How often have you played Halo: Combat Evolved and felt like you wanted to be more involved with the action, rather than just controlling it from a distance? Well, now there’s a virtual reality (VR) mod that lets you get your hands dirty.

• Link: GitHub
• What's Included: A VR mod for the original PC version of Halo: Combat Evolved, allowing players to use motion controls.

The mod is impressive and gives a convincing portrayal of playing Halo in VR.

Watch the video below to see it in action:

Halo: Combat Evolved VR Mod

What aspects of playing Halo: Combat Evolved do you think will benefit most from VR?

Overview

The Sega 32X, an add-on for the Mega Drive/Genesis console in 1994, marks its 30th anniversary this year. This hardware launch was designed as a bridge from 16-bit to 32-bit gaming but ultimately failed commercially.

• Launch Dates: Launched November 21st, 1994 in North America and Europe; December 3rd, 1994 in Japan.
• Design Purpose: Retain Sega's substantial user base while preparing for the next generation of consoles.
• Games Released: Approximately only 40 titles were released, some enhanced versions of Genesis games.

Commercial Failure & Impact

Less than a million units were sold, causing Sega to abandon the platform in 1996.

• Yosuke Okunari (Sega Producer): Laid blame at the feet of the 32X for diverting attention away from Saturn, contributing to Sega's decline in sales.

Do you have any fond memories or opinions about the Sega 32X?

It's a port of the original Super Mario Bros from the NES to the Game Boy Color. The physics feel very nice, and I like how the sprites are adapted.

The port also extends the game. After the 8 original worlds, Quest B adds 8 more with new enemies, mechanics, and even bosses! I had so much fun playing it.

Also, the game is FOSS: https://github.com/Mico27/SuperMarioBrosMini

The Sega Mega Drive/Genesis is a beloved platform, famous for its array of beat 'em up classics like Streets of Rage and Golden Axe. Now, it looks like the console may be welcoming another entry to this genre in the form of Kirito The Game – a new homebrew project currently on Kickstarter.

Key Points:

• Developer: A small group led by Thulf Ham.
• Gameplay: Following a story where a retro YouTuber seeks revenge after his collection is stolen and he's beaten up.
• Tech: Created using SGDK, the Sega Genesis Development Kit.

Funding Status:

• Total campaign goal: €20,000
• Current raised amount: The target has already been surpassed
• Available support tiers include:
• Digital edition: €12
• Physical editions (different artwork for each region): €59
• Premium offers including art book and soundtrack

What's Next?

The game is available as a demo to download or play in various emulators and even on real hardware.

If you're interested, head over to the Kickstarter page to see more.

They also have their own web site: https://www.kiritothegame.com/

Will Kirito The Game find its place in the legacy of Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, or will it become a niche release for fans only?

Took me years to tie together my memory of this really cool "game maker" to a name from the early 2000s. I remembered it when it was version 1.1 with the above logo, then they drastically changed it for v2 and I never recognized it till years later lol

News: NES Tetris Arrives on Nintendo Switch Online

The iconic NES version of Tetris is finally making its way to Nintendo Switch Online. Here's everything you need to know:

• Release Date: December 12, 2024
• Game Availability: Available in the base level subscription of NSO

Controversial History

The NES version had its fair share of controversy, including the infamous Tengen release that was pulled from shelves, due to the fact that they disregarded Nintendo's ownership of the "Tetris" name. Naturally, the Tengen version is not included in this release.

What's your favourite version of Tetris?

The classic JRPGs Suikoden I & Suikoden II is getting a remaster, and the opening cinematics for the remasters have been released. The remasters are set to launch on March 6, 2025, across multiple platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

• Visual Enhancements: The HD remasters retain the original games' aesthetic while incorporating modern enhancements such as improved pixel art animations and background illustrations.
• Sound Improvements: New environmental sound effects and HD battle sound effects enhance the immersion.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Features like auto-save functionality, battle fast forward, and a conversation log are included to improve gameplay experience.

Find the opening cinematics on YouTube:

• Suikoden I
• Suikoden II

What do you think about these cinematics? How do they compare to the original games?

Over three hours of gameplay from Argonaut highlights key features and development insights.

