Yes totally agreed regarding new original games for old systems.
If Capcom made an official Carrier Airwing version for SNES with reformatted levels and bonus missions like the SNES original I am dropping $200-300 on that easy for an authentic SNES cartridge and box in the 1990s style... there is totally a market for games like this now and they should be done officially not by third parties...
Development cost would be low, back catalogue of arcade and 16 bit plus CPS systems for conversion, charge at premium price, with some extras, its literally a license to print money for Capcom, Konami, Square Enix even Nintendo and Sega if they got their finger out for SNES and Megadrive/Genesis.
Secret of Mana 2 officially getting a boxed SNES western English release is a prime example, nevermind Bahamut Lagoon, Final Fantasy 5, Romancing Saga, Alcahest and everything else we never got translated as well officially back in the day...
Time for the industry to realise that its been around for 50 plus years and not everybody has the time or even inclination to play open world, collectathon, day one patched, DLC, Micro Transactioned to death year long season games on 32K high end screens plugged into your brain, being broadcast simultaneously via Twitch...
I want one right now, recently bought a USA SNES NTSC version of Super Gameboy blind that did not function in end so have the correct cartridge shell.
If they or anyone provides a service to send shell in and do the work = ££££££/$$$$$$$, so get on it if you are a smart buisness!
Still have a Sinclair Spectrum power pack expertly soldered for me in 1992 by my engineering neighbour for my USA SNES NTSC bought in San Diego with Mario World system, Steetfighter 2 when it was released on day one in June/July, UN Squadron, and F Zero that works to this day!
I still vividly recall the retail outlet got SNES system from as it was on the border near Mexico, tax free as well, so substantial savings for USA residents by about 20%.
It was literally the buisest I have ever seen a games shop ever at that point, as everyone was coming in to buy Streetfighter on day one taking time off work, must have been one of the first instances of this phenonemon, maybe Mario 3 predates it.
$65 with exchange rate at £1 = $2 meant half price games for a 12 year old that had saved up all his pocket money for 12 months and washed loads of neighbours cars Spring/early Summer before vacation to get everything I wanted.
First and best console as well ever after just having an Acorn and Amiga computers!
Saved quite a bit on grey importers charging £100 for SF2 back in the day!
Going through customs with the boxed system under my arm and games in suitcase, expertly packed to prevent damage was the most nervous I have ever felt as a kid, my face would have dropped if they stopped me!
Then the wait for the soldering and getting correct leads from Shekhana Consoles in the mail for the Phillips 8833 Mk II Monitor and expanded the screen at the back to make SF2 full screen and running at full speed 17.5% faster than the unplayable PAL ports! Having an NTSC system back then was the height of cool!
So many amazing games first 12 months of SNES in USA from September 91 to Autumn 92.
Mario World
F Zero
Pilotwings
Actraiser
Super Ghouls n Ghosts
UN Squadron
Super Castlevania IV
Zelda III Link to Past
Mystical Ninja
Streetfighter 2
Super Mario Kart
Even more forgotten no doubt, best first year launch line up of all time for a console IMO!
I just bought the official Nintendo Super Gameboy colour guide actually as well with big features on likes of Metroid, Links Awakening, Mario Land 2, and detailed visual instructions guide plus troubleshooting section. Very nice.
Plus just got a minty jet black Gameboy Colour yesterday with 12 month warranty from one of the best retro shops in UK!
Looking for link to top Original Gameboy games now on Time Extension as these console best of lists are great for collecting checklist. Ah here it is...
This looks pretty neat, especially artistically, with strong Ranger X vibes from the Megadrive 16 bit era with a HD anime reshine, crossed with a bit of Cybernator and Evangelion!
Thank you for this will read now while having a mocha. Loved that magazine back in 90s for the weekly hit, plus surprised at how big it was at 50 pages. There is a lot in each issue plus standard of fun and enthusiasm is lacking overall in writing online these days or indeed in any print magazine that is left. (Time extension is great though!)
Supercars 2 review in the preview issue as well by Magnetic Fields. You guys need to do a feature on them and push for HD remixes of Supercars and Lotus Trilogy.
More of a progenitor of what was to come with the internet revolution in games journalism and daily 24 hr updates was Games X!
Here is the first question on origins of the Bitmap Bros...
Ok Eric so how did you get involved in creating games?
"When I was at art college studying sculpture I met a computer games programmer who asked me to draw some computer game graphics. I did graphic freelance for a bit and then around 87-88 Mike, Steve and I decided rather than writing games for other people we would get together and do our own thing. So Xenon was our first creation."
Never played Cadaver, only game in Bitmap softography missed I think and forgot there was an extra dungeon add on disc with more levels as well! Trying to think of other 16 bit isometric RPG in this style, Immortal from EA, Shadowlands from Domark with the lighting was great, Equinox on SNES, Hero Quest board game adaption by Gremlin...probably loads more.
In other news just got a copy of the preview edition of Games X and issue 1 of the magazine, the weekly one for 60p from Interactive Publishing.
Puts most modern journalism to shame but it did have a Bitmap three page feature spread with Betty Boo and Bomb The Bass entitled "What do Betty Boo, Rhythm King Records and the Bitmap Bros all have in common?"...plus interview questions with Eric Matthews.
