enthusiasts creating timeless games for these platforms. Casey’s Gold adds another layer of nostalgia and challenge to an already beloved retro console.

For those interested in ordering Casey’s Gold, you can do so directly from its publisher Audacity starting November 25, 12 noon PST.

Do you have an Atari 2600+, or 7800+? What do you think of the updates?

https://k-tec.uk/

A fan-created teaser for a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess using Unreal Engine 5 has recently debuted, marking the game’s 18th anniversary. This initiative showcases the advanced graphics capabilities of current technology to re-envision classic titles with stunning realism.

• Enhanced Environments and Lighting: The teaser highlights improved environments and lighting effects that some fans commend.

• Character Models and Facial Animations: However, others have expressed concerns about character models and facial animations, noting they appear unnatural within a highly realistic setting.

• Unofficial Project: It’s important to note these Unreal Engine remakes are unofficial and generally incomplete projects by enthusiasts rather than official games.

• Rumors of Official Remaster: Insider reports suggest Nintendo may already have a prepared Twilight Princess remaster for the Switch, possibly launching in Spring 2025.

Official Release Anticipation: Given Nintendo’s history of strategic release timing, an official remaster featuring in the launch lineup of Switch 2 is plausible.

What do you think? Would you play the fan remaster in an unfinished state?

https://k-tec.uk/