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Rediscovering Text Adventures with the Ink Console

A new handheld gaming system, Ink Console, aims to bring back the magic of '80s text adventures. Developed by Daniel "Dana" Puchau from Shanghai, this device features a 7.5-inch e-ink screen capable of displaying an 800 x 480 black & white resolution.

Specifications:*

• Microprocessor: ESP32-D0WDQ6 (dual-core 32-bit)
• Flash Memory: 4MB
• PSRAM: 8 MB
• SRAM: 520 KB
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 4
• Built-in SD card reader for additional games

Three initial titles are in development:

1. Toto Umbrella
2. The Visit
3. Breath

With the potential to develop more through its SDK in future. The developer says they intend to release the SDK and open-source the project upon completion of crowd-funding campaign.

Puchau remarks:

The idea for Ink Console came from a desire to bring the magic of text adventures, like the 1980s classic Zork I, to a new audience unfamiliar with these games. We also were very inspired by the beloved Choose Your Own Adventure series of books. Our hope is that this interactive format makes reading feel like an adventure and helps instill a love for books in young readers.

There's a link in the original article to the Crowdsupply campaign.

What are your favourite text adventure memories?

The MSXBOOK: Reviving MSX in a Modern Notebook

Introduction to the MSXBOOK

A Chinese company called 8086YES! has introduced an intriguing device named MSXBOOK, which they are selling for $215 on the Tindle web site. The MSXBOOK is a portable laptop that brings back the spirit of the Japanese home computer standard.

Features and Specifications

• 9.7-inch LCD Screen: With a resolution of 1024x768.
• Backlit Mechanical Keyboard
• Speakers and Headphone Jack: A pair of built-in amplified stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio output jack.
• Battery: Equipped with a 4000mAh lithium battery that promises up to 4 hours of usage.
• Hardware Compatibility: MSX2-compatible and retro computing enthusiasts will appreciate the support for KDL firmware.

Additionally, it features an external cartridge slot, DB9 joystick/gamepad slots, USB ports, and a 4GB SD card storage option.

Turbo Mode Support (Optional)

The "Turbo" speed settings support speeds up to 5.37 MHz or 8.06 MHz.

Given its price point, features, and compatibility options, is the MSXBOOK worth the $215 investment?

Tetris, one of the most iconic and enduring video games, has just unveiled a new collector's package as part of Tetris Forever. This package comes with a sleek new Tetris handheld device that pays homage to the classic Game Boy.

• Handheld Details: The handheld features two pre-installed Tetris games along with a branded stand for display. The design features Tetrimino branding on the bottom and brings back nostalgic vibes.

• Collector's Edition: In addition to the handheld, the package includes various collectibles such as a modular box that can be shaped into one of the classic Tetris pieces, woven patches, poster, the soundtrack from Tetris Time Warp on CD, magnets, and the game itself.

• Availability: This Collector's Edition is available from Limited Run Games (NA) and Clear River Games (EU) starting February 25th.

What do you think of the Gold Collector's Package?

A new PS3 emulator has been discovered for Android devices, named aPS3e. While it's still in its early stages of development and lacks comprehensive compatibility with many titles, it marks significant progress in the realm of PS3 emulation on mobile platforms.

It's important to note that this emulator is currently not recommended for general use due to concerns about safety and limited game support. According to Android Authority, aPS3e simplifies the process of running PS3 games on Android devices by removing the need to use Winlator.

There is some controversy regarding the fact that, on the project's Github README, the developer states they will only release the full source code once donations have reached 2,000 USD. This is despite the fact that the emulator is based on the GPL2 licensed RPCS3, and also appears to use code from Vita3K. See the Github issue titled GPLv2 Licence Violation.

In related news, RPCS3, the most widely used PS3 emulator, now supports Raspberry Pi 5 and other ARM64 devices, although visual performance still needs improvement.

What do you think about the developer's approach to releasing the source code?

A popular Nintendo DS emulator for Android devices, DraStic, has recently been removed from the Google Play Store. Here’s what we know:

• DraStic, developed by Exophase, was available on the Google Play Store for over a decade.
• No public statement was released prior to its removal; however, the developer previously mentioned they were planning on making it open-source and removing the app from the store.
• Previous legal actions by Nintendo include pressuring the developers of Ryujinx to pull their source code from GitHub, and filing a lawsuit against Tropic Haze for creating Yuzu in 2024, resulting in a $2.4 million settlement.

Despite speculation that Nintendo is behind the sudden removal of DraStic, Exophase indicated they were planning to remove the emulator from the Play Store.

Still, it's bizarre that there doesn't seem to have been much of a heads-up before the emulator was actually pulled from the store.

What do you think? Have you come across any more information from Exophase?