No obligatory black and white shot of developers in sunglasses with a helicopter in background though! I will enjoy reading this more than Edge this month!
Hybris and Battle Squadron were some of the first games I ever played on the Amiga at a friend's house and it really felt like an arcade experience at home during the early 90s as those titles were extremely well done. Amazing intro sequence music for Squadron as well. Way back when EA were still producing great games!
Looks really nice, trying to think of other Amiga shooters that need a remix upgrade now this and X Out are on way.
Hybris, Battle Squadron, Xenon 2 for sure. As Romanista said Apidya, then Silkworm and SWIV would be nice as would Z Out, Banshee, Menace, Blood Money, Disposable Hero, Datastorm, the Defender clone, oh and an HD Agony with new levels and art plus piano music would be amazing today!
For you Rachael Hutchinson the moment you were mentioned online by the country of Japan was the greatest day in your life for every other Streetfighter fan in the world it was Friday!
I recall the early to mid 90s as being a really interesting time for hardware unlike the standardisation we have today. With the advent of CD technology and experiments elsewhere we got the transition from 16 bit computers and consoles. Just of the top of my head there was the 3DO Mega CD, 32X, PC Engine Duo CD, CDTV, NEC 32 bit, Neo Geo CD, Hyper Neo Geo 64, Pippen, FM Towns Marty, Saturn, Playstation , CD32, Atari Falcon, Amiga 1200, N64 eventually, probably a fair few I have forgotten and loads of hardware on handheld as well. Really was a battleground for supremacy and a unique period in the industry. Interesting times indeed. I knew nobody that had a 3DO here in the UK though.
@Blast16 Far too many in the end. I had a very big collection of Dreamcast games way more than Gamecube or PS2 of that generation by a long distance due to the low cost of the titles on clearance. Plus Dreamcast games and video game prices during Covid really spiked especially in great condition. I saw a set of 10 boxed SNES NTSC USA games go for crazy money 700+ on all of them with titles like R Type 3 and others. There was a lot of extra money floating around and with people trapped in homes looking for stuff to do lots of online activity. Prices seemed to have settled down a little, but overall market has certainly grown and interest plus prices in general have went up.
@UK_Kev I could not believe the prices around early to Easter 2001 for SEGA stuff. The console itself was only 49.95 if I recall brand new. Yet the prices in Game itself getting rid of their stock as if it was a fire sale were absolutely ridiculous, like a few pounds to 5-10 pounds for every game. Capcom classic after classic, Powerstone 1 and 2 yes please, 3rd Strike for 7.95, how can I say no to that, Code Veronica for 4.95 why not and Gunbird add it on as well! Project Justice, Tech Romancer, Giga Wing, Mars Matrix, Plasma Sword, Cannon Spike and many more Capcom really supported Dreamcast very well as a developer.
Ended up with an extra controller 2 VMUs RGB cable console and like 40 odd games then started going to different stores for new games every week to bolster collection, as everybody just seemed to want to move it quickly as if it was worthless now for some reason.
Never got the fishing controller, lightgun or Samba Maraccas though Really crazy time but great for Dreamcast vultures like me as I ended up calling the people that never supported SEGA from day one, as it was an undiscovered treasure chest of fun. Only wish I had bought multiple copies of everything at those prices now.
Back in early 2000s games were still about 50 at end of N64 era minimum or more on cartridge, and PS2 prices were 40+, just got a Gamecube from States as well at end of 2001, with similar cost for new titles. Older PS1 games were cheaper plus greatest hits as well as Saturn stuff if you could find it, the Amiga was dead and PC games were still relatively expensive so this steady stream of AAA Dreamcast games, paricularly the SEGA output and Arcade conversions were more than welcome...
I bought one when it was discounted, just shy of when SEGA pulled out of hardware market officially in early 2001 after receiving a welcome tax rebate and hoovered up every game I could and got all the classics. Rez, Outrigger, Skies of Arcadia, Streetfighter 3rd Strike, Marvel vs Capcom, Alpha 3, Gunbird, Shenmue 1 and 2, Daytona, Soul Calibur, I mean everything at bargain basement prices. So I was one of the people that did not buy in until it was too late. Really a great library of exclusive games on that console.
Liquidated it during Covid when everybody had furlough money and video game prices spiked and must have made in excess of 8-10k on everything from about 400 spent. Best money ever put down in Game of all places and I loved the console in the end with many happy memories plus complimented my Gamecube well. Did not even try out the PS2 until 2005 but never had same connection for me as the Nintendo or Sega consoles of that generation.
With emulation improving monthly so much on handhelds and the ability to recreate 128 bit hardware it was a no brainer in end. I have sneakily looked on ebay to get another console though with pangs of regret, might play Rez HD tonight. 25 years though time flys!
