Macross Game blasting onto Arcade Archives

Super Dimension Fortress Macross, a classic 1992 arcade shooter inspired by the beloved Macross anime series, is set to join the prestigious roster of titles in Hamster Corp.'s Arcade Archives series on December 26th 2024.

• Game Name: Super Dimension Fortress Macross (originally Super Spacefortress Macross in Western releases)
• Platform: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
• Release Date: December 26th, 2024

This game provides a vertical-scrolling shooter experience and is a nostalgic nod to the Golden Age of arcade gaming. Pilot futuristic spacecraft and battle enemies in this space-faring adventure.

Key Features:

• Vertical Scroll-Playing: Dive into the action as you zip through space while defending against formidable foes.
• Anime Influence: The game is deeply rooted in the Macross lore.

What are your favorite nostalgic moments from the Macross franchise?

Hands On With Nintendo DS Online Multiplayer on iPhone

Overview

Nintendo fans can now enjoy a nostalgic multiplayer experience with an update to Delta for iPhone, which allows users to play online multiplayer games from their Nintendo DS library. The feature includes Pokémon Black & White and HeartGold & SoulSilver trading and battling online.

How It Works

1. Patreon Access: Only Patreon members have access to the multi-player beta at this point.
2. Delta Installation: Users need to install the Delta Beta version from Riley Testut's and Shane Gill's Patreon account.
3. Network Settings: Adjust the Nintendo WFC settings on your DS emulator by setting the DNS addresses to 178 62 43 212, both for Primary and Secondary.

Testing Experience

Testers have reported smooth gameplay without any significant issues. Multiplayer tests in Mario Kart DS worked seamlessly.

Which DS game are you most excited to play with your friends?

Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of the Super Smash Bros series, has been working on a mysterious new game for two years

• Sakurai's Work:

• Developed Super Smash Bros titles from 1999 to 2018.

• Semi-retired in 2023 but continues work on his YouTube channel.

• Created content with a cost of $600,000 and over 520 episodes released since October 2022.

• Project Details:

• Worked on it from April 2022..

• Currently in development but still no official announcement released by Sakurai.

What do you think the new game might be? Could it be a new Super Smash Bros title or perhaps something else entirely for the Switch 2?

Humble Bazooka, a retro designer, developer, and manufacturer working on a series of Bluetooth drop-in adapters for old controllers has announced that the first in this series will be a plug-and-play device for the Sega Saturn 3D control pad.

Key points:

• The adapter is part of a new range called BLE Shift.
• Initial testing suggests compatibility with various platforms, including Windows, Linux, Steamdeck, and many retro consoles through the use of the BlueRetro adapter.
• This comes as good news for retro gamers who own these controllers but don't want to be tied to a wired setup.

How well suited do you think a wireless Sega Saturn 3D control pad will be for PC, Steamdeck, or other retro consoles?

Key Facts:

• The Analogue 3D machine, which aims to replicate N64 hardware without emulation, has been delayed from its original planned release this year to the first quarter of 2025.
• Preorders for the Analogue 3D are now open.
• The device comes in black or white.

Additional Information:

• Analogue has released first images of the machine.
• An 8BitDo controller is intended for use with the 3D, retaining the original size, sub-layouts, and feel of the N64 controller, but not replicating its awkward form factor.
• The 8BitDo controller will cost an additional $40 as it won't ship with the Analogue 3D.

If you're interested in owning a reimagined N64 experience with 4K upscaling, this could be the device for you. However, it's worth noting that the release has been pushed back.

Will the $40 extra cost for the controller significantly impact your decision to preorder the Analogue 3D?

Megaman 1 – Law of Justice

A new NES ROM hack called 'Law of Justice' has been created for Megaman 1, significantly enhancing the original game.

• New Levels and Weapons: Introducing a wide range of new weapons like Disc Blade, Soul Buster, and Zip Bolt.
• Upgraded Graphics: Enhanced visual elements including new boss fights and robot masters.
• Improved Soundtrack: Enjoy a fresh musical journey through classic levels in a modernized soundtrack.

Key Facts:

• Created by modder and hacker Timaeus.
• Redesigned with an extensive selection of newly crafted weapons.
• Includes brand new boss encounters and enemies.

• Additional Features: Stage select graphics showing different Megaman forms such as Boltman, Soulman, and Blowman (a little questionable).

Have you played Timaeus's rom-hacks before? What were your impressions?

Rediscovering 'Kaena': The Lost English Version of a PS2 Classic

Overview

The lost English version of the PS2 game Kaena has resurfaced 20 years after it was originally shelved. Robin Davies, a video game collector, shared his find online.

