RetroGaming

Silent Hill 2 Remake

Japanese streamer 2BRO conducted a live gameplay session on YouTube, spanning 90 minutes from the start of the Silent Hill 2 remake. The highly anticipated game is developed by Bloober Team and will be released on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam on October 8.

Discussion Prompt: What are your expectations for the Silent Hill 2 Remake? Do you think modern adaptations of classic horror games can capture the original atmosphere effectively?

Prepare for a blood-soaked return to the 90s with Data East’s classic brawler, Night Slasher. The game, known for its pixelated horror aesthetics and monster-killing fighters, is set for a high-definition remake scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and GOG come September 26th.

Key Points from the Remake:

• Entirely Redrawn Visuals: The new version ditches the classic pixel art in favor of cartoon-like HD graphics for a fresh visual experience. Think something akin to the update seen in Streets of Rage 4.
• Enhanced Roster & Combat: Expect an expanded roster of heroes, improved control schemes, updated combat mechanics that promise smoother gameplay, and better sound effects and audio quality.
• Character Selection Screen: The revamped character select screen offers a cleaner interface for picking your fighter from the horde of monsters and hunters.

Do you think it was the right decision to replace the pixel-art with hand-drawn, HD graphics?

Seibu Kaihatsu's Classic Gang-Themed Shooter 'Lead Angle' Arriving on Modern Platforms

First released in 1988, Seibu Kaihatsu's Lead Angle is set to make a comeback on contemporary consoles - the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. This release is part of the Arcade Archives series, known for reinvigorating classic games with modern features for today's gamers.

In this retro action game, players take control of George Phoenix as they navigate through levels filled with enemies to defeat, using a variety of weapons such as pistols, machine guns, and grenades. The journey culminates in a showdown against the big boss.

Lead Angle is scheduled for release on September 5, 2024.

What are your memories of the original? Will you be grabbing this for your current console?

Thought I would show this off here too.

A fan-made port of Duke Nukem 3D has been successfully brought to the Sega Dreamcast, impressing even the game’s original creator. This port was developed by a modder named Ivan Guber and includes several enhancements that improve the overall experience on the Dreamcast platform.

More Dreamcast goodies.

Nintendo Insiders Considered An N64 Handheld To Compete With The Game Gear In The 90s

Nintendo insiders discussed the possibility of creating an N64 handheld console to rival Sega's Game Gear, according to Palmer Luckey. In a podcast interview, he mentioned that there were people within Nintendo advocating for such a product around the time of its release.

Palmer shared that the concept was explored using technology available at the time, with the aim to create an N64 handheld based on reusing NiCad batteries from RC cars and 5-inch PS1 LCDs. He cited the limited lifespan of the N64 compared to other consoles as a reason why it didn't progress.

The idea was driven by potential for developers to reach new audiences with their existing games, thus increasing sales. The market was certainly there given the Game Boy and Game Boy Color sales, which collectively sold almost 119 million units.

What would have been the impact of an N64 handheld on the market compared to the original console and Game Gear?

Cancelled PlayStation 2 Game The Last Job Prototype Now Available for Download

A playable prototype of the long-canceled PlayStation 2 game, The Last Job, has been made available for download. This discovery and sharing were brought to light by Frank Gaskin, through his dedicated platform Games That Weren't.

This release provides gamers and enthusiasts with a rare glimpse into the development process of this game, which was never released to the public. It offers insights into its intended design and features, giving us a piece of gaming history that had remained inaccessible until now.

Have you played other titles revealed by Games That Weren't? What did you think about them?

So, this will be a metal remix of a song from a game that not a lot of people even have heard about, but I swear it's worth watching.

See the incredibly blatant trademark violation dude (legally speaking it was OK because serial numbers were filed out) running around in one of the C64est of the C64 games ever made while awesome music plays even more awesomely than it did in the original, while 100% keeping with the spirit!

(Made by System 3, the same company which made The Last Ninja games, and you can tell. You can really tell.)

Classic Arcade Games on the Rise

Classic titles NARC, Smash TV, and Mortal Kombat are set to grace the Analogue Pocket, a high-end handheld console dedicated to replicating classic systems with FPGA technology.

Hightlights:

• NARC: Known for its intense action and digitized visuals, this 1988 game became notorious for its violent content. Scheduled for release on September 7.
• Smash TV: A top-down shooter with a twist, where you battle waves of enemies in hopes of cashing in or grabbing prizes. Release date: September 21st.
• Mortal Kombat: The iconic fighting game that first stormed the scene in 1992, featuring digitized sprites and intense finishing moves. October 8th

Beta Core Release Schedule:

• NARC - September 7, 2024
• Smash TV - September 21, 2024
• Mortal Kombat - October 8, 2024

These games are arriving as beta cores, indicating they might be in a testing phase before full release. While not polished yet, they offer gamers an early opportunity to enjoy these classic titles on the Analogue Pocket's high-quality hardware.

Do you own an Analogue Pocket? Will these games be on your list?

A hacker has successfully modified the Game Boy Camera to work with the Mega Duck, an obscure handheld console also known as the Cougar Boy. This project, undertaken by a hacker known as 0xbbbbbr, is part of an effort to bring parity to Mega Duck users, allowing them to experience functionalities similar to those available to Game Boy owners.

A new Prop Hunt mod is being developed for Super Mario 64, as announced by the YouTuber Drenchy. This mod is the creation of Blocky, a well-known Mario 64 modder, and was commissioned specifically for Drenchy’s YouTube channel. The mod is designed as an extension of Super Mario 64 COOP Deluxe, a multiplayer mod for the unofficial PC port of Super Mario 64. It requires a legitimate copy of the original N64 ROM to play.

