French publisher Pix'n Love is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the legendary King of Fighters series by releasing four classic entries in limited edition form across PS4 and Switch. The games being released include:

• King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match Final Edition
• King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match
• King of Fighters XIII Global Match
• King of Fighters XIV Ultimate Edition

Each game is limited to 330 copies, with a special Neo Geo "Shock Box" package. Preorders are set to go live on December 19th at 4 p.m. UK time.

To celebrate KOF's 30th anniversary 👊, Pix'n Love and SNK are offering you a selection of 4 iconic games on PS4 / Nintendo Switch. Each game is numbered to 330 copies. 🔥

➡️ Preorder on December 19 at 4 p.m. (UK time) pic.twitter.com/84Cbd1udOe

Which is your favourite King of Fighters game?

lolwut

A new homebrew NES game titled Hazard: Let Us Out!, developed by vintage tech enthusiast Gilbert Vera, has surpassed its fundraising goal on Kickstarter. The campaign, which still has 22 days to go, has already raised over £5,045—nearly double the target of £2,418—from 78 backers.

• Crazy Bosses and Mechanical Mayhem: Innovative gameplay with complex enemies to challenge players.
• Multiple Endings: Depending on choices made during the game.
• Five Weapons to Unlock: A variety of tools for different combat scenarios.
• Choices that Matter: Important cutscene decisions affect the protagonist’s ultimate fate.
• Puzzle Platformer Mechanics
• Normal and 'One Man' Play Modes

Kickstarter Rewards:

• Digital ROM of the Game
• USB Stick with Digital Rewards
• NES Cartridge Options (Standard, Collector’s Edition, Ultimate Collector's Edition with 3D Diorama)

The success of this project demonstrates a strong demand for retro-style homebrew games and showcases the passion within the NES community.

What do you think about the mix of familiar elements with modern gameplay aspects? How would you design your ideal homebrew NES game?

Fan-developers are working on an unofficial port of GG Shinobi from the Sega Game Gear to the more powerful Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. The project, led by a developer known as Pigsy, utilizes the Sega Genesis Development Kit (SGDK) to write the game's code from scratch, ensuring it takes full advantage of the Mega Drive/Genesis hardware.

• Pixel Art: New graphics have been created to enhance stages while staying true to the original design.
• Music: Classic tracks are being reimagined in 16-bit style to provide a richer audio experience.
• Gameplay Mechanics: Improved level collision, scrolling, and overall gameplay balance.

The community has shown strong support for this endeavour, with fans eagerly looking forward to the final product.

What specific improvements do you hope they make in this unofficial port?

Back in 1944, NBC Radio aired an adaption of Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1838 short story, Lady Eleanore's Mantle, titled "The Curse Of The Mantle" as part of its 'Weird Circle' horror series.

Now, this classic tale has found a new home on the Game Boy platform in the form of an innovative title that blends elements of a kinetic novel and walking simulator. Asatiir, the developer behind this project, describes it thusly:

THE CURSE OF THE MANTLE //

"When the governor's niece Lady Eleanore receives a cursed mantle, she begins to change and her life falls apart pulling the entire town with her."

Check the original article for a name-your-own-price download link.

Is this niche game up your alley?

Limited Run Games has announced a physical release of one of the most influential examples of fighting games: Virtua Fighter 2. This classic arcade game, first released in 1994, will now be available as a physical copy on both Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X consoles.

• New Online Mode: The release features a new online mode. A six-player online lobby is also supported.
• Editions: Available in two editions - Standard for $34.99 and Classic, which includes a Saturn-style 'longbox', commemorative coin, and art cards for $64.99.
• Launch Date & Order Details: Pre-orders are open now (closing January 12th, 2025) and the game is estimated to ship in June next year.

Are you interested in picking up a physical copy of the game?

Imagine playing Minecraft on the Game Boy back in the day. A developer has created a Minecraft demake for the Game Boy called Minecraft Game Boy Edition, also dubbed Microcraft.

It features an incredible soundtrack from Bitcrushed and nostalgic 8-bit visuals.

• Controls: Simple, with A for using items and B for placing blocks.
• Inventory: Extensive array of items to place around your world.
• Progression: While survival mode is still being developed, it’s already fun to explore.

How To Play

See the original article for a link to Psyco's itch.io page.

