The Grand Theft Auto III fan port for the Sega Dreamcast, developed by SKMP, is currently in development. DreamSDK3 and KalistiOS are being used to create the port, utilizing assets from the PC version.

More Dreamcast goodies.

Arrives on July 18th! The classic Japanese adventure game, Seilane, is making its way to the Nintendo Switch's eShop. Developed by Microcabin in 1987, this PC-88 original features an intricate command system that allows players to interact with their surroundings through verbs such as "talk", "call", and "listen".

Unique Gameplay: With a rich storyline where you control young field mouse Prill, who embarks on a journey to save his sister and rescue animals turned to stone, this game offers a unique experience for fans of classic Japanese adventure games.

Limited English Access: Be aware that the game is unlocalized except for an English how-to-play section and main menu, which might pose challenges for non-Japanese speakers without additional language resources like OCR translators.

Have you played Seilane before? Do you have any tips for non-Japanese speakers?

Nintendo Switch Online Brings Three Adorable GBA Platformers to the West

Three previously Japan-only games, Densetsu no Starfy, have made their way to the West for the first time through Nintendo Switch Online.

• Originally released in Japan between 2002 and 2004, these platformers are now available on the Switch.
• No English translation included; play them in Japanese only.
• Side-scrolling with text-heavy gameplay and dialogue, might require some basic Japanese skills to fully enjoy.

Have you played any of the Densetsu no Starfy games? How do you feel about playing games without translation?

Metal Gear Solid's E3 Reveal and Its Impact on Syphon Filter Team

Background: Metal Gear Solid, a PS1 masterpiece, made an unforgettable impression at its 1997 E3 reveal. Meanwhile, Syphon Filter was a rival title in the stealth action genre that faced significant competition from Kojima's creation.

Key Points:

• Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid showcased its iconic trailer on a giant jumbotron screen, leading to intense viewing experiences at every hour of E3. It captivated large crowds with its cinematic gameplay and camera angles, setting it apart as an industry-level production.

Impact: The Syphon Filter team experienced a wave of despair after witnessing the trailer, recognizing that Metal Gear Solid was excelling in many areas they were focusing on. Richard Ham, now at Sony Bend (formerly Eidetic), acknowledged that Konami had executed elements such as cinematic gameplay and camera locks better than his team had achieved.

Outcome: Despite this challenge, Syphon Filter managed to perform well in the market and went on to release five sequels. This competition helped set a benchmark for action stealth games but didn’t overshadow its own unique qualities.

Do you think the Syphon Filter sequels would have been as good as they were if it hadn't have been for this experience?

SuperSega's All-In-One Console: Dream Machine or Vaporware?

The team behind SuperSega has unveiled footage of the upcoming "all-in-one Sega FPGA console" in action, offering a glimpse into its functionality and capabilities. This first-time demonstration highlights the cores for Saturn, Master Syste, and Mega Drive/Genesis. Games like Saturn Bomberman, Shinobi, and Golden Axe II showcase the console's potential. The Dreamcast FPGA core, however, is still in development with a few weeks left until it's ready for display.

View the footage on YouTube.

The team also confirmed that they are studying a Compact Flash option to accelerate loading of Saturn and Dreamcast games, allowing for backup copies of physical cartridges stored as ROMs on an SD card. This feature mirrors what's available on Polymega but utilizes FPGA technology.

With production set to start in October, the final product is expected by December, and then the team aims to secure investors for market launch.

Does this footage reassure you regarding the project? Do they need to show off the DreamCast core before you take it seriously?

The Black and White series was originally hyped by the always passionate Peter Molyneux. Back in 2001, the first Black and White was being hyped up to be the greatest game of all time. Since then, a sequel was released in 2005 called Black and White 2, which was even more forgotten. Was this a worthy sequel to step the genre forward, or did the series once again fall short of expectations?

This was such a fun game. The premise is so simple but works so well. Staying ahead of the baddies is like an exciting puzzle. It was even better playing single screen multiplayer with a buddy.

Does anyone know of anything that scratches a similar itch?

Side Note: in searching around I found this modernized version of Lode Runner Online: The Mad Monks' Revenge. Should be a blast on the steam deck.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, a game that has surpassed over 21 million copies sold on Nintendo Switch after its release last year, now gets a fascinating twist in retro style. A dedicated gamer named ‘It’ has crafted Game Boy-style cutscenes for the sequel to Breath of Wild.

With limited animation but an exceptional musical score, these remastered scenes offer a fresh perspective on Hyrule and its floating islands in the Sky as well as the underground Depths. This unique take showcases creativity at its best while celebrating the iconic Zelda series.

How do you feel about revisiting Tears of the Kingdom through retro lenses?

'Out Of The Vortex': An Unannounced Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Brawler

In the vast library of video games that never made it to market, there's a hidden gem known as Out Of The Vortex. This side-scrolling fighter is based on a comic book by the same name and was being developed for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive systems.

