To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Pokémon Emerald‘s launch in Japan, a collective of 130 artists has collaborated to create a romhack featuring newly redrawn versions of all 386 Pokémon from the game.

Key Points:

• Date: October 17, 2024
• Producer: Takenobu Mitsuyoshi and Naofumi Hataya
• Availability: Purchase Link
• Cost: 3,300 Yen
• Tracks: Covering the Arcade and Saturn versions with new arrangements by Mitsuyoshi.

What You Need to Know:

Sega Rally is celebrating its 30th anniversary by releasing a special soundtrack CD featuring music from both the arcade original (by Takenobu Mitsuyoshi) and the Saturn port, now with re-arrangements of three tracks specifically for the album.

Mitsuyoshi has also announced that he will be doing a SEGASOUNDSTREET YouTube event around the release date, with guests in attendance.

What's your favourite Sega Rally (music) track?

First Official Shovel Knight Concert

SOHO Live has just announced the first-ever Shovel Knight concert titled "Shovel Knight Live: Steel Thy Concert." This event will celebrate a decade of the beloved game with a two-hour performance by a ten-piece band led by Grammy Award-winning artist Charlie Rosen and composer Jake Kaufman. The concerts are scheduled in Los Angeles at the Fonda Theatre on January 19, 2025, and in New York City at The Town Hall on February 22, 2025.

Attendees can expect to hear all-time favorites such as "Strike the Earth!" and "The Magic Mirror," accompanied by high-definition gameplay footage. Ticket prices range from $57 to $69.54, with plans for interactive discussions on game development during the events, marking Shovel Knight’s 10th anniversary milestone.

Is this concert something you'd consider attending or would you prefer to relive those classic moments through digital media?

Nintendo Adds Four New SNES Games to Its Subscription Offerings

In a recent update, the Nintendo Switch Online service has expanded its SNES game library with four new titles from both the Super NES (SNES) and the Super Famicom system.

Here’s an overview of these latest additions:

• Battletoads Double Dragon - Join forces as the warriors from 'Double Dragon' with the Battletoads trio, and stand up against the combined might of evil forces in this 1993 beat-'em-up. Defeat numerous baddies and their deadly obstacles using your unique combat styles or the powerful Dragons’ arsenal.
• Big Run - An intense racing adventure across vast landscapes from Africa, from Tripoli to Dakar. This 1991 game challenges you not only in speed but also in strategy as you select sponsors, hire staff, and manage parts replacement during races full of brutal conditions.
• Cosmo Gang The Puzzle - Dive into a mix of action and puzzle gameplay with the Cosmo Gang across various modes. Test your skills by solving challenging block removal tasks and strategic challenges to climb the high score ladder in 1P or VS Mode, and tackle stage after stage in 100 Stage Mode.
• Kunio-kun no Dodgeball da yo Zen'in Shūgō! - Take on a series of dodgeball battles across different countries with Kunio-kun. Utilize various jumping and passing techniques to aim for the championship title, where success may also involve discovering hidden game gimmicks.

Which of these games have you played before or are you most excited about trying? What classic titles would you like Nintendo to add next?

cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/25334050

Introducing Dungeons of Infinity

A talented individual known as Justin Bohemier has transformed the classic Super Nintendo hit, A Link to the Past, into a procedurally-generated roguelike dungeon crawler. Over four years in development using Gamemaker Studio with the original assets, the game 'Dungeons of Infinity' aims to offer a new and challenging experience for fans.

Key Features:

• Procedural Generation - Each playthrough offers unique layouts, enemies, and items.
• Link's Nemesis Aghanim - The ultimate challenge lies in encountering Link's arch-enemy, Aghanim. Survival depends on navigating the dungeons until reaching this final boss.

The creator emphasizes that no continues or extra lives are available, adding to the game’s difficulty curve.

What do you think about applying roguelike elements to classic games like 'A Link to the Past'? Have you encountered similar fan projects?

The “Sega Saturn Slim” is becoming one of the most awaited retro gaming devices for 2024. This planned update to the classic Sega Saturn console aims to slim down its design by removing the CD-ROM drive.

Classic Raiden Series Returns with Raiden Nova

The iconic shooter series, Raiden is getting a revitalized release. Titled Raiden Nova, it’s due for a worldwide launch on October 31, 2024, across platforms like PlayStation consoles (PS5, PS4), Nintendo Switch, and PC.

What to Expect:

• Revamped Gameplay Mechanics
• Multiple Weapons & Upgrades
• Unique Aircraft Control
• Epic Boss Battles with Explosive Effects

In this fresh take on the classic series, players can freely aim and shoot using two sticks.

The Japanese release will come with a physical copy, suitable for all Switch systems. With an ESRB rating of ‘E’ for Everyone, it caters to gamers of all ages.

What do you think? Will Raiden Nova bring a new dimension to the twin-stick shooter genre?

Arika has hinted at the possibility of releasing Tetris: The Grand Master 3 on modern platforms. While no official confirmation or release date has been announced, Arika took to Twitter to tease their followers with a cryptic message:

It's a mere prelude to the nightmares yet to unfold. Prepare yourself for a world where even your soul trembles in the cold embrace of fear.

If Tetris: The Grand Master 3 becomes reality on current platforms, it would delight many enthusiasts. The series' first two installments are already available on Arcade Archives.

We can also look forward to Tetris Forever on Nintendo Switch and other systems in the near future.

Are there any specific features you're hoping will return or be added in Tetris: The Grand Master 3?

cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/25267065

Italian police recently dismantled a significant video game trafficking ring, seizing counterfeit retro consoles and pirated games valued at approximately $50 million. The operation involved the confiscation of around 12,000 fake consoles and over 47 million pirated games.

