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?

8BitDo have just released a new keyboard that celebrates the iconic original Xbox.

• Key Features:

• Translucent shell inspired by the original console.

• RGB backlit keys with a Master Chief-like command centre feel.

• XBOX button for quick access to Windows Game Bar.

• Supports n-key rollover and hot-swappable PCB.

• Design:

• Arrow buttons are colored like Xbox controller action buttons, adding an nostalgic touch.

• Availability:

• Available for preorder on Amazon now at $119.99.

• Shipment expected on January 15th, 2025.

What are your impressions of this compared to 8BitDo's other console-inspired keyboards?

For context, I'm new to retro-gaming & emulation.

How I got here:

The Steamdeck became available in my country, and I instantly desired one, but since I have a considerable Steam library that doesn't get played on my laptop and an Xbox S that hasn't been turned on for a year, I had to question if I really could justify something that expensive that might not get played much after a couple of months.

I've heard of Pico-8 games on an unrelated tech podcast, and that interested me. So I googled what handhelds I could play those on, and a few rabbit holes later I was here - a sub $100 handheld that can play retro roms, "up to" PSP - which I own a shoe box of UMDs for. I know my way around Vice City and would like to go back some day.

Screen Format:

The idea of playing PSP games was what tipped me towards a 16:9 screen rather than a squarer format. Perhaps that will turn out to be right for me, but right now I'm regretting it since I'm in a deep nostalgia dive of squarish format games.

Physical:

A lot of youtubers recommending the RGB10 Max3 point to the bulbous back as making it nicer than some others to hold for a while. It's fine - no where near as comfortable as a stock Xbox controller. A lot lighter than my distant memory of the original PSP and the buttons feel cheaper.

I got the transparent black one - I can't read the labels on the "start" and "select" buttons, but that's already staring to not matter at all after a couple of hours of on and off use. The power LED (which I understand can be turned off) is blinding in bed.

System:

I took the common advice to buy better quality SD cards and copy stuff over. In the process I flashed the system card with RockNix. I believe it comes stock with JELOS, but I never booted it with the supplied card so can't confirm. Even though this system is a collection of things from diverse developers, it's very manageable.

My only previous brush with emulation was helping some kids building an arcade machine around a raspberry pie (a while ago) and I remembering it being a lot clunkier to move between emulators etc and getting games going properly. Rocknix/Retroarch is pretty great. A few key-combos to learn but that doesn't take to long. I haven't been getting into tweaking emulator settings, but the out of the box experience for just playing some games is good.

Screen:

Is really good. It's been a long long time since I saw my PSP so it's probably not fair to compare, but I would say the RGB10Max3 is better. Certainly better for viewing angle (which hardly matters for a handheld device).

Controls:

Nearly every review (I've obsessively consumed waiting for this unit to arrive) mentions the poor D-Pad. In some games I don't notice any problem at all, in others I get repeatedly squashed by barrels or eaten by ghosts because of it. Sometimes, swapping to the left joystick solves the problem.

So far:

I'm having a lot of fun. If I am still picking this up and playing with it in a year, that's probably an indication I should have gotten a Steam Deck, but if I've lost interest and passed it on to someone else I probably would have already gotten good value out of it. A third possible outcome is that if it turns out I keep playing 4:3 and similar format games (and especially if I have a go at developing some PICO-8), I might look at one of the DMG shaped devices instead - and possibly in the more pocket-able size since those less story-based games are consumable on the go.

Yuzo Koshiro's Mega Drive/Genesis Shmup Earthion: An Upgraded Arcade Release

In a recent development, Yuzo Koshiro's Mega Drive/Genesis Shmup Earthion is getting an exceptional arcade release via the exA-Arcadia platform. Unlike the home version, this arcade iteration promises a superior experience with no slowdown and improved audio quality with clearer voices..

The development team, Ancient, has been working on Earthion for it to be released next year.

The exA-Arcadia version also includes "additional elements unique to arcades", but there is no further detail on these additions.

Do you own an exA-Arcadia system? Are you tempted to get the arcade version of Earthion?

