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Fri Dec 06 2024
One of the most eagerly awaited games in the retrogaming scene, ZPF, a shoot ‘em up (shmup) designed for the Sega Mega Drive by Mega Cat Studios, recently appeared on Kickstarter. The project has quickly captured the imagination of retro gamers, thanks in no small part to its style of play and graphics, which are faithful to the golden age of shmups.
ZPF stands out for its homage to the classic shmups of the 90s, with polished gameplay and an electrifying soundtrack. The game features intense action and fluid ship control, where players must battle a series of enemy waves and giant bosses as they traverse six different levels. The pixel graphics and aesthetics of the Mega Drive are impeccably reproduced, which will delight nostalgic fans of classics such as R-Type or Gradius.
Funding for ZPF on Kickstarter was a huge success, reaching its target in record time. Contributors were able to pre-order limited editions, including physical versions of the game and goodies. This kind of project highlights the passion of independent developers for retro consoles and, above all, shows the ever-growing interest in ‘amateur’ games on machines like the Sega Mega Drive.
To give you an idea, out of the $15,000 requested, the developers raised a whopping $204,670... That's what we call a success.
What makes ZPF particularly interesting is that it combines the charm of retro games with modern elements. Although the Mega Drive is a decades-old console (1989), ZPF uses all the machine's capabilities to offer an intense gaming experience, with impressive visual and sound effects for the platform. So shmup fans old and new can look forward to a thrilling adventure that doesn't compromise on quality.
You'll be able to traverse the six levels at the controls of three different ships. The developers promise plenty of secrets and different endings. A fifteen or so musical tracks will accompany your scoring attempts (tracks that should be pressed on vinyl).
The game is already available for pre-order, with a release date in the coming months. If you're a fan of the Sega Mega Drive and enjoy quality shoot ‘em ups, ZPF should be in your library soon.
Fri Dec 06 2024
On December 5, 2024, Konami has relaunched City Bomber, a car combat game, with the teams at HAMSTER Corporation, as part of its Arcade Archives series. Available now on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, the title is part of a series of re-releases of vintage arcade games from the Japanese publisher.
Originally released in 1987 on arcade terminals, City Bomber is a game where players take control of an armoured vehicle to destroy targets in a city (and a few other settings) while avoiding obstacles and enemies.
City Bomber stands out for its simple yet addictive gameplay. The player must drive a vehicle through a city, dropping bombs to destroy buildings while avoiding obstacles such as enemy cars.
The game is based on the destruction mechanic that marked the first arcade games: the aim is to score points by eliminating targets while avoiding being destroyed.
City Bomber is typical of 80s arcade games, with :
Although simple in its approach, it's easy to immerse yourself in for long hours thanks to the increasing difficulty and challenges it offers.
With the game's arrival in the Arcade Archives collection, City Bomber benefits from a subtle modernisation that allows players to enjoy this classic game with improved definition and a smooth experience on modern consoles.
For those nostalgic for the 80s, but also for new players, this return to the roots is an excellent way to discover or rediscover a game that left its mark on arcade fans.
The release of City Bomber in this collection is part of Konami's drive to revive its arcade classics, which has already begun with other popular titles such as Gradius and TwinBee. This trend allows old fans to relive memories and young players to discover the origins of gaming and scoring.
Perhaps you've already tried City Bomber on Recalbox, the game being playable on MAME or FB Neo. The Arcade Archives series continues to help us discover or rediscover these gems of the past.
Photo: Konami screenshot
Mon Dec 02 2024
On 3 December 1994, we had no idea of the impact that the release of the first PlayStation would have on the world of video games. Whether you like the brand or not (no console wars here), PlayStation's imprint is indelible, and there's no end in sight.
At the beginning of the 90s, the console hierarchy was well established, and the general public found it hard to imagine any brand other than Nintendo or SEGA gaining a foothold in the home.
But then Sony came along with the PlayStation. To retrace this success story, Sony has launched a website dedicated to the history of PlayStation and published a video (see below) to thank gamers for this shared adventure.
The site traces the chronology of consoles, iconic games and accessories that take us back 30 years (Memory Card, Multitap...), while sharing some impressive figures. Videos also illustrate the brand's iconic moments, with gameplay footage and enthusiastic crowds at the launch of new models.