Why I have never heard or even seen at any arcade I visited in the 90s this horror themed scrolling gem. Original art style looks great/best and reminds me a little of Beast Busters the Operation Wolf shooter by SNK that had a sequel on the Hyper Neo Geo and a portable Neo Geo.Pocket game I just found out about Dark Arms: Beast Buster. First ever three player Op Wolf clone ever as well apparently the original arcade machine. I am trying to think of other Alien/horror themed scrollers beat em ups from the 90s Splatterhouse obviously, Darkstalkers, Alien Storm, Aliens arcade from Konami there must be many more I am forgetting.
I read the headline thinking/hoping it might be a cool new gameshow ala Cyberzone or Robot Wars presented by none other than Craig Charles cashing in on the AI craze buzz. Film sounds fun yet left with my hopes unfufilled!
I am confused what does this product actually do? Never heard of a power bank is it like an alternative power source for a console? Okay after some quick research it charges stuff or am I missing the obvious...
Begs a question many Michael Mann films would make great games actually. Collateral, Thief, Manhunter, Mohicans even The Insider or Ali, The Keep to Public Enemies. I think there was a tie in game for the Miami Vice film which reminds me of Miami Chase by Codemasters from 1990 the game that arrived a full decade nearly before GTA but is totally forgotten about now as the originator of that genre. Please do a feature on this game and the coders Time Extension.
Definitely will purchase. Just looking through ebay yesterday at Last Ninja Remix editions for 60 each on Amiga. The bonus content on Ninja 4 and IK++ sounds awesome as well. Pixel perfect jumps and infuriation here we come and death by lava nostalgia
@Moochy I just finished volume 2 of this after reading number 1 decades ago. Starts off strong but is a bit all over the place as the 360 era arrives in second half trying to cover too much ground in terms of years and misses out on some significant stuff as a result I thought.
Loads of books about at the moment both coffee table glossy ones and text heavy ones. Have still to read Britsoft, Japansoft plus 50 Years of the Console by Mike Diver amongst others plus definitely want that Run and Gun one.
Fingers crossed for a glossy coffee table Cinemaware book someday I guess, and if anybody has any Amiga/Computer recommendations or Capcom centric ones speak up!
I keep my boxed cartridge collection in an air tight cupboard with a vacuam seal and variable temperature control plus CCTV cameras mounted strategically for security.
It makes me a little sad how few titles Rare have released or developed since being bought by Microsoft in 2003. Over 100 games from 1986-2003 across various formats and since then 24 new games in just over twenty years to 2024 with only 12 being on the X Box platforms.
Definitely would buy a remastered Starglider game with bells and whistles, plus have a soft spot for King Arthur's World as one of the few mouse driven games on SNES with a fun Medieval theme.
Thanks I prefer the vibrant diverse Japanese games industry of my youth that seemed genuinely otherworldly in the magazines and games I played from the 80s and 90s than it being absorbed by western influences into free roaming three dimensional games on repeat. The rot for Japan kind of started around the 360/PS3 era in terms of originality as a demarcation point IMO, witness the breadth of genres before then and after, as the Japanese industry consolidated and struggled to adapt it seemed. Good article though.
I await to see the quality of their stock and more importantly the pricing. $500 for a beat up old copy of cartridge only Streetfighter 2 on SNES but retro rare vintage what a bargain, seems inherently possible.
Heres the blurb from good old wikipedia on the PC versions...
Two versions of Sonic CD were released for Windows: one in 1995 for Pentium processors, and another in 1996 for DirectX. The Pentium version was only bundled with new computers and never sold in stores; Sega worked with Intel to make the game work properly.
The DirectX version was released under the Sega PC label, and it was released in North America on July 8 and in Japan on August 9.This version is mostly identical to the original release, but loading screens were added and it is only compatible with older versions of Windows. Both Windows versions use the North American soundtrack.
The 1996 Windows version was ported to the GameCube and PlayStation 2 in August 2005 for Sonic Gems Collection.This port uses the original soundtrack in Japan and the North American soundtrack elsewhere.The ports introduced some graphical problems, such as a blurry anti-flicker presentation, but the opening animation is presented in a higher quality fullscreen view.
Cockpit seems smart, looks pretty cool, hopefully comes to Switch at some point soon. Getting 1990s Battletech flashbacks Somerset Strikers and the Clans! Looks like it could be a sequel to the SNES 16 bit games.
I keep meaning to play this as well as was harder to emulate in the past for Mega CD. It seems its on many systems these days though one of the Gamecube Sonic Gems collections as well as PS2, plus a 360 and PS3 version from that remastered iOS one and on Sonic Origins collection for pretty much every current system and last gen too, so lots of options these days. Oh and some obscure Direct X PC version that was only bundled with Intel Pentiums in the 90s.
@RetroGames I went to that as well as a pit stop during the Festival and some respite from the crowds but was a little letdown. I recall going to the early 2000s exhibition more than twenty years ago that was much bigger, after it made its first debut elsewhere on leaving London.
There were loads more exhibition sections like the Rockstar area for various games and companies with real museum sections and historical artefacts plus a lot more multiplayer and two player games for people to play together while enjoying the exhibition. It was in a different area of the museum that seemed to take up at least 2 or 3 or 4 times this space.
Many more quirky or leftfield games as well to enjoy as a result. The arcade section was the best I thought with the likes of Missle Command, Tron, Virtua Fighter and others. Never got a go on the Daytona 2 machine as too busy though!
