cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/27325556

A new fan-made project has successfully ported the original Super Mario Bros. to the Game Boy Color, titled Super Mario Bros. Mini. Developed by homebrew developer Mico27, this version of the classic NES game includes several exciting enhancements and new features that expand upon the original experience.

Introducing the VMU Disc Builder

Derek Pascarella has developed a tool known as the VMU Disc Builder, which simplifies the process of transferring save data to and from Dreamcast VMUs.

Key Features:

• Ease of Use: The tool is designed for simplicity, allowing users to download necessary save files, burn them to a CD-R, or load them onto their ODE's internal storage, then run it on their VMU.
• Versatility: It makes the process accessible without requiring special cables or dedicated hardware.

Availability:

The tool is free and available for download: here

As save management becomes more streamlined, it raises questions about broader features. How might this ease of transferring files impact the overall gaming community's approach to managing and backing up their retro game saves? Do you think this tool will lead to increased interest in preserving and engaging with classic games?

Square Enix has announced the release of a new piano album titled "Crystalline Resonance – Final Fantasy Piano Collection", which will be available worldwide on January 15, 2025. This album features piano arrangements from tracks across the Final Fantasy series starting from Final Fantasy VII through to Final Fantasy XVI. Here are some key details:

• Album Tracks: The ten-track album includes iconic themes such as "Zanarkand" from Final Fantasy X, "Lightning's Theme" from Final Fantasy XIII, and other memorable pieces like "Kiss Me Good-Bye" from Final Fantasy XII.
• Pre-orders: Pre-orders are now available on the Japanese Square Enix e-store, with international customers able to order through a CDJapan listing.

Additionally, this album complements the Crystalline Resonance world tour, which will run from December 2024 until March 2025 and features live performances of these themes with visual projections.

Which piece from Final Fantasy would you most like to hear as a piano arrangement?

Colin Anderson, the audio manager and co-composer for Grand Theft Auto II at DMA Design, recently paid tribute to the game, calling it the “unsung hero” of the franchise. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, many see GTA 2 as a misstep, but Anderson believes that it was pivotal in shaping Grand Theft Auto’s future.

GTA 2 introduced several innovative features such as the gang reputation system and fictionalized radio commercials. It also moved the setting to “Anywhere USA,” a retrofuturistic metropolis inspired by films and comics like Terry Gilliam’s Brazil and Frank Miller’s Hard Boiled. These elements made it one of the more experimental entries in the series.

Anderson highlighted that GTA 2 was key for experimentation over perfection, making it a critical step in the franchise’s evolution. The game moved away from simple point-and-click mechanics and towards creating a meaningful immersive world.

Do you agree that GTA 2 is an unsung hero of the franchise?

The US Copyright Office has denied a request to allow remote access to out-of-print video games, a decision that impacts video game preservation efforts.

A classic Konami shoot 'em up, Salamander (or Life Force) is now available on the MiSTer FPGA, ensuring an accurate and enhanced experience for fans of retro gaming. Originally released in 1986 and later available on platforms like NES and PC Engine with a differing American version, this arcade game is renowned for its challenging gameplay and innovative design.

The MiSTer FPGA implementation replicates the original hardware to provide players with accurate performance, making it easier to enjoy stages both horizontally and vertically.

What unique aspects of Salamander (Life Force) attract you as a retro game enthusiast?

The Thing: Remastered Gameplay Trailer Brings 2002 Survival Horror Classic Back

Night Dive Studios has released a new 'Gameplay' trailer for The Thing: Remastered, an updated version of the award-winning squad-based third-person shooter survival horror game originally published in 2002.

• Developer: Night Dive Studios
• Release Date: Late 2024 (PC and consoles)

In this enhanced remaster, players will take on the role of Captain Blake, battling a deadly shape-shifting alien threat as part of a U.S. Army Special Forces team stationed in an Antarctic outpost, all while navigating environments filled with suspense and danger.

Key features include:

• Enhanced graphics
• Improved gameplay mechanics

The Thing: Remastered Gameplay Trailer

What do you hope are the biggest improvements from the original game?

