Gaming News

As the first quarter of 2024 comes to a close and things start to heat up, well it's high time we followed suit by bringing you more action. While we haven't failed in bringing you the most exciting titles and interesting consoles this side of retro, we make sure to pick and choose just the right kind of flavor for everyone.

This time, we're going from the mean city streets to literal outer space just to taste that action. In the console department, we got a doohickey that looks to challenge the titans of the handheld industry by sprinkling a bit of old-school ingenuity into some beefy modern hardware. So, if you're ready for your weekly dose of action, you've come to the right place!

VIGILANTE

First up, we got an awesome combination involving Neeso Games, the ever-reliable Scorpion Engine, and the Commodore Amiga. Three things that you definitely want in the same sentence. While everyone patiently waits for the upcoming Neeso Games arcade platformer Super Delivery Boy, we got something a bit more gritty and in your face but still makes sure to deliver. And by deliver, we mean epic beatdowns. 

Vigilante is a side-scrolling, fist-fighting good time that sees you enforcing brutal citywide justice against the usual bad guys. Powered by the Scorpion engine, this port from the Sega Master System looks pretty smooth and snappy in its initial footage. As a work in progress, the first two levels and all sprites have been graphically retouched to complete, with spawning enemies and even cutscenes.

According to Neeso Games, we're just waiting on the boss fights and a few more tweaks before we can all go hard on being a bonafide Vigilante. Best to keep your aisles peeled for this.  

JETHUNTERS

Now we're going from punching and kicking goons in the street to shooting up a storm in outer space, but still on the Amiga. Thanks to Coagulus, we're getting an early build preview of their work in progress in the form of some sweet footage. The game in question? A side-scrolling space shoot em up for the Amiga called JetHuntERS.

According to Coagulus, this isn't just a sequel to 2019's JetHunt, but it's also a partial tribute to the classic game Zybex, which came out on 8-bit computers in the 1980s. However, it hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows for JetHuntERS, as the development process experienced quite a few bumps along the way, with bugs to fix and about a year's worth of code getting lost somewhere in between. Still, the initial teaser looks pretty good, and given how well JetHunt was received before, we might just be looking at a nice sequel. Fingers crossed!

PLAYTRON

In a world full of brand new handheld devices, both AAA and Retro, it's quite the tall task just to get your foot in the door. I mean, seriously, it's like the release of a new device every other month. Tech's running wild, you guys. That being said, one plucky little startup might have that golden ticket in the form of a powerful OS. Enter Playtron, the supposed answer for the core casual gamer. 

Looking back, the AYANEO Next Lite was supposed to be the chosen one. This was after news dropped that it would be running on SteamOS. As we all know, we got Windows instead. While emulation was possible, most gamers were left disappointed, but the 18-person team at Playtron looked to challenge the handheld competition by targeting one huge demographic, the casual gamers. And that, boys and girls, includes the retro side. 

The goal is to have seamless emulation of games from the near and distant past, from PS3 to Nintendo FamiCom. Playtron's endgame involves providing a cost-effective OS that can open up more emulation possibilities for other companies. This means more games are getting emulated and, in turn, being played.

At the end of the day, it won't matter which handheld you use because Playtron might just make it possible for you to run just about anything. Interesting stuff, for sure. We’ll, definitely stay tuned for more. 

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Now, when it comes to video games of the old-school variety, there's definitely a wide selection to choose from, whether it be straight-up classics you played 20 years ago, a refined version of an already awesome retro gem, or a totally new beast with a vintage coat of paint. Best believe we have our eyes peeled.

The same goes for consoles that seem to be popping up left and right. There's literally a whole lot to unpack. But as we go through our catalog of action-packed titles, we have a couple that might pique your interest this week. Aside from that, a very large and very fun gaming machine from the past might just find its way into your fingertips. If you're curious, stick around to know more and read below our new features!

HERMANOS

If you're a proud owner of a Commodore 64, then we have a game that might challenge you. We're talking about a homebrew that recently made waves and made appeals to those who like a game with a good amount of difficulty. Thanks to D.Rejiment, we're looking at a C64 release for Hermanos, a neat new puzzle platformer with a bit of a kick.

The game sees players taking control of good ol Hermanos through 20 challenging levels, collecting gold as you go along. The challenge here lies with the movement. Hermanos can't jump or climb. He can only warp himself into a certain position. In the end, you need to reach the end hole of the current level to reach the next one.

As if that wasn't hard enough, you only have 250 seconds to get the job done.  So if you think you've got what it takes, grab a couple of your hermanos and challenge them to a game of Hermanos.

KROGHARR

Now for some brutal, barbaric action on the Amiga. If you're familiar with the work of Tigerskunk, Like Inviyya, there's a new game in town that packs a punch. We got a brand new demo to his upcoming sidescroller called Krogharr, a new OCS action slasher that not only looks good but hits hard. While we only have a demo to work with, we do have a bit of info about the game. 

The game's plot involves the evil Chieftain Pilsator, who stole all the beer from Krogharr's home village. And we know what happens when you steal all the beer from a barbarian. A whole lot of action, packed fun for everyone, except Pilsater. As of now, it's confirmed that the game should work on each Amiga model with 512k chip, plus 512k extra RAM from A1000 upwards. As for its release, we might be getting it this April. So if you want to help Kroghar get the party restarted, keep your eyes peeled next month.  

FlipOnGo

Now, for something less violent but way more retro, if you've ever played on a pinball machine or fooled around on the only starting game that was any fun on Windows NT and had a whole lot of fun, then the FlipOnGo might be up your alley.

Designed and created by Giacomo Carlini, this cute little console has one focus and one focus alone: Pinball. Yes, you won't be able to emulate or play anything else on this doohickey, but from aesthetics alone, it's worth checking out. While that may be the case, you do get a few cool modern gaming themes like Valorant, Overwatch, and League of Legends.

If Giacomo comes up with a Baldur's Gate 3 version, maybe we'll see. The FlipOnGo is still a concept though, so don't expect it to come out anytime soon. It's definitely a cool novelty gadget that'll find its place into any collector's stash, or maybe into the hands of someone who misses good ol' 3D pinball.

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We're all experiencing a steady change of seasons around the world, with things getting a bit warmer for everyone. Now, the same can be said when it comes to your old-school titles and consoles, which only get hotter each time we go out and check to see what's up.

From remakes to demakes to updated releases for classics of the past. The choices one could have when it comes to sweet retro games just keep getting better. As you all know, the action never really stops whenever we bring you the news each week. So sit tight, brace yourselves, and enjoy what we've got in store for you all. 

THE MANDARIN 2

We have a sweet surprise for any Star Wars fan who doesn't mind a cheeky but cool little spin-off for the Game Boy Advance and MSX. Previously released on the Amstrad CPC, Mananuk's new game, The Mandarin 2, features five levels of varying themes, a whole lot of action, and a touch of The Force, if you will.

It's a side-scrolling space shooter in which players take on the role of the Mandarin, a mysterious interstellar mercenary out for revenge. You'll be taking on the likes of General Limoncello, a bad guy with some really bad plans involving a new space station under construction. Now it's up to you to foil those plans with your ship, shoot everyone into deep space, and help the Rebels reclaim the galaxy.

If you're looking to have a great time and don't mind going through outer space, you can check out The Mandarin 2 over at itch io.  

DUCK HUNT

Now let's take a look at an absolute classic that involves a bit of shooting but with a bit more audience participation. If you've ever owned a Nintendo and a light gun back in the 80s or 90s, then you've probably heard of a little game called Duck Hunt.

Now, if you haven't, it's a fun old-school title where players fire a NES zapper at a CRT television. Yes, it doesn't get as old school as that. You have three attempts per round to shoot ducks and play pigeons. And if you farewell, that cute little dog will let you know. This time around, Marggines unofficially released the NES classic over to the Commodore Amiga. And as of today, you can play the 1.2 update. 

Duck Hunt is one of the few fan favorites from the past that actually involved some light gun action. Nothing really came close. The hunting is fun and fast-paced. All you need to do is point and shoot. So, if you want to relive those Duck Hunt memories or want to try it for the first time, fire up the Commodore Amiga and get to shooting. 

