The classic Star Fox 64 is making a comeback... on PC. Thanks to an unofficial port by Harbour Masters. This project—which they’ve dubbed Starship—offers modern enhancements over the original N64 release, allowing players to enjoy this iconic game in a way that truly takes advantage of today's technology.

Key Features

• Modern Enhancements: Support for widescreen resolutions (up to 4K), higher frame rates up to 60 FPS, and rendering options like DirectX11 (Windows), OpenGL (all platforms), or Metal (macOS).
• Keyboard & Mouse Control: In addition to support for controllers, players can use keyboard and mouse.

How It Works

The Starship port operates by requiring users to legally source their own ROM of the Star Fox 64 game and then process it into a format compatible with the PC port. This approach ensures no copyrighted assets are distributed, maintaining legal integrity while still offering fans an excellent experience.

Reception

Fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. The port is seen as providing an improved experience compared to emulation, thanks to its high performance and modding potential. Future expansions could include even more advanced features like texture upgrades or ray tracing.

Availability

Currently available for Windows PCs, with plans for macOS and Linux support in the future (and even Wii U and Switch). The project is free to download but requires a legally owned copy of the game's ROM (USA Version 1.1 Rev A).

What are your memories of playing Star Fox on the N64?

The Scalable Video Switch is a remarkable new product that could streamline the way retro gaming enthusiasts connect their vintage hardware to modern TVs. This device offers an impressive array of features, including support for up to 32 inputs and multiple output modules in various formats.

• Supports Up To 32 Inputs: The Scalable Video Switch allows you to connect a vast number of consoles, emulators, or other gaming devices effortlessly. This is particularly useful for those with extensive collections or multiple screens.
• Various Output Formats: You can choose between SCART, Component, VGA, and Composite/S-Video outputs, ensuring compatibility with different types of vintage consoles and televisions.

User-Friendly Features

Another significant advantage is the ease of use. The system integrates smoothly with upscalers like the RetroTink 4K, permitting seamless input switching without needing a remote control or manual intervention. Additionally, the IR blaster function allows you to control various scalers through a single interface.

Customizability

The Scalable Video Switch is highly customizable; you can purchase specific modules for different types of video and audio connections as per your needs. The control module costs $50 along with individual input and output modules priced around $30 each, making it flexible enough to tailor to almost any setup. However, the price could add up quickly.

While the concept sounds fantastic, the high cost might deter some enthusiasts. Would you be willing to invest in a device that could manage up to 32 inputs for your retro gaming collection?

Sega has officially announced that it is not planning to release any more mini consoles, marking a shift in their approach towards modern gaming instead of nostalgia-driven hardware. In an interview with The Guardian, CEO Shuji Utsumi clarified, 'We are not a retro company. We appreciate our legacy... but want to deliver something new.'

Sega has previously released several successful mini consoles celebrating its iconic franchises such as the Genesis/Mega Drive Mini, Astro City Mini, and Game Gear Micro series. However, no further mini consoles focusing on the Saturn or Dreamcast platforms are in development.

• Utsumi's Statement: "I’m not going for the Mini direction. I want to embrace modern gamers."
• Sega now concentrates on reviving classic IPs with a modern twist, such as new entries in Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, and Virtua Fighter series.

How do you feel about Sega's decision?

Key Details About the Remake

• Development Studio: Virtuos is developing the remake. Known for supporting major titles like Horizon Forbidden West and more.
• Engine and Technology: The game will use a hybrid engine approach combining Unreal Engine 5 with Bethesda’s original Creation Engine, promising modern enhancements while preserving gameplay mechanics.
• Platforms: Expected on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Likely to be included in Xbox Game Pass at launch due to Microsoft’s ownership of Bethesda.

Relation to Other Projects

• Separate from Skyblivion, a fan-project recreating Oblivion within the Skyrim engine. The lead developer of Skyblivion will continue working on this project regardless of an official remake.
• Multiple insiders have corroborated these rumours, suggesting a significant shift in plans after initial hints during Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

How do you think The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion holds up to other games in the series?