Retroid recently revealed their upcoming Spring arrivals in a teaser. The main event is the Flip 2 clamshell emulator, but eyes were immediately drawn to a device in the background of the image.

First impressions suggest it could either be a vertical handheld inspired by the Analogue Pocket and the AYANEO Pocket DMG, or another clamshell emulator like the GBA SP.

This isn't the first cryptic tease from Retroid Pocket, as they sometimes use ambiguous images in their announcements to keep fans guessing.

What do you think this mysterious handheld might be?

In 2006, Hudson Soft developed SimCity 3D as an exclusive feature phone game in Japan. A recent preservation effort by a dedicated game preservationist has made this 'lost' title available once again.

The Game Details

• Development: Hudson Soft, 2006
• Platform: Japanese feature phones (DOCOMO FOMA 901i/902i series)
• Functionality: Enhanced 3D graphics with zoom-in/zoom-out and rotation; helper function; ability to transfer in-game progress from other devices.

Background

SimCity 3D was an expanded version of the Network Edition. It featured 15 missions, including five original scenarios, which were exclusive to the Sony-developed models. The game could be played with a monthly fee of 200 yen for new content and continued experience.

Preserved Version

The preservationist XYZ has archived this variation that came preloaded on certain SO902i devices. More details, including gameplay footage, are available via the Keitai Wiki Discord (link in the original article).

Have you ever played SimCity 3D on one of these feature phones? What was your impression?

A New and Affordable PS1 ODE Option is Here

A popular way to enjoy classic disc-based games without purchasing physical copies is through Optical Disc Emulators (ODEs). One of the most commonly used options for the PlayStation 1 is xStation.

However, a new and cost-effective alternative has emerged. Modder @TZMWXdiyer highlighted that you now only need a Pico 2040 microcontroller and an SD card slot to make your own PS1 ODE. This DIY project is detailed in the PicoStation GitHub repository (link in the original article).

Original Tweet by TZMWXdiyer: 'A few days ago, I discovered that Johnbaumann updated the PICOSTATION project of Paulocode on 2024/12/10. I modified two motherboards... Both machines run great with improved compatibility.'

While this is a cheap solution, it requires some soldering and modding skills

What DIY projects have you embarked on to emulate classic gaming systems?

Director Hideki Kamiya, known for his work on the iconic game Okami, has spoken out about the Wii version of the title. In a recent social media post, he expressed dissatisfaction with the Wii port, referring to it as not being 'original.' The game was originally released for PS2 in 2006, the Wii in 2008, and then later remade for many modern platforms under the name Okami HD.

Kamiya noted that the Wii version lacked significant enhancements and was handled by an external studio, Ready at Dawn, which faced challenges during development. He also highlighted that some original team members' credits were omitted in the Wii version. Fans are encouraged to experience the HD remaster version for a closer match to his intended vision.

In his tweet, Kamiya said:

Wii版はオリジナルではないです…僕が作ったのはPS2版です… いま遊ぶなら絶景版が良いでしょう…僕個人的にはWii版は遊んで欲しくないです……

which translates to:

The Wii version isn’t the original… The PS2 version is what I created. If you’re going to play now, the HD edition would be recommended. As for me personally, I don’t want people to play the Wii version…"

Have you played both the original PS2 version, and the Wii port? Which do you think was better?

Have you played the HD version? What do you think of the enhancements?

The Departure of Stéphane Picq: A Tribute to a Video Game Composer

French composer and multi-instrumentalist, Stéphane Picq, passed away at the age of 59. This devastating news was shared by his friends on social media, marking the end of a life dedicated to bringing immersive soundscapes to video games.

A Prolific Career in Gaming

Picq's career began in 1987 and he worked with renowned studios like ERE Informatique/Exxos and Cryo Interactive. His most notable work includes the classic Dune, an interactive adaptation of David Lynch's movie, and multiple other titles such as Purple Saturn Day, MegaRace, KGB, Lost Eden, Dragon Lore, Extase, Commander Blood and Atlantis: The Lost Tales.

Reflecting on his Retirement and Departure

In 1998, Picq announced his retirement from the industry due to changes in the gaming environment. During this period, he moved to Madagascar where he established a recording studio. He reflected on the evolution of the gaming landscape, stating that it had shifted towards more profit-driven models with less creative freedom for composers and developers.

An Ode to His Legacy

In 2023, Picq released his seminal work from Dune as a remastered soundtrack called Dune Spice Opera, showing how timeless his music remains. There's a link to the YouTube video in the original article.

This event reminds us of the profound impact that individual creators have on our gaming experiences.

Commemorating His Memory

Our thoughts are with Picq's family and friends during this difficult time. Let us remember his contributions to the world of video game music and continue to appreciate and cherish the melodies he left behind.

What games with music composed by Stéphane Picq have you most enjoyed, and what significance do his soundtracks hold in your gaming memories?