ANBERNIC announces the release of three new transparent variants for their popular RG35XXSP handheld, expanding from four to seven color options. These new additions include Transparent Green, Transparent Pink, and Transparent White.

The introduction of these new colors comes after a successful launch and indicates a responsiveness to market trends.

What new features or design changes would you like to see next from ANBERNIC? How important are color and design elements when considering a new retro handheld device?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/12760088

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Konami has announced its plans to develop Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Volume 2, with a focus on bringing major titles in the series up to HD standards. Producer Noriaki Okamura mentioned that while ports exist for Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3, many following entries lack such upgrades, presenting unique challenges.

The specific titles included, development timeline, and release dates are yet to be disclosed. The company aims to avoid repeating mistakes made with Volume 1 and asks fans to exercise patience. Okamura also noted that Metal Gear Solid 4 is exclusive to the PS3, creating an opportunity for porting it and Peace Walker to modern platforms; this would mark the first chance to play MGS 4 on a device other than its original console.

What are your thoughts on Konami's plans for the Metal Gear Solid series? Will you be adding any titles to your collection?

Also: am I remembering wrong, or was doom 64 easier than its predecessors?

Jaleco’s Bio Senshi Dan for Nintendo Switch

The classic Famicom adventure game Jaleco’s Bio Senshi Dan is getting a reissue for the Nintendo Switch, set to release on September 26th, 2024. This re-release comes with various extras, though details are yet to be disclosed.

Originally released in 1987, this cult favourite will gain a new lease of life on modern platforms, allowing both new players and nostalgic fans an opportunity to experience it once more.

Will this classic game find its way into your collection?

Steel Legion: Introducing a new NES homebrew metroidvania-style game that takes players on a journey through a dystopian cyberpunk universe.

Developed by Aeon & Star Interactive. Players embark as cyborg commandos in their mission to protect humanity from the evil AI threatening its existence.

Four interconnected stages with unique challenges and secrets to uncover. With abilities like hyper jumps and special missiles, players can access previously locked areas and overcome bosses. Meet NPC characters that bring depth and change locations throughout your quest.

Featuring classic 8-bit pixel art and a hard rock chiptune soundtrack, the game delivers an authentic nostalgic experience while adding modern twists. Fans of Metroidvania games will appreciate its homage to classic NES adventures with a focus on exploration and skill development.

Developers' Update:

With the successful Kickstarter campaign funding, Aeon & Star Interactive is moving towards a physical release with various tiers offering collectors a chance to get unique merchandise and soundtracks. For those eager to experience the game, Steel Legion is now available as an NES ROM on itch.io.

What do you think about the fact that games are still being released for the NES platform?

Opening a Pokémon Snap kiosk for the first time in 25 years is a nostalgic journey back to a unique era in gaming history. These kiosks, known as Pokémon Snap Stations, were a collaboration between Nintendo and Blockbuster in the late 1990s.

Analogue support for third-party controllers is now available in the latest Evercade system update, bringing much-anticipated functionality. This feature has been a long-sought-after request by enthusiasts since Evercade started incorporating 32 and 64-bit games on its cartridges.

Users will need to download the new system update and navigate through the Settings menu (using their standard Evercade controller), then click into the System menu, selecting 'Enable Analogue Support For 3rd Party Controllers (BETA)'.

Plugging in a third-party analogue pad should trigger automatic detection by the Evercade VS home system. According to Blaze, the company behind Evercade, Xbox and PlayStation pads along with some other brands like 8BitDo have been verified to work.

Analogue controls are currently supported in the following games:

• Worms Armageddon
• Speedball 2100
• 40 Winks
• Duke Nukem: Land of the Babes
• Duke Nukem: Time to Kill
• Glover
• Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft
• Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

Beyond this major update, the Evercade VS now includes a 'safe eject' feature for cartridges and rapid fire support in certain arcade titles. High scores are automatically saved as well.

You can read more on the Evercade web site.

Are you one of the customers who have been eagerly awaiting this feature? Which controller will you be trying?

EDIT: fixed the list of supported games, as pointed out by MurrayL@lemmy.world

New Classic Games Available on PlayStation Plus for September 2024: Secret Agent Clank, Sky Gunner, Mister Mosquito & Pistol Whip are now part of the PlayStation Plus Catalogue.

• Secret Agent Clank - A modern re-release from the PlayStation Portable to PS4/PS5.
• Sky Gunner - A third-person combat flight simulator with enhanced features for modern consoles.
• Mister Mosquito - A quirky adventure as a mosquito in a Japanese family's home.
• Pistol Whip - An immersive rhythm-based action game on PlayStation VR2.

All titles are accessible from September 17, catering to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers. 🎮📚

Are these the kind of games that will encourage you to become a Premium subscriber?

A recent leak has revealed that two forgotten PlayStation 2 exclusives, Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army and its sequel Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, are potentially making a return. These games, part of the larger Megami Tensei franchise, were originally released between 2006 and 2008 and have remained exclusive to the PS2, although they were later made available on the PS3 as emulated versions.

Capcom producer, Shuhei Matsumoto, has shared his desire to develop a new entry in the beloved Marvel vs. Capcom series, expressing that it's up to the fans' support to bring this wish into reality.

In an interview, Matsumoto highlighted how fan enthusiasm is crucial for such projects and emphasized that collaboration between Capcom and Marvel can shape a promising future for the franchise. The recent release of Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, which includes seven classic titles from the series, is seen as a pivotal step in gauging interest and ensuring potential success.

The Power of Fan Support: Matsumoto believes that continued support from fans plays an instrumental role in realizing their vision. His words underscore how fan engagement can influence decision-making within game development, making the journey to creating a new Marvel vs. Capcom game not just about sales projections but also a collaborative effort driven by community passion.

What's your favourite instance of fans influencing the direction of a franchise?