Key Points

• Game: Breakers Revenge (Neo Geo fighting game developed by Visco Corporation in 1996)
• Rerelease: Originally released for Neo Geo AES and CD, then Dreamcast in 2017.
• Current Availability: New batches of Breakers Revenge are now available from PixelHeart.

Details

• Price: €300 per cart due to production costs for Neo Geo carts.
• Styling Options: Original Japanese style and the new USA Dogtag style are both available.

Gameplay

• Plugs into 90s fighting game tropes emulating Street Fighter II.
• Features like roll moves and a damage adjustment system make it stand out from other titles.

Do you think Breakers Revenge is worth €300?

Sony Interactive Entertainment has launched a new interactive timeline website celebrating the 30th anniversary of the PlayStation brand, which falls on December 3, 2024. This website provides an extensive look at the history of PlayStation consoles, highlighting key milestones and sales achievements across all generations.

One notable revelation is that the PlayStation 2 has officially surpassed 160 million units sold worldwide, cementing its position as the best-selling video game console of all time. This figure exceeds previous estimates by confirming the milestone for the first time. Other significant sales figures include:

• PlayStation (1994–2006): 102 million units
• PlayStation 3 (2006–present): 87 million units
• PlayStation 4 (2013–present): 117 million units

The timeline reflects on past successes and looks toward future innovations.

What are your thoughts about the PlayStation's legacy in gaming? How do you think the brand should evolve as it moves forward?

Metroid Prime 2 Remaster

The remaster of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is reportedly set for release in early 2025, following successful reception of the first game.

• Release Date: Early 2025 (pending official announcement)
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
• Features: Enhanced visuals, quality-of-life updates, modern enhancements including improved controls and higher-resolution textures.
• Fan Hope: Tweaks to streamline complex backtracking elements.

This news follows the success of Metroid Prime Remastered, which launched in 2023 and garnered critical acclaim. The game is expected to retain its darker tone while providing enhanced visual and gameplay experiences familiar from its original release.

It is very peculiar how Nintendo has handled the 3 games, with releases more than a year after their completion, in fact they can release them whenever they want.

• Samus Hunter

What did you think of Metroid Prime: Remastered? How do you think Metroid Prime 2: Remastered will compare?

Breath of Death VII: The Beginning, a critically acclaimed Xbox 360 RPG developed by Shadow Layer Games, is making its way to Steam. Originally released in 2010, this retro-inspired JRPG has gained immense popularity over the years, earning high scores and maintaining a fanbase. The port, titled Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Reanimated, will be available starting December 12th, 2024.

• Developer: Shadow Layer Games
• Platform: Xbox 360 (originally)
• Release Date: December 12th, 2024 on Steam
• Price: $5

Key Features of the Remake:

• Renewed Graphics and Sound: Complete rebuild of the original code with a new 16-bit art style and a brand-new soundtrack.
• New Modes and Gameplay Enhancements: Additional game modes, quality-of-life features, UI/UX improvements, and user-friendly controls.

Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Reanimated is a complete, ground-up remake of the original, top-rated Xbox Live Indie Game.

• Bill Stiernberg, Shadow Layer Games.

What are your favourite memories of the original Breath of Death VII: The Beginning?

Nintendo has expanded its retro library on the Nintendo Switch by adding three classic Sega Mega Drive/ Genesis games to the service: Mercs, ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron, and Vectorman.

• Mercs (Wolf of the Battlefield: Mercs): A fast-paced arcade action shooter where players take on the role of a U.S. mercenary unit rescuing a kidnapped former president, featuring multiple modes and a variety of weapons.
• ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron: A side-scrolling adventure with quirky humor and colourful levels, returning the iconic duo to their home planet while combating Earthlings.
• Vectorman: Set in a dystopian future where players control Vectorman, stopping a rogue leader. Known for its fluid animations and high-speed action, this is one of the most visually impressive games on the Genesis/Mega Drive.

These additions are now available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers through the SEGA Genesis app on their consoles.

What's your favorite Sega Mega Drive/Genesis game from these new additions?