Finally I can make my 16 bit masterpiece sequel to Contra III, Axelay, Space Megaforce, and start working on my arcade perfect port of Carrier Airwing with extra missions and stages just like Area 88/UN Squadron on the SNES. Then get Capcom to sponser me as I plan the end to the trilogy with yet unamed final secret game project!
Cannot wait for the new wave of 2D fighters from the 1990s to be adapted to celluloid what with this and the next Streetfighter movie on the horizon. Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, Word Heroes, Virtua Fighter, Doomsday Warrior, Brawl Brothers, Darkstalkers, Soul Calibur, Bloody Roar, Killer Instinct, Samurai Shodown, Primal Rage, Clayfighters and beyond. The Dead or Alive movie with Holly Valance, Kevin Nash and Eric Roberts is a total classic!
Excitement level 10! Thanks for interview. Hope more Amiga games get the upgrade treatment like Supercars, Heimdall and many others. Loads of Pysgnosis games would be brilliant in HD, SONY should really do something with all that IP laying around doing nothing. Plus maybe even resurrect old forgotten strategy games like Supremacy, Millenium 2.2 and even the classic Deuteros!
Fairly sad state of affairs. Was never a reader as more American centric but with the number of print magazines dwindling to probably single digits soon, if not there already. Who will be the last one standing? Such a contrast to the 80s 90s and even early 2000s in terms of choice. There is something still genuinely authentic about holding a magazine in your hand than an online website. Was pleasantly surprised to discover Amiga Addict recently for first time in the newsagents even though it has been going for nearly three years!
Every musical track on Super Castlevania IV is engrained into my mind. I even used the intro music with the headstone to scare the neighbours with one Halloween night playing in the background on a spooky October in the early 90s recorded professionally onto a cassette tape! Really added to the atmosphere of that title back in the 16 bit days.
As for Castlevania prices crazy money some of them, appreciate more than gold, just like Lego and most Nintendo plus Square Enix games. Saw a mint Symphony of the Night with Art cards go for wild money recently. Must be one of, if not the most consistent series for appreciation from initial retail value.
Oh wow I am super excited about this so much so just registered to comment. X Out is a great horizontal scroller with loads of customization. Z Out is even better as a straight R Type Amiga flavoured original and a killer piano musical intro.
Comments 194
Re: Super Game Boy Just Got The Ultimate Upgrade
@RetroGames
Yes totally agreed regarding new original games for old systems.
If Capcom made an official Carrier Airwing version for SNES with reformatted levels and bonus missions like the SNES original I am dropping $200-300 on that easy for an authentic SNES cartridge and box in the 1990s style... there is totally a market for games like this now and they should be done officially not by third parties...
Development cost would be low, back catalogue of arcade and 16 bit plus CPS systems for conversion, charge at premium price, with some extras, its literally a license to print money for Capcom, Konami, Square Enix even Nintendo and Sega if they got their finger out for SNES and Megadrive/Genesis.
Secret of Mana 2 officially getting a boxed SNES western English release is a prime example, nevermind Bahamut Lagoon, Final Fantasy 5, Romancing Saga, Alcahest and everything else we never got translated as well officially back in the day...
Time for the industry to realise that its been around for 50 plus years and not everybody has the time or even inclination to play open world, collectathon, day one patched, DLC, Micro Transactioned to death year long season games on 32K high end screens plugged into your brain, being broadcast simultaneously via Twitch...
Re: Super Game Boy Just Got The Ultimate Upgrade
I want one right now, recently bought a USA SNES NTSC version of Super Gameboy blind that did not function in end so have the correct cartridge shell.
If they or anyone provides a service to send shell in and do the work = ££££££/$$$$$$$, so get on it if you are a smart buisness!
Still have a Sinclair Spectrum power pack expertly soldered for me in 1992 by my engineering neighbour for my USA SNES NTSC bought in San Diego with Mario World system, Steetfighter 2 when it was released on day one in June/July, UN Squadron, and F Zero that works to this day!
I still vividly recall the retail outlet got SNES system from as it was on the border near Mexico, tax free as well, so substantial savings for USA residents by about 20%.
It was literally the buisest I have ever seen a games shop ever at that point, as everyone was coming in to buy Streetfighter on day one taking time off work, must have been one of the first instances of this phenonemon, maybe Mario 3 predates it.
$65 with exchange rate at £1 = $2 meant half price games for a 12 year old that had saved up all his pocket money for 12 months and washed loads of neighbours cars Spring/early Summer before vacation to get everything I wanted.
First and best console as well ever after just having an Acorn and Amiga computers!
Saved quite a bit on grey importers charging £100 for SF2 back in the day!
Going through customs with the boxed system under my arm and games in suitcase, expertly packed to prevent damage was the most nervous I have ever felt as a kid, my face would have dropped if they stopped me!
Then the wait for the soldering and getting correct leads from Shekhana Consoles in the mail for the Phillips 8833 Mk II Monitor and expanded the screen at the back to make SF2 full screen and running at full speed 17.5% faster than the unplayable PAL ports! Having an NTSC system back then was the height of cool!
