Text: https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2024-playstation-30th-anniversary-what-if-digital-foundry-existed-in-1994

Evercade, the retro gaming cartridge-based system, has announced a collaborative venture with SNK, one of Japan's most iconic game makers. This partnership aims to celebrate 'The Artistry And Legacy Of Neo Geo' through new products coming in 2025 and 2026.

KEY FACTS

• Collaboration: Evercade is teaming up with SNK, the company behind titles like Metal Slug and King of Fighters.
• Timeline: New products will be released throughout 2025 and 2026, with details expected in late Q1 2025.
• Products: Possible cartridge collections featuring Neo Geo titles, as well as hardware pre-loaded with SNK games.

QUOTE

...This partnership isn't just about adding great games; it's about celebrating the artistry and legacy of NEOGEO in a way that's accessible to fans old and new. We’re thrilled to give these classics a new platform in 2025.

• Andrew Byatt, CEO of Blaze Entertainment Ltd (Evercade).

EVERCADE

• Evercade Range: A series of cartridge-based gaming hardware including the EXP handheld, VS home console, and Alpha bartop arcade machine.
• HyperMegaTech: A subsidiary that offers the Super Pocket handheld, also compatible with Evercade carts.

Given the high price of NEOGEO games, originally, do you expect Evercade to charge a premium for their SNK carts?

Anbernic is releasing a new emulation handheld called RG34XX. Here are the details:

• Supported Platforms: Over 30, including PSP, N64, DS, DOS, Dreamcast, PS1, etc.
• Screen: 3.4-inch IPS with a resolution of 720x480
• OS: 64-bit Linux
• Features: 5G Wi-Fi, HDMI-out, and Bluetooth 4.2

The RG34XX will be available in four colours: indigo, green transparent, red transparent, and black.

What do you think about the fact that they've mimicked the design of the GBA so closely?

This demo, developed by BasicProgrammer (B.P.S), showcases a new recreation of Sega's classic arcade game After Burner, running on an MSXturboR computer. The version leverages features of an extended version of MSX BASIC.

• Developed for the MSXturboR using DM-System2 development kit.
• Features a more colourful and detailed sprite for the player's jet, compared to Activision's original port.
• Boasts impressive scrolling effects.

B.P.S has been creating similar demos of other classic games on MSX computers, including Hang-On, Space Harrier, and The Tower of Druaga. It's unknown whether this demo will be developed further.

What classic games would you like to see recreated for MSX computers?

The Amiga received an impressive fan-made Star Wars game called Star Dust Wars - The Director's Cut. This game is a tribute to the legendary 1987-88 arcade game and features iconic Star Wars ships battling through locations from the original trilogy, recreated with "modern creative touches".

Here are some key points:

• Game Name: Star Dust Wars - The Director's Cut
• Developer: Electric Black Sheep
• Features: 2D sprites, FMV-style backgrounds, custom animations
• Playability: Recommended for Amiga 1200 (HDD) + FastRam and Accelerator for optimal performance.

What are your favourite memories of the original Star Wars arcade game?

GOG, the popular PC game retailer, has announced its intention to preserve at least 500 classic PC games by the end of 2025 as part of a new preservation programme. According to Marcin Paczyński, GOG's senior business development manager, this initiative focuses on actively preserving these titles even when their publishers or developers are no longer supporting them.

Key Points:

• Goals: Preserve at least 500 classic PC games by the end of 2025.
• Unique Aspects: Unlike previous efforts, GOG is committed to long-term preservation and actively addressing issues faced by these titles.
• Selection Process: Games will be selected based on historical importance, fan demand, and compatibility with modern operating systems like Windows 10 or 11.
• Iconic Titles Included: Some very iconic and long-requested games are expected to be part of the programme.

What classic PC games would you like to see preserved through GOG's new programme?

A fan-made project titled Sonic Adventure 2 Redux is reimagining the 2001 game Sonic Adventure 2, using Unreal Engine 5. This ambitious project led by JeliLiam, aims to recreate the game from scratch, capturing its essence while bringing it up to modern visual standards.

• City Escape Level Update: A teaser has recently been released, showcasing the enhanced graphics and attention to detail UE5 allows. The focus is on reimagining one of the most memorable levels from Sonic Adventure 2.
• Community Reactions: This project has generated excitement within the Sonic community, with fans anticipating the demo release next week.