Fighters Megamix is one of Saturn's must-play fighting games, bringing together beloved characters from titles like Virtua Fighter and Fighting Vipers. Yutaka Ito, the game's developer, has revealed a secret about it after nearly three decades:

• In 1996, the developers found that breaking a wall in the secret stage or using powerful moves would freeze the game before they could fix the bug.
• This issue prevented them from publicly announcing the hidden Ohshima Stage until now.
• The secret can be accessed only if specific conditions are met; however, the game freezing bug remains unfixed.

Now that Fighters Megamix marks its 28th anniversary, Yutaka Ito decided it was time to share this secret and X user memory_fallen followed the clues; he's made a video with instructions.

Have you ever found a significant bug in an old game?

RetroTime has developed an innovative solution to breathe new life into the nearly 40-year-old Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). By utilizing the rarely used expansion port on the bottom of the console, the NES Hub provides modern functionality by adding Bluetooth connectivity. This allows up to four wireless controllers to connect seamlessly without any soldering or hardware modifications.

Key Features:

• Bluetooth connectivity for four wireless controllers
• Mimics capabilities of Nintendo's 1990 NES Four Score accessory, enabling support for four-player games like Bomberman 2 and Gauntlet 2
• Enhances audio experience by unlocking expansion audio channels for certain Famicom games
• Includes three extra ports for connecting peripherals such as a $26 add-on for connectiong SNES controllers

Additional Features:

• Connects to a PC via Bluetooth for web-based configuration tool
• Offers button remapping or keyboard/mouse mode

Availability: The NES Hub is available for preorder at $57.28 and set to ship in December 2024.

Is bluetooth connectivity the NES QoL upgrade you've been waiting for? Or do you have reservations when it comes to latency?

PlayStation Preservation Milestone

An Important Job for Garret Fredley

Recently, a PlayStation preservation expert named Garret Fredley has reached an impressive milestone: 500 terabytes (TB) of Sony’s gaming history have been safely stored.

Fredley shared this achievement on Twitter, writing:

"We have crossed the 500 TBs threshold of preserved PlayStation history at work🥳

It's weird to consider what half a petabyte looks like considering the size of modern AAA titles. It's an honour to preserve it all, but copying hundreds of millions of files is super slow

Objectives and Challenges

• Preservation Practices: The PS Studios IP Preservation team, which Fredley oversees, focuses on establishing preservation practices for future titles and archiving past games as comprehensively as possible.

Relevance and Future Benefits

The work done by Fredley's team will be extremely important for future endeavours in the gaming industry:

• Reduction of Loss: With readily available source code, artwork, and resources, reproducing or re-releasing games will become easier. This means a significant reduction in the risk of losing crucial game data.
• Historical Significance: It also preserves historical data which could be invaluable for future research and development within the industry.

Given that Sony is now taking these steps, one might wonder if other major gaming companies are doing similar preservation efforts? Do you think Nintendo, Microsoft, or any other company should follow suit?

Nintendo has added Donkey Kong Land to their Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy emulator.

Key Points:

• Donkey Kong Land is a different game from its SNES counterpart and offers unique levels.
• The Nintendo DMG (Game Boy) version features a distinct graphics style with influences from Super Mario games like Super Mario Land and Wario Land.
• Fun gameplay involving collecting bananas and defeating foes can be enjoyed by subscribers to the base-level package of Switch Online.

The game marks another step in celebrating Donkey Kong Country's 30th anniversary and continuing retro gaming nostalgia.

Did you prefer the DMG or SNES version of Donkey Kong Land?

He's doing it through the Gunroad store. The discount code is HDG4FREE.

It'll ask you to enter an email address, but only to send you a receipt -- even if you put a fake one it, it'll take you directly to the download page.

Key Facts:

• Evercade Alpha: Global release expected between November 28th and December 16th, with UK and US shipments by the end of November. Western and Northern Europe might face delays due to logistical challenges.
• Toaplan Arcade 3 and other latest cartridges (Data East Arcade 2, Metal Dragon & Life on Mars) are set for shipment at the same time as Evercade Alpha, arriving earlier than expected in several territories.
• Evercade EXP-R: Available by end of November with optional TATE grips for comfortable vertical play mode.

Are you planning to order any of these?