PALWORLD DEMAKE

Now onto something fairly new, but with a sweet retro touch. Demakes are video game remakes or reimaginings of modern titles. But with most of it converted to an older graphical or gameplay style. It's one of the most charming creations of the gaming community, and helps in keeping the retro experience alive. That being said, have you heard of a certain title called Palworld? If not, just imagine Pokemon with guns. That's pretty much the gist of it. But a demake for the Nintendo DS? Now that's intriguing, and quite brave, to be honest. If only it were a real game. 

Of course, this is but a tribute for entertainment purposes, courtesy of 64-bit. It comes complete with all the Palworld mechanics dialed down for the DS. It's a bit sad because if we get down to the nitty-gritty of things, there really is no way this could legally exist. I guess, for now, we can only dream. I mean, come on, it looks so good!

Undoubtedly, we're breezing through the year like it's nobody's business, and those retro titles and old-school consoles just keep coming. Yes, most of those triple-A titles had a couple of major releases in the past couple of months, but that only means we get a steady stream of classic ports, remakes, and reimaginings lined up for you all.

From the ZX Spectrum to the Commodore 64 to a literal lawnmower. You best believe we got the hottest weekly scoop just for you. So sit tight because you're in for one strange, but awesome ride!

ARLO

If you're looking for a cool, new ZX Spectrum game to play, then you're in luck. We've just got news that you can now play Packobilly's retro game of Arlo. But make no mistake, because this isn't your average platformer. In the game, you take on the role of Arlo, an alien stranded on Earth who's on a mission to retrieve some magical space-age artifacts.

The journey you'll take is filled with danger at every turn. From menacing enemies like robots and soldiers to tricky traps and moving platforms. It's safe to say that Arlo will put your skills to the test. Paco Billy has really gone all out with meticulously designed levels, multiple themes, high-quality music, and gameplay that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. If you're a proud ZX Spectrum owner, Arlo should be on your list.  

ABU SIMBEL PROFANATION

Now we move on to a port from the ZX Spectrum, the Commodore 64. We're looking at one of the most difficult games in Spanish software history. Abu Simbel Profanation was the third in the Johnny Jones saga and was originally released in 1985 for the Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, and MSX.

Developed by Victor Ruíz and released by Dinamic Software in Spain, it's making its way to your C64 to challenge you. Players take on the role of Johnny Jones and explore the tomb of Abu Simbel. Your objective? Well, you rid yourself of the Pharaoh's Curse. Profanation is a static multi screen platformer with various traps, moving enemies, keys, and doors to unlock to progress.

One thing to take note of is that it's extremely difficult. You're basically looking at Dark Souls granddaddy. Worry not, for if you play the game in emulation, you can use a quick save and load feature or take advantage of the infinite lives training modes in the laxity version released way back in 2018. It's a nice loophole, but come on, where's the challenge in that? So if you're up to the challenge, and if you dare, pick up Abu Simbel Profanation right now.  

DOOM ON HUSQVARNA LAWNMOWER

So about that thing we mentioned a while ago, about the lawnmowers. Yeah, we weren't joking. Yes, we talked a whole lot about Doom and Doomlegs on this channel, but nothing can prepare you for Doom on a robotic Husqvarna lawnmower. Not the console you quite expected, huh? 

So basically, if you own a Husqvarna Automower narrow model, then you, too, can play the classic 1993 title and even hook up to other lawnmowers for multiplayer play. According to robotics software engineer at Husqvarna, Bjorn Manfred, the whole concept came to life over the Yuletide season when his friend was over for the holidays. I mean, just like most ideas, right? 

While totally unexpected, it's definitely an exciting partnership between Husqvarna and ID Software. But if there's one thing they have in common though, it involves mowing things down with reckless abandonment. The robotic mowers start at around 3,400 USD, so it won't be the cheapest reason to play Doom. Still, if you do have one of these lying around, then it's time to fire up the good ol' soundtrack and slay some demons while keeping your lawn nicely maintained.  

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