Gaming News — #gaming news

Midway through March, we're looking at yet another action-packed lineup of both retro classics brought back to life and brand-new titles with a more vintage feel. The variety of titles keeps growing, and we're all here for it, whether it be a street fight, a smart dragon, or a sci-fi horror. It looks like we've got you covered this week. 

3D engine for Amiga

Now if you're a fan of all the nineties PlayStation Classics and just so happen to have a Commodore Amiga 1200, then we have some very good news! A tech demo for Spyro The Dragon by Rst7 looks pretty good regarding awesome blasts from the past. So far, there's been a lot of positive feedback from those who've seen the engine, and this version of Spyro looks huge in the Amiga scene.

According to the Creator, it uses a simple 3D engine that takes advantage of the 1200 stock configuration inspired by dread, and it uses high-res ham six to produce 64 colors with two bits per RGB, which is cool. As of now, with still a work in progress. But given how the community's been reacting, it looks like we have yet another modernized classic in the form of good old Spyro.

Hibernaculum

Dungeon crawlers that are timeless., and many modern games, especially on mobile, take a chunk of inspiration from this classic genre. This time we're looking at a new title that uses the old dungeon crawler mechanic and incorporates an old retro first-person grid perspective. We're talking about the sci-fi horror of Hibernaculum. According to developer WormWood Studios, Hibernaculum was initially inspired by pre-1990s science fiction novels.

The idea behind the game is to revisit the dungeon-crawling experience of Eye of the Beholder and Lands of Lore while incorporating the survival horror elements of System Shock and Resident Evil. The main game features detailed character creation, leading players to explore the Hibernaculum with a unique, non-linear gameplay experience.

You can play at your own pace through environmental storytelling and a dark brooding atmosphere as we all did in the eighties and nineties. The game is currently being developed in C++ for PC, Mac, and Linux, with immediate plans for porting to Steam Deck, iOS, and Nintendo Switch. As for when, well, we'll keep our eyes peeled, so if you're into some classic in-your-face horror, it's best to look out for Hibernaculum when it drops. 

SNK vs Capcom

Lastly, we have neither report nor a brand-new title. Considered both a remake and an homage to a fighting game classic. C64 gamers can rejoice as Jon Eggelton and Gianluca Alberico just dropped an ALPHA version of their much-awaited C54, a version of SNK vs Capcom, known as Retro Fighter.

It's been a while since retro fighters have been in development, so it's nice the new 64 versus fighting engine enters the early stages of testing. With new features implemented, like a new UI and color selection for each player, we're even treated to some intro sequences before every battle, just how it should be.

We also have flaming hits, projectiles, special moves, and different battle arenas to choose from. The game also includes music for all the stages, improve game mechanics such as guard breakers and reversal moves, and complete character storylines from intermissions and ending animations. Now, this is definitely a classic feeling fighting game worth looking out for, especially if you're a longtime fan. So whether you're an old timer or an old soul in the fighting game community, then it's best to follow Retro Fighters progress. 

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We’re always out for an adventure, especially the old-school kind. We love a good story. We enjoy a bit of action, and now and then, we like to be challenged by a few puzzles. In that department, nothing beats the classic feeling you get from the 80s' and 90s', and luckily we got a couple of games that fit the bill to a T, so let’s check ’em out.

TOWER OF DAMNATION

Checking back into the MSXDev competition, we got the news in a downloadable version of Tower of Damnation, A challenging Platformer by Marcelo “BigFive” Correia. The game has you exploring several levels as you rescue hostages and kick some criminal. Sounds like my idea of a fun weekend. It’s a pretty straightforward game, downloadable and playable on the MSX1.

That being said, BigFive added a bit of a twist to the game’s mechanics. In this platformer, enemies can disappear for good, like forever. However, these pesky enemies are powered by AI and can provide quite a challenge. Long story short, they won’t go down so easy. Tower of Damnation offers a lot of excitement, giving players the chance to run and jump around, fight some bad guys, and eventually save the day. All for the sake of fun. And if this sounds good to you, then the tower, you must go.

