Nintendo has expanded its Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service by including Shadow Man and Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, both originally released in 1999. These additions are exclusive to the Mature 17+ version of the Nintendo 64 app, available to download from the Nintendo eShop.

• Shadow Man: An action-adventure game developed by Acclaim known for its dark tone and ambitious design. Releasing around Halloween, it’s particularly fitting with its eerie theme.
• Turok 2: Seeds of Evil: A first-person shooter that is a sequel to Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, offering improved graphics and expanded gameplay mechanics over the original title.

What do you think about adding these mature-rated N64 games to Nintendo Switch Online?

Game Overview

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is set for release on December 10, 2024. Developed by Digital Eclipse, the game reimagines and revisits classic Power Rangers lore with an original narrative. Available across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch.

• Storyline: Explores a time-bending plot involving Robo-Rita, who travels back in time to align with her former self. Their mission is to alter history and prevent the formation of the Power Rangers.
• Gameplay: Features a side-scrolling beat-'em-up style gameplay reminiscent of classic titles like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, including combat mechanics, vehicle sequences, and Megazord battles.
• Visuals and Sound: Displays pixel art visuals and chiptune music to capture the nostalgic feel of the 1990s Power Rangers series.
• Multiplayer: Supports both offline and online multiplayer modes for up to five players.

Key Points

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch
• Developers: Digital Eclipse
• Release Date: December 10, 2024

What aspect of the game are you most excited about? Is it the robust combat system, the multiplayer features, or perhaps the intricate storyline?

Key Highlights

• Suigi has achieved a significant milestone by setting a new world record in the 120-star category of Super Mario 64, becoming the first player to hold records in all major categories: 0, 1, 16, 70, and 120 stars.
• Suigi’s personal journey includes periods of low motivation and depression, yet he persists with unwavering dedication. This achievement is not only a personal victory but also establishes a new benchmark for the Super Mario 64 speedrunning community.

Community Reaction

Elite speedrunners such as Cheese and Simply have commended Suigi’s skill and commitment, reflecting the supportive environment within the community.

What sets Suigi apart on his path to this incredible achievement? Do you think he will set further records or focus on different categories next?

Mega Man fans are in for a treat as the new set of trading cards is about to hit the market.

Key Points:*

• Release Date: Early 2025, presales already ongoing.
• Card Types: Collector Cards (60), Collector Parallel Rainbow Holofoils (60), Collector Parallel Pixel Holofoils (60), Serial-Numbered “Megafractor” Cards (60), Armor Refractor Cards (15), Meta-Rare Refractor Cards (10), Key Art Holofoil Cards (9), and Culture Shokz cards (7).

Pack Odds:

• Collector Parallel Rainbow Holofoil: 1:2
• Collector Parallel Pixel Holofoil: 1:2
• Armor Refractor: 1:48
• Serial-Numbered Megafractor: 1:12
• Key Art Holofoil: 1:48
• Meta-Rare Refractor: 1:96
• Culture Shokz: 1:96

More Info:

• First release date is January 8th from Dave & Adam's Card World.
• Another outlet is showing a release date of February 15th: Cardsmiths

Are you planning to pre-order these trading cards?

REMASTER UPGRADING A CLASSIC RPG

• Title: Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana
• Release Date: January 7, 2025
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch

Originally released in Japan in April 2023 as a remaster of Ys III: Wanderers from Ys (1989), this game has now expanded to the Western market. It comes with a wealth of enhancements including:

• HD graphics
• Remastered music
• New character art
• Additional improvements such as new difficulties and EN/JP voiceovers.

What's In Store for Players? See the trailer on Twitter/X

What are your memories of Ys III: Wanderers from Ys? What are you hoping for in this remaster?

Introducing the VMU Disc Builder

Derek Pascarella has developed a tool known as the VMU Disc Builder, which simplifies the process of transferring save data to and from Dreamcast VMUs.

Key Features:

• Ease of Use: The tool is designed for simplicity, allowing users to download necessary save files, burn them to a CD-R, or load them onto their ODE's internal storage, then run it on their VMU.
• Versatility: It makes the process accessible without requiring special cables or dedicated hardware.

Availability:

The tool is free and available for download: here

As save management becomes more streamlined, it raises questions about broader features. How might this ease of transferring files impact the overall gaming community's approach to managing and backing up their retro game saves? Do you think this tool will lead to increased interest in preserving and engaging with classic games?

