A new retro-style JRPG called Tako no Himitsu has been announced, boasting an impressive line-up of developers from notable franchises. Deneos Games is leading the charge, following their successful title Save Me Mr Tako.

The game will feature music by Motoi Sakuraba and Masanori Hikichi. Scheduled to launch on Kickstarter on July 10th, the project is anticipated to captivate JRPG enthusiasts.

What are your thoughts on the involvement of such experienced developers in a Kickstarter project? Would you support this game to see it through development?

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter Coming to Switch This August

Aspyr Media has announced that they will be bringing Star Wars: Bounty Hunter to Nintendo Switch on 1st August. Originally released in 2002 for the GameCube, this action-adventure game lets you play as Jango Fett (pre-Mace Windu incident), on a quest to capture a deranged Dark Jedi.

Expect classic Mandalorian combat in this updated version with visual enhancements, improved textures, new dynamic lighting effects and a flashlight tool. A Boba Fett skin is unlocked upon completion of the main campaign.

Would you pick up Star Wars: Bounty Hunter on Switch? Which other retro games would you like to see remastered?

Nightdive Studios announces PO'ed: Definitive Edition

Nightdive Studios, known for remastering classics like Shadow Man and the Turok series, is back with a 90s cult classic shooter, PO'ed: Definitive Edition. The announcement made on April Fools' Day might have raised some eyebrows due to its timing but seems genuine given the project's development stage.

• Visual overhaul, improved frame rates, and up to 4K 144fps performance
• A new difficulty mode for seasoned players

This promises a nostalgic blast from the past for fans. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch soon. Excited about Nightdive's take on PO'ed?

A modder has managed to convert an operating system that resembles Linux into a function on an unmodified Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), demonstrating impressive retro-tech innovation.

Key Points:

• Source code is now available on GitHub: GitHub
• The conversion involved defining the memory map, writing new system initialization code, reorganizing LUnix for Famicom's RAM specs, and creating new drivers.
• Challenges included developing a disc driver due to unique Famicom Disk System (FDS) sector reading mechanics and visual glitches on performance.
• Though the final product has limitations, it showcases the potential of running Unix-like systems on 1980s hardware.

Could you imagine running any specific software applications using a converted OS like this on an NES? What kind of programs would benefit most from being ported to retro consoles?

Konami, a well-known developer and publisher in the gaming industry, has recently renewed their trademark for Axelay, a highly regarded shoot 'em up game originally released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992. Axelay, developed by future Treasure members, is celebrated for showcasing the SNES’s power with impressive visuals and arcade-like sound.

This trademark renewal suggests that Konami might have plans to re-release Axelay or create new content related to the game in the future. Axelay is known for its fast-paced gameplay and challenging levels, which has made it a beloved title among fans of the shoot 'em up genre.

What do you think this renewed trademark means for Axelay? Is there potential for a new game or re-release in the near future?

The popular retro handheld manufacturer ANBERNIC is once again in the spotlight with a leaked video showcasing their upcoming device, the RG40XX. This 4:3 ratio handheld is a blend of features from both the RG Cube and the RG556 models, incorporating LED joysticks which have become a favorite among gamers.

Key features highlighted in the leak include:

• Retained DPAD: Unlike the recent RG35XXSP clamshell device, this model retains the much-loved directional pad.
• High gloss buttons & small bezels: These design elements are reminiscent of classic gaming aesthetics.
• Headphone jack at bottom: A convenient feature for users who enjoy gaming with headphones.
• Colour options: The handheld will be available in black, blue, and grey.

Speculations suggest the device runs on the Allwinner H700 chipset, equipped with a Linux OS. While this brings limitations such as ANBERNIC’s less-than-desirable front-end interface, users can easily customize it to their liking. With a 4" screen sporting a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, it promises optimal performance for retro gaming.

As of now, information regarding pricing, battery life, and release date remains scarce. However, the leaked video indicates that the product is nearing completion. Historically, leaks like these often precede official announcements by a few weeks and pre-order periods about two months later. Expect an unveiling around July.