Video celebrating PlayStation's 30th anniversary:
The story of PlayStation began in the late 80s. Sony collaborated with Nintendo** to develop a CD player for the Super Nintendo, called the Nintendo Play Station. The partnership was cancelled in 1991, but Sony continued the project on its own.
On 3 December 1994, Sony launched the PlayStation 1 (PS1) in Japan, followed by North America and Europe in 1995. It was an immediate success, with iconic titles such as Final Fantasy VII, Crash Bandicoot, and Metal Gear Solid. It became the first home console to sell more than 100 million units.
In 2000, Sony released the PlayStation 2 (PS2), a huge commercial success. With backward compatibility for PS1 games and a built-in DVD player, it appealed to a wide audience. Games such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, God of War, and Shadow of the Colossus boosted its popularity.
Today, the PS2 is the best-selling console in history, with 160 million units sold**.
The PlayStation 3 (PS3), released in 2006, introduced the Blu-ray player, but had a difficult launch due to its high price and competition from the Xbox 360. Exclusives such as Uncharted, The Last of Us, and LittleBigPlanet, however, helped it to establish itself with 87 million sales.
The PlayStation 4 (PS4) was released in 2013 and was an immediate success with games such as Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War (2018), and Spider-Man. It reached more than 117 million sales.
In 2020, Sony launches the PlayStation 5 (PS5), with 4K graphics, an ultra-fast SSD, and the new DualSense controller. Despite supply problems, titles such as Demon's Souls (remake), Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and God of War Ragnarök mark this new generation.
The PSP is Sony's first portable console, released in 2004.
Features :
The PS Vita succeeds the PSP in 2011 with an OLED screen and graphics similar to the PS3.
Features :
Features :
Features :
Sony's handheld consoles, while not as dominant as their Nintendo rivals, have left their mark on the industry with their technical innovations. As for PlayStation VR, it illustrates Sony's desire to explore immersive technologies in order to offer new gaming experiences, but in my humble opinion, these are still just ‘big demos’ which, while undeniably of high quality, are struggling to attract and enthral audiences over time.
Today, PlayStation embodies a gaming culture that has shaped generations. With constant innovation and a focus on quality exclusives, the brand remains a pillar of the video game industry.
The recent release of the PS5 Pro seems out of step with the history of its predecessors, perhaps due to a somewhat questionable commercial strategy. With re-releases and remasters often priced at around ten euros, even if you already own the game, Sony seems to be exploiting its franchises (too) intensively. This approach gives the impression of a certain ease, at the risk of compromising the quality and innovation of its franchises, which has forged the brand's reputation.
Remember that you can play PlayStation (PSX) on your Recalbox, with the added bonus of ‘multi-disc’ game management that lets you change ‘DISC’ directly via RetroArch or via a very simple joystick shortcut that Fabrice explains in this video:
Sun Dec 01 2024
Super Excidium Event is the result of a collaboration between publisher Mega Cat Studios, the [Video Game Sage] community(https://www.videogamesage.com/) and members of Reddit r/retrogaming. Why so many partners? Quite simply because all profits will be donated to Child's Play, a charity that provides children in hospital with entertainment through video games and therapeutic technologies.
This 16-bit game puts you in command of a spaceship capable of firing in four directions - or eight, according to the trailer. Your mission? Repel waves of enemies while battling fearsome bosses who will put your reflexes to the test.
"Set in space, this interstellar epic is a return to the glory days of arcade games that will soothe even the most itchy trigger fingers."
"As intrepid space pilots soar through perilous alien terrain, they exchange fire with swarms of enemy ships and an epic boss bestiary, intent on turning your starfighter to dust " - reads the press release.
The game was unveiled on 29 November in a colourful trailer that reveals a dynamic game in keeping with the Super Nintendo. You'll have several types of weapon at your disposal, which you can use without restraint in a variety of settings.
"Not only does Super Excidium Event allow players to fend off waves of invaders, it also helps to improve the daily lives of countless children in hospital, thanks to the partnership with Child's Play."
"It's been an amazing experience working on this project. We've created something special with Super Excidium Event, and we can't wait to share it with the retro community. We hope you enjoy playing it as much as we enjoyed developing it!"
