ktec

Earlier this month, Passageway Games released Passageway of the Ancients to Steam. The game is heavily influenced by classic Dungeons and Dragons RPG titles like Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights, blending turn-based and real-time gameplay with character progression similar to the genre's staples.

Key Points:

• Game Release: Passageway of the Ancients has now been released on Steam.
• Bundle Offer: A bundle including both the game and its original soundtrack is discounted by 15% for $21.23, while the soundtrack can be purchased separately for $4.99.
• Early Reviews: While some players found the technical aspects lacking or not as engaging as other titles in this genre, others praised the plot and story unfolding.

Technical Details:

• Genre: Dungeons and Dragons-inspired RPG
• Platform: Steam (PC)
• Features: Turn-based and real-time gameplay, character progression, equipment selection.

Have you played the game? What's your review?

Recently, it was reported that the renowned first-person shooter game DOOM can now run on the Nintendo Alarmo alarm clock. This unique device surprisingly manages to host the classic game despite its limited memory.

Limited Support: The audio for the game is not supported due to technical constraints imposed by the alarm clock's hardware limitations.

You can find the necessary downloads here.

Quote from developer, Gary:

After my last post, it was pretty clear what everyone wanted to see on the Alarmo. So, here it is - Doom running on the Nintendo Alarmo! pic.twitter.com/WimckYPnXZ

What do you think about this unique accomplishment?

Game Information:

• Name: [Rage of the Dragons NEO]
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam)
• Release Date: November 14, 2024

Key Features:

• Improved visuals, updated mechanics, additional content
• Tag-team combat system with new fighters and abilities
• Online multiplayer modes with rollback netcode for smooth play

Original Context:

• First developed by Evoga and Noise Factory in 2002, it was a spiritual successor to Double Dragon. Known for fast-paced action and deep combo systems.
• The original gained cult followings thanks to its challenging gameplay and strategic elements.

Will you be revisiting your old copies of "Rage of the Dragons" or trying out the remake?

A new and complete translation has been released for the classic PlayStation 1 RPG Popolocrois Monogatari 2. This game, originally developed by G-Artists and published by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCEI), follows a young prince on an epic quest to save his kingdom from an evil goddess.

Summary of Key Points:

• The original game was released in Japan back in the year 2000.
• It's part of the Popolocrois series, which started with the 1984 manga and was followed by two previous PlayStation 1 titles: Popolocrois Monogatari (1996) and Poporogue (1998).
• A prior translation existed in a PSP game combining events of both Popolocrois games, but it wasn't entirely faithful to the original story.
• Zenksren has now created a more complete English patch, which includes staff credits for LostOkina, Wyrdwad, Aquagon, ERT, and ???. The translation is available on ROM Hack Plaza and has been tested on real hardware, Retroarch (SwanStation core), standalone DuckStation, and no$psx. A translation of the first PS1 game in the series is also online.

In your opinion, which fan translation projects should we see next, and why?

Classic Accolade Sports Games Coming To Major Platforms

Several classic sports games developed by Accolade are set to make a fantastic return across various gaming platforms. The news has been officially announced, and the game collection is being published in partnership with Atari.

Games Included:

• Summer Challenge
• Winter Challenge
• HardBall!
• HardBall II
• Hoops Shut Up and Jam!

Key Features of the Collection:

• Save states: Save progress at any point.
• Filter options: Visual customization to emulate different displays.
• Access to original manuals: Adding an authentic touch to your retro gaming experience.

While the platforms covered include PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 (PS4), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, no specific release date has been confirmed.

What was your favorite game in the Accolade Sports Collection?

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars - Reforged

News: Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – Reforged is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on November 7, 2024.

Key Points:

• Remastered Edition: The reforged version features enhanced graphics and audio compared to the original.
• Switch Release: Enhanced with all post-launch fixes from the PC version.
• Price: £24.99/€29.99/$29.99 on the Nintendo eShop.

Enhancements:

• 4K Redrawn Backgrounds
• Re-animated Sprites
• Enhanced Audio
• Option to switch between original 1996 visuals and updated graphics at any time during gameplay.

Plot Summary: George Stobbart, an American tourist, becomes embroiled in a global conspiracy involving the Knights Templar after witnessing a bombing in Paris.

What do you think? Are you excited to revisit this classic adventure game on Switch?

Dead Space is a beloved horror franchise that has captured the hearts and minds of many gamers since its release in 2008. Now, Lost In Cult, known for their books on video game history, are releasing a new book called Make Us Whole: The History of Dead Space.

Key Points:

• Author: Elijah Beahm
• Publisher: Lost In Cult
• Pages: 272 pages
• Subjects: Includes new and candid interviews with franchise creators, hands-on insights into pre-release prototypes, and incisive prose.
• Illustrations: New illustrations by Jonathan L Mantia, a well-known artist in the film and comic book industries.
• Featured Interviews: Writers like Brian Evenson and Jimmy Palmiotti, as well as designers Roman Campos-Orila and Ben Wanat.