Croc: The Legend of Gobbos, originally released in the late 1990s on various platforms, is getting a much-anticipated re-release as an HD remaster. During a recent stream at My Life In Gaming, members of Argonaut Games shared insights around how the remaster was developed and its unique approach.

Key Information:

• Engine & Technology: The game uses Unity, but it's a unconventional setup. Jez San, founder of Argonaut, explains: "Croc [HD] is actually based on the Croc PC source code. We had access to that. But it has Unity underneath it so, it’s the Croc engine doing all the graphics that it knows how to do, and then it's Unity displaying it. It's not using Unity the way you would build a game today; it’s using Unity as a 3D layer with our own code doing everything."
• Controls: Tank controls are included but optional, while revisions have been made to the original camera controls.

This remaster is set for releases on Switch, PS4, PS5, PC, and Xbox consoles. Unfortunately, no release date has been announced.

Is Jez San's explanation about the engine and technology fascinating or confusing?

Battletoads: A Classic In Multiple Variants

Battletoads is a legendary action platformer that first appeared on the NES in 1991. It was later ported to other systems like the Mega Drive/Genesis, Game Gear, and even the Amiga CD32. Each version brings its own unique features and challenges.

Inglebard Gaming has put together a comprehensive comparison video showing how all these versions stack up against the original NES version, making it easier for fans to decide which to play.

Highlights:

• Mega drive/Genesis Port: Handled by Arc System Works – great visuals with additional parallax scrolling in some stages. Turbo Tunnel runs faster and smoother on the NES.
• Game Gear Edition: Unique effects such as an AI-style overlay during boss battles at the end of level one.

What’s interesting is that each version has its own strengths and weaknesses, reflecting different development approaches back.

Watch the video for more detailed insights.

Which Battletoads port do you prefer? Do you think there's a definitive best one based on these comparisons?

Does anyone know a way to do this? I tried in wine on my raspberry pi, but it didn't work. Tonight I'm going to try one of those Zorin USB things, where you try the OS. Apperently Zorin OS can install windows apps. If that fails, then I'll try wine in Zorin OS.

If that fails....then it's back to the drawing board.

8BitDo have just released a new keyboard that celebrates the iconic original Xbox.

• Key Features:

• Translucent shell inspired by the original console.

• RGB backlit keys with a Master Chief-like command centre feel.

• XBOX button for quick access to Windows Game Bar.

• Supports n-key rollover and hot-swappable PCB.

• Design:

• Arrow buttons are colored like Xbox controller action buttons, adding an nostalgic touch.

• Availability:

• Available for preorder on Amazon now at $119.99.

• Shipment expected on January 15th, 2025.

What are your impressions of this compared to 8BitDo's other console-inspired keyboards?

Beyond the Ice Palace II Release Delayed to March 2025

Beyond the Ice Palace II, a highly anticipated sequel to the classic side-scrolling action platformer from 1988, will now be released on March 13, 2025.

Developed by Storybird Studio and published by PQube and PixelHeart, this retro-style game promises immersive gameplay with modern enhancements. Fans can look forward to dynamic combat mechanics, a dark fantasy adventure filled with vengeance and redemption, and a blend of pixel art with contemporary elements.

Key points:

• Delay from 2024: The game was originally planned for release in 2024 but has been rescheduled due to additional polish and improvements.
• Platforms: Available on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series/One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.
• Art Style: A mix of retro-inspired pixel art and modern game design elements.
• Music: An immersive soundtrack composed by Allister Brimble, known for his work on iconic video games.

Do you think the delay was the right decision, or do you think this happens too much nowadays?

Archer Maclean’s Defender-inspired game, DropZone, is getting a significant update to commemorate its 40th anniversary. This new release includes modernized graphics and enhanced controls—with the added feature of an authentic Retro Mode, allowing for both classic and updated play experiences.

• Release Date: December (exact date TBA)
• Platforms: Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Key Features: Upgraded graphics, enhanced controls, accessible Retro Mode with original aesthetics and sound.

Original Release:

• Initial Release: 1984 for Atari computers
• Ports: Commodore 64, NES, Game Boy, Game Gear (planned but never released Sega Master System and Genesis ports)

What’s another game from the 1980s deserves a similar facelift for its anniversary?