You can already get Super Excidium Event on SNES for €57.95** by following this link. A purchase will keep your SNES happy and help children fight boredom in many hospitals around the world.
Sat Nov 30 2024
The publisher Côté Gamers has just launched a crowdfunding campaign on Ulule for its new book: **Chronogames: Les jeux vidéo de 1940 à 1981’.
Côté Gamers is already well known to fans of videogame encyclopaedias, having published several reference works on iconic licences such as Zelda, Castlevania, and the history of Shmups and LucasArts.
This time, the publisher is focusing on the history of video games from 1940 to 1981, a pivotal period marked by the emergence of legendary titles and often little-known precursors. From the first arcade games to the beginnings of major licences such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, this book promises to reveal all their secrets.
Thanks to this volume, you'll know everything there is to know about games you may have heard of before, but don't really know. You'll get an extraordinary overview of what was being produced at the time and, to take things even further, an overview of the series and their sequels. Enough to enrich your videogame culture while keeping you entertained! Extract from the Ulule contribution page.
The book is priced at €42, including postage for France and Belgium. Please note that the first 50 contributors will benefit from limited exclusives:
Shipments will begin in March 2025. However, the number of pages in the book is still unknown.
If you are interested in this project and would like to support it, go directly to the Ulule page to find out more!
Fri Nov 29 2024
Retroflag has just published details of the 64Pi CASE on its official website, confirming the imminent release of this case, which we reported on a few days ago.
As its name suggests, the 64Pi CASE is directly inspired by the Nintendo 64, faithfully reproducing the design of the cult console released in 1996. To add a splash of colour to its range, Retroflag has opted for a turquoise blue version, recalling one of the 64-bit console's iconic translucent variations.
The 64Pi CASE is specifically designed to accommodate the Raspberry Pi 5, and only this model. In fact, it's the first case from Retroflag to be compatible with the Pi 5.
In our last issue of Retrogaming News, we stressed the importance of good accessibility to the Pi 5's connectors, and this case reassures us on this point, with a design that minimises internal electronic complexity.
The USB 2.0 ports have been moved to the front of the case to serve as joystick sockets (two instead of the four found on the original Nintendo 64). The Raspberry Pi 5's other connectors, such as the power supply, the two Mini HDMI ports, the USB 3.0 and the RJ45 port, remain directly accessible from the rear.
It should be noted that the USB 3.0 and RJ45 ports can be concealed thanks to a small hatch on the side.
The slot for the Micro SD card is located on the underside of the case, providing direct, convenient access.
If you turn the case over, you'll notice a large ventilation grille designed to ensure that the Raspberry Pi 5 is properly cooled.
On the active cooling side, the 64Pi CASE is equipped with a fan, which appears to be large enough to maintain optimum temperatures.
Retroflag also supplies a custom-made aluminium heat sink**, which can be attached to the Pi 5 using thermal pastes. We find this complete cooling system particularly convincing.
In terms of ergonomics, Retroflag is true to its reputation: the Power and Reset buttons are fully functional and connected to the GPIO pins on the Raspberry Pi 5.
This configuration enables the Pi 5 to be shut down or restarted in complete safety, provided that the "Safe Shutdown ’ function has been activated.
A word of warning: according to the user manual, using the USB 3.0 ports could affect Wi-Fi in 2.4 GHz mode.
If you encounter this problem, we recommend that you switch to Wi-Fi 5 GHz or use the Ethernet RJ45 port.
The 64Pi CASE will be available in France in early 2025, at an estimated price of 29.99$.
We have not yet received a copy, so Recalbox is not yet 100% compatible with this box.
We'll keep you posted on developments in the coming weeks.
Photos: Retroflag
Thu Nov 28 2024
A few days after announcing its elegant keyboard inspired by the Sega Saturn, 8BitDo has struck again by unveiling a mechanical keyboard paying homage to the Original Xbox.
With a unique aesthetic that will leave no one indifferent, the keyboard features a translucent green colour and backlit keys.
This resolutely retro look is sure to appeal to fans of the first Xbox.
The backlit keys don't just have a simple white or green light: they're powered by LED RGB, allowing you to customise the lighting with the colour of your choice.
