Ratalaika Games is bringing a new action platformer called Massi, which is set to hit Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox on the 10th of October. This budget-priced ($5) game is filled with nostalgia for fans of classic retro games.

• Inspiration: Massi draws inspiration from the classic Sega series Wonder Boy, along with elements from Strider and other classic 16-bit platformers, showcasing a mix of pixel art and modern mechanics.

• Gameplay: The game centers on Massi’s journey to reclaim his former kingdom. Along the way, players will learn new skills, face bosses, find equipment, and solve puzzles reminiscent of traditional retro gameplay.

• Mix of Old and New: Combining classic platforming with modern mechanics like stealth and roll manoeuvres keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Key Highlights:

• Release Date: October 10th, 2024
• Platforms: Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
• Price: $5

Fans of retro gaming will appreciate Massi’s homage to classic games while introducing new elements that cater to modern audiences.

What do you think about this blend of nostalgia and innovation?

One of the big disconnects between physical gaming and emulation is the removal of a tactile experience that many older players hold dear. Recent attempts to bridge this gap, such as the TapTo NFC system, have introduced methods like NFC cards to launch games on MiSTer FPGA.

However, MiSTer FPGA's community has now seen an even more immersive approach: using CDs. Wizzo, one of the creators behind TapTo, recently suggested and demonstrated a new evolution—using external CD drives to boot games rather than NFC.

"It feels super legit with the disc spinning up and everything!"

• Wizzo

Key points:

• MiSTer FPGA is exploring innovative ways to create an authentic gaming experience, reminiscent of the '90s when CDs were the norm.
• The proposed method involves placing a simple executable on the CD that tells the system which ROM in its internal memory to open.

Do you miss CDs enough to buy an external CD drive for your MiSTer FPGA?

According to handheld leaker NNITRX, potentially leaked design patents from ANBERNIC could point towards a new device in the pipeline, possibly called the "RG406P".

• The leak comes from NNITRX, known for sharing patents about retro and portable gaming technology.
• The name appears to reference a potential 4-inch display (40) made of plastic (P), although this is speculative as no official confirmation has been given.
• Key differences in the design suggest a broader, more rectangular form-factor similar to older ANBERNIC models like the RG351P, with updated signature LED joysticks and an unusual D-pad layout under the analog sticks.

ANBERNIC's reputation for cutting corners has led to devices of questionable quality. With new designs like the RG406P potentially emerging, questions remain as to whether this model will come to fruition or be left in development.

What do you think about ANBERNIC resurrecting a design with a more traditional form-factor?

If anyone else uses this emulator and (unfortunately) Windows, are you seeing turbo run throughs when loading ROMS? This updates were installed yesterday and they're the only thing I can think of unless the rom speed can be controlled elsewhere in the system I'm not seeing:

2024-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5044285)

2024-10 Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 for Windows 11, version 23H2 for x64 (KB5044033)

Cheers.

edit - fixed with tip below (- key slows down emulation)

I love retro games, I always have. Despite my childhood being the 2010's, I grew up with a gameboy color, and I would emulate GBA, GB, and even N64 games on my crappy android I had at the time.

Because of the power of emulation I was able to grow up with classics like Silent Hill, Megaman Zero, Pokemon Crystal, Metal Gear, so on and so forth. But when I turned 16, and I was able to get my first job, I became especially interested in collecting games, games that I actually like to play. But now that i'm older and I actually have financial responsibilities, and don't even get me started on how the retro gaming market just continues to inflate, its getting to a point where its just not feasible for me to continue collecting.

Silent Hill 3 is literally my favorite horror game ever, and I will never be able to afford a copy, or even if I did have the money to spare I could never justify the absurd price. I will never own a legitimate copy of Megaman Legends, Pokemon Platinum, Rule of Rose, or so many of these games that I really do care about and want to be able to experience on authentic hardware.