So many amazing games first 12 months of SNES in USA from September 91 to Autumn 92.
Mario World
F Zero
Pilotwings
Actraiser
Super Ghouls n Ghosts
UN Squadron
Super Castlevania IV
Zelda III Link to Past
Mystical Ninja
Streetfighter 2
Super Mario Kart
Even more forgotten no doubt, best first year launch line up of all time for a console IMO!
I just bought the official Nintendo Super Gameboy colour guide actually as well with big features on likes of Metroid, Links Awakening, Mario Land 2, and detailed visual instructions guide plus troubleshooting section. Very nice.
Plus just got a minty jet black Gameboy Colour yesterday with 12 month warranty from one of the best retro shops in UK!
Looking for link to top Original Gameboy games now on Time Extension as these console best of lists are great for collecting checklist. Ah here it is...
https://www.timeextension.com/guides/best-game-boy-color-games-of-all-time
Re: Visegunne Is A Gorgeous-Looking Mecha Shmup That's Coming To Steam Soon
This looks pretty neat, especially artistically, with strong Ranger X vibes from the Megadrive 16 bit era with a HD anime reshine, crossed with a bit of Cybernator and Evangelion!
Re: Review: The Bitmap Brothers Collection 2 (Evercade) - We Got The Right Versions This Time
Thank you for this will read now while having a mocha. Loved that magazine back in 90s for the weekly hit, plus surprised at how big it was at 50 pages. There is a lot in each issue plus standard of fun and enthusiasm is lacking overall in writing online these days or indeed in any print magazine that is left. (Time extension is great though!)
Supercars 2 review in the preview issue as well by Magnetic Fields. You guys need to do a feature on them and push for HD remixes of Supercars and Lotus Trilogy.
More of a progenitor of what was to come with the internet revolution in games journalism and daily 24 hr updates was Games X!
Here is the first question on origins of the Bitmap Bros...
Ok Eric so how did you get involved in creating games?
"When I was at art college studying sculpture I met a computer games programmer who asked me to draw some computer game graphics. I did graphic freelance for a bit and then around 87-88 Mike, Steve and I decided rather than writing games for other people we would get together and do our own thing. So Xenon was our first creation."
Re: Review: The Bitmap Brothers Collection 2 (Evercade) - We Got The Right Versions This Time
Never played Cadaver, only game in Bitmap softography missed I think and forgot there was an extra dungeon add on disc with more levels as well! Trying to think of other 16 bit isometric RPG in this style, Immortal from EA, Shadowlands from Domark with the lighting was great, Equinox on SNES, Hero Quest board game adaption by Gremlin...probably loads more.
In other news just got a copy of the preview edition of Games X and issue 1 of the magazine, the weekly one for 60p from Interactive Publishing.
Puts most modern journalism to shame but it did have a Bitmap three page feature spread with Betty Boo and Bomb The Bass entitled "What do Betty Boo, Rhythm King Records and the Bitmap Bros all have in common?"...plus interview questions with Eric Matthews.
No obligatory black and white shot of developers in sunglasses with a helicopter in background though! I will enjoy reading this more than Edge this month!
Re: Team17 Gives 'Project X' Kickstarter Successor The Thumbs Up
Hybris and Battle Squadron were some of the first games I ever played on the Amiga at a friend's house and it really felt like an arcade experience at home during the early 90s as those titles were extremely well done. Amazing intro sequence music for Squadron as well. Way back when EA were still producing great games!
Official site for a game 35 years old!
https://cope-com.com/battlesquadron/
World's first split screen shooter apparently!
Re: Team17 Gives 'Project X' Kickstarter Successor The Thumbs Up
Oh wow somebody did actually tinker about with an HD Agony in 2016. I will have to investigate this...
https://www.indieretronews.com/2016/06/agony-amiga-classic-by-psygnosis-gets.html?m=1
Re: Team17 Gives 'Project X' Kickstarter Successor The Thumbs Up
Looks really nice, trying to think of other Amiga shooters that need a remix upgrade now this and X Out are on way.
Hybris, Battle Squadron, Xenon 2 for sure. As Romanista said Apidya, then Silkworm and SWIV would be nice as would Z Out, Banshee, Menace, Blood Money, Disposable Hero, Datastorm, the Defender clone, oh and an HD Agony with new levels and art plus piano music would be amazing today!
Good list here...
https://racketboy.com/retro/the-commodore-amiga-shmup-library-essentials
Re: Game Researcher Says Street Fighter II Was "USA Vs. Japan" And Japanese People Aren't Happy
For you Rachael Hutchinson the moment you were mentioned online by the country of Japan was the greatest day in your life for every other Streetfighter fan in the world it was Friday!
Re: Think PS5 Pro Is Too Much At $700? The 3DO Would Like A Word
@StyrofoamCup That was like the only home version of Super Turbo with Akuma for ages as well...
Re: The Making Of: Do Me A Favour (Sega Master Mix '90) - Sega's Fan-Made Rap Masterpiece
Oh the 90s a magical time indeed!
Re: Upcoming Book Celebrates The Pixel Art Of The GBA
Oh that photograph of Final Fantasy 5 reminds me it had an official Square translation on the handheld!
Re: Think PS5 Pro Is Too Much At $700? The 3DO Would Like A Word
I recall the early to mid 90s as being a really interesting time for hardware unlike the standardisation we have today. With the advent of CD technology and experiments elsewhere we got the transition from 16 bit computers and consoles. Just of the top of my head there was the 3DO Mega CD, 32X, PC Engine Duo CD, CDTV, NEC 32 bit, Neo Geo CD, Hyper Neo Geo 64, Pippen, FM Towns Marty, Saturn, Playstation , CD32, Atari Falcon, Amiga 1200, N64 eventually, probably a fair few I have forgotten and loads of hardware on handheld as well. Really was a battleground for supremacy and a unique period in the industry. Interesting times indeed. I knew nobody that had a 3DO here in the UK though.
Re: Anniversary: It's Been 25 Years Since The Dreamcast's North American "9.9.99" Launch
@Blast16 Far too many in the end. I had a very big collection of Dreamcast games way more than Gamecube or PS2 of that generation by a long distance due to the low cost of the titles on clearance. Plus Dreamcast games and video game prices during Covid really spiked especially in great condition. I saw a set of 10 boxed SNES NTSC USA games go for crazy money 700+ on all of them with titles like R Type 3 and others. There was a lot of extra money floating around and with people trapped in homes looking for stuff to do lots of online activity. Prices seemed to have settled down a little, but overall market has certainly grown and interest plus prices in general have went up.
Re: Mega Man X8 Has Just Got A Free 16-Bit Fan Demake
I only just found out there are Megaman Series Collections 1 and 2 on Switch with X through to X8!
Re: Anniversary: It's Been 25 Years Since The Dreamcast's North American "9.9.99" Launch
@UK_Kev I could not believe the prices around early to Easter 2001 for SEGA stuff. The console itself was only 49.95 if I recall brand new. Yet the prices in Game itself getting rid of their stock as if it was a fire sale were absolutely ridiculous, like a few pounds to 5-10 pounds for every game. Capcom classic after classic, Powerstone 1 and 2 yes please, 3rd Strike for 7.95, how can I say no to that, Code Veronica for 4.95 why not and Gunbird add it on as well! Project Justice, Tech Romancer, Giga Wing, Mars Matrix, Plasma Sword, Cannon Spike and many more Capcom really supported Dreamcast very well as a developer.
Ended up with an extra controller 2 VMUs RGB cable console and like 40 odd games then started going to different stores for new games every week to bolster collection, as everybody just seemed to want to move it quickly as if it was worthless now for some reason.
Never got the fishing controller, lightgun or Samba Maraccas though Really crazy time but great for Dreamcast vultures like me as I ended up calling the people that never supported SEGA from day one, as it was an undiscovered treasure chest of fun. Only wish I had bought multiple copies of everything at those prices now.
Back in early 2000s games were still about 50 at end of N64 era minimum or more on cartridge, and PS2 prices were 40+, just got a Gamecube from States as well at end of 2001, with similar cost for new titles. Older PS1 games were cheaper plus greatest hits as well as Saturn stuff if you could find it, the Amiga was dead and PC games were still relatively expensive so this steady stream of AAA Dreamcast games, paricularly the SEGA output and Arcade conversions were more than welcome...
Re: Anniversary: It's Been 25 Years Since The Dreamcast's North American "9.9.99" Launch
I bought one when it was discounted, just shy of when SEGA pulled out of hardware market officially in early 2001 after receiving a welcome tax rebate and hoovered up every game I could and got all the classics. Rez, Outrigger, Skies of Arcadia, Streetfighter 3rd Strike, Marvel vs Capcom, Alpha 3, Gunbird, Shenmue 1 and 2, Daytona, Soul Calibur, I mean everything at bargain basement prices. So I was one of the people that did not buy in until it was too late. Really a great library of exclusive games on that console.
Liquidated it during Covid when everybody had furlough money and video game prices spiked and must have made in excess of 8-10k on everything from about 400 spent. Best money ever put down in Game of all places and I loved the console in the end with many happy memories plus complimented my Gamecube well. Did not even try out the PS2 until 2005 but never had same connection for me as the Nintendo or Sega consoles of that generation.
With emulation improving monthly so much on handhelds and the ability to recreate 128 bit hardware it was a no brainer in end. I have sneakily looked on ebay to get another console though with pangs of regret, might play Rez HD tonight. 25 years though time flys!
Re: Data East's Gory '90s Brawler 'Night Slashers' Is Getting A Remake Later This Month
Why I have never heard or even seen at any arcade I visited in the 90s this horror themed scrolling gem. Original art style looks great/best and reminds me a little of Beast Busters the Operation Wolf shooter by SNK that had a sequel on the Hyper Neo Geo and a portable Neo Geo.Pocket game I just found out about Dark Arms: Beast Buster. First ever three player Op Wolf clone ever as well apparently the original arcade machine. I am trying to think of other Alien/horror themed scrollers beat em ups from the 90s Splatterhouse obviously, Darkstalkers, Alien Storm, Aliens arcade from Konami there must be many more I am forgetting.