Developed in partnership with Microsoft, the keyboard features a dedicated Xbox button, which opens the Windows Game Bar at the touch of a button.
Another notable advantage is that the keyboard is equipped with a replaceable printed circuit board and supports key inversion for complete customisation.
As usual, 8BitDo offers its - now classic - retro buttons dedicated to volume and connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB).
A detail that will appeal to nostalgic fans: the arrow buttons are colour-coded to match the A, B, X and Y buttons on the Xbox controller, a nod to the past.
8BitDo hasn't just released a keyboard. The brand has also unveiled the Retro R8, a mouse to match the keyboard's translucent green design.
It features four programmable buttons in the colours of the A, B, X and Y buttons. The mouse is battery-powered and comes with a colour-coordinated charging station.
The Retro R8 offers three connection modes and sensitivity settings with six different levels.
All parameters, both keyboard and mouse, will be fully managed via 8BitDo's in-house software.
The keyboard is currently priced at $119.99 on the Amazon US Store, with shipments scheduled to begin on January 15, 2025.
At the time of writing, the price and availability of the mouse are not yet known.
Photos: 8BitDo
Thu Nov 28 2024
System 3 Software has announced the release, in December 2024, of a special edition celebrating 40 years of the game Archer Maclean's Dropzone.
This retrogaming classic, originally launched in 1984 for the 8-bit Atari, has since been ported to a number of platforms including the Commodore 64, NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Gear.
The gameplay of Dropzone is heavily inspired by Defender (1981), the first horizontal shoot'em up in the history of video games.
From the moment it was released, Dropzone was a critical and commercial success, surpassing its predecessor in terms of its visual and sound advances.
This 40ᵉ anniversary re-release features a HD graphics facelift with smoother, more detailed visuals.
For purists, it will be possible to switch instantly between the remastered and original graphics, without interrupting the action.
The sound work has also been reworked: the game will allow you to switch from the 8-bit version to the remastered sounds at the touch of a button.
This attention to detail can be explained by the fact that the developers have worked on the game's original source code, guaranteeing a re-release that is faithful to the original work, both graphically and sonically.
If Dropzone won over gamers as soon as it was released in 1987, it was largely thanks to the precision of its gameplay, which was particularly impressive for its time.
Mindful of this heritage, the developers have adjusted the controls to make them compatible with modern hardware, while preserving the authentic feel of the original game.
To date, no specific date or price has been announced, other than a planned release date of December 2024.
The game will be available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox.
If you want to tackle the 99 levels of Dropzone the old-fashioned way, the game can be played on Recalbox on the Atari, Commodore 64, NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Gear platforms.
Our colleagues at Time Extension have tweeted about a "typo ’ in the remaster's illustration image, which you may also have noticed.
More details here.
Thu Nov 28 2024
The last few days have been particularly busy for Switch Online + Additional Pack. Nintendo's online service has welcomed a number of classic games that will delight retrogaming fans.
The Game Boy was first honoured with the arrival of Donkey Kong Land, released in 1995. This title was a sequel adapted from Donkey Kong Country. A few days later, Nintendo followed up with Donkey Kong Land 2, originally released in 1996.
This week, it's the Mega Drive's turn to be highlighted with the addition of three classic titles, the full descriptions of which can be found below:
‘The second instalment of the cult action-exploration game. Toejam and Earl have returned safely to their home planet, ‘Funkotron’, but now find themselves invaded by humans! Use the magic bottle to capture the humans running around this peaceful planet as if they owned it, and send them on their way. You'll quit the game if you find all the humans and force them back to the objective. It's an exploration-based side-view action adventure with fun characters that are now more expressive’.
‘A robot action game with fluid movement. A rebellion of the planet's cleaning robots has brought all the robots on Earth under its control. Vectorman, humanity's last hope, embarks on a great adventure across mechanised Earth.’
‘This is the second instalment in the popular series of action-shooter games that was well received in the arcades. You play as the American mercenary unit ‘Wolf Force’ and try to defeat the boss while taking out swarms of enemies. You can use a wide variety of weapons such as shotguns and burners, the familiar mega crash, and a variety of actions such as moving and attacking vehicles. In addition to the ‘Arcade Mode’ with 7 missions in which you rescue the former president who has been captured by the revolutionary forces of Country R, the game also includes the ‘Original Mode’ with 8 missions in which you fight using 5 soldiers with different attack capabilities to destroy a ballistic missile. So you can enjoy two different games.