But whats even more frustrating about it all to me are the types of collectors that want something specifically because it is rare. The type of people to buy a game and shove it in a plastic box on a shelf where it will collect dust and never be played or appreciated beyond it's box art. It is so frustrating to me because collectors of games, as opposed to people who actually want to play and appreciate these games and make memories off them and share those experiences with their friends, are driving up the market values of games to unaffordability.

Anyways I think I am going to give up collecting games. I still have a large collection of PS2, Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, MSDOS, and PS1 games, but I am done trying to get more. I might occasionally shell out a little bit on the occasional cheaper game that catches my eye, but trying to get a lot of my favorite titles is a sisiphusian endeavor.

cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/26397441

Interesting idea, there is probably a lot of unused potential with the expansion port

Universal Pictures and Sega have announced the development of a film inspired by the Shinobi video game franchise. This partnership seeks to translate the action-packed universe of Shinobi onto the big screen, furthering Sega’s successful exploration of film adaptations.

Run by Vytaan, the final 7 hours out of ~13 which wouldn't have even been possible without an engine fix due to the lag from the sheer number of monsters

Rumours of God of War Game Remasters Surface

The latest whispers in the gaming community suggest that Sony may be planning a grand remaster collection for some classic God of War titles. According to insider reports, the project is expected to focus on a collection of remastered entries from the Greek mythology era.

• Games Involved: God of War, God of War II, God of War III, Chains of Olympus, Ghost of Sparta, and Ascension.
• Plan: The rumours indicate that this collection may be announced in March 2025 to coincide with the franchise’s 20th anniversary celebration.
• Developer: Nixxes is reportedly handling the remastering tasks, known for their expertise in such projects.

While these rumours have gained considerable traction among fans, it's important to note that they remain unconfirmed by Sony or Santa Monica Studio.

Does Kratos need a remaster?

A leaked patent indicates that Anbernic may be planning a dual-screen device. Nothing has been confirmed by Anbernic, so take it with a pinch of salt. It may come to nothing.

Key Points:

• The device features a 960 x 720 display that can be slid up, revealing a smaller 640 x 480 display underneath.
• It's designed for dual-screen gaming and could also serve as a dashboard to show performance settings.
• Unique components include removable sections with interchangeable analogue sticks and potentially start/select buttons.

Implications:

• This represents a significant departure from Anbernic’s usual product releases, focusing on innovation rather than quantity.
• Complex designs introduce challenges, particularly regarding build quality and UI considerations across two screens.

What do you think about this potential new device? Does it make Anbernic seem more promising as a brand?

NES Platformer 'Christmas Crisis 2' Announced

• Developer: German Garage Games
• Platform: NES

German developers have once again captured the festive spirit with a new NES platformer, Christmas Crisis 2, set to release early next year. This follow-up to 'Christmas Crisis' aims not only to entertain but also to bring physical cartridges back in style.

Key Features:

• Fully completed and looking for funding to convert ROM into physical NES cartridges
• Crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter
• Three pre-order options available: digital ROM, standard physical, and exclusive Kickstarter edition with limited artwork and special items.

Timing:

Deliveries expected in December 2024. Perfect for making a retro Christmas gift!

Have you played the first Christmas Crisis?

Because that is what everyone wanted

An Undocumented Famicom Disk System Game Has Just Been Discovered

Could this disk contain a missing piece of Nintendo history?

Junkya.Hassy, a retro gamer and console repair person in Japan, recently discovered two Famicom Disk System disks that were being disposed of by a metal buying company in Kyoto. Upon examination, the disks contained some rare and unusual materials, including what appears to be a dev build of Eggerland for Hal Laboratory bug fixing, as well as an undocumented game titled Maze Ver. T2.0.

Key Facts:

• The discovery is sparking excitement in the gaming community, with many believing it could be a missing piece of Nintendo history.
• The disks were rewritable and not officially released, so their origin remains uncertain.
• A friend has been loaned the disk to analyze its contents further.

What do you think the significance of this discovery could be for the Famicom Disk System and Nintendo's history?

Historic NES Tetris Achievement by Michael Artiaga

Michael Artiaga, known as '@dogplayingtris', has recently achieved a monumental feat in the world of NES Tetris. He completed what is known as the 'Tetris Rebirth'—reaching level 255 and causing the game to loop back to level 0 without AI assistance—a task long thought impossible due to instability at high levels.

• Key Techniques: Artiaga used advanced techniques such as 'hypertapping' and 'rolling', which allowed him to manage the game's high speeds effectively. These skills showcase exceptional control and mastery over the NES Tetris mechanics.

• Community Impact: This victory has been celebrated widely within the Tetris community, marking a new milestone in competitive play and highlighting evolving skill levels among gamers.

• Historical Context: Previously, when reaching high levels, players often encountered a 'kill screen' where the game became unplayable due to speed. Artiaga’s achievement challenges traditional notions about the capabilities of NES Tetris enthusiasts.

Which level have you got to in Tetris?

Discover The Origins of Final Fantasy with This New NHK Documentary

NHK, the Japanese public broadcaster, is set to release a documentary series entitled 'Legendary Games Chronicle' focusing on iconic Japanese game series. The first episode will explore the creation of Final Fantasy, originally created in 1987.

Key Details:

• Date: October 11th
• Platform: Cable TV, Internet, NHK World Japan app

The episode will feature insights from the series creator, Hironobu Sakaguchi; battle graphics designer, Koichi Ishii; artist, Yoshitaka Amano; composer, Nobuo Uematsu; and sprite artist, Kazuko Shibuya. It covers the making of Final Fantasy, the anguish behind its creation, initial reactions to its success, and showcases rare materials used in production.

So, if you’ve always been curious about how one of the most influential RPGs ever made came into existence, this documentary offers an intriguing glimpse into its origins.

Will you be tuning in?

The Open Source Cartridge Reader (OSCR) is a versatile tool designed to help preserve video game cartridges and save data. Developed by Sanni and the community, this device allows users to back up ROM files and save games from a wide range of vintage consoles.

A gamer has turned a SEGA Dreamcast Visual Memory Unit (VMU) into a handheld game console.

Hotel Mario: A Fan-Made Upgrade of One of the Worst Mario Games

Hotel Mario is known for its simplistic mechanics and infamous cutscenes. Originally released in 1994 for the Philips CD-i, it was often listed among Nintendo's least successful titles due to its awkward gameplay and poorly received FMV sequences.

Background on Hotel Mario

• Original Reception: The game initially received mixed reviews. Its soundtrack and novel concept of closing doors to defeat enemies were praised, while controls, art style, and cutscenes faced criticism.
• Cult Following: Despite negative feedback, the game has gained a cult following over the years, known for its "so bad it's good" reputation.

Fan-Made Upgrade

Developers have launched a fan-made project to address these issues by enhancing graphics and refining controls. This initiative seeks to create an improved version of Hotel Mario that retains its quirky charm while offering a more polished experience.

Are you in the "so bad it's good" camp when it comes to Hotel Mario?

Blindfolded Speedrunner Completes Mario 64 In Under 20 Minutes

Blindfolded speedrunner Bubzia has just completed Super Mario 64 (SM64) in under 20 minutes. This feat is stunning given that he couldn't see the screen at all during the run.

Key Points:

• Time: Under 20 minutes, breaking the previous world record by over 40 seconds.
• Persistence: Bubzia spent 118 days of practice runs to achieve this.
• Community Impact: The runner credits the supportive community for pushing him through challenges.

Quotation:

"After 10 Months of restless grinding, 118 days / streams of practice, runs, and more, the most ambitious goal in blindfolded SM64 has finally been broken," says Bubzia.

Could you complete Super Mario 64 in 20 minutes without a blindfold?