Gaming News

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.

Check the Weekly Gaming News video here:

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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.

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:

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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.

Check the video here:

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The longest January in the history of January is finally done. 2023 can finally be set in motion, and we can shift gears to what might be the longest February. In any case, time never stands still with all things retro, and we’ve been treated to some awesomely cool new things this time.

While we mainly talk about the highly retro side of gaming, we tend to forget that the 90s will fall under that category nowadays. We’ve been drawing inspiration from the most old-school things, and they do help inspire us with newer creative ideas.

We also like to reminisce on simpler times back when life was much slower and in a good way. We also want to recognize greatness and show appreciation through something nice. Let’s talk about that.

A Space for the Unbound

First up, we have to game the looks and feels retro but is newer than your average modern title. We’re talking about A Space for the Unbound. It’s a gorgeous pixel art experience brought to us by Mojiken Studios and produced by Toge Productions. Released in January of this year, the plot of this pixel art masterpiece revolves around teenagers Atma and Ryan and is set very nicely in the late 90s’.

It takes us on a journey to Indonesia but highlights all of the elements one would find in your favorite Japanese anime. With a compelling story and a gorgeous art style, you’ll likely pick this up if you like slower, less action-packed, slice-of-life titles that add a little bit of the supernatural.

It’s always nice to unwind now and then, right? So if you’re keen on developing and reliving that feeling of youthful exuberance, then it’s best to check out A Space for the Unbound on your favorite console.

GoldenEye 007 

We all love a thrilling action movie, especially if it came from a few decades ago. I’m sure they just hit differently and in more ways than one.

While the James Bond franchise has been around for the longest time and has yet to wrap things up, we can’t deny how one particular installment made a considerable mark in gaming. Yes, I’m talking about GoldenEye 007.

The pioneer of competitive first-person shooters. According to many, the Nintendo64 catalog has been on switch online for a while now, and GoldenEye 007 has been a Nintendo fan favorite since it gained popularity way back. Since Nintendo teased it in September last year, everyone’s been waiting. Thankfully the wait is up. Just before January ended, GoldenEye 007 for Switch online came to be. Complete with its glorious full multiplayer expansion.

Yes, it’s here, and all the now grownup fans can relive its classic competitive PVP whenever they wish whether it’s on the go or your gorgeous widescreen. GoldenEye 007 experience is here, and it’s here to stay. Given that news update, we hope you’re all shaken and not stirred.

Final Fantasy VII

Lastly, here is some nice feel-good news, especially if you live in Japan. We all know Final Fantasy and how massive of a franchise. With 15 major titles so far, a variety of spinoffs, and a critically acclaimed MMORPG, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t at least heard about it. That being said, we can’t deny that the seventh installment had the most significant impact on mainstream gaming.

We love our Cloud, our Aerith, and our Sephiroth. With a movie, a remake, and copious amounts of fan art, we can’t deny how massive final Fantasy VII is. So huge that it got its official day. Yes, you heard it. Japan’s anniversary association has officially declared January 31st as the final fantasy VII day.

While we’re not too keen on the details, like whether or not you don’t have to come in for work, it’s nice that a game with such a legacy now has its place in history. Imagine if you just so happen to be playing Final Fantasy on Final Fantasy VII day, that could be quite the epic story many years from now. An epic story that could be told by the grandkids. Gather around to play final fantasy 30 or 25 at least.

Check the video here:

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