Considering the leaked specifications and design elements of the ANBERNIC RG40XX handheld, do you think it offers enough value for retro gaming enthusiasts? What features would you like to see improved or added in future models?

In a bid to right the wrongs of the original release, Robert Koon, one of the programmers on the iconic 1993 RTS game Dune II, is currently working on remastering the classic for Amiga AGA and OCS versions.

Key Information:

• Dune II: Considered an influential RTS title based on Frank Herbert's novels.
• Original Release: Initially released on Amiga, PC, and Mega Drive.
• Challenges with Amiga Version: Koon cites issues like extensive disk swapping, limited soundtrack presence, and no AGA-specific version.
• Remaster Goals: To recreate Dune II for the Amiga from scratch, addressing those shortcomings and more.

Why It Matters:

This remaster aims to provide a more refined experience for fans of the original game on the beloved Amiga platform. With an updated visual and audio experience, it promises to offer a closer-to-perfect version of one of the most influential RTS games ever made.

Do you think remastering classic games like Dune II for modern platforms can reignite interest in the genre and bring nostalgia to new audiences?

Limited Run Games and Square Enix have teamed up to announce the upcoming release of Fighting Force Collection for PlayStation 5 (PS5), PlayStation 4 (PS4), Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam). Scheduled for release in 2025, this collection brings back the classic brawler games Fighting Force and its sequel, Fighting Force 2.

Key Information:

• Original Game Development: Originally created by Core Design, these titles first appeared on PCs in October 1997. The PlayStation version followed later that year (November 1997), with a Nintendo 64 release in 1999.

• Games Included:

  • Fighting Force: Debuted on PC and then released for PlayStation and Nintendo 64.
  • Fighting Force 2: Arrived exclusively for PlayStation and Dreamcast in late 1999.

• Gameplay Description: The collection promises straightforward, street-level carnage with a 3D flair. Players can enjoy this experience on various platforms when it releases next year.

What do you think about the resurgence of classic brawler games like Fighting Force through modern platforms?

• Sony's PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog is expanding with nostalgic titles.
• The latest addition rumored to be joining the collection? TimeSplitters

Key Information:

• Release: TimeSplitters has received a rating for both PS5 and PS4 in Taiwan, hinting at its inclusion in Sony's PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog.
• Publisher: The game is associated with the now-defunct studio Free Radical Design. No new titles from this developer are expected.

Why It Matters:

• This marks an effort by Sony to tap into a library of classic games for modern consoles.
• TimeSplitters, once a highly acclaimed franchise, will offer fans an opportunity to revisit and relive the experience on contemporary hardware.

What's Next?

• Release Timing: Rumors suggest that TimeSplitters may be released as part of next month's PS2 classics drop. However, this is speculative at the moment.
• Fan Reaction: The re-release of classic games has historically been well-received by fans seeking to play older titles on newer platforms.

What's your preferred platform to play the game?

Andy Dyer, a renowned figure in the British video game magazine industry known for his work at Commodore Format, Total!, and Mega Fame, has sadly passed away.

• Beginning of Career: Started at Commodore Format.
• Co-Founded Total!: The UK'S first magazine dedicated to Nintendo systems.
• Contributions: His impact on UK gaming journalism will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.

Do you have any memories of these magazines and his work?

On the occasion of Final Fantasy Tactics' 27th anniversary, its director Yasumi Matsuno shared images of an early version of the game that deviates significantly from the final product. Initially aiming for a real-time strategy (RTS) style similar to "Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen," the project was unfortunately scrapped and led to the release of the beloved turn-based tactics game we know today.

Matsuno explains, "This is a sample image from early 1996. We had hoped to continue development with the aim of creating an RTS... unfortunately this was scrapped." The images reveal a different art style compared to the final version.

While the original concept didn't come to fruition, it's fascinating for fans to see what could have been. Final Fantasy Tactics, known today as one of PS1's best games and later remade on PSP as "Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions," continues to captivate players.

Was the decision to pivot from an RTS to a turn-based strategy game advantageous for Final Fantasy Tactics, considering the unique gameplay experience it provided compared to its competitors at the time?