A group of fans have developed an ambitious mod for Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite, which significantly enhances the game's visual presentation just in time for Christmas.

Background on the Project

As was widely reported, when Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite was first released in 2017, it drew criticism from the community and media for its visual direction, moving away from the comic book aesthetic favored by previous entries towards a new look inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Mod and Its Creators

A mod called Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite & Beyond seeks to address these concerns with an overhaul that brings the game's visuals closer to those of Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, while also introducing additional features such as Easter Eggs, stage updates, a new 4-player tag mode, and unique attacks.

The mod was initially the project of hacker/game developer WistfulHopes but later took on by the fighting game YouTuber Maximilian 'Maximilian Dood' Christiansen. Christiansen has invested $30,000 of his own money to fund a team of artists and programmers who have been working on this effort for eight months.

Features Highlights

• Visual Overhaul: Aesthetic updates drawing inspiration from Marvel Vs. Capcom 3.
• New Easter Eggs
• 4-player Tag Mode
• Unique Attacks

Availability

The mod is currently available for free. Check out the original article for a link.

What did you think of Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite's visuals? Were you a fan of the MCU influence, or do you agree that they should have continued with the comic book style?

Hackers Rebuild Lost Final Fantasy Game

Hackers are painstakingly reconstructing Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII, one of the most elusive games from Japan's keitai feature phone era. This game has been challenging to preserve due to its unique data overwriting mechanics.

The Challenge

Unlike other games that can be captured in their entirety on a single device, Before Crisis was constantly overwriting its data. This made it nearly impossible to recover the full game. According to hacker Yuvi, A phone with Before Crisis might contain only around 5% of the complete game.

The Breakthrough

Despite these difficulties, Yuvi and his team have made significant progress, particularly with the W51H phone demo:

Two days ago, we made a breakthrough with the W51H—a phone that had the Before Crisis demo preinstalled. I’d been working on cracking its file system and had managed to extract a few game files. It was slow, tedious work, but progress is progress. Then, out of nowhere, about an hour after I logged off, someone in the chat dropped a full dump of the file system. Something we’ve been dreaming of for years!

What Has Been Achieved?

So far, Shops, Materia generation and equipment are functional. Two game modes—Reno's Training Mission and Arm Wrestling—are also playable with other modes close to completion. Crucial assets like the Fire Materia have been reintroduced into the game through this painstaking process.

The Road Ahead

For Yuvi, this is not just about finishing Before Crisis but expanding its scope:

I’m reverse-engineering the file formats bit by bit so we can create new files that the game will accept. Each new file gets us closer to unlocking more of the game.

This effort underscores the ongoing importance of preserving gaming history and ensuring classic titles remain accessible for future generations.

How important is it to preserve obscure games like Before Crisis? Share your thoughts.

Mortis Ghost, the developer of OFF, and publisher Fangamer have announced that the critically acclaimed RPG game from 2008 is finally making its way to major platforms such as Steam and Nintendo Switch. This news comes with a special physical edition for the Switch, packed with various collectibles like a Batter bobblehead doll, a comic book, art card pack, and more.

This new release includes an all-new battle system and balanced gameplay updates. Ryan Alyea from Fangamer elaborated on their decision to move OFF into modern gaming while emphasizing their passion for the game:

Fangamer has published physical editions of indie games for a while now, but OFF is the first time we’ve moved into the development side for Steam and Nintendo Switch. Lots of us here love the game, moving a game that began as a freeware RPG Maker 2003 title to modern platforms wasn’t easy, but it felt like a perfect project for us. Very rewarding to be able to help build something that’s exciting for old fans and accessible to players who might not have found OFF otherwise.

Have played OFF? What were your impressions?

Capcom has announced a strategic initiative focused on reactivating its dormant game franchises. This move is part of the company's broader plan to capitalize on its extensive intellectual property portfolio, with the goal of increasing corporate value through the reviving of popular yet long-abandoned series.