Retro publisher Mega Cat Studios has released Super Excidium Event for the SNES platform, a 16-bit shooter that pays homage to classic space blasters and arcade gaming. The game features a four-way weapon system, epic boss fights, and a retro-styled soundtrack.

Key Points:

• Collaboration: Mega Cat Studios, Retro Gaming Network Discord, Video Game Sage, and the r/Retrogaming Reddit group collaborated to bring this game to market.
• Charity Cause: All profits from the sale of the game will support Child’s Play, a charity that donates therapeutic games and technology to pediatric hospitals.

In Zachary Girgenti's words: "We cannot wait to share it with the retro gaming community and hope you have as much fun as we did making it!"

You can purchase Super Excidium Event directly from Mega Cat Studios.

What do you think of this game's charitable cause?

For context, I'm new to retro-gaming & emulation.

How I got here:

The Steamdeck became available in my country, and I instantly desired one, but since I have a considerable Steam library that doesn't get played on my laptop and an Xbox S that hasn't been turned on for a year, I had to question if I really could justify something that expensive that might not get played much after a couple of months.

I've heard of Pico-8 games on an unrelated tech podcast, and that interested me. So I googled what handhelds I could play those on, and a few rabbit holes later I was here - a sub $100 handheld that can play retro roms, "up to" PSP - which I own a shoe box of UMDs for. I know my way around Vice City and would like to go back some day.

Screen Format:

The idea of playing PSP games was what tipped me towards a 16:9 screen rather than a squarer format. Perhaps that will turn out to be right for me, but right now I'm regretting it since I'm in a deep nostalgia dive of squarish format games.

Physical:

A lot of youtubers recommending the RGB10 Max3 point to the bulbous back as making it nicer than some others to hold for a while. It's fine - no where near as comfortable as a stock Xbox controller. A lot lighter than my distant memory of the original PSP and the buttons feel cheaper.

I got the transparent black one - I can't read the labels on the "start" and "select" buttons, but that's already staring to not matter at all after a couple of hours of on and off use. The power LED (which I understand can be turned off) is blinding in bed.

System:

I took the common advice to buy better quality SD cards and copy stuff over. In the process I flashed the system card with RockNix. I believe it comes stock with JELOS, but I never booted it with the supplied card so can't confirm. Even though this system is a collection of things from diverse developers, it's very manageable.

My only previous brush with emulation was helping some kids building an arcade machine around a raspberry pie (a while ago) and I remembering it being a lot clunkier to move between emulators etc and getting games going properly. Rocknix/Retroarch is pretty great. A few key-combos to learn but that doesn't take to long. I haven't been getting into tweaking emulator settings, but the out of the box experience for just playing some games is good.

Screen:

Is really good. It's been a long long time since I saw my PSP so it's probably not fair to compare, but I would say the RGB10Max3 is better. Certainly better for viewing angle (which hardly matters for a handheld device).

Controls:

Nearly every review (I've obsessively consumed waiting for this unit to arrive) mentions the poor D-Pad. In some games I don't notice any problem at all, in others I get repeatedly squashed by barrels or eaten by ghosts because of it. Sometimes, swapping to the left joystick solves the problem.

So far:

I'm having a lot of fun. If I am still picking this up and playing with it in a year, that's probably an indication I should have gotten a Steam Deck, but if I've lost interest and passed it on to someone else I probably would have already gotten good value out of it. A third possible outcome is that if it turns out I keep playing 4:3 and similar format games (and especially if I have a go at developing some PICO-8), I might look at one of the DMG shaped devices instead - and possibly in the more pocket-able size since those less story-based games are consumable on the go.

Yuzo Koshiro's Mega Drive/Genesis Shmup Earthion: An Upgraded Arcade Release

In a recent development, Yuzo Koshiro's Mega Drive/Genesis Shmup Earthion is getting an exceptional arcade release via the exA-Arcadia platform. Unlike the home version, this arcade iteration promises a superior experience with no slowdown and improved audio quality with clearer voices..

The development team, Ancient, has been working on Earthion for it to be released next year.

The exA-Arcadia version also includes "additional elements unique to arcades", but there is no further detail on these additions.