Cult Classics Series:

Lost In Cult has announced that this is part of their new book series titled Cult Classics, dedicated to text-focused projects. Each Cult Classic will focus on a subject matter dear to its author, making every one a personal, passion-driven read. This release marks the beginning of this series.

Pre-Order Information:

The book is available for pre-order until December 10th, 2024. A special signed edition, featuring signatures from author Elijah Beahm and Dead Space writer and producer Chuck Beaver, has also been made available. This edition comes with a bookplate for the signatures plus an A5 art card.

What's your take? Are you looking forward to diving into Make Us Whole: The History of Dead Space?

It was recently announced that Boulder Dash 40th Anniversary will be released in Q1 of 2025 for PC, Mac, Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation. A playable version of the game is available on Steam as a free demo this December.

Key Points

• Release Date: Q1 2025 (for multiple platforms)
• Demo Release: December 2024 (on PC and Mac via Steam)
• Game Content: Includes levels from all three original Boulder Dash games, plus fan-created levels.
• Level Design Participation: Fans can submit their own levels to help shape the new game.

Historical Background

Boulder Dash is a beloved subterranean platform puzzler originally released in 1984 for Commodore 64, before being ported to numerous other formats including NES and Game Boy.

Developer Details

• Developer: BBG Entertainment (based in Munich, Germany)
• Mission Statement: "Fun for the whole family even decades after their initial publication."

Demo Availability

You can try out a demo of Boulder Dash 40th Anniversary on Steam from this December!

Community Involvement

Fans can contribute to the game by submitting their own levels on the developer's Discord channel.

How do you think the inclusion of fan-created levels will impact the final game, and what unique challenges might arise from crowdsourcing levels for a retro-style puzzle game?

Savant Ascent Remix Heading to Nintendo Switch on December 5th

The indie-developed, retro-style action game Savant Ascent Remix is making its way to the Nintendo Switch! This reworking of the original Savant Ascent will release on December 5th, 2024.

• Game Modes Introduced: The new version includes Classic Mode, Survival Mode, and Time Attack mode, each bringing fresh challenges to players.
• Classic Mode: Players take on the tower with enhanced abilities like grabbing enemies.
• Survival Mode: Offers a hardcore experience with new enemy waves and bosses.
• Time Attack: Challenges gamers to complete levels as quickly as possible.
• Full Sequel: Though inspired by an original remaster, the developer took this opportunity to expand into a full-blown sequel, adding substantial new content like NES-style Hardcore Mode and 36 newly composed songs from celebrated Norwegian musician Savant.

Worth the money?

• If you pre-order before release, grab an extra 15% discount!
• The game promises to more than double the size of the original with new weapons, difficulty modes, and extensive gameplay additions.

Do you think the new modes will add enough value to make this title a must-play on Switch?

Details

• Launch Date: November 28, 2024
• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Price (Digital): $19.99 / €19.99
• Physical Edition Price (Early 2025): $39.99 / €39.99
• Special Editions in Japan: Offer an art book and desk pad with the physical edition.

Collection Content

• Games Included:*

• Kira Kira Star Night!: A platforming action game with an impressive lineup of composers.
• Astro Ninja Man DX: A shoot 'em up game with simple controls and challenging gameplay.

• Music Albums:

• 8Bit Music Power: Features chiptune tracks from classic and modern composers.
• 8Bit Music Power Final: Offers a diverse range of compositions with visual elements.
• 8Bit Music Power Encore: The final album in the series, providing more chiptune music.

Do you plan to add this collection to your library?

WayForward, the retro publisher, has released Clock Tower: Rewind following its recent announcements. The game now includes an official English translation from the original Japanese version.

Features and Enhancements

• Two Modes: Original or Rewind mode, providing a choice in gameplay experience.
• Gameplay Additions: New animated motion comics with voiceovers and music, art gallery, music player, behind-the-scenes interview with creator Hifumi Kono, playable Japanese commercial demo, save states, and more modern conveniences.

Background of the Game

Clock Tower: Rewind has been a beloved game with its atmospheric 2D art, detailed animations, and haunting sound effects, enhancing tense point-and-click gameplay. Players seek to evade the psychotic Scissorman, facing multiple endings and randomized elements that maximize replayability.

How might the additional features and English translation in Clock Tower: Rewind affect your play experience or perception of the game?

RATALAICA GAMES TO RELEASE TWO MORE SNES CLASSICS IN WEST

Ratalaika Games, Shinyuden, and Sunsoft are set to reissue the Super Famicom games Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban (Sneak Peak titled as Feudal Bros - Tonosama #1) and Shonen Ninja Sasuke (renamed to Justice Ninja Casey due to trademark concerns) for modern platforms next year, marking their first English localization.

• Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban: A humorous overhead beat 'em up. Features two noblemen battling various threats across the world.
• Shonen Ninja Sasuke: A side-scrolling ninja adventure from 1994, likened to the Ganbare Goemon series.

Both games are slated for release on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Series X|S.

What classic SNES titles would you like to see released westward next by Ratalaika Games or other publishers?