Re: This FIFA 98 And Silent Hill Mash-Up Could Be The First "Survival Horror Football Game"
I would go with "Fearball" short catchy, gets idea over easy and a bit like the classic Speedball!
Re: The Gadget Show's Jason Bradbury Is Making A Film About Retro Gamers Fighting AI
I read the headline thinking/hoping it might be a cool new gameshow ala Cyberzone or Robot Wars presented by none other than Craig Charles cashing in on the AI craze buzz. Film sounds fun yet left with my hopes unfufilled!
Re: Hands On: AYANEO Retro Power Bank - The Cutest Power Bank You'll Ever See
I am confused what does this product actually do? Never heard of a power bank is it like an alternative power source for a console? Okay after some quick research it charges stuff or am I missing the obvious...
Re: Lost PS2 Game Inspired By Michael Mann's Heat Resurfaces 20 Years Later – And You Can Actually Play It
Begs a question many Michael Mann films would make great games actually. Collateral, Thief, Manhunter, Mohicans even The Insider or Ali, The Keep to Public Enemies. I think there was a tie in game for the Miami Vice film which reminds me of Miami Chase by Codemasters from 1990 the game that arrived a full decade nearly before GTA but is totally forgotten about now as the originator of that genre. Please do a feature on this game and the coders Time Extension.
Re: The PS2 Is The First Console To Be Selected For Japan's 'Future Technology Heritage Registry'
The original Famicom surely should have been the first console from Japan inducted into this!
Re: Last Ninja Collection Will Bring The Classic Beat 'Em Up Series To PC & Switch
Definitely will purchase. Just looking through ebay yesterday at Last Ninja Remix editions for 60 each on Amiga. The bonus content on Ninja 4 and IK++ sounds awesome as well. Pixel perfect jumps and infuriation here we come and death by lava nostalgia
Re: Argonaut "Hadn't Completely Understood" How Much You All Love Croc
Remastered Starglider with high def graphics please!
Re: Gallery: The Console Chronicles Is Rather Lovely, If We Do Say So Ourselves
@Moochy I just finished volume 2 of this after reading number 1 decades ago. Starts off strong but is a bit all over the place as the 360 era arrives in second half trying to cover too much ground in terms of years and misses out on some significant stuff as a result I thought.
Loads of books about at the moment both coffee table glossy ones and text heavy ones. Have still to read Britsoft, Japansoft plus 50 Years of the Console by Mike Diver amongst others plus definitely want that Run and Gun one.
Fingers crossed for a glossy coffee table Cinemaware book someday I guess, and if anybody has any Amiga/Computer recommendations or Capcom centric ones speak up!
Might get this one too!
Re: This Is Why You Should Never Store Your Retro Game Collection In A Shed
I keep my boxed cartridge collection in an air tight cupboard with a vacuam seal and variable temperature control plus CCTV cameras mounted strategically for security.
Re: Donkey Kong Country's Developers Are Reuniting For An EGX Panel Later This Year
It makes me a little sad how few titles Rare have released or developed since being bought by Microsoft in 2003. Over 100 games from 1986-2003 across various formats and since then 24 new games in just over twenty years to 2024 with only 12 being on the X Box platforms.
Re: Star Fox Studio Argonaut Is Back, And It's Remastering Croc
Definitely would buy a remastered Starglider game with bells and whistles, plus have a soft spot for King Arthur's World as one of the few mouse driven games on SNES with a fun Medieval theme.
Re: Feature: The Inside Story Behind Grand Theft Auto III's Japanese Release
Thanks I prefer the vibrant diverse Japanese games industry of my youth that seemed genuinely otherworldly in the magazines and games I played from the 80s and 90s than it being absorbed by western influences into free roaming three dimensional games on repeat. The rot for Japan kind of started around the 360/PS3 era in terms of originality as a demarcation point IMO, witness the breadth of genres before then and after, as the Japanese industry consolidated and struggled to adapt it seemed. Good article though.
Re: GameStop Announces Launch Of New "Retro GameStops" Stores
I await to see the quality of their stock and more importantly the pricing. $500 for a beat up old copy of cartridge only Streetfighter 2 on SNES but retro rare vintage what a bargain, seems inherently possible.
Re: An Early Sonic CD Prototype Has Been Ported To Sega Genesis
@KingMike
Heres the blurb from good old wikipedia on the PC versions...
Two versions of Sonic CD were released for Windows: one in 1995 for Pentium processors, and another in 1996 for DirectX. The Pentium version was only bundled with new computers and never sold in stores; Sega worked with Intel to make the game work properly.
The DirectX version was released under the Sega PC label, and it was released in North America on July 8 and in Japan on August 9.This version is mostly identical to the original release, but loading screens were added and it is only compatible with older versions of Windows. Both Windows versions use the North American soundtrack.
The 1996 Windows version was ported to the GameCube and PlayStation 2 in August 2005 for Sonic Gems Collection.This port uses the original soundtrack in Japan and the North American soundtrack elsewhere.The ports introduced some graphical problems, such as a blurry anti-flicker presentation, but the opening animation is presented in a higher quality fullscreen view.