Do you own an exA-Arcadia system? Are you tempted to get the arcade version of Earthion?

Key Points

• Game: Breakers Revenge (Neo Geo fighting game developed by Visco Corporation in 1996)
• Rerelease: Originally released for Neo Geo AES and CD, then Dreamcast in 2017.
• Current Availability: New batches of Breakers Revenge are now available from PixelHeart.

Details

• Price: €300 per cart due to production costs for Neo Geo carts.
• Styling Options: Original Japanese style and the new USA Dogtag style are both available.

Gameplay

• Plugs into 90s fighting game tropes emulating Street Fighter II.
• Features like roll moves and a damage adjustment system make it stand out from other titles.

Do you think Breakers Revenge is worth €300?

Sony Interactive Entertainment has launched a new interactive timeline website celebrating the 30th anniversary of the PlayStation brand, which falls on December 3, 2024. This website provides an extensive look at the history of PlayStation consoles, highlighting key milestones and sales achievements across all generations.

One notable revelation is that the PlayStation 2 has officially surpassed 160 million units sold worldwide, cementing its position as the best-selling video game console of all time. This figure exceeds previous estimates by confirming the milestone for the first time. Other significant sales figures include:

• PlayStation (1994–2006): 102 million units
• PlayStation 3 (2006–present): 87 million units
• PlayStation 4 (2013–present): 117 million units

The timeline reflects on past successes and looks toward future innovations.

What are your thoughts about the PlayStation's legacy in gaming? How do you think the brand should evolve as it moves forward?

Metroid Prime 2 Remaster

The remaster of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes is reportedly set for release in early 2025, following successful reception of the first game.

• Release Date: Early 2025 (pending official announcement)
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
• Features: Enhanced visuals, quality-of-life updates, modern enhancements including improved controls and higher-resolution textures.
• Fan Hope: Tweaks to streamline complex backtracking elements.

This news follows the success of Metroid Prime Remastered, which launched in 2023 and garnered critical acclaim. The game is expected to retain its darker tone while providing enhanced visual and gameplay experiences familiar from its original release.

It is very peculiar how Nintendo has handled the 3 games, with releases more than a year after their completion, in fact they can release them whenever they want.

• Samus Hunter

What did you think of Metroid Prime: Remastered? How do you think Metroid Prime 2: Remastered will compare?

Breath of Death VII: The Beginning, a critically acclaimed Xbox 360 RPG developed by Shadow Layer Games, is making its way to Steam. Originally released in 2010, this retro-inspired JRPG has gained immense popularity over the years, earning high scores and maintaining a fanbase. The port, titled Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Reanimated, will be available starting December 12th, 2024.

• Developer: Shadow Layer Games
• Platform: Xbox 360 (originally)
• Release Date: December 12th, 2024 on Steam
• Price: $5

Key Features of the Remake:

• Renewed Graphics and Sound: Complete rebuild of the original code with a new 16-bit art style and a brand-new soundtrack.
• New Modes and Gameplay Enhancements: Additional game modes, quality-of-life features, UI/UX improvements, and user-friendly controls.

Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Reanimated is a complete, ground-up remake of the original, top-rated Xbox Live Indie Game.

• Bill Stiernberg, Shadow Layer Games.

What are your favourite memories of the original Breath of Death VII: The Beginning?

Nintendo has expanded its retro library on the Nintendo Switch by adding three classic Sega Mega Drive/ Genesis games to the service: Mercs, ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron, and Vectorman.

• Mercs (Wolf of the Battlefield: Mercs): A fast-paced arcade action shooter where players take on the role of a U.S. mercenary unit rescuing a kidnapped former president, featuring multiple modes and a variety of weapons.
• ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron: A side-scrolling adventure with quirky humor and colourful levels, returning the iconic duo to their home planet while combating Earthlings.
• Vectorman: Set in a dystopian future where players control Vectorman, stopping a rogue leader. Known for its fluid animations and high-speed action, this is one of the most visually impressive games on the Genesis/Mega Drive.

These additions are now available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers through the SEGA Genesis app on their consoles.

What's your favorite Sega Mega Drive/Genesis game from these new additions?