A new trailer for the Gex Trilogy has been released, featuring all three console games developed by Crystal Dynamics. The collection includes Gex, Gex: Enter the Gecko, and Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko, starring the anthropomorphic gecko protagonist. Pre-orders are set to begin in autumn 2024 with availability on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam.

Has this upcoming release piqued your interest?

Square Enix has announced a Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven remake. This updated version will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam) starting October 24th at a price of $49.99.

Key Points:

• Story & Setting: Set in the Imperial year 1000, the game unfolds amidst a growing fiendish threat across various nations. The people await the fulfillment of an ancient legend predicting the arrival of seven heroes to save their ravaged kingdoms.
• Gameplay Updates: This remake includes updated features such as difficulty selection and numerous new additions like expanded world exploration in stunning 3D graphics. It maintains the core gameplay elements from the original, including “Glimmers” and “Formations,” ensuring both long-time fans and newcomers can enjoy it.

Character Highlights:

• Leon: The ruler of the Varennes Empire and incumbent emperor. He strives for peace against the growing fiend threat.
• Gerard: Second prince of the Varennes Empire, inheritor to the throne after his father's sacrifice using inheritance magic.
• Bear & Therese: Imperial Heavy Infantry and Ranger units, part of the empire’s unique defensive strategies.

Inheritance System: This feature allows players to choose the next emperor through a system where powers are passed down upon certain events. All playable characters have the potential to become an emperor at their own discretion.

Battle Mechanics:

• Turn-Based Combat: Features a timeline showing turn order for all allies and enemies, with immediate action once a character's turn arrives.
• Glimmers & Evasions: Abilities can trigger glimmers, learning new techniques. Evading enemy attacks allows avoiding damage or repeating evasion in future battles.

Formation System: Customizing formations before battle enhances characters with various benefits and status boosts depending on their class as the emperor.

Additional Features:

• Free-Form Scenario: Every player action significantly influences story progression.
• City Development & Background Music Options: Customize Avalon’s facilities, research weapons, spells. Select difficulty levels from casual to classic, switch between original score or new BGM tracks.

Pre-order Bonus: Purchasing before release grants the "Bonus Accessory Set," including equipment that boosts battle rewards and revenue gains for the first Imperial Year.

Do the updates to Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge Of The Seven set it apart for you?

Capcom has announced the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, a compilation of seven iconic fighting games that will release on PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC in 2024. The collection includes:

• X-Men: Children of the Atom
• Marvel Super Heroes
• Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes
• Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
• Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter
• X-Men vs. Street Fighter
• The Punisher

Would you prefer playing classic fighting games on their original systems or enjoy them with modern enhancements on newer consoles?

Square Enix announced that Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake will be released on November 14, 2024. The game is now available for pre-order and comes with several bonuses. Square Enix has provided a summary of the game's features:

• Visually Stunning Remake: The classic masterpiece Dragon Quest III is being reimagined in HD-2D graphics that blend pixel art with 3D visuals, creating an immersive experience like never before.

• Enhanced Features: Includes a modernized UI and quality-of-life improvements to the original game's mechanics. Additionally, there are new animations for battle scenes and adjustments such as adjustable battle speed and auto-battle settings.

• Engaging Gameplay: The vast world map offers deep exploration with numerous locations to discover, challenges to overcome, and exciting encounters that will keep players engaged throughout their quest.

• Timeless Music: The game features an immersive musical score that captures the essence of the Dragon Quest universe, adding depth to the gaming experience.

Key Features:

1. Modernized Remake - HD-2D visuals enhance player immersion.
2. Traditional Battles - Improved turn-based combat system with new animations and settings.
3. Immersive World - Explore a vast world filled with towns, dungeons, and caves.
4. Timeless Musical Score - Captures the magic of Dragon Quest.

What Makes the HD-2D Remake Stand Out?

What aspect of the HD-2D Remake do you think will most appeal to fans who have played the original game?

Former Oculus designer and founder of ModRetro, Palmer Luckey, is set to release a new retro handheld gaming device later this year, aiming to compete with the Analogue Pocket. This comes as great news for tech enthusiasts, as it adds another option in the FPGA-based market.

Key Information:

• Device: Palmer Luckey's Chromatic
• Release Date: Holiday season
• Price: $199 per unit
• Technology Used: Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for hardware emulation, offering more accurate game play compared to traditional software emulators

Distinct Features:

1. Design Focus: The Chromatic is tailored specifically to showcase Game Boy games as they were originally released.
2. Display Technology:
   • Maintains Nintendo's original 160x144 resolution on a screen designed to ensure faithful visual representation of Game Boy games.

Comparison with Analogue Pocket:

• Limited Support: Unlike the Analogue Pocket, which supports multiple platforms and offers enhanced functionality, the Chromatic is geared more towards providing an authentic Game Boy gaming experience.
• Display Difference: While the Analogue Pocket features a high-resolution 1600 x 1440 LCD screen for better detail, the Chromatic maintains the original resolution to deliver a classic visual experience.

Additional Touches:

• Hardware - Magnesium alloy shell, PBT buttons, compatibility with original Game Boy link cables.
• Power Supply - Uses three AA batteries or supports a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack through USB-C, which also supports lag-free video output.

As the competition heats up between FPGA-based retro handhelds, what do you think is most important in designing such devices? Is it accuracy, convenience, or nostalgia that holds the key to attracting gamers?

The iconic run-and-gun shooter, Contra, is now reimagined in a third-person perspective with the release of Contra Reforged by homebrew developer Retrolead. This modern take on the classic game retains its retro graphics and difficulty level while offering unique features such as an auto lock-on mechanism that eliminates the need for precise aiming.

Key Features:

• Retro Graphics: The look and sound of the NES port are preserved, giving players a nostalgic experience.
• 3D Third-Person Shooter: The gameplay is transformed into a more complex third-person perspective, offering new ways to navigate levels and engage in combat.
• Auto Lock-On Mechanism: Players can simply jump and shoot without needing to aim much, thanks to the game's advanced targeting system.

Would you prefer playing classic 2D run-and-gun games or would you enjoy the unique twist of a third-person perspective?

Age of Mythology: Retold is set to launch on September 4, 2024, nearly 22 years after the original game's debut. This modernized version pays homage to its classic roots while incorporating new elements for an exciting remake. Players will have the chance to choose a major god and progress through four historical ages across various game modes.

Key Points:

• Age of Mythology: Retold is a spin-off from the Age of Empires series, focusing on world mythologies.
• It will be available on PC and Xbox Series X/S, with plans for release on other platforms in the future.
• Game Pass subscribers can play it free upon launch, allowing access via cloud streaming on mobile devices and smart TVs.

What aspects of the original game do you hope are preserved or improved in this new release?

Laced Records has announced that it will be releasing a new 6LP collection featuring music from across the Metal Gear Solid series. The collection, titled Metal Gear Solid: The Vinyl Collection, is available to pre-order now and will contain 53 tracks spanning from Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake for the MSX all the way up until Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

The collection includes notable tracks like "The Best Is Yet To Come", "Can't Say Goodbye To Yesterday", "Snake Eater", "Here's To You", and more. The set will come in a rigid board slipcase, containing six inner sleeves, and will also feature archival illustrations from the famous Japanese artist Yoji Shinkawa as well as a set of 6 multicoloured discs.

The official track listing is available on Laced Records' website, featuring music from various games in the series. The collection is expected to ship in October 2024 at the earliest.

What's your favourite track from the series?

Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier has confirmed that a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster is indeed in development. This confirmation comes after speculation surrounding the credibility of frequent Atlus news leaker Midori, who recently admitted to adopting an online persona.

The news of the Final Fantasy Tactics remaster has been received with excitement by fans eagerly anticipating its release. While details on the remake are scarce, this announcement brings hope for a new iteration of the beloved tactical RPG.

What do you think about the prospect of a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster? Are there any changes or features you'd like to see in the remake?