RetroGaming

EGM Compendium hits $500K in Crowdfunding

Overview of the Fundraising Success

EGM Compendium, a significant project aimed at creating a comprehensive collection of Edge of Game Magazine (EGM), announced last month that they had reached over $250k on their crowdfunding campaign. This momentum has now propelled the campaign to surpass the $500k mark in just a couple of weeks.

Key Features and Perks

• $500K Milestone Reached: With this milestone, EGM Compendium unlocked additional perks for backers, such as better quality paper and extra articles in the final book. One of the most exciting new perks is the commemorative fold-out cover, which adds a premium finish to the book.

Project Details

• Campaign Duration: The campaign still has a week left, creating potential for even higher fundraising totals.
• Backers can Still Order: For those looking to relive nostalgia or add to their collection, it's not too late to place an order. Orders are accepted until the end of the campaign.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

• Artwork Announced: As soon as they hit $500k, EGM Compendium updated their campaign page to announce that they would commission a crossover-packed fold-out cover for EGM #265, paying homage to the iconic EGM #100. An artist will be selected in the days ahead.

How do you feel about EGM Compendium's success? Do you have particular issues or magazines that you would love to see included in this collection?

Earlier this month, Passageway Games released Passageway of the Ancients to Steam. The game is heavily influenced by classic Dungeons and Dragons RPG titles like Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights, blending turn-based and real-time gameplay with character progression similar to the genre's staples.

Key Points:

• Game Release: Passageway of the Ancients has now been released on Steam.
• Bundle Offer: A bundle including both the game and its original soundtrack is discounted by 15% for $21.23, while the soundtrack can be purchased separately for $4.99.
• Early Reviews: While some players found the technical aspects lacking or not as engaging as other titles in this genre, others praised the plot and story unfolding.

Technical Details:

• Genre: Dungeons and Dragons-inspired RPG
• Platform: Steam (PC)
• Features: Turn-based and real-time gameplay, character progression, equipment selection.

Have you played the game? What's your review?

Recently, it was reported that the renowned first-person shooter game DOOM can now run on the Nintendo Alarmo alarm clock. This unique device surprisingly manages to host the classic game despite its limited memory.

Limited Support: The audio for the game is not supported due to technical constraints imposed by the alarm clock's hardware limitations.

You can find the necessary downloads here.

Quote from developer, Gary:

After my last post, it was pretty clear what everyone wanted to see on the Alarmo. So, here it is - Doom running on the Nintendo Alarmo! pic.twitter.com/WimckYPnXZ

What do you think about this unique accomplishment?

Naoki Yoshida, also known as Yoshi-P, the director and producer of Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XVI, has expressed his desire for Square Enix to re-release two classic PlayStation 1 RPGs: Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy Tactics.

Game Information:

• Name: [Rage of the Dragons NEO]
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam)
• Release Date: November 14, 2024

Key Features:

• Improved visuals, updated mechanics, additional content
• Tag-team combat system with new fighters and abilities
• Online multiplayer modes with rollback netcode for smooth play

Original Context:

• First developed by Evoga and Noise Factory in 2002, it was a spiritual successor to Double Dragon. Known for fast-paced action and deep combo systems.
• The original gained cult followings thanks to its challenging gameplay and strategic elements.

Will you be revisiting your old copies of "Rage of the Dragons" or trying out the remake?

The making of the iconic 1995 Worms, featuring some of the original development team.
1:00:58

A new and complete translation has been released for the classic PlayStation 1 RPG Popolocrois Monogatari 2. This game, originally developed by G-Artists and published by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCEI), follows a young prince on an epic quest to save his kingdom from an evil goddess.

Summary of Key Points:

• The original game was released in Japan back in the year 2000.
• It's part of the Popolocrois series, which started with the 1984 manga and was followed by two previous PlayStation 1 titles: Popolocrois Monogatari (1996) and Poporogue (1998).
• A prior translation existed in a PSP game combining events of both Popolocrois games, but it wasn't entirely faithful to the original story.
• Zenksren has now created a more complete English patch, which includes staff credits for LostOkina, Wyrdwad, Aquagon, ERT, and ???. The translation is available on ROM Hack Plaza and has been tested on real hardware, Retroarch (SwanStation core), standalone DuckStation, and no$psx. A translation of the first PS1 game in the series is also online.