What other levels would you like to see updated in UE5?

How often have you played Halo: Combat Evolved and felt like you wanted to be more involved with the action, rather than just controlling it from a distance? Well, now there’s a virtual reality (VR) mod that lets you get your hands dirty.

• Link: GitHub
• What's Included: A VR mod for the original PC version of Halo: Combat Evolved, allowing players to use motion controls.

The mod is impressive and gives a convincing portrayal of playing Halo in VR.

Watch the video below to see it in action:

Halo: Combat Evolved VR Mod

What aspects of playing Halo: Combat Evolved do you think will benefit most from VR?

Overview

The Sega 32X, an add-on for the Mega Drive/Genesis console in 1994, marks its 30th anniversary this year. This hardware launch was designed as a bridge from 16-bit to 32-bit gaming but ultimately failed commercially.

• Launch Dates: Launched November 21st, 1994 in North America and Europe; December 3rd, 1994 in Japan.
• Design Purpose: Retain Sega's substantial user base while preparing for the next generation of consoles.
• Games Released: Approximately only 40 titles were released, some enhanced versions of Genesis games.

Commercial Failure & Impact

Less than a million units were sold, causing Sega to abandon the platform in 1996.

• Yosuke Okunari (Sega Producer): Laid blame at the feet of the 32X for diverting attention away from Saturn, contributing to Sega's decline in sales.

Do you have any fond memories or opinions about the Sega 32X?

Took me years to tie together my memory of this really cool "game maker" to a name from the early 2000s. I remembered it when it was version 1.1 with the above logo, then they drastically changed it for v2 and I never recognized it till years later lol

The Sega Mega Drive/Genesis is a beloved platform, famous for its array of beat 'em up classics like Streets of Rage and Golden Axe. Now, it looks like the console may be welcoming another entry to this genre in the form of Kirito The Game – a new homebrew project currently on Kickstarter.

Key Points:

• Developer: A small group led by Thulf Ham.
• Gameplay: Following a story where a retro YouTuber seeks revenge after his collection is stolen and he's beaten up.
• Tech: Created using SGDK, the Sega Genesis Development Kit.

Funding Status:

• Total campaign goal: €20,000
• Current raised amount: The target has already been surpassed
• Available support tiers include:
• Digital edition: €12
• Physical editions (different artwork for each region): €59
• Premium offers including art book and soundtrack

What's Next?

The game is available as a demo to download or play in various emulators and even on real hardware.

If you're interested, head over to the Kickstarter page to see more.

They also have their own web site: https://www.kiritothegame.com/

Will Kirito The Game find its place in the legacy of Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, or will it become a niche release for fans only?

News: NES Tetris Arrives on Nintendo Switch Online

The iconic NES version of Tetris is finally making its way to Nintendo Switch Online. Here's everything you need to know:

• Release Date: December 12, 2024
• Game Availability: Available in the base level subscription of NSO

Controversial History

The NES version had its fair share of controversy, including the infamous Tengen release that was pulled from shelves, due to the fact that they disregarded Nintendo's ownership of the "Tetris" name. Naturally, the Tengen version is not included in this release.

What's your favourite version of Tetris?

It's a port of the original Super Mario Bros from the NES to the Game Boy Color. The physics feel very nice, and I like how the sprites are adapted.

The port also extends the game. After the 8 original worlds, Quest B adds 8 more with new enemies, mechanics, and even bosses! I had so much fun playing it.

Also, the game is FOSS: https://github.com/Mico27/SuperMarioBrosMini

The classic JRPGs Suikoden I & Suikoden II is getting a remaster, and the opening cinematics for the remasters have been released. The remasters are set to launch on March 6, 2025, across multiple platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

• Visual Enhancements: The HD remasters retain the original games' aesthetic while incorporating modern enhancements such as improved pixel art animations and background illustrations.
• Sound Improvements: New environmental sound effects and HD battle sound effects enhance the immersion.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Features like auto-save functionality, battle fast forward, and a conversation log are included to improve gameplay experience.

Find the opening cinematics on YouTube:

• Suikoden I
• Suikoden II

What do you think about these cinematics? How do they compare to the original games?

Over three hours of gameplay from Argonaut highlights key features and development insights.