BUBBLE QUEST

Now if you’re in the market for a pretty looking good feeling game for the Amstrad Plus and GX4000, then you might wanna check out Praline Software’s upcoming title of Bubble Quest. It’s a game feast for the eyes and the gamer’s brain. It plays simply enough. Having you guide as a bubble around a maze as you avoid getting popped by just about everything. Make no mistake, though, as this game is picturesque.

From the full-length animated intro to the skillfully crafted maps, getting distracted will be easy. Lucky for us, the game is nearing its completion, and we will all be able to enjoy this beauty. Praline Software is gunning for a physical edition that’ll fit into a cartridge but with much greater capacity. Besides that, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for more. If all goes well, they’re looking at a 2023 release. Sounds good. And hey, it looks even better.

HAUNTED LANDS: BURIAL GROUNDS

We’re moving into more action territory with Alevgor’s Action Platformer, Haunted Lands: Burial Grounds. At first glance, it may seem like a simple PC homage to classic action-packed DOS games, but you’ll soon realize how it cranks up the action and gore just a teensy bit more.

The mission is clear. Survive the night as demons and ghouls try to rip off your face. Thankfully, you won’t be alone. You have the most trustworthy partner around. A powerful shotgun haunted grounds hit the ground running as you blast into the night. Currently, the game features 2 difficulty modes, 4 playable characters, and multiple levels swarming with supernatural horrors, all lining up perfectly with your iron sights.

All this, coupled with a kick-ass soundtrack created that sets the tone throughout the game, and you’ll have the time of your life as you fight for your life. From all the horror and action fans out there, lock and load because this might be your life's longest, most action-packed night.

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We’re just about to wrap up the month of February, and time is just passing by in a flash. Thankfully, in game releases, things slow down just a bit for us to catch some exciting titles. Always got something for everyone in the retro sphere, that’s for sure.

Paying tribute to the classics is one of the best ways for budding game devs to show their appreciation, showcase their skills, and exercise their imagination. We got a few love letters to retro gaming this week worth checking out.

STRAY THE SCOUT 

First, we’re looking at a very familiar-looking game that’ll get the good old dog workin’. Scout the Stray for the Commodore 64 is a maze bass game that, as players take on the told-off, you guessed it, a stray dog who’s out to collect bones while avoiding being caught by some evil-doers.

LC-Games has been hard at work with its title, and it now includes in-game music, along with a few updates and fixes to make playing far more enjoyable. Finding bones on the run is no easy task, so it's good that we won't have any trouble helping out good old Scout. In terms of the game, each stage is a randomly generated maze with all the necessary bones scattered around.

Each level ends once you find all the bones, and in total, the game has 32 increasingly difficult levels, with the speed of the chasers increasing more. So it's intense! Definitely a dog-eat-dog world out there. So make sure Scouts stay safe if you decide to pick this game up.

BEEP'S ESCAPE 

It's time to hop into the indie side of retro gaming, especially for those who swear by the PC master race. If you're on steam right now, you can check out Little Martian Games and their later release, Beep's Escape. It just oozes old school and according to the creator, it's a not too subtle nod to the ZX spectrum games of the 1980s and particularly the Dizzy Franchise of Action Adventure Games. Yes, indeed. You get them feels just by looking at the aesthetic.

You take control of Beep, a brave robot on a mission to escape from the strange Tech facility with just your wits and the items around you. If you’re the kind of gamer who enjoys old-school platforming, puzzles, and helpful NPCs, you might be up for the challenge. When it comes to both retro looks and feels beeps, escape definitely checks those boxes and checks them well. So check it out!