In your opinion, which fan translation projects should we see next, and why?

Classic Accolade Sports Games Coming To Major Platforms

Several classic sports games developed by Accolade are set to make a fantastic return across various gaming platforms. The news has been officially announced, and the game collection is being published in partnership with Atari.

Games Included:

• Summer Challenge
• Winter Challenge
• HardBall!
• HardBall II
• Hoops Shut Up and Jam!

Key Features of the Collection:

• Save states: Save progress at any point.
• Filter options: Visual customization to emulate different displays.
• Access to original manuals: Adding an authentic touch to your retro gaming experience.

While the platforms covered include PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 (PS4), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, no specific release date has been confirmed.

What was your favorite game in the Accolade Sports Collection?

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars - Reforged

News: Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – Reforged is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on November 7, 2024.

Key Points:

• Remastered Edition: The reforged version features enhanced graphics and audio compared to the original.
• Switch Release: Enhanced with all post-launch fixes from the PC version.
• Price: £24.99/€29.99/$29.99 on the Nintendo eShop.

Enhancements:

• 4K Redrawn Backgrounds
• Re-animated Sprites
• Enhanced Audio
• Option to switch between original 1996 visuals and updated graphics at any time during gameplay.

Plot Summary: George Stobbart, an American tourist, becomes embroiled in a global conspiracy involving the Knights Templar after witnessing a bombing in Paris.

What do you think? Are you excited to revisit this classic adventure game on Switch?

I'm trying to get an old Windows game running for a friend.

It seems to be a 16bit macromedia app and I kind of got it running in a Win 98 VM using Virtualbox. DOSBox seems to get confused by it being a Windows app.

Thing is, the friend is very much not good with tech and I want to set everything up for him to "just work". Installing VBox might be a bit too much.

Apparently, you can install Windows inside DOSBox, but is that really stable and usable for layman? Are there any other approaches?

cross-posted from: https://lemmus.org/post/8635192

Azul Crescent's silly scribbles.

Hello,

I'm looking for a high resolution image of the PAL cover from the Dreamcast (I believe).

There was this website covergalaxy that used it have in 2382x2382 but all the content seems to be gone. Here's the cache https://ibb.co/nRMhjgw . Internet archive doesn't have it.

Much appreciated!

For those who don’t know, click here: https://dreamcastlive.net/dreampi-tutorial/

This is how I connected for PSO.

I’ve mostly hunted on Ragol years ago when lately I decided to start over to avoid playing the Ultimate difficulty at level 74 to 75.

Click here to see any games online now: https://dreamcastlive.net/games/

I also appeared on the DreamcasticChannel a couple of times myself years ago on YouTube:

cross-posted from: https://sopuli.xyz/post/18715317

I am looking for something to kill some time with, title says it all.

My gut says commodore 128 is a good choice. What is your opinion?

Dead Space is a beloved horror franchise that has captured the hearts and minds of many gamers since its release in 2008. Now, Lost In Cult, known for their books on video game history, are releasing a new book called Make Us Whole: The History of Dead Space.

Key Points:

• Author: Elijah Beahm
• Publisher: Lost In Cult
• Pages: 272 pages
• Subjects: Includes new and candid interviews with franchise creators, hands-on insights into pre-release prototypes, and incisive prose.
• Illustrations: New illustrations by Jonathan L Mantia, a well-known artist in the film and comic book industries.
• Featured Interviews: Writers like Brian Evenson and Jimmy Palmiotti, as well as designers Roman Campos-Orila and Ben Wanat.

Cult Classics Series:

Lost In Cult has announced that this is part of their new book series titled Cult Classics, dedicated to text-focused projects. Each Cult Classic will focus on a subject matter dear to its author, making every one a personal, passion-driven read. This release marks the beginning of this series.

Pre-Order Information:

The book is available for pre-order until December 10th, 2024. A special signed edition, featuring signatures from author Elijah Beahm and Dead Space writer and producer Chuck Beaver, has also been made available. This edition comes with a bookplate for the signatures plus an A5 art card.

What's your take? Are you looking forward to diving into Make Us Whole: The History of Dead Space?