The strategy aligns with Capecom’s ongoing efforts to release major new titles each year. Fans have been actively engaged through surveys such as 'Capcom Super Elections', with notable franchises like Dino Crisis, Darkstalkers, and Breath of Fire mentioned as potential candidates for revival.

Recent remakes and remasters within the Resident Evil series serve as benchmarks for how these revivals might be structured—ensuring they align with modern gaming standards while preserving their original appeal.

What classic Capcom franchise do you think deserves a revival the most?

'Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode Three' Is This Week's Arcade Archives Release

The classic arcade beat 'em up, Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode Three, has dropped on Nintendo Switch and PS4, through the Arcade Archives series. This game was originally released in 1991 for Japanese arcades and follows Rastan and his companions on an adventure to uncover treasure in Depon.

According to Famitsu, this week's release will feature a wide, two-screen layout designed to resemble the original arcade experience.

The game is seen as a return to form from the disappointing Rastan Saga II.

Previously, Warrior Blade was included in the Taito Memories II Gekan collection for PS2 and more recently in Taito Milestones 3 on Nintendo Switch.

• Release Date: December 19th, 2024
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch & PS4
• Included Features: Wide screen emulated from the arcade version

Check out the oroginal article for some game-play footage.

How do you feel about seeing classic arcade games like Warrior Blade being preserved and released for newer platforms?

Nihon Falcom is set to release Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter, a fully remade version of the beloved 2004 RPG, on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam) in autumn 2025. This marks a significant step for Falcom as it's their first simultaneous global release.

The remake offers several updates:

• Fully 3D Visuals: The game reimagines the iconic settings of Liberl Kingdom with 3D environments and refined character models.
• Hybrid Combat System: Players can switch between real-time Field Action and turn-based Command Battles.
• Enhanced Storytelling: Retaining the original's intricate world-building while adding new English voiceovers and improved localization. Dual audio (English and Japanese) with subtitles in multiple languages is provided.

The narrative follows Estelle Bright and Joshua as they train to become Bracers in an aid organization, embarking on a journey that uncovers political conspiracies threatening their homeland. A collector's edition of the game will also be released by Limited Run Games.

What do you think about the Trails in the Sky series?

Mega Man World 4 DX: A Colourful Revamp

This fan-made project, Mega Man World 4 DX, offers a full-colour enhancement of the original Game Boy classic, Mega Man IV. The team led by Marc Robledo and Kensu William has successfully modernized the visuals with vibrant colour palettes, while also optimizing performance and adding gameplay tweaks.

• Full-Colour Graphics: The retro game gets a fresh look that enhances its appeal without altering its original aesthetic.
• Performance Enhancements: The game now runs smoothly thanks to enhancements in engine optimization and the use of double-speed mode.
• Gameplay Tweaks: Modernized weapon demo screens, improved HUD readability, and an NES-style pause menu with weapon icons enhance the overall experience while maintaining the essence of the original title.

Development Insights: Starting from Mega Man V DX, Robledo's team has meticulously enhanced each Game Boy classic in the Mega Man World series. The final installment, Mega Man IV DX, took more effort due to its graphically rich cutscenes and stages that required extensive retouching to fit the modern look.

How to Play: To enjoy this visually stunning version of Mega Man IV, you'll need a ROM dump of the original cartridge. The patch can be applied using an online or offline ROM changer, making it possible to play on emulators or real hardware via flash cartridges.

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

What do you think? Do these enhancements make Mega Man World 4 more appealing?

Wren’s Resurgence has officially been given a launch date by its developers, Soliloquy Games. This 2D action platformer is set to hit PC (via Steam) on January 24, 2025.

Developer Sam Leitch, as the solo creator behind Wren’s Resurgence, has been working on this project since lockdown. The game features Wren, a nimble warrior capable of double-jumping, dashing, and climbing walls. Players will follow her journey through Yokai-infested lands, where she must rescue her sister Swan from the evil force’s clutches.

• Game release: January 24, 2025
• Developer: Soliloquy Games (Sam Leitch)
• Platforms: PC via Steam

Are you intrigued by this title?