To access all of these games, you must subscribe to the Switch Online + Additional Pack service.
Source: Nintendolife
Photo: Nintendo
Wed Nov 27 2024
Fans of the Game Boy Advance SP, prepare to be seduced! Miyoo** has just unveiled its new neo-retro console: the Miyoo-Flip.
The Miyoo-Flip takes the iconic design of the Game Boy Advance SP and its clamshell console concept, while adding modern features.
On the front, there's a headphone socket and a USB-C port for recharging. On the sides, the console has Micro SD slots, volume buttons and a power button.
The Miyoo-Flip stands out for its controls. In addition to the directional crossbar and four action buttons, it is equipped with two analogue joysticks, offering greater precision and enhanced comfort.
Another notable point is the presence of four triggers (L1, R1, L2, R2), ideal for games requiring advanced controls, particularly those of the PlayStation 1, which the console should be able to emulate thanks to a Cortex-A55 chip.
The console will be offered in four different colours, but neither the price nor the release date has yet been announced.
Miyoo is already well known to handheld console fans. Its previous models have received positive reviews, particularly for their design, where the screen often occupies half the surface of the console.
These consoles generally offer a Wi-Fi connection and the option of connecting to a television set via an HDMI cable, enabling games to be played on a large screen.
This clamshell console format is not new. This year, the Anbernic RG35XXSP also adopted this design, confirming the interest of retrogaming enthusiasts in this type of console.
**Important: Miyoo-Flip, like all Miyoo consoles, is not compatible with Recalbox. Recalbox is currently available on the Anbernic, GPiCase (RetroFlag), ODROID and PIBOY consoles, but not all models are supported. You can view the full list of compatible consoles by following this link.
Photo: Miyoo
Wed Nov 27 2024
To say that Atari is tapping into gamers' nostalgia would be an understatement. Just a few days ago, we reported on the release of vinyl records dedicated to the Recharged range of games, remasters of Atari classics.
The French company has even unveiled an original set: two whisky glasses and a bottle shaped like the legendary Atari joystick. All priced at $125. An elegant way to combine retro passion and tasting!
On a more serious note, last year Atari launched a modernised reissue of its famous Atari 2600. This model, originally released in 1977, has been revisited with some welcome additions: HDMI port, USB-C and an emulation system capable of reading games from the Atari 2600 and 7800 consoles.
The console is compatible with the original cartridges from both models, and Atari has taken the opportunity to reissue a number of classics in physical format, compatible with both the new 2600 and the original console.
This year, Atari is back at it again with a reissue of the Atari 7800, originally launched in 1986. The console, dubbed the 7800+, will be available this winter and will benefit from the same improvements as the 2600+, namely modern connectivity and a high-performance emulation system.
In terms of design, Atari has opted for a look combining plastic, brushed metal and a coloured stripe that adds a touch of modernity without denying its retro DNA.
The console will come with a CX78+ wireless controller, equipped with a joystick and two buttons. To ensure compatibility with both old and new hardware, the controller will be supplied with two dongles:
The controller will run on a rechargeable battery.
Because a console without a game is of little interest, the 7800+ will come with the title Bentley Bear's Crystal Quest. You will also be able to use your original cartridges from the 2600 and 7800 consoles.
If you wish, Atari offers a wide choice of games re-released on cartridge, available on its site at an average price of $27.
To suit your preferences, the console will allow you to choose between a 4:3 display for a faithful rendering of the original, or 16:9 to enjoy your games on a modern screen.
The new Atari 7800+ will be priced at $129.99 and should be available this winter.
However, Atari has not yet given an exact date.
*Photo: Atari
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Wed Nov 27 2024
You've probably seen it in the news over the last few days: the Recalbox team has been hard at work making the Raspberry Pi 5 2G compatible with your favorite emulation system. Excellent news for this more affordable, less power-hungry and less prone to overheating model. However, we would like to draw your attention to some important points regarding its use.