Square Enix has announced the release of a new piano album titled "Crystalline Resonance – Final Fantasy Piano Collection", which will be available worldwide on January 15, 2025. This album features piano arrangements from tracks across the Final Fantasy series starting from Final Fantasy VII through to Final Fantasy XVI. Here are some key details:

• Album Tracks: The ten-track album includes iconic themes such as "Zanarkand" from Final Fantasy X, "Lightning's Theme" from Final Fantasy XIII, and other memorable pieces like "Kiss Me Good-Bye" from Final Fantasy XII.
• Pre-orders: Pre-orders are now available on the Japanese Square Enix e-store, with international customers able to order through a CDJapan listing.

Additionally, this album complements the Crystalline Resonance world tour, which will run from December 2024 until March 2025 and features live performances of these themes with visual projections.

Which piece from Final Fantasy would you most like to hear as a piano arrangement?

Colin Anderson, the audio manager and co-composer for Grand Theft Auto II at DMA Design, recently paid tribute to the game, calling it the “unsung hero” of the franchise. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, many see GTA 2 as a misstep, but Anderson believes that it was pivotal in shaping Grand Theft Auto’s future.

GTA 2 introduced several innovative features such as the gang reputation system and fictionalized radio commercials. It also moved the setting to “Anywhere USA,” a retrofuturistic metropolis inspired by films and comics like Terry Gilliam’s Brazil and Frank Miller’s Hard Boiled. These elements made it one of the more experimental entries in the series.

Anderson highlighted that GTA 2 was key for experimentation over perfection, making it a critical step in the franchise’s evolution. The game moved away from simple point-and-click mechanics and towards creating a meaningful immersive world.

Do you agree that GTA 2 is an unsung hero of the franchise?

A classic Konami shoot 'em up, Salamander (or Life Force) is now available on the MiSTer FPGA, ensuring an accurate and enhanced experience for fans of retro gaming. Originally released in 1986 and later available on platforms like NES and PC Engine with a differing American version, this arcade game is renowned for its challenging gameplay and innovative design.

The MiSTer FPGA implementation replicates the original hardware to provide players with accurate performance, making it easier to enjoy stages both horizontally and vertically.

What unique aspects of Salamander (Life Force) attract you as a retro game enthusiast?

The Thing: Remastered Gameplay Trailer Brings 2002 Survival Horror Classic Back

Night Dive Studios has released a new 'Gameplay' trailer for The Thing: Remastered, an updated version of the award-winning squad-based third-person shooter survival horror game originally published in 2002.

• Developer: Night Dive Studios
• Release Date: Late 2024 (PC and consoles)

In this enhanced remaster, players will take on the role of Captain Blake, battling a deadly shape-shifting alien threat as part of a U.S. Army Special Forces team stationed in an Antarctic outpost, all while navigating environments filled with suspense and danger.

Key features include:

• Enhanced graphics
• Improved gameplay mechanics

The Thing: Remastered Gameplay Trailer

What do you hope are the biggest improvements from the original game?

Rocky Horror Show Gets The Retro Gaming ‘Time Warp’ Treatment For Its 50th Anniversary

News Overview

The musical classic, Rocky Horror Show, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with an innovative retro gaming release. Fans can relive the show's magic through chip-tune tracks and side-scrolling gameplay.

• Platforming: The game features platformer elements similar to Castlevania.
• Digital Release: Available for Nintendo Switch at £7.09 and Steam at £7.65 as of writing.
• Developers: Metal X Entertainment, Bit Bot Media & FreakZone Games collaborated on this project.

Developer Insights

Sam Beddoes from FreakZone Games explains: 'It was an honor to adapt the legendary musical into a video game. Now both new fans and veterans can enjoy a fun take on the story and music in crunchy 8-bit goodness.'

FreakZone Games' producer, Joshua Viola, says, ‘For those familiar with Rocky Horror, they’ll get to relive it in a fresh, exciting way. For newcomers, it’s an unforgettable introduction to a cult classic, delivered with a twist only a video game can provide.’

Success Expectations

With 50 years of following behind the musical and Bit Bot Media's successful Kickstarter campaigns, this project is expected to achieve similar success.

Are you ready to do the Time Warp again?

Capcom Announces Resident Evil 2, 3 Remakes and Resident Evil 7 Physical Editions for PS5

Capsule Review:

• Capcom has announced that physical editions of Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake, and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Gold Edition will be released for the PS5. These editions are set to launch in the US on January 10, 2025, after Japan & Australia.

Key Points:

• Initial Release: Japan & Australia
• US Release Date: January 10, 2025 (Pricing: $29.99 USD)

Are you planning to buy the physical editions, or is the digital version sufficient for you?