Why You Shouldn't Keep Your Retro Games in a Shed

3DO heart-break

Exploring the perils of storing your classic game collection outside. Shawn Pidich's heart-wrenching experience with his 3DO disc collection: After storing his game CDs in a shed, Shawn found that all but one has succumbed to disc-rot. The only disc to survive was DOOM, which had been left in the console itself.

The Decay of CDs: Disc Rot Explained

CDs, once thought to be eternal storage media for our favorite game collections, have a finite lifespan. Factors like oxidation, UV exposure, water damage, and adhesive failure can cause disc rot, leading to games becoming unplayable due to the deterioration of the reflective layer on the surface.

The Cost of a Mistake in Storage

Shawn's unfortunate situation serves as a cautionary tale. By storing his precious collection in a damp shed, he inadvertently set his games up for failure. CDs are notorious for being susceptible to environmental factors when exposed to such conditions, making outdoor storage not a viable option.

Have you faced issues with your game collection due to extended storage? How do you ensure the longevity of your retro games?

Retro Gaming Innovation: Transferring C64 Games via YouTube

Retro gaming enthusiasts Rod Hull from TFW8b and Dave Curran from Tynemouth Software have unveiled a method to download C64 games directly onto an original Commodore 64 while watching a stream on YouTube. This technique is reminiscent of the innovative 1980s method, where viewers could transmit application code to their computers through a flashing light during TV broadcasts.

How Jelly Load Works

By using a series of flashing lights in a video, Hull and Curran have managed to send binary data - zeroes and ones - that can be interpreted by vintage computers like the Commodore 64. A set of photo-resistors connected to the serial port of these machines can read this data, turning it into an executable program.

The creators aimed for a fast yet feasible solution within normal YouTube video duration (5-10 minutes) without causing significant performance degradation. They managed to transmit a 3.5kB game called Snake Pit entirely through a YouTube video, showcasing the potential of their method.

The Challenge and Limitations

While this technique offers a unique experience for retro gaming enthusiasts, it is far from practical or efficient due to its slow speed compared to modern downloading methods. However, it highlights creativity in utilizing old technologies and could inspire further innovation in retro gaming.

What are your thoughts on this approach? Do you think there is potential for improvements or do you see significant drawbacks that hinder its practical use?

The gaming industry has seen a significant milestone with the announcement that Hideaki Itsuno, renowned for his leadership in iconic game franchises such as Devil May Cry and Dragon’s Dogma, is departing Capcom after an impressive 30-year tenure. This marks a major departure for both Itsuno and Capcom, with Hisako Tsuchiya stepping into the role he once held.

Key Points

• Devoted Time: His passion is to develop games that resonate deeply with players through their visual appeal and engaging gameplay.
• Legacy of Success: Itsuno’s contribution to the industry includes directing several acclaimed titles such as Star Gladiator, Rival Schools, Power Stone series, and multiple entries in both Devil May Cry and Dragon’s Dogma franchises.
• Future Endeavors: He aims to start a new chapter by pursuing opportunities that will allow him to create games that are memorable and enjoyable for gamers, perhaps leveraging his wealth of experience into novel projects.

Considering Itsuno's impressive career, how do you think this transition might affect the future of both Devil May Cry and Dragon’s Dogma series?

Naruto RPG 2, the Japanese-only DS game in the franchise's series, is now accessible to Western players with a full English translation thanks to the Anime Game Translation Team. Originally known as 'Chidori vs Rasengan', it has been renamed 'Naruto: Path of the Avenger'. This updated version follows the Search for Tsunade arc and continues through the Sasuke Recovery Mission, featuring all characters from the second half of the original story. With a RetroAcheivements pack included, players can now fully experience the game in English.

Do you plan to dust off your DS to enjoy Naruto RPG 2 in English?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/19004801

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A new hack for Streets of Rage 2 has been released, adding a fresh layer to the classic Sega beat ’em up game. This modded version introduces an experience points (XP) system, allowing players to gain levels and enhance their characters with increased damage as they progress through the game.

Key Features:

• Players earn new levels for every 100,000 points accumulated.
• Level gains provide enhanced abilities, including more damaging attacks on enemies.
• Offers a new way to experience the beloved classic, appealing to both newcomers and veterans.

How do you feel about incorporating level systems into classic games like Streets of Rage 2, and does it add to the overall gaming experience?

Nintendo's Japanese customer service centre has announced that they are no longer able to repair "New Nintendo 3DS" consoles, effective immediately. This means that the New Nintendo 3DS system (KTR-001) is now out of warranty for repairs as parts required for repairs have run out. Despite the New 3DS being discontinued in 2017, it's commendable how long support has lasted.

Do you own a "New Nintendo 3DS"? Will you be effected by this news?

A recent project has seen a computer learning to play the classic game Super Mario Kart on a real Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) using an evolutionary algorithm. The program, named LuEAgi, was developed by LF_MrL314. The AI is designed to learn how to play with minimal information provided.

LuEAgi mimics the concept of natural selection in its learning process, repeatedly attempting tasks and learning from mistakes to improve its strategies for gaming challenges effectively.

The question is, of course, does Skynet start out by beating us at Mario Kart?

I stumbled upon this series on the Roku Channel. Thought I'd post it here in case anybody was interested!

Originally posted here: https://oldbytes.space/@confusedbunny/113073603091978653