As its name suggests, the Pi 5 2G features 2 GB RAM, but the changes don't stop there. The Raspberry Foundation has also removed certain components from the board and modified others, such as the Broadcom network chip, for example. These changes initially made Recalbox incompatible with this version. This problem has now been corrected. However, a dedicated installation will be required: a microSD card configured for the Pi 5 4G will not work with this 2G model.
To date, the performance of the Pi 5 2G is similar to that of the 4G and 8G models, with the advantage, as mentioned earlier, of reduced power consumption and less heating. What's more, its attractive price - around 15 euros less than the 4G version (depending on package and purchase site) - makes it interesting for certain uses.
However, we would like to warn you about the future. We are currently working on adding new emulators, including the GameCube, which requires more resources, particularly in terms of RAM. While the 2G model is perfectly capable of running currently supported systems, we cannot guarantee its compatibility with the GameCube. So, if you're thinking of upgrading your Recalbox, we don't recommend buying this model.
On the other hand, if your project is to create a dedicated arcade neo-box, the Pi 5 2G will be sufficiently. This model, compatible with our RGB Jamma / RGB Dual hardware solutions, allows you to enjoy “conventional” systems up to PlayStation 1, Dreamcast or Saturn, without any problems (subject to Pi 5-specific audio limitations, easily circumvented thanks to these tips).
Finally, if you're thinking of buying this 2G model, we recommend you get:
Also note that RetroFlag is planning a compatible case in the near future, presumably with an integrated ventilation system.
To conclude on the subject of the different Raspberry Pi5 models, we remind you that the 8G model is not useful for Recalbox use, and that the 4G model is more than sufficient, even for GameCube use.
Tue Nov 26 2024
Since 2020, Atari has been re-releasing its greatest hits in the form of remasters called "Recharged ’.
These revamped arcade games feature a host of improvements in terms of gameplay, graphics and soundtrack. The remasters also feature new multiplayer options and a system of trophies and achievements to enhance the experience.
To date, ten iconic titles have joined the Recharged collection: Asteroids, Berzerk, Black Widow, Breakout, Caverns of Mars, Centipede, Gravitar, Missile Command, Quantum and Yars. These games stand out for their neo-retro visual style with a very neon feel.
If you've ever played one of them, it's impossible to miss the electro-pop soundtracks that punctuate every scoring attempt. The talented, award-winning composer Megan McDuffee has penned the music for all ten tracks, and soon forty of them will be available on vinyl.
Casandra Brown, Senior Director of Atari, said:
This limited edition vinyl release is a wonderful tribute to the work of composer Megan McDuffee. We're sure that fans of retro gaming and Atari classics will want to add it to their personal collections.
French publisher Microids Records, already behind the Atari 50 vinyl earlier this year, will be responsible for pressing and distribution. Their expertise in creating vinyl for video game fans guarantees a quality product that will live up to collectors' expectations.
The limited-edition double LP will feature forty tracks on two translucent blue and magenta discs, carefully protected by a gatefold sleeve that will include exclusive visuals inspired by the Recharged universe.
For those interested, pre-orders are already open on the Microids Records website at a price of €39.99, with a release date of 17 January 2025.
If you'd like to rediscover these classics or introduce yourself to the world of Atari Recharged, all ten games are available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch.
Photos: Atari and Microids Records
Mon Nov 25 2024
The Harbour Master 64 community recently announced the development of a native PC port of the Star Fox 64 (Lylat Wars) game, called Starship. The game was released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64.
This isn't a first for Harbour Master 64, who were already behind Ship of Harkinian, a native PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Before delving into the details of this project, it's essential to distinguish between a native port and classic emulation (such as that found on solutions like Recalbox).
This painstaking process enables a number of improvements to be made, while still respecting the original game:
These improvements were illustrated by speedrunner Rakanai directly on Starship during a live broadcast on his Twitch channel, available for replay on YouTube in a video lasting over two hours.
Currently in beta, Starship is at an advanced stage of development, which has prompted the developers to unveil it to the community.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of many people over several months, we've brought the game to a stage where we feel comfortable presenting it to you,’ reads a statement on the team's Discord.
The result is impressive: the graphics of the Nintendo 64 are perfectly adapted to the improvements made. High resolutions and refresh rates bring out the best in this classic, enhancing it without detracting from it.
