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      Gaming News — retro rpgs

      WEEKY DOSE OF GAMING NEWS: MIRACLE BOY IN DRAGON LAND, CYBORG WARRIORS, ANBERNIC RG556

      WEEKY DOSE OF GAMING NEWS: MIRACLE BOY IN DRAGON LAND, CYBORG WARRIORS, ANBERNIC RG556

      New year, new games and consoles. 2024 hasn't been the fastest of years to jumpstart, and it really feels like we're stuck in January for a while. And we were. All things considered, we're always quick to find some sweet recommendations when it comes to new releases, both in retro titles and gaming gear.

      If you're searching for something shiny and new but vintage at the same time, you've come to the right place. We're starting the year right by delivering some much-needed action, just like we always do. 

      Let's go! 

      MIRACLE BOY IN DRAGON LAND

      This year, Atari 520ST users can celebrate as you all will be getting an official sequel to an absolute classic. It's a work in progress, but hey, we all gotta start somewhere. When it comes to classic retro titles, we remember the arcade-like experience we got from Wonder Boy on the Amiga or even newer games like Monster Boy and The Cursed Kingdom.

      Since good old Wonder Boy's been around for a while, we're getting something new from Samuel Blanchard, who just released a first public demo for the unofficial sequel, Miracle Boy in Dragon Land. And yes, it's coming out on the Atari 520ST. So far, the demo covers the first level, but we can get a clear idea of how it's gonna pan out.

      Miracle Boy in Dragon Land is, in essence, a Japanese-style RPG made with a 68,000 assembler. Thankfully, if you have an Atari ST emulator like Steam, SSE, Hatari, or Saint, you're good to go. It's also worth noting that it'll be compatible with all Atari ST consoles, with at least 1 MB of memory. So, if you wish to recreate those Wonder Boy memories, we'll keep you posted on this game's development. 

       

      CYBORG WARRIORS

      Moving on to the Atari XL/XE because we're taking things to space. Vega, Kaz and Miker have just dropped their newest polished version of a 90s game called Cyborg Warriors, a cool extraterrestrial side-scrolling shooter originally released in 1991 by Superior Software for the BBC Micro. While simple in mechanics, you can't deny the old-school action that this title brings to the modern gaming space, which happens in space.

      Cyborg Warrior sees players shooting and flying to the right, dodging or shooting just about everything. Gameplay takes place on strange planets featuring a variety of alien lifeforms, both big and small. Of course, you'll be thoroughly equipped with several weapons that you and a fellow player can choose from. Two-player action in space? Sounds like a party. Especially on an Atari. So, if space shooting is more your speed, cyber wars just might be up your alley.  

      ANBERNIC RG556

      Now, when it comes to news about the newest and potentially best retro gaming consoles, we can never dismiss rumors. After all, we want to get all the info we can to fuel the hype in our old-school hearts.

      (Pre-sale)NEW ANBERNIC RG556

      So, since Anbernic's latest creation is making rounds on the internet, it's about time we chimed in. Anbernic's upcoming ergonomic RG556 console has yet to hit your local markets, but a few photos have been circulating online, and we gotta say, we're just a bit excited about it. With what looks to be one of their most comfortable and powerful handhelds, the retro console competition of 2024 has officially begun.

      So far, we see a 5.5-inch screen, which is rumored to be an OLED panel, a Unisoc T820 chipset running on Android, some full-size triggers, and comfy ergonomic grips. Pretty sweet, to be honest. Given its new chipset, we can expect a power boost that can run more modern retro titles from the likes of the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's GameCube and Wii.

      (Pre-sale)NEW ANBERNIC RG556

      Yes, they're actually considered retro at this point. As for the usual fan-favorite titles from the 90s and earlier, you shouldn't expect any problems. Still, it's best to take this early news with a grain of salt. A lot could happen in the following months. As for its potential release, it's anyone's guess. Mid-2024 or Q4 would be our best bet. So don't expect this comfy console to come out any time soon. But still, it's best to keep the Anbernic hype going.

       

      WEEKLY DOSE OF GAMING NEWS: Mystic Land: Search for Maphaldo, Retroid Pocket 2S, Nintendo Famicom

      WEEKLY DOSE OF GAMING NEWS: Mystic Land: Search for Maphaldo, Retroid Pocket 2S, Nintendo Famicom

      We're flipping the script just a little bit this week as we veer away from the high-octane retro action for now and celebrate some of the technological marvels that make old-school gaming possible. Of course, we won't keep you hanging when it comes to new titles. We still have one surprise up our sleeve, but we think it's only proper to talk about the consoles that make the magic happen. So buckle up as we travel back a few decades. 

      MYSTIC LAND: SEARCH FOR MAPHALDO

      Image

      Surprisingly, Old-school RPGs never get old, and even in 2023, we still yearn for that late 80s and 90s aesthetics, whenever we fire up a brand new role-playing title. If you're a fan of classics like the Wizardry series or Eye of the Beholder, then the peeps over at MegaVision Software have your number.

      Image

      Mystic Land: Search for Maphaldo is an old-school RPG crawler that's currently in development and looks to bring back the retro vibe everyone yearns for. From the aesthetics down to the methodical first-person and slightly slower-paced gameplay, this title just might recapture that feeling everyone had a few decades ago. A feeling that eventually we all miss. 

      There's no news on which consoles this will be available on, but MegaVision Software is hard at work in ensuring this game comes to life soon enough. Their website has info about the game, and they post regular updates on Twitter. So if Mystic Land: Search for Maphaldo piques your interest, it's best to sit tight. For now.

       

      RETROID POCKET S2

      Now, let's talk about modern retro consoles. We've done our share of these old-school handheld gadgets, and while they may not get as mainstream coverage as your Playboxes, X Stations, and Switch decks, you can't deny how a lot more have been popping up as of late. One of which being the Retroid Pocket 2S. It's a new Android handheld from GoRetroid!