Rocky Horror Show Gets The Retro Gaming ‘Time Warp’ Treatment For Its 50th Anniversary

News Overview

The musical classic, Rocky Horror Show, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with an innovative retro gaming release. Fans can relive the show's magic through chip-tune tracks and side-scrolling gameplay.

• Platforming: The game features platformer elements similar to Castlevania.
• Digital Release: Available for Nintendo Switch at £7.09 and Steam at £7.65 as of writing.
• Developers: Metal X Entertainment, Bit Bot Media & FreakZone Games collaborated on this project.

Developer Insights

Sam Beddoes from FreakZone Games explains: 'It was an honor to adapt the legendary musical into a video game. Now both new fans and veterans can enjoy a fun take on the story and music in crunchy 8-bit goodness.'

FreakZone Games' producer, Joshua Viola, says, ‘For those familiar with Rocky Horror, they’ll get to relive it in a fresh, exciting way. For newcomers, it’s an unforgettable introduction to a cult classic, delivered with a twist only a video game can provide.’

Success Expectations

With 50 years of following behind the musical and Bit Bot Media's successful Kickstarter campaigns, this project is expected to achieve similar success.

Are you ready to do the Time Warp again?

Capcom Announces Resident Evil 2, 3 Remakes and Resident Evil 7 Physical Editions for PS5

Capsule Review:

• Capcom has announced that physical editions of Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake, and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Gold Edition will be released for the PS5. These editions are set to launch in the US on January 10, 2025, after Japan & Australia.

Key Points:

• Initial Release: Japan & Australia
• US Release Date: January 10, 2025 (Pricing: $29.99 USD)

Are you planning to buy the physical editions, or is the digital version sufficient for you?

Macross Game blasting onto Arcade Archives

Super Dimension Fortress Macross, a classic 1992 arcade shooter inspired by the beloved Macross anime series, is set to join the prestigious roster of titles in Hamster Corp.'s Arcade Archives series on December 26th 2024.

• Game Name: Super Dimension Fortress Macross (originally Super Spacefortress Macross in Western releases)
• Platform: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
• Release Date: December 26th, 2024

This game provides a vertical-scrolling shooter experience and is a nostalgic nod to the Golden Age of arcade gaming. Pilot futuristic spacecraft and battle enemies in this space-faring adventure.

Key Features:

• Vertical Scroll-Playing: Dive into the action as you zip through space while defending against formidable foes.
• Anime Influence: The game is deeply rooted in the Macross lore.

What are your favorite nostalgic moments from the Macross franchise?

Hands On With Nintendo DS Online Multiplayer on iPhone

Overview

Nintendo fans can now enjoy a nostalgic multiplayer experience with an update to Delta for iPhone, which allows users to play online multiplayer games from their Nintendo DS library. The feature includes Pokémon Black & White and HeartGold & SoulSilver trading and battling online.

How It Works

1. Patreon Access: Only Patreon members have access to the multi-player beta at this point.
2. Delta Installation: Users need to install the Delta Beta version from Riley Testut's and Shane Gill's Patreon account.
3. Network Settings: Adjust the Nintendo WFC settings on your DS emulator by setting the DNS addresses to 178 62 43 212, both for Primary and Secondary.

Testing Experience

Testers have reported smooth gameplay without any significant issues. Multiplayer tests in Mario Kart DS worked seamlessly.

Which DS game are you most excited to play with your friends?

I remember one post from a lot of years ago, in some web I can not remember, about Nintendo 64 manufacture history. I remember that it said that Sillicom Graphics (SGI) had heavy issues during the design/manufacture of the N64 RCP coprocessor. Because of this, finally this chip was made by other company, not SGI.

Recently I looked for that post but could not find it. I read other posts about this history but none talks about this SGI issue thing.

Does somebody know anything about this? Maybe is just me remembering it wrong.

Transferring Dreamcast VMU save files has become more straightforward with the introduction of Derek Pascarella’s VMU Disc Builder. This tool simplifies the process of transferring save data to VMUs by eliminating the need for dedicated cables or additional hardware.