Re: MechWarrior Fans, Take Note - Boomer Shooter 'Mekkablood: Quarry Assault' Is Coming Soon
Cockpit seems smart, looks pretty cool, hopefully comes to Switch at some point soon. Getting 1990s Battletech flashbacks Somerset Strikers and the Clans! Looks like it could be a sequel to the SNES 16 bit games.
Re: Sonic CD Has Been Ported To The Sega Genesis
I keep meaning to play this as well as was harder to emulate in the past for Mega CD. It seems its on many systems these days though one of the Gamecube Sonic Gems collections as well as PS2, plus a 360 and PS3 version from that remastered iOS one and on Sonic Origins collection for pretty much every current system and last gen too, so lots of options these days. Oh and some obscure Direct X PC version that was only bundled with Intel Pentiums in the 90s.
Re: We're Getting (Another) New ZX Spectrum This November
@RetroGames I went to that as well as a pit stop during the Festival and some respite from the crowds but was a little letdown. I recall going to the early 2000s exhibition more than twenty years ago that was much bigger, after it made its first debut elsewhere on leaving London.
There were loads more exhibition sections like the Rockstar area for various games and companies with real museum sections and historical artefacts plus a lot more multiplayer and two player games for people to play together while enjoying the exhibition. It was in a different area of the museum that seemed to take up at least 2 or 3 or 4 times this space.
Many more quirky or leftfield games as well to enjoy as a result. The arcade section was the best I thought with the likes of Missle Command, Tron, Virtua Fighter and others. Never got a go on the Daytona 2 machine as too busy though!
Re: SNES Fighter Rushing Beat Is Getting A New Entry, 'Rushing Beat X: Return Of Brawl Brothers'
I was only joking when I mentioned Brawl Brothers the other day in the Eternal Champions movie announcement article. Funny world!
Final Fight 4 next please!
Re: After 40 Years In The Industry, Elite Systems Launches "eBay For Game IP"
News to me that Elite still exist as an entity. Who else is still around from the 80s and 90s home computer and console scene ready to pounce?
Re: Homebrew Tool 'NESMaker' Changes Name, Announces SNES Development Is Coming
Finally I can make my 16 bit masterpiece sequel to Contra III, Axelay, Space Megaforce, and start working on my arcade perfect port of Carrier Airwing with extra missions and stages just like Area 88/UN Squadron on the SNES. Then get Capcom to sponser me as I plan the end to the trilogy with yet unamed final secret game project!
Re: Zelda Movie Screenwriter Is Working On A Live-Action Eternal Champions Film
Cannot wait for the new wave of 2D fighters from the 1990s to be adapted to celluloid what with this and the next Streetfighter movie on the horizon. Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, Word Heroes, Virtua Fighter, Doomsday Warrior, Brawl Brothers, Darkstalkers, Soul Calibur, Bloody Roar, Killer Instinct, Samurai Shodown, Primal Rage, Clayfighters and beyond. The Dead or Alive movie with Holly Valance, Kevin Nash and Eric Roberts is a total classic!
Re: Interview: "Our Goal Was To Preserve The Original Pixel Art" - X-Out Resurfaced Dev On Remaking The Amiga Classic
Excitement level 10! Thanks for interview. Hope more Amiga games get the upgrade treatment like Supercars, Heimdall and many others. Loads of Pysgnosis games would be brilliant in HD, SONY should really do something with all that IP laying around doing nothing. Plus maybe even resurrect old forgotten strategy games like Supremacy, Millenium 2.2 and even the classic Deuteros!
Re: Man Sets Record For Most Gaming Consoles Connected To A Single TV
How can one man with so many systems be so wrong the answer is of course Super Nintendo! Impressive setup though! Must be a nightmare to reorganise!
Re: Game Informer Staff Tweet "Genuine Goodbye" Before Account Gets Deleted By GameStop
Fairly sad state of affairs. Was never a reader as more American centric but with the number of print magazines dwindling to probably single digits soon, if not there already. Who will be the last one standing? Such a contrast to the 80s 90s and even early 2000s in terms of choice. There is something still genuinely authentic about holding a magazine in your hand than an online website. Was pleasantly surprised to discover Amiga Addict recently for first time in the newsagents even though it has been going for nearly three years!
Re: "If Bach Wrote Video Game Music, It Would Be Castlevania"
Every musical track on Super Castlevania IV is engrained into my mind. I even used the intro music with the headstone to scare the neighbours with one Halloween night playing in the background on a spooky October in the early 90s recorded professionally onto a cassette tape! Really added to the atmosphere of that title back in the 16 bit days.
As for Castlevania prices crazy money some of them, appreciate more than gold, just like Lego and most Nintendo plus Square Enix games. Saw a mint Symphony of the Night with Art cards go for wild money recently. Must be one of, if not the most consistent series for appreciation from initial retail value.
Re: ININ Games Seems To Be Teasing Something 'X-Out' Related
Oh wow I am super excited about this so much so just registered to comment. X Out is a great horizontal scroller with loads of customization. Z Out is even better as a straight R Type Amiga flavoured original and a killer piano musical intro.