      It's finally confirmed for release, and based on what we can gather, it's bringing back the old Retroid Pocket 3 aesthetics but with a lot more power under the hood. In terms of the overall design, we're getting a more stylish, barebones look with almost no labels or logos on its chassis. Very no nonsense, which is actually nice. 

      Retroid Pocket 2S console

      Aside from a few buttons repositioned and maybe a slightly larger screen, there's not much to go around, given we only got a short teaser. Still, since we're talking about GoRetroid, we're definitely going to get a more badass chipset and GPU. I mean, it's only logical. Fingers crossed. 

      No specific release date as of yet, but we'll keep our eyes peeled for any news on the Retroid Pocket 2S, so make sure to stick around. 

      FAMICOM

      Lastly, we celebrate one of the most momentous occasions in the history of retro gaming, or even gaming in general. It's something bigger than you and me, and we'd be remiss if we didn't, at the very least, mention it.

      We're talking about the granddaddy of old school, the NES brother from Japan. The Nintendo Famicom just turned 40 this year. And yes, in a day and age where a few modern triple-A titles are already considered retro, we pay homage to one of the greats who brought home console gaming into the mainstream.

      Famicom 'Donkey Kong' box | To read my pithy review of this … | Flickr

      Famicom 'Popeye' | Bryan Ochalla | FlickrAfter bursting into the scene in 1983 with party arcade games Donkey Kong and Popeye, it took its sweet time in gaining popularity across the globe. It's also the reason why we have such timeless classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of ZeldaMetroid, and Final Fantasy. The latter becoming a multi-billion dollar franchise that just released its 16th entry into the series.

      It's amazing just how gaming has come a long way. Even today, the classics are still being enjoyed either via re-releases on modern consoles or in actual Super Famicoms that stood the test of time. There's a reason why they're classics, and they'll continue to be just as fun as they were back in the early 80s.

      So let's tip our hats to the Super Famicom for 40 years of hard work and dedication! You walked so the Nintendo Switch can run. 

      Check the Weekly Gaming News here:

      Come play and talk with us on Discord and subscribe to our YouTube for more Retro Gaming News!

      WEEKLY DOSE OF GAMING NEWS: Ambermoon Advanced, Vradark's Revenge, & A Pig Quest

      WEEKLY DOSE OF GAMING NEWS: Ambermoon Advanced, Vradark's Revenge, & A Pig Quest

      It’s about time we returned to some retro titles, as the list keeps getting longer, especially for February. Well, it’s not the most jam-packed time of the year for releases. We’re still looking at some major releases for our AAA siblings, so it’s safe to say we’re looking at the same for retro.

      This week we’re looking at a remake in a couple of brand-new games that are guaranteed to tickle your fancy, and no, it’s not all intense action. There’s a bit of something for everyone. Let’s go.

      AMBERMOON ADVANCED

      When it comes to old-school gaming, Ambermoon is a name that usually pops into the conversation. It’s had a fair share of rereleases, from the updated Amiga version to the open-source PC remake. It’s pure 90s’ satisfaction that many players miss and long for even today. Now, if you’re a longtime fan of the game, you are lucky because Ambermoon Advanced by Pyrdacor might scratch that couple of decades-long.

      Both episodes, one and two, have come to the PC and Amiga, which looks great. Ambermoon Advanced is in your usual remake. Aside from enhancing the original game, you’ll get some added features, like a new companion, new doors to open, new monsters, new items, and some new places to explore.

      It’s retro gaming action at its core and is out right now! So if you enjoy Dangerous Dungeons and a good story split into two episodes, then you might want to check out Ambermoon Advanced.

      VRADARK'S REVENGE

      Now we’re moving on to RPG territory, a massive franchise of different games that’s been alive and kicking since the beginning. Whether it’s tabletop or video games, you can’t deny how influential RPGs have been to gamers everywhere. That’s why a brand new game, Vradark’s Revenge, is a welcome addition to the PC and ZX spectrum next. Sanchez Crew’s latest release has players exploring dark ancient tombs to find and hopefully defeat Vradark face-to-face.

      There’s a lot of magic and mystery involved here, so if you’re into that, brace yourself. In terms of mechanics, you’re treated to a fantasy action RPPG genre with lots of demon-slaying action. As a wizard, it’s your goal to explore each level, find the boss demon, and destroy all the magic you can find while boosting your abilities.

      As the difficulty increases with each level, you’ll eventually meet Vradark, the main baddie. You’ll battle, die and upgrade your way to the end of the game in typical awesome RPG fashion. So blasting a few demons and saving the world from unspeakable terror is your idea of a great weekend; well, Vradark’s waiting for you.

      A PIG QUEST

      Lastly, we got an excellent action-packed side-scrolling platformer for the Commodore 64 and 128. A Pig Quest by Antonio Savona, Mauricet, Aldo Chiummo, and Gaetano Chiummo, is finally here, and it’s looking pretty good. Thank medieval fantasy action, but with a bit more pork in your diet. Yes, I know it sounded weird, but right now, A Pig Quests showcases a lot of action platform mechanics in its gameplay.

      It features 200 screens across 5 worlds filled with gorgeous C64 details and dynamic weather effects. Something we all can appreciate. It not only looks good but sounds great too. We get a brilliant 36 situational SID soundtrack, collectible items, and countless dangerous enemies. You’ll explore secret areas, and detailed backdrops and enjoy cinematic cut scenes fit for your sweet old Commodore.

      So if you want to pick out the action, this might be for you. Just make sure not to hog the controller.

      Check the Weekly Gaming News video here:

      Come play and talk with us on Discord and subscribe to our YouTube for more Retro Gaming News!