PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog for October 2024

PlayStation has announced the selection of nostalgic titles that will be included in their PlayStation Plus Classics catalog for October 2024. Here are two key additions:

• Dino Crisis (PS1): A survival horror game developed by Capcom, featuring a government spy team navigating an island overrun with dinosaurs. The game has been enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
• Siren (PS2): This horror title immerses players in the eerie village of Hanuda, offering improved graphics and features like rewind and quick save for a modern experience.

Which game from the catalog do you think will be most popular?

A new racing game, Vroom, is in the works for the Game Boy Color. It features a “pseudo 3D” style that borrows heavily from classic Top Gear series games.

• The development team has been working on improving UI elements such as countdowns and adding progress indicators.
• They've also incorporated unique visual effects like scan lines and palette cycling for added immersion.
• By leveraging pseudo-3D techniques, they're aiming to maximize the graphical capabilities of the Game Boy Color.

Have you been itching for a successor to the Top Gear series?

MicroProse: A Company With a Long History in Gaming, Releasing 'Cleared Hot'

MicroProse is set to release a new game called Cleared Hot, which draws inspiration from the classic Desert Strike series. This new heli-shooter aims to bring nostalgia while incorporating modern gameplay mechanics.

Key Points:

• Publisher: MicroProse, recognized for its rich history in gaming.
• Title: Cleared Hot (Inspired by Desert Strike)
• Genre: Helicopter shooter
• Developer: Cfinger Games
• Features:

• Dynamic physics
• Tactical gameplay
• Rope and magnet system to interact with the environment
• Day and night missions in three unique biomes: Desert, Jungle, Arctic

Single-Player Campaign

Cleared Hot offers a rich single-player campaign with customizable helicopters and a mission set across various environments. Engage with different types of enemy vehicles like tanks, boats, fighter jets.

The game aims to fill the void left by the Desert Strike series, which hasn't had a new entry in over 27 years. It combines exciting physics-driven action with strategic gameplay, delivering a fresh and familiar experience for fans of the genre.

Do you think Cleared Hot might become the next iconic helicopter shooter in the gaming world?

Tetris Forever Compilation: A Retro Gaming Celebration

Overview of the 40th Anniversary Edition: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of the most iconic puzzle games, Tetris. The Tetris Forever Compilation will include a diverse selection of classic Tetris titles, offering fans an extensive look at the series' evolution over the decades.

Confirmed Games in the Collection:

• Tetris (1984) Originally released by Alexey Pajitnov on the Electronika 60.
• Tetris (48K Version, 1988) Released by Spectrum Holobyte on the Apple II.
• Tetris (1988) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the Famicom.
• Hatris (1990) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the Famicom.
• Tetris 2 + Bombliss (1990) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the Famicom.
• Hatris (1991) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the Game Boy.
• Hatris (1992) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the NES.
• Super Bombliss (1995) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the Game Boy.
• Super Bombliss DX (1998) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the Game Boy.
• Super Tetris 2 + Bombliss (1992) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the Super Famicom.
• Tetris Battle Gaiden (1993) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the Super Famicom.
• Super Tetris 2 + Bombliss Genteiban (1993) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the Super Famicom.
• Super Tetris 3 (1994) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the Super Famicom.
• Super Bombliss (1995) Released by Bullet-Proof Software on the Super Famicom.
• Tetris Time Warp (2024) A new game mode that allows players to experience various eras of Tetris gameplay, dynamically changing visuals and mechanics in real-time.

Additional Features:

• A comprehensive documentary exploring the history and impact of Tetris.
• Availability across multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC later in 2024.

Which Tetris game was the source of your addiction?

Australian retro magazine, Forgotten Worlds, is looking to crowdfund the publication of its fourth issue. This special edition will delve into the nostalgic world of printed gaming magazines from the past.

• Date of crowdfunding: Now
• Size and content: 100-page A5 magazine featuring interviews with notable figures like Rich Leadbetter, Dan Hsu, Jazz Rignall, and Will Overton. Also includes articles on classic magazines such as Super Play, Game Pro, Compute! and Hyper.
• Backing options: Standard edition or exclusive limited run including collectable postcards handwritten by the editor.
• Expected release date: November 2024

The magazine is looking to document the vibrant and impactful era of printed gaming magazines.

What was your favourite gaming or computing print magazine?

Overview

The classic game Backyard Baseball '97 is now available on Steam. The game was originally released on CD-ROM and lost when the source code vanished, but through a remarkable collaboration between Playground Productions and Mega Cat Studios, it has been revived.