Before the release, scheduled for December, the developers still need to fine-tune a few aspects, particularly relating to the graphics and multiplayer mode. But given the content presented, the community can be optimistic!
The Star Fox series currently comprises six main titles (not including Star Fox Adventures and Star Fox 64 3D). The adventure began in 1993 with Star Wing for Super Nintendo, and its latest opus, Star Fox Zero, was released in 2016 for Wii U.
Unfortunately, as with F-Zero, the saga currently seems to be at a standstill, with Nintendo content to re-release old opuses on its Virtual Console.
Photos: Nintendo and Rakanai
Sun Nov 24 2024
To mark the release of Sonic 3, Paramount has pulled out all the stops to promote the film. In addition to the traditional trailers and posters, the production company has sent a number of media an exclusive Mega Drive cartridge of Sonic 3.
But this is no mere collector's item! Presented in a Sega Genesis box faithful to the original packaging, featuring Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Eggman and Shadow, this cartridge is fully functional on a real Mega Drive.
**The lucky recipients were able to discover ‘the game’.
After an introduction with the Paramount and SEGA logos, the main menu offers three options:
In a nod to fans, Paramount has even included an easter egg: during the mini-game, if you enter the cheat code already known from Sonic 3 (up, up, down, down, up, up, up, up), a bonus is unlocked, revealing the date of a new trailer to be broadcast on 25 November.
The films Sonic and Sonic 2, released in 2020 and 2022 respectively, were well received by audiences and critics alike. Sonic 3* is scheduled for release on 25 December 2024.
This success contrasts with the memory of the first trailer for the first film, which sparked off a storm of controversy because of Sonic's design, which was deemed... surprising. Following feedback from fans, the studio reworked the character to offer a Sonic more faithful to the iconic blue hedgehog, well beyond the world of video games.
In video games, the franchise was also in the news with the release of Sonic X Shadow Generations on 25 October. Available on all platforms, the game received good reviews from the specialist press, confirming the popularity of the Sonic universe.
Sun Nov 24 2024
Developed and published by TAD, Toki was released on arcade terminals in 1989. The game was then ported to the Commodore 64 in 1991, an adaptation by Ocean. Although this port was generally appreciated, it was not without its faults. Today, a team of enthusiasts is working to produce a remaster of the Commodore version.
In Toki, you play as a monkey in a horizontal scrolling game. The controls allow you to jump and spit fireballs. Throughout the levels, you can collect invincibility items as well as various bonuses to improve your shooting: double shot, extended shot, flame thrower, and much more.
David Bottino, head of the remastering project, published a video on X on 21 November revealing the progress of the work. The video shows completely redesigned and recoloured sprites, from the protagonist to the bosses. This visual facelift gives the game a much more polished look than the 1991 edition. The scenery has also been reworked, bringing it closer to the original 1989 arcade version.
As well as the improved graphics, the project includes new music and sound effects faithful to the arcade version, as well as optimised gameplay for greater fluidity.
The first images have been very well received by the community, who praise the care and dedication shown by Bottino and his team.
The remaster does not yet have an official release date, but it is scheduled for the first half of 2025. The game will be available for free, a gesture that reflects the community's commitment to preserving and sharing retro games.
This initiative offers gamers the chance to rediscover an iconic title from the early 90s. Newcomers, meanwhile, will be able to test themselves against the demanding gameplay: one hit and your character is sent back to the beginning of the board. The game has six levels, each culminating in a battle against a boss.
Sun Nov 24 2024
Great news for Nintendo 64 fans! RetroFlag, the retro equipment manufacturer, has just unveiled the 64PiCase, the first case compatible with the Raspberry Pi 5.
For the moment, no technical details have been released. So we're content to share a few photos below, which you've probably already seen on our social networks.
[The 64-bit console (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9CSYcMverU) has been faithfully reproduced in its limited translucent turquoise version. Two USB ports can be seen on the front, while the original Raspberry Pi 5 ports (Ethernet, power, HDMI, USB and microSD card access) are on the rear. As usual, RetroFlag will offer a Safe Shutdown/Reset system with the appropriate buttons.
For the moment, no information or photos concerning ventilation have been revealed. However, given RetroFlag's previous productions, it seems inconceivable that the case would not feature a ventilation system. We therefore remain optimistic on this subject.
As usual, RetroFlag offers a small compartment for Micro SD cards, positioned in place of the memory extension.
The 64PiCase should be available in France early next year at an announced price of 39 €, making it the most expensive case in the RetroFlag range.
⚠️ Please note that the case will only be compatible with the Raspberry Pi 5. If you own an RGB Dual or are planning to purchase the future All in One, these two Recalbox accessories, being HATs, will not be compatible with the 64PiCase.
Finally, as a reminder, Raspberry Pi 4 owners can already enjoy several RetroFlag cases inspired by the NES, Super NES and PlayStation. For fans of portable consoles who own a Raspberry Pi ZERO (and Pi ZERO 2W), RetroFlag offers the excellent GPI Case 2W, inspired by Game Boy.
Sat Nov 23 2024
Since 2022, SONY has been archiving and preserving its PlayStation titles. Although this initiative is not purely altruistic - it also aims to enrich the catalog of the [PlayStation Plus] service more easily (https://www.playstation.com/fr-fr/ps-plus/) - it deserves to be applauded in a context where the loss of data and source code is frequent.
This week, Garrett Fredley, the engineer in charge of the project, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the volume of archived data had reached 500 TB.
"It's strange to think what half a petabyte represents, especially in the age of modern AAA titles. It's an honor to preserve all this, but copying hundreds of millions of files is a very slow process “, he said in his message.
The project doesn't simply involve “copying and pasting” games. Simply put, preservation means ensuring that all the elements of a game - its code, graphic assets, documentation, even its creation process - are not only carefully archived, but also maintained in a state that allows them to be restored and exploited in the future. This extremely complex and technical task goes far beyond simple digital archiving.
As the video game industry evolves, many source codes, design documents and illustrations are lost. Sony seems to have realized the importance of preserving this heritage, which has accompanied gamers for over 30 years.
While this approach will undoubtedly meet, at least in part, commercial objectives, we retrogaming enthusiasts can only be delighted to see this archival work.
Photo: Push Square
Fri Nov 22 2024
To mark the 30ᵉ anniversary of the Sega Saturn, 8BitDo, a specialist in retrogaming accessories, has decided to pay tribute to the famous 32-bit console.
The company has come up with a completely new design for its mechanical keyboard, soberly named "S Edition ”. This model retains the classic features of the brand's mechanical keyboards:
The main novelty lies in the aesthetics of the keyboard, with updated colors and the addition of six personalized keys in homage to the Sega Saturn controller. These keys feature the famous ABCXYZ letters and their distinctive hues, and can be added or omitted according to your preferences.
The “S Edition” is a limited series of 1,994 units, a nod to the year the Saturn was released. Each keyboard will be numbered and delivered with a wrist rest and an official certificate, reinforcing its collector's aspect.
In parallel, 8BitDo has also announced the release of a retro Bluetooth receiver compatible with the Sega Saturn. Simply insert this dongle into the console's controller port to enjoy your games wirelessly.
The accessory works with the M30 (8BitDo's replica Saturn controller) as well as other Sega controllers. Some third-party wireless controllers may also be compatible, but this remains to be verified on a case-by-case basis.
Photos: 8BitDo
Thu Nov 21 2024
If you support the Recalbox project via Patreon, your playlist has just received a major addition this week!
We're very proud to announce our partnership with Cartridge 1987, allowing you to enjoy his compositions directly on your Recalbox. And the good news is that you don't have to do a thing! The next time you start up your Recalbox, the playlist will automatically be available.
17 new tracks are already available. Additional tracks will be added in the future:
If you follow Edward's channel (Retro Découverte), you've probably already heard Cartridge 1987's compositions, which accompany his videos with a retrogaming / synthwave sound. More recently, his tracks have also provided the rhythm for Fabrice's live shows on the official Recalbox channel on Twitch.
Many thanks to Cartridge 1987 for his generosity and talent. You can discover and support this French artist by listening to his creations on the usual streaming platforms (Spotify, YouTube, etc.) via his official channels.
By supporting the Recalbox project, you're making a direct contribution to its development while enjoying exclusive benefits:
Thank you for your support, and enjoy listening to Cartridge 1987!