Developed by Cryo Interactive, known for their FMV-based titles like Mega Race, Dragon Lore, and Lost Eden, Out Of The Vortex is notable for its music and sound design by David de Gruttola. Today, he's better known as the talent behind titles such as Beyond: Two Souls, Detroit: Become Human, and Heavy Rain.

With a reported 95% completion stage before cancellation around September 1995, Out Of The Vortex has now seen the light of day. Thanks to Pipozor, the original programmer and game designer, the last build and source code have been made available through Hidden Palace.

Recent Discovery and Prototype Access

Hidden Palace recently published information on the development of Out Of The Vortex, making this game accessible to a broader audience for the first time.

Have you played or heard of any previously unreleased games from your favorite platform, and do they hold a special place in your heart?

Indie game developer Jeff Silvers has revived the iconic “Tengen” brand with his new venture, Tengen Games, launching the arcade-style action platformer “Zed and Zee.” This game is now available to play on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Windows, breathing new life into a classic gaming experience.

Looks interesting, you can also get NES cartridge with the booklet from the website.

Alternative Youtube Link

The Game Boy Camera Reborn as a Webcam

A 26-Year-Old Toy Camera Receives a Second Wind!

Are you ready for some retro tech revival? The Game Boy Camera, once a playful gadget for the beloved Nintendo handheld, has now been given new life as an actual webcam. This incredible transformation is thanks to GB Operator by Epilogue.

How it Works:

The GB Operator acts like a small dock, slightly larger than its counterpart Game Boy cartridges, connecting easily via USB-C to Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. Simply pair this sleek device with Playback software, which will soon support reading image data from the Game Boy Camera cartridge.

A Look Back on Past Efforts:

This isn't a first for turning the toy camera into a modern webcam, as seen by Retro Game Couch's build using additional adapters and hardware. However, such setups can be quite complex and costly, making them less accessible to enthusiasts.

The GB Operator's Convenience:

With its compact design, the GB Operator makes it much easier for users to use their 26-year-old camera as a webcam without requiring an actual Nintendo handheld console. This is especially exciting when paired with devices like the Copilot+ Microsoft Surface Pro, allowing for the unique experience of lo-fi photography on-the-go.

Limited Availability:

While Playback software isn't currently supported on Android, iOS, or iPadOS devices, users can still enjoy this novelty feature on PCs. The compatibility with Windows tablets is a particular highlight!

A Long Wait for Compatibility:

Despite GB Operator being around since 2021, the addition of Game Boy Camera support came after three years of development by Epilogue. However, it may have been worth the wait for fans who can now find new uses for their old toy camera.

Do you have any Game Boy cameras lying around that you wish were used more?

A PC port of Mystical Ninja starring Goeman, a beloved N64 game, has been developed by ‘Klorfmorf‘ with 60fps and widescreen support.

Another PC port of an N64 game, won't be long before the whole game library is ported.

After a long silence, an unreleased Dreamcast game from Japanese studio Nextech has finally seen the light of day with footage surfacing online. This technical demo of Farnation, discovered after years of searching and speculation, reveals gameplay that was thought to have been lost for over two decades.

Watch the video footage here

What potential impact might this game have had on Dreamcast's legacy if it had been released? Imagine the possibilities that a fully developed MMO could bring to console gaming at its peak.

A Retro Collector's Dream: Neo Geo Glass Cleaner Goes Under the Hammer

Imagine stumbling upon a piece of arcade history in the form of a rare Neo Geo glass cleaner. Originally distributed to arcades by SNK, this bottle is now being auctioned off at an astronomical price - 300,000 yen. Its golden age origins have transformed it into a sought-after collectible among retro gamers and enthusiasts, thanks to its scarcity.

This particular cleaner, found salvaged from a closed arcade, is still intact in its original packaging. Once destined to be used by operators with water dilution for cleaning purposes, this Neo Geo glass cleaner represents a piece of nostalgia and gaming history.

Question: Could you afford to pay 300,000 yen for such a relic from the golden age of arcades? Would you consider it an investment in retro gaming heritage or simply too steep a price for cleaning supplies?

Taito, a renowned developer of classic arcade games, starting way back with titles like Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble, announced that its 90s football title Hat Trick Hero will be released on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch on July 18th in Japan.

This game was originally released in arcades in 1992. A slightly altered version of Taito's 1990 arcade game Football Champ, it swaps out the Spanish and French teams for Japan and the USA, offering a total of 8 teams to choose from, including Argentina, Brazil, England, Germany, Netherlands, and Italy.

Key features include an enthusiastic announcer that delivers energetic voice lines and a violent tackling system. The game also boasts an unconventional 'star player mechanic', allowing players to select one person on the pitch for special moves and skills like a hilarious super shot that can send the opponent's goalkeeper flying.

Did you play this game in the arcade? Do you plan to pick it up on Switch or PS4?

FPGA developer Jotego has announced the upcoming release of a core for Moonwalker, the iconic 1990 Sega System 18 arcade game. Known for its isometric beat 'em up gameplay and distinctive visual style, Moonwalker originally captivated gamers on the Sega Genesis and Master System, but now it’s making its way to modern platforms through Jotego’s MiSTer FPGA and Analogue Pocket devices.

System Compatibility Expansion: This core marks another addition to the expanding library of games compatible with the Analogue Pocket and MiSTer. Fans can look forward to reliving this classic experience on portable hardware that’s gaining a reputation for its high-quality emulation capabilities.

Exclusive Access: However, the Moonwalker core will not be available to the general public. Players seeking this nostalgia-filled adventure must sign up to Jotego’s Patreon to gain access.

The wait is on for more details about release dates and what additional games might follow in Jotego’s System 18 library expansion.

Are you eager to play Moonwalker on your favorite retro gaming platform?

I’ve heard people say it is therapeutic to reflect on your actions and interactions with others.

So relieve that mental burden and let us know the retro game(s) you took/borrowed and never gave back. Or let us know the game(s) that were taken and never given back to you.

Are you still friends with that person? did you confess to them or call them out? How do you feel about it now? Did you make out like a bandit in today’s retro economy? Spill the beans!

—

I have three occasions:

I ‘worked’ all summer doing chores so that i could buy RPG Maker 3 for the PS2. Once I received it i had troubles figuring out how to play it. it didn’t come with a manual so a friend offered to make me one by playing it. I believed him and gave him the game. Shortly after, my dad lost his job and we moved. I never got to truly play the game that I had worked so hard for that summer. I was very young and i do not talk to that friend at all. However, that memory stays with me and I’m still pretty miffed. perhaps i would have found an early passion for game development! who knows!

I apologize to my good friend who I accidentally sold his copy of harvest moon 64 before i left for university. I fessed up years later, and he just laughed. still good friends to this day.

I apologize to a childhood friend’s brother for borrowing both Alundra and Alundra 2 on PS1. Even after 22 years I still have them and keep them in my home office waiting to return them someday. I don’t talk to the friend, but I have been trying to reconnect. to make it more difficult, I’m pretty sure his brother moved to Japan and i don’t want to pay postage.

—

I think i got $25 for harvest moon at the time, and I don’t think the Alundra games are all that sought after these days. Same for the loss of Rpg maker 3, but I remember paying at least $45, and I felt that missing as a tween! If anything I’m in the hole or broke even.

AYANEO is making another Android-based gaming handheld – but this one has a trick up its sleeve. The Pocket EVO is the world's first Android handheld with a 7-inch 120Hz OLED screen, according to the manufacturer. That high refresh rate should mean smoother gameplay, assuming there are enough titles to support it.

Based on the design of the AYANEO 2S, the Pocket EVO boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 chipset, which will ensure it has plenty of grunt for AAA mobile gaming and emulation.

A dedicated group of modders has successfully recreated Van Buren, the canceled Fallout game originally developed by Black Isle Studios in 2003. The project, now known as Fallout Yesterday, is a Fallout 2 mod that has been in development since 2020. The mod has recently been released for free, allowing players to fully experience the game.

What do you all think? It does seem promising.

The GameCube, once a beloved console from Nintendo's library, is now joining the ranks of other platforms with an achievement system thanks to the wonders of emulators. Starting on July 15th, GameCube titles will finally get their own achievements when played under the Dolphin emulator.

This addition brings support for a wide range of popular games like Zelda: Twilight Princess, F-Zero GX, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and many more, enriching the gaming experience by allowing players to track and share their accomplishments within these classics.

The Dolphin emulator, an actively developed emulator for GameCube and Wii games. This achievement integration might not only spark nostalgic joy but also encourage exploration into the library of lesser-known gems within the GameCube's collection.

Would you be interested in exploring or re-experiencing your old GameCube favorites with a new layer of achievements added by the Dolphin emulator and RetroAchievements?

The original Xbox shipped with 64MB of RAM, which was quite a lot for its time in 2001 but seems small by modern standards. A modder called Prehis2oricman has quadrupled the amount of available RAM to 256MB using a custom RAM module that consists of two parts: a RAM chip and an interposer allowing use of all eight memory slots including those typically empty on the console's motherboard.

This modification was achieved through months of reverse engineering, hardware engineering, software hacking, and perseverance. However, there's little reason to install this mod currently as existing applications don't utilize it. The potential for new BIOS updates that unlock additional features could change the situation in the future.

Do you think modifying console hardware like the Xbox to quadruple its original RAM is worth pursuing, considering the current state of software support?

Highlights:

• Developer: Altron
• Found: By Codebound, and online user MrPinball64
• Game Title: 'Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: Puffy Ami Yumi and the Manga Madman'
• Release Status: Prototype build only
• Platform: Game Boy Advance (GBA)
• Development status: Early in development, with two selectable characters, various outfits, 3 worlds (Mystery, Adventure, Mythology), total of 9 platforming levels and 3 bosses.

Background:

• Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi originally aired on Cartoon Network from 2004 to 2006
• The series spawned games for Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS
• Rumored abandoned game revealed with the help of Codebound
• Prototype build available for exploration here

Will you be trying out this game?