IT RETURNED TO THE DESERT 

Now we look at a tribute to an all-time classic, which released an old-school console in the eighties, but now finds its home on PC. Thanks to TimRachor, a fun re-imagining of It Came from the Desert just dropped on Steam, and it has a nice touch to its title. It Returned to the Desert. Oh, it absolutely did, and it’s just unnerving as it was back then.

The tactical combat and story-driven adventure game take you to the desert town of Glint Rock, where a meteor crash is causing a stir that might involve some giant mutated ants later on, spoiler warning, for anyone who hasn’t seen the eighties movie. Like any tactical game, you’ll recruit a party, prepare for combat, and use your time well just to survive what could be a literal ANT-pocalypse? Freaky stuff I tell ya.

If you’re curious, the game features retro pixel art, an atmospheric soundtrack, free saving, and multiple difficulties. It’s a very modern take on an almost 40-year-old game. So if you’re here for all the Monster Madness, check it out on Steam.

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February is chock full of surprises, whether it be new retro games, updates on upcoming retro consoles, or some sweet modern ports for classics from the past. Best believe we've got you covered for all things retro. This time, we’re looking at a fan favorite finally coming back right on time. A modern handheld console with a few new bells and whistles. And lastly, a spiritual successor to a timeless franchise that keeps improving. Stick around. You’re in for a ride.

PHARAOH

First, we got classic city builder Pharaoh, making it surprising yet very welcome come back to the PC. This is all in line with its much-awaited remake Pharaoh: A New Era, brought to us by indie developers Triskell Interactive. Overall, we can’t expect a quality title from the people who brought us Lethis: Path of Progress and Lethis: Daring Discoveries, so get hyped.

The original game came out on PC way back in 1998. Developers’ Impressions Games collaborated with Publishers Sierra Studios to ensure that gamers back then had a solid title that encapsulated Egyptian themes with RTS action. It’s a great nostalgia trip for anyone looking to unwind and relive the simpler times of ancient Egypt.

Pharaoh: New Era was set for release in 2020, but we all know what happened back then. Thankfully, come February 15th, we’ll finally get that sweet title. If you want to check this out, it’s currently on pre-order for PC via Steam.

RETROID POCKET VERTICAL

Do you miss the Game Boy Color? Do you also wish it had a few more knobs and buttons? Well, it’s good that Go Retroid is working on a console that seems to fit that specific description. It’s almost like they were able to read your mind. Now the Retro Handheld Discord channel is always a buzz, and a certain user named Roland just dropped what looks to be some leaked images of the latest retro pocket, handheld, The Vertical. All things considered. Take this with a bit of hype and a huge grain of salt.

The Retro Pocket Vertical shares the same overall shape as a GBC, save for a few added features. Upfront, it’s nearly identical, with a start select buttons and DPad aligned similarly. The differences come in the form of additional action buttons, two conspicuous joysticks up front, and four triggers at the back to accommodate modern titles.

The design isn’t for everyone, but it’s an interesting concept, nonetheless. In addition to the modern GBC overhaul, we peeped a micro HDMI port one, an SD card slot, and two USB C. If this does turn out to be a legitimate go-retro console, then we’ll be seeing some interesting reviews on the horizon. Until then, keep those classic Game Boy colors handy.

MARIA RENARD'S REVENGE

Last but not least, for taking a trip into some vampire-slain territory. We’re getting a scorpion engine-powered Castlevania game for the Amiga, and it follows a younger Maria Renard who made her much Adultier appearance in Symphony of the Night.

The fan-made titled Maria Renard’s Revenge just dropped some sweet new gameplay recently, and it’s something worth getting hyped about, given how much of a classic Castlevania Symphony of the Night was.

The game is still in its early stages, so we’ve still yet to have a release date. We’re looking for charming graphics, a lovely soundtrack, smooth scrolling, multiple parallax layers, and different detailed areas that tug on our nostalgic heartstrings. The same way Simon, Trevor, and Ricktor did with a massive vampire-killing whip. The Beta is out now and runs on the Amiga 1200 with Fast Ram and the A500 Mini.

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