Dream Disc ’24 is a newly announced game jam specifically aimed at the Sega Dreamcast community.

Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of the Super Smash Bros series, has been working on a mysterious new game for two years

• Sakurai's Work:

• Developed Super Smash Bros titles from 1999 to 2018.

• Semi-retired in 2023 but continues work on his YouTube channel.

• Created content with a cost of $600,000 and over 520 episodes released since October 2022.

• Project Details:

• Worked on it from April 2022..

• Currently in development but still no official announcement released by Sakurai.

What do you think the new game might be? Could it be a new Super Smash Bros title or perhaps something else entirely for the Switch 2?

Humble Bazooka, a retro designer, developer, and manufacturer working on a series of Bluetooth drop-in adapters for old controllers has announced that the first in this series will be a plug-and-play device for the Sega Saturn 3D control pad.

Key points:

• The adapter is part of a new range called BLE Shift.
• Initial testing suggests compatibility with various platforms, including Windows, Linux, Steamdeck, and many retro consoles through the use of the BlueRetro adapter.
• This comes as good news for retro gamers who own these controllers but don't want to be tied to a wired setup.

How well suited do you think a wireless Sega Saturn 3D control pad will be for PC, Steamdeck, or other retro consoles?

Hey everyone, I'm looking for critiques on my games list here. I've been casually enjoying retro gaming for the past year and my friend wants his kids to play some. He has two boys a few years apart but no older than 8 I think. I'm planning to surprise him with a POWkiddy RGB10X pre-configured with some games I think young kids would enjoy. This is where I need some help finalizing the list. I'm at a little over 30 games which I think is maybe too many but I want them to have a wide variety of genres and franchises to enjoy. What might you change or suggest?

• Donkey Kong (NES or GBA)
• Ridge Racer Type 4 (PS1)
• Diddy Kong Racing (N64)
• Super Mario 64 (N64)
• Super Mario Bros. 3 (SNES)
• Metal Gear Solid (PS1)
• Pokémon Emerald (GBA)
• Pokémon Crystal (GBC)
• Pokémom Leaf Green (GBA)
• Pokémon Pinball (GBA)
• Super Smash Bros. (N64)
• Metal Slug X (PS1)
• Contra: Hard Corps (Genesis)
• Super Metroid (SNES)
• Banjo-Kazooie (N64)
• Donkey Kong Country 2 (SNES)
• SoulCalibur (DC)
• Crash Bandicoot: Warped (PS1)
• Spyro 1 (PS1)
• Rayman (PS1)
• Wipeout 3 Special Edition (PS1)
• ACE Combat 3 (PS1)
• Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee (PS1)
• Digimon World (PS1)
• Sonic 3&K (DC)
• Kirby & the Amazing Mirror (GBA)
• Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords (GBA)
• 1943 (NES)
• Earthbound Patched (SNES)
• Chrono Trigger (SNES)
• TMNT: Turtles in Time (SNES)
• Tetris (NES)
• Pacman CE demake (NES)

PS.

• He specifically mentioned Donkey Kong, though not any game specifically, as well as he personally enjoyed OddWorld as a kid so I threw that in there.
• Maybe remove Contra and leave only Metal Slug?

Key Facts:

• The Analogue 3D machine, which aims to replicate N64 hardware without emulation, has been delayed from its original planned release this year to the first quarter of 2025.
• Preorders for the Analogue 3D are now open.
• The device comes in black or white.

Additional Information:

• Analogue has released first images of the machine.
• An 8BitDo controller is intended for use with the 3D, retaining the original size, sub-layouts, and feel of the N64 controller, but not replicating its awkward form factor.
• The 8BitDo controller will cost an additional $40 as it won't ship with the Analogue 3D.

If you're interested in owning a reimagined N64 experience with 4K upscaling, this could be the device for you. However, it's worth noting that the release has been pushed back.

Will the $40 extra cost for the controller significantly impact your decision to preorder the Analogue 3D?