Key Details

• Release Date: October 10th, 2024
• Cost: £8.50 (or £7.65 as part of an introductory offer)
• Features: Steam Deck verification, Steam achievements, and global leaderboards

Future Reissues

Additional Backyard Sports games are also in the works:

• Backyard Soccer '98
• Backyard Football '99
• Backyard Basketball '01
• Backyard Baseball '01
• Backyard Hockey '02

How impressed are you that Playground Productions and Mega Cat Studios were able to accomplish this without access to the source code?

Ratalaika Games is bringing a new action platformer called Massi, which is set to hit Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox on the 10th of October. This budget-priced ($5) game is filled with nostalgia for fans of classic retro games.

• Inspiration: Massi draws inspiration from the classic Sega series Wonder Boy, along with elements from Strider and other classic 16-bit platformers, showcasing a mix of pixel art and modern mechanics.

• Gameplay: The game centers on Massi’s journey to reclaim his former kingdom. Along the way, players will learn new skills, face bosses, find equipment, and solve puzzles reminiscent of traditional retro gameplay.

• Mix of Old and New: Combining classic platforming with modern mechanics like stealth and roll manoeuvres keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Key Highlights:

• Release Date: October 10th, 2024
• Platforms: Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
• Price: $5

Fans of retro gaming will appreciate Massi’s homage to classic games while introducing new elements that cater to modern audiences.

What do you think about this blend of nostalgia and innovation?

One of the big disconnects between physical gaming and emulation is the removal of a tactile experience that many older players hold dear. Recent attempts to bridge this gap, such as the TapTo NFC system, have introduced methods like NFC cards to launch games on MiSTer FPGA.

However, MiSTer FPGA's community has now seen an even more immersive approach: using CDs. Wizzo, one of the creators behind TapTo, recently suggested and demonstrated a new evolution—using external CD drives to boot games rather than NFC.

"It feels super legit with the disc spinning up and everything!"

• Wizzo

Key points:

• MiSTer FPGA is exploring innovative ways to create an authentic gaming experience, reminiscent of the '90s when CDs were the norm.
• The proposed method involves placing a simple executable on the CD that tells the system which ROM in its internal memory to open.

Do you miss CDs enough to buy an external CD drive for your MiSTer FPGA?

According to handheld leaker NNITRX, potentially leaked design patents from ANBERNIC could point towards a new device in the pipeline, possibly called the "RG406P".

• The leak comes from NNITRX, known for sharing patents about retro and portable gaming technology.
• The name appears to reference a potential 4-inch display (40) made of plastic (P), although this is speculative as no official confirmation has been given.
• Key differences in the design suggest a broader, more rectangular form-factor similar to older ANBERNIC models like the RG351P, with updated signature LED joysticks and an unusual D-pad layout under the analog sticks.

ANBERNIC's reputation for cutting corners has led to devices of questionable quality. With new designs like the RG406P potentially emerging, questions remain as to whether this model will come to fruition or be left in development.

What do you think about ANBERNIC resurrecting a design with a more traditional form-factor?

Rumours of God of War Game Remasters Surface

The latest whispers in the gaming community suggest that Sony may be planning a grand remaster collection for some classic God of War titles. According to insider reports, the project is expected to focus on a collection of remastered entries from the Greek mythology era.

• Games Involved: God of War, God of War II, God of War III, Chains of Olympus, Ghost of Sparta, and Ascension.
• Plan: The rumours indicate that this collection may be announced in March 2025 to coincide with the franchise’s 20th anniversary celebration.
• Developer: Nixxes is reportedly handling the remastering tasks, known for their expertise in such projects.

While these rumours have gained considerable traction among fans, it's important to note that they remain unconfirmed by Sony or Santa Monica Studio.

Does Kratos need a remaster?

NES Platformer 'Christmas Crisis 2' Announced

• Developer: German Garage Games
• Platform: NES

German developers have once again captured the festive spirit with a new NES platformer, Christmas Crisis 2, set to release early next year. This follow-up to 'Christmas Crisis' aims not only to entertain but also to bring physical cartridges back in style.

Key Features:

• Fully completed and looking for funding to convert ROM into physical NES cartridges
• Crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter
• Three pre-order options available: digital ROM, standard physical, and exclusive Kickstarter edition with limited artwork and special items.

Timing:

Deliveries expected in December 2024. Perfect for making a retro Christmas gift!

Have you played the first Christmas Crisis?

A leaked patent indicates that Anbernic may be planning a dual-screen device. Nothing has been confirmed by Anbernic, so take it with a pinch of salt. It may come to nothing.

Key Points:

