Special Broadcast Being Held to Celebrate 40 Years of Toaplan Games

Overview

Tatsujin, the rights holder for Toaplan arcade games, is hosting a special commemorative broadcast on October 4th from 8 pm (Japanese time). The event will provide updates and insights on the 40th anniversary of Toaplan.

Background

• Established in 1979: Though its gaming division didn't form until 1984, Toaplan quickly made a name for itself with titles like Jongō, Performan, and especially the iconic Tiger-Heli.
• Notable Titles: Key Toaplan shooters include Slap Fight, Truxton, Hellfire, Zero Wing, and Batsugun. These games showcased Toaplan's mastery of the shmup genre.
• Post-Bankruptcy: In 1994, after filing for bankruptcy, ex-Toaplan composer Masahiro Yuge, acquired the company’s intellectual property via his Tatsujin firm and has been releasing updates and special collections since then.

Do you have any favorite Toaplan games from your past gaming days?

Nintendo Game Boy Bike Unveiled: The $16,500 Electric Motorbike

French company Dab Motors has introduced a limited-edition electric motorbike called the DAB 1α. This luxurious bike is priced at €14,900 (over $16,500) and heavily inspired by Nintendo's Game Boy Color.

Key Features:

• Transparent Purple Bodywork: The entire body is made of fully translucent plastics to reveal the inner mechanics.
• Nintendo-Themed Handlebars & Display: Custom controls and a screen mimicking the Game Boy Color’s LCD.
• Actual Game Boy Color Cartridge: Modified as the bike's starter key.

Cheats and Themes:

These include a speed boost, unlockable themes for the display, and sound effects. Cheat codes will come in a print magazine shipped with the bike.

Technical Details:

• Power: 11kW electric motor
• Top Speed: ~80mph
• Range: 93 miles
• Battery Life: 7.1kWh lithium-ion, takes around 3.5 hours to fully charge

Only 400 units will be produced, and they are expected to launch in December.

Unique Selling Points:

This ride is not for the faint of heart or wallet. It aims to merge nostalgia with high technology, making it a collector's item for serious gaming enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike.

What unique features would you add if creating your dream retro-inspired electric motorcycle?

LEGO Discontinues NES, Atari 2600, and Sonic Green Hill Zone Packs

LEGO has announced the retirement of several popular themed sets based on classic gaming consoles and iconic video game levels. This includes the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Atari 2600, and Sonic the Hedgehog’s 'Green Hill Zone'.

Key Information

• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES): £229.99 in UK, $269.99 in US.
• Atari 2600: £209.99.
• Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone: £69.99.

These discontinuations are part of LEGO's strategy to phase out older sets and make way for new releases.

Availabilty and Purchasing

• These sets will retire soon once current inventories are depleted. Fans should act quickly to secure them before they run out.
• Remaining stock can be found on LEGO's official website or authorized retailers.
• Retired sets may become collector's items, potentially increasing in value over time.

Would you consider purchasing these sets despite (or because of) their limited availability?

A fan-driven project has made it possible for English-speaking players to fully enjoy Dezaemon 3D, a shoot 'em up game creation tool originally released for the Nintendo 64DD. The release includes full English translations of nearly all game elements, as well as the Nintendo 64DD functionality that was initially designed for expanded game features.

• Key Features: A comprehensive translation covering tutorials, menus, prompts, and sample games. The only untranslated element is a label on a single cup of tea.
• Nintendo 64DD Support: Emulators like Ares support the 64DD disks, making it easier to explore these features.
• Community Contribution: Lead by Whowasphone404 and implemented by Zoinkity, this community effort highlights the dedication to translating and preserving retro gaming experiences.

Which games do you wish had a fan translation?

In September of 1994, Illusion of Gaia made its North American debut. Known for being much darker than the other RPGs Nintendo was allowing at the time, it left players with a lot to think about... but unfortunately, the localization was often incomprehensible.

Now, thanks to the efforts of L Thammy, the game has received a new fan translation 30 years after its western release. The GitHub project page for this translation can be found here.

Key points:

• The new translation aims to make the English script more comprehensible and closer to the original Japanese dialogue.
• A demo is available on GitHub, including the translation up to South Cape location.
• In addition, the patch improves load times by decompressing all assets in the game.

Do you remember being confused by the original localization?

Bryan77233 has crafted a stunning Wipeout craft set on the LEGO Ideas page. This kit, designed with FEISAR in mind, brings back memories of the iconic PS1 game and Studio Liverpool’s initial designs.

• Total Pieces: 1905
• Unique Features: Repair drones, power-up plates, and a cradle holder would be included.
• Vote Threshold: Needs to reach 10,000 supporter votes, with only 189 days remaining from the current 2046 votes.

So, if you're interested in seeing this set on your shelf and supporting a community project, make sure to support the project.

Should we collectively support this LEGO set to bring LEGO Wipeout into our lives? 🚀

Katsuhiro Harada, a prominent figure in the Tekken series, has expressed skepticism about the demand for a classic Tekken collection. His perspective is that while there is a dedicated fan base for Tekken, the interest in a classic collection might not be significant enough to justify its development.

Key Points from Harada’s Perspective:

• Perceived Interest: While Tekken has a rich history and a substantial following, market analysis suggests that the interest in revisiting older titles is not as strong as some might assume.
• Focus on New Content: The focus on new installments like Tekken 7 shows the game developers' priority towards innovation and engaging with newer gaming experiences within the franchise.
• Community Feedback: Although nostalgic fans appreciate older games, the broader gaming audience tends to lean towards new content.

Context:

The Tekken series has evolved significantly since its debut in arcades in 1994. Over the years, it has built a substantial following due to its deep combat mechanics and engaging storylines. However, as with many long-running franchises, balancing nostalgia with innovation is a constant challenge.

Do you believe that 2D games age better than 3D games?

Another Metroid 64, a passion project from InDenial Game Studio inspired by fans' longing for an unmade Metroid game on the Nintendo 64. Their creation aims to deliver a captivating and immersive experience, staying true to the essence of the original "Metroid" series by Nintendo.

• Level Design: showcases intricate maps designed to offer varied exploration opportunities.
• Gameplay: features mechanics that align with the Metroid universe's core gameplay elements.
• Animated Cutscenes: add depth to the story, enhancing the narrative experience.
• Developer Update Coming Soon: more details on the game's progress and future plans will be shared.

Does this match or exceed the way you imagined a Metroid game on the Nintendo 64?

Key Points:

• Platform: Sega MegaDrive/Genesis
• Developer: Monster Bath Games, best known for games like Deathwish Enforcers and Guardgrave.
• Method: Using the Scorpion Engine, a modern chiptune artist provided music.
• Release Plan: The developer plans to release one section per week until complete, starting with level 2.

Background:

Splatterhouse was originally an arcade game released in 1988 by Namco. It was notably left out of the Sega MegaDrive/Genesis lineup, despite its popularity among fans and other platforms like PC Engine/Turbo Grafx-16 and FM-Towns computer in the early '90s.

What's Next?

Monster Bath Games has committed to developing this fanmade port into a playable fangame.

Which levels or aspects of Splatterhouse did you find the most challenging?

Coming later this year, the retro action game Earthion continues to impress with its modern visuals and retro gameplay. From Yuzo Koshiro's Ancient studio, this Sega Genesis / Mega Drive game promises a unique experience pushing the console to its limits.

Key Points:

• Developer: Ancient Studio
• Release Date: End of 2024 (Confirmed)
• Distributors: Limited Run Games for physical copies and Super Deluxe Games in Japan
• Platforms: Modern systems will also support it, alongside the original Mega Drive / Genesis.

Visual and Audio Showcasing

The demo on display at TGS 2024 features new boss battles and stunning visual effects that blend old-school aesthetics with modern enhancements.

Community Reaction

The game is generating excitement among gamers, with some commenters noting the scaled visuals and others looking forward to the expanded capabilities of modern cartridges.

What retro gaming trends do you think are redefining the genre in 2024?

The New Law that Reveals: We Don't Own Digital Games

In the modern era, digital media has revolutionized how we consume entertainment. The shift towards streaming music and movies has made physical products less common. The same trend is now affecting video games, with over 90% of games sold in the UK being digital.

While digital media offers convenience—like instant access without the need to visit a physical store or manage multiple discs—it also comes with hidden terms and conditions. Digital storefronts are now required by California’s new law (AB 2426) to disclose that buyers do not hold unrestricted ownership over their digitally purchased content.

Key Points:

• Disclosure Requirement: Californian sellers must clearly state they are providing a license, not selling digital goods outright.
• Limited Ownership Rights: While this does not preclude the right to access your purchases temporarily, it highlights the transient nature of licensed media.
• Permanent Exclusions: The law does not apply when products can be permanently downloaded and is not applicable in situations where buyers are notified of terms clearly.

Implications:

This new law adds awareness that digital games, as well as other digital content, do not confer long-term ownership. It also brings to light the challenges of preserving retro or modern games through permanent downloads or physical media.

In the age of digital content, do you think it's more important to own a permanent copy or have accessible licensed rights?

Ken Kutaragi: Sony’s Doubts About the PlayStation Success

Ken Kutaragi (often referred to as the “father of PlayStation”) has revealed a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the early days of PlayStation's development.

Key Insights From Ken Kutaragi:

• Initial Skepticism: During the Tokyo Game Show 2024, Kutaragi shared that Sony executives and industry insiders were highly skeptical of entering the video game market. Many viewed games as mere children’s toys and doubted their potential to rival other forms of entertainment like movies or television.
• Industry Doubts: Kutaragi and his team faced significant pushback from both internal and external stakeholders. Developers were often uninterested in pursuing the project, predicting failure based on previous unsuccessful attempts by others.
• Vision and Determination: Unwavering in his vision of gaming as a major entertainment medium, Kutaragi worked tirelessly to attract key developers and secure exclusive titles like Final Fantasy VII. These strategic moves played a crucial role in establishing PlayStation’s success.

Impact on Gaming:

Kutaragi's leadership transformed Sony into a major player in the gaming industry. The PlayStation became hugely successful despite initial doubts.

Are you glad that the Nintendo/Sony "Play Station" deal fell through and that Sony went their own way? How might the gaming landscape look today if the partnership had continued?