It was recently announced that Boulder Dash 40th Anniversary will be released in Q1 of 2025 for PC, Mac, Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation. A playable version of the game is available on Steam as a free demo this December.

Key Points

• Release Date: Q1 2025 (for multiple platforms)
• Demo Release: December 2024 (on PC and Mac via Steam)
• Game Content: Includes levels from all three original Boulder Dash games, plus fan-created levels.
• Level Design Participation: Fans can submit their own levels to help shape the new game.

Historical Background

Boulder Dash is a beloved subterranean platform puzzler originally released in 1984 for Commodore 64, before being ported to numerous other formats including NES and Game Boy.

Developer Details

• Developer: BBG Entertainment (based in Munich, Germany)
• Mission Statement: "Fun for the whole family even decades after their initial publication."

Demo Availability

You can try out a demo of Boulder Dash 40th Anniversary on Steam from this December!

Community Involvement

Fans can contribute to the game by submitting their own levels on the developer's Discord channel.

How do you think the inclusion of fan-created levels will impact the final game, and what unique challenges might arise from crowdsourcing levels for a retro-style puzzle game?

While researching good PSP games to play I found many posts about Monster Hunter Freedom Unite and other Monster Hunter games. They are beloved by the community but after doing some reading/watching it's not clear to me what the appeal is. I would appreciate if someone could tell what the goal is and what you love about the game. Apparently they are very long games (I think I read 100 hours or something along those lines) which is really great if I can get into a single game for that long. Thank you!

Savant Ascent Remix Heading to Nintendo Switch on December 5th

The indie-developed, retro-style action game Savant Ascent Remix is making its way to the Nintendo Switch! This reworking of the original Savant Ascent will release on December 5th, 2024.

• Game Modes Introduced: The new version includes Classic Mode, Survival Mode, and Time Attack mode, each bringing fresh challenges to players.
• Classic Mode: Players take on the tower with enhanced abilities like grabbing enemies.
• Survival Mode: Offers a hardcore experience with new enemy waves and bosses.
• Time Attack: Challenges gamers to complete levels as quickly as possible.
• Full Sequel: Though inspired by an original remaster, the developer took this opportunity to expand into a full-blown sequel, adding substantial new content like NES-style Hardcore Mode and 36 newly composed songs from celebrated Norwegian musician Savant.

Worth the money?

• If you pre-order before release, grab an extra 15% discount!
• The game promises to more than double the size of the original with new weapons, difficulty modes, and extensive gameplay additions.

Do you think the new modes will add enough value to make this title a must-play on Switch?

Details

• Launch Date: November 28, 2024
• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Price (Digital): $19.99 / €19.99
• Physical Edition Price (Early 2025): $39.99 / €39.99
• Special Editions in Japan: Offer an art book and desk pad with the physical edition.

Collection Content

• Games Included:*

• Kira Kira Star Night!: A platforming action game with an impressive lineup of composers.
• Astro Ninja Man DX: A shoot 'em up game with simple controls and challenging gameplay.

• Music Albums:

• 8Bit Music Power: Features chiptune tracks from classic and modern composers.
• 8Bit Music Power Final: Offers a diverse range of compositions with visual elements.
• 8Bit Music Power Encore: The final album in the series, providing more chiptune music.

Do you plan to add this collection to your library?

WayForward, the retro publisher, has released Clock Tower: Rewind following its recent announcements. The game now includes an official English translation from the original Japanese version.

Features and Enhancements

• Two Modes: Original or Rewind mode, providing a choice in gameplay experience.
• Gameplay Additions: New animated motion comics with voiceovers and music, art gallery, music player, behind-the-scenes interview with creator Hifumi Kono, playable Japanese commercial demo, save states, and more modern conveniences.

Background of the Game

Clock Tower: Rewind has been a beloved game with its atmospheric 2D art, detailed animations, and haunting sound effects, enhancing tense point-and-click gameplay. Players seek to evade the psychotic Scissorman, facing multiple endings and randomized elements that maximize replayability.

How might the additional features and English translation in Clock Tower: Rewind affect your play experience or perception of the game?

The long-awaited English fan translation of Princess Crown for the Sega Saturn has stirred up some controversy within the fan translation community. After over a decade of work by fan translators CyberWarriorX and SamIAm, another developer, eadmaster, released a version of the game in English using assets from their original project.