Background

• Original Concept: The game was initially conceptualized by French computer graphics artist Chris Delaporte in the mid-90s and evolved into a cross-media project.
• Film Release: In 2003, Namco produced a CG-animated film featuring an impressive English voice cast including Kirsten Dunst, Anjelica Huston, Keith David, Tara Strong, John DiMaggio, and Richard Harris (in his final role).
• Game Development: The game was in development for the PS2 but saw limited Japanese release in 2004. Its English version was never released.

Resurfacing of the Game

A collector named Robin Davies has discovered a debug copy of an English version dated from 2003 and shared it on Twitter.

Have you seen the film? What did you think of it?

In a fascinating discovery, a rare VHS tape dating back to the early 1990s has been unearthed, providing new insights into the legal battle between Data East and Capcom, specifically regarding the game Fighter’s History.

The trial was resolved in 1994 with a ruling that favored Data East, determining that there were no copyright infringements due to the generic nature of the similarities between their work and Capcom's Street Fighter II. This case significantly shaped future interpretations of copyright law for video games, highlighting what can be legally protected versus merely generic game mechanics.

The VHS tape reportedly contains side-by-side comparisons of characters from both games, showcasing both similarities and differences in design, moves, and backstories.

Good news / bad news. Good is that I've captured the 16-minute segment comparing seven of Fighter's History's characters to those Capcom said Data East copied from SF2, Bad is that I thought the second part—the special moves comparison—was also on this tape, but it isn't.

— Mollie L Patterson (@mollipen.bsky.social)

How do you believe this outcome changed the landscape of video game copyright law, and what implications might similar cases have today?

Metamorphosis Collection, a collection of three new psychological horror games, is coming to the Game Boy Color. This collection, developed by Incube8 Games, marks a significant move for the retro handheld console, offering a darker and more eerie experience.

• Specimen 134: Play as Jason, who starts noticing strange things in his town. Explore these occurrences with your friend David to uncover what lies within.
• Decline: Take on the role of an elderly detective dealing with cognitive decline. Your quest is to solve a seemingly simple case but beware, as nothing may be as it seems.
• Opossum Country: Embark on a delivery journey through haunted backwoods; your curiosity might end up being fatal.

The Metamorphosis Collection will be available in multiple editions tailored for emulation and Game Boy Color players alike. The Digital Edition is perfect for emulator users, whereas the Standard Edition comes with physical components like a sealed box, clear black cartridge, and more. For those looking to experience these horrors in all their glory on hardware, there's also the Halloween 2024 Special Edition, offering a unique clear red cartridge.

When can you play?: You'll have to pre-order before October 31st, 2024, for the special edition with the limited-time clear red cartridge.

Are these horror games suitable for the vibrant and colorful Game Boy Color?

Worms 30th Anniversary Update

Many 90s gamers will have fond memories of hearing “revenge” and “incoming” from squeaky-mouthed worms. The Amiga classic is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with the release of Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition by Eclipse Games, as well as an update for Worms Directors Cut, created by Worms' original creator Andy Davidson.

Highlights

• New Version: The updated Worms Directors Cut 1.5 includes brand new fan-designed levels, which anyone can contribute to. These designs are set to be showcased at GERP 2025, a demoscene event in Sweden.
• Fan Involvement: Andy Davidson is working with Amiga demoscene groups and seeking level designs that can be sent to the organizer Datastorm Party.

Context

The updated version aims to preserve the legacy of the original game while engaging new fans through crowd-sourced content. The original game data has been backed up, ensuring it’s safe for future generations.

What is your favorite level or feature from the original Worms Directors Cut, and would you consider designing a new level for this update?

Triple Impact: A Promising New SNES Beat 'Em Up

A trio of indie developers, @gangeek_style, @MisterDigifox, and @landsat77, are working on an exciting new side-scrolling fighter for the SNES called Triple Impact. The game clearly takes inspiration from classic SNES fighters like Final Fight and Rushing Beat.

The game is still in early development, but the footage from May shows solid progress with a promising move set.

While inspired by retro aesthetics, Triple Impact represents a fresh take on SNES beat 'em up games in an indie context. Homebrew and new releases for classic systems are always exciting to see as they breathe new life into beloved hardware.

How do you think Triple Impact will evolve from its current state? Will it meet the expectations of retro gamers who can't wait for new content on SNES classics?

Modder Creates Xbox Handheld Using The Console's Original Motherboard

Redherring32, a modder and carpenter, has created the world's first portable Xbox device using an original Xbox motherboard. This DIY project showcases incredible technical skill and dedication.

• Key Features:

• Original motherboard from a real Xbox console
• 9-inch 480p display
• Pure digital video/audio support
• 100W USB C charging for both charge and play
• WiFi 6 supports wireless Xbox Live functionality

This project is not just emulation; it's a functional device. It's an impressive feat of engineering that could inspire future modders to explore similar projects.

Redherring32 has shared the plans on GitHub and BitBuilt, making this accessible for others who want to create their own!

What's the first game you would play on an XBox handheld?