Croc: The Legend of Gobbos, originally released in the late 1990s on various platforms, is getting a much-anticipated re-release as an HD remaster. During a recent stream at My Life In Gaming, members of Argonaut Games shared insights around how the remaster was developed and its unique approach.

Key Information:

• Engine & Technology: The game uses Unity, but it's a unconventional setup. Jez San, founder of Argonaut, explains: "Croc [HD] is actually based on the Croc PC source code. We had access to that. But it has Unity underneath it so, it’s the Croc engine doing all the graphics that it knows how to do, and then it's Unity displaying it. It's not using Unity the way you would build a game today; it’s using Unity as a 3D layer with our own code doing everything."
• Controls: Tank controls are included but optional, while revisions have been made to the original camera controls.

This remaster is set for releases on Switch, PS4, PS5, PC, and Xbox consoles. Unfortunately, no release date has been announced.

Is Jez San's explanation about the engine and technology fascinating or confusing?

Does anyone know a way to do this? I tried in wine on my raspberry pi, but it didn't work. Tonight I'm going to try one of those Zorin USB things, where you try the OS. Apperently Zorin OS can install windows apps. If that fails, then I'll try wine in Zorin OS.

If that fails....then it's back to the drawing board.

Battletoads: A Classic In Multiple Variants

Battletoads is a legendary action platformer that first appeared on the NES in 1991. It was later ported to other systems like the Mega Drive/Genesis, Game Gear, and even the Amiga CD32. Each version brings its own unique features and challenges.

Inglebard Gaming has put together a comprehensive comparison video showing how all these versions stack up against the original NES version, making it easier for fans to decide which to play.

Highlights:

• Mega drive/Genesis Port: Handled by Arc System Works – great visuals with additional parallax scrolling in some stages. Turbo Tunnel runs faster and smoother on the NES.
• Game Gear Edition: Unique effects such as an AI-style overlay during boss battles at the end of level one.

What’s interesting is that each version has its own strengths and weaknesses, reflecting different development approaches back.

Watch the video for more detailed insights.

Which Battletoads port do you prefer? Do you think there's a definitive best one based on these comparisons?

Beyond the Ice Palace II Release Delayed to March 2025

Beyond the Ice Palace II, a highly anticipated sequel to the classic side-scrolling action platformer from 1988, will now be released on March 13, 2025.

Developed by Storybird Studio and published by PQube and PixelHeart, this retro-style game promises immersive gameplay with modern enhancements. Fans can look forward to dynamic combat mechanics, a dark fantasy adventure filled with vengeance and redemption, and a blend of pixel art with contemporary elements.

Key points:

• Delay from 2024: The game was originally planned for release in 2024 but has been rescheduled due to additional polish and improvements.
• Platforms: Available on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series/One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.
• Art Style: A mix of retro-inspired pixel art and modern game design elements.
• Music: An immersive soundtrack composed by Allister Brimble, known for his work on iconic video games.

Do you think the delay was the right decision, or do you think this happens too much nowadays?

Archer Maclean’s Defender-inspired game, DropZone, is getting a significant update to commemorate its 40th anniversary. This new release includes modernized graphics and enhanced controls—with the added feature of an authentic Retro Mode, allowing for both classic and updated play experiences.

• Release Date: December (exact date TBA)
• Platforms: Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Key Features: Upgraded graphics, enhanced controls, accessible Retro Mode with original aesthetics and sound.

Original Release:

• Initial Release: 1984 for Atari computers
• Ports: Commodore 64, NES, Game Boy, Game Gear (planned but never released Sega Master System and Genesis ports)

What’s another game from the 1980s deserves a similar facelift for its anniversary?

Retro publisher Mega Cat Studios has released Super Excidium Event for the SNES platform, a 16-bit shooter that pays homage to classic space blasters and arcade gaming. The game features a four-way weapon system, epic boss fights, and a retro-styled soundtrack.

Key Points:

• Collaboration: Mega Cat Studios, Retro Gaming Network Discord, Video Game Sage, and the r/Retrogaming Reddit group collaborated to bring this game to market.
• Charity Cause: All profits from the sale of the game will support Child’s Play, a charity that donates therapeutic games and technology to pediatric hospitals.

In Zachary Girgenti's words: "We cannot wait to share it with the retro gaming community and hope you have as much fun as we did making it!"

You can purchase Super Excidium Event directly from Mega Cat Studios.

What do you think of this game's charitable cause?