Which games do you think deserve the demake treatment?

George Kitchen, the developer behind the popular Shenmue fangame Dreams of Saturn, is set to release an update to the game on December 21st, titled Dreams of Saturn 2.0.

The trailer for this upcoming update (link in the original article) provides a taste of what to expect. Not only does it include new minigames and capsule toys but also bizarre events such as Ryo fighting with quick-time sections based on Streets of Rage, and racing forklifts, inspired by the Sega Saturn game Sonic R. There's even a ballistic missile.

Did you play Dreams of Saturn? Do you think this sequel will be worth checking out?

Mortal Kombat II 3DO Port Nears Completion

The fan-driven adaptation of Mortal Kombat II for the 3DO console is nearing completion. Spearheaded by the 3DO HD team, this ambitious project aims to bring the arcade version to a platform that never officially supported it.

Progress Overview:

• Completion Status: Nearly ready according to recent YouTube releases.
• Port Features: Includes original characters and stages plus single-player mode, two-player versus mode, casual mode without timers or health indicators, and a stage explorer mode.

While technical obstacles are unavoidable due to 3DO hardware constraints, developers are committed to delivering a high-quality experience.

This port will be freely available upon completion for Mortal Kombat II enthusiasts on the 3DO console decades after its initial launch.

How do you think this will compare with ports on other platforms?

Three classic Call of Duty titles—Call of Duty + United Offensive, Call of Duty 2, and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare—have recently appeared on the Microsoft Store for PC. These listings have fueled speculation that these titles could soon join Xbox Game Pass, following a similar pattern with other Activision Blizzard games such as Spyro Reignited Trilogy and Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.

These classic titles align with Microsoft’s ongoing integration of Activision Blizzard games into their ecosystem after the company’s acquisition in October 2023. While no official announcements have been made, fans are anticipating that more legacy Call of Duty titles will be added to Game Pass soon.

Is your favourite Call of Duty on that list?

A new modification called the PSP Placeable has been developed, which transforms the PlayStation Portable (PSP) into a standard game console setup, complete with Bluetooth controller support.

At The Game Awards 2024, Capcom officially announced a sequel to the iconic action-adventure game Okami, with the working title “Okami Sequel". Directed by Hideki Kamiya, known for his work on the original as well as Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, and Bayonetta.

• Director: Hideki Kamiya, returning to helm the project.
• Development Partners: Collaborating with M2, Machine Head Works, and Clovers, a new studio featuring many of the original game's production staff.
• Art Style and Gameplay: Continuing the distinctive cel-shaded visuals and gameplay mechanics centered around Celestial Brush.

No specific release date has been announced yet. The teaser trailer showcased lush, painterly graphics similar to those seen in the original Okami. More details are expected as production progresses

Do you think "Okami Sequel" can live up to the original?

Monolith Soft, the studio behind the Xenoblade Chronicles series and a key contributor to Nintendo’s game library, has now become 100% owned by Nintendo.

Nintendo acquired the remaining 4% of shares from Tetsuya Takahashi, Yasuyuki Honne, and Hirohide Sugiura, following its existing 96% ownership after purchasing Bandai Namco’s stake in 2011. With this move, Monolith Soft is now firmly positioned as one of Nintendo’s most valuable first-party studios.

This acquisition solidifies Monolith Soft's future as an exclusive developer for Nintendo platforms and ensures that its innovative RPGs remain integral to the company’s strategy. Fans are eagerly speculating about new projects such as a potential Xenoblade Chronicles X remaster or entirely new IPs.

What do you think could be the next big project from Monolith Soft with full ownership by Nintendo?

A modder has successfully turned a broken PlayStation 4 controller into a retro gaming console using a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. The project, spearheaded by ConsciousFish6170, involves placing a Raspberry Pi 2 inside a partially hollowed-out PS4 controller.

The setup uses RetroPie as the emulator, supporting numerous classic systems such as NES, SNES, PS1, GBA, and N64. However, it's noted that performance with N64 games is currently suboptimal.

Check out the original article for a link to ConsciousFish’s Reddit page with details of the project.

How might this project inspire you to reuse or repurpose old gaming hardware in interesting ways?

Today, we took apart the ModRetro Chromatic: a new entry in the handheld gaming market that might remind you a bit of something from the past. The ModRetro Chromatic really does hit us hard in the nostalgias, bringing home that Christmas morning feeling. - ifixit

Cronosoft have been publishing new ZX Spectrum games on cassette since 2002, bringing classic gaming to a whole new generation. Now they've announced their latest release: Shapeshifter: Christmas Edition.

About the Game

• Developer: Ian Munro
• Type: Puzzle game
• Theme: Christmas presents and storage space
• Format: Available on cassette, or on the new The Spectrum console; free emulator copy also included

Players will help Santa organize awkwardly shaped presents so they fit in his new eco sleigh. These festive puzzles await you behind each door of an advent calendar.

Check out the original article for a link to the game's web page.

Cause-Focused

A portion of the proceeds (2 GBP) from each sale goes to The Alzheimer’s Society. So, a bit of fun can also be philanthropic.

Have you played any of Cronosoft's previous games? What was your impression?

Class of Heroes 3: The Ultimate School-Themed RPG Returns!

Class of Heroes 3 has been remastered and is set for release in early 2025 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

Remaster Features:

• Enhanced Visuals: Modern graphics while keeping the charm of the original game.
• Expanded Content: More characters, classes, and larger dungeons compared to its predecessors.
• Streamlined Gameplay: Simplified mechanics from Class of Heroes 2 with retained depth.

Gameplay Overview:

Managing a group of students, players explore dungeons filled with monsters and complete quests in first-person view. Customize your party from races, classes, to alignments for varied playstyles.

Check out the original article for a link to the Steam page.

What are your favourite memories from playing Class of Heroes 3 when it first came out?

Artist Zhou Yichen has created a touching and heartwarming Game Boy game called 'Grandma,' as a tribute to his late grandmother. The five-minute game recounts their final six months together after she fell at home.

Zhou wrote on Instagram: "Half a year ago, my grandma accidentally fell down at home and was injured and unable to move. In order to accompany and take care of her, I moved to my grandma's house and lived with her. This year’s Double Ninth Festival, my grandma left us peacefully. In the past six months, we have woven many memories together."

The game allows players to experience Zhou’s time with his grandmother, helping with daily tasks, as well as preparing for their final farewell.

Zhou believes that games are a way to record life and 'spread love.' This project highlights the special bond between him and his grandmother.

Do you have special memories that you wish you could immortalize in a video game?

Been dumping my GameCube games for my own use. Noticing all kinds of weird things about the old games that I didn't notice before, or had forgotten, because it's been like two decades.

(Didn't get that much into Lost Kingdoms back in the day though. Because as far as inexplicably card-based RPGs go, I sunk so much more time into Baten Kaitos.)

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a throwback to the 8-bit era, has been announced for multiple platforms. This summer, you'll be able to relive the classic action-adventure in a 2D side-scrolling format.

Developed by The Game Kitchen, the game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

Game Overview:

• Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound aims to fuse the core gameplay mechanics and engaging storyline of the original classic with modern polish.
• Storyline: Follow Ryu Hayabusa as he travels to America to honor his father’s wishes. Meanwhile, the boundary between human and demon worlds collapses, leading to a demonic army attacking Hayabusa Village. Kenji Mozu, young but brave, takes up this challenge.

Gameplay Features:

• Classic Gameplay with Contemporary Enhancements: Easy to pick-up, challenging to master, this game promises the best of both eras without compromising on depth or appeal.
• Demanding Mechanics: Also designed for seasoned gamers who expect a challenge when it comes to mastering the game.
• Stunning Pixel Art: Expect visuals reminiscent of classic Ninja Gaiden with a modern flair.

The announcement was made during The Game Awards 2024.

Check out the original article for the trailier.

Do you think Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound will live up to previous entries?

Netflix has released an official trailer for Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2, which will be streaming on January 15th. The new trailer offers glimpses into the vampire hunter Richter Belmont and Co. recovering from their battle with Erzsebet Báthory at the end of Season One.

• Plot: Alucard returns to team up with Richter and his friends, ready for a fight against darkness. A preview hints at intense action and deep lore involving Sekhmet’s power.
• Release Date: January 15th on Netflix.

The trailer features Richter and Alucard engaging in back-and-forth interactions. This new season promises to bring more blood, gore, and adventure to the series.

Check out the original article for a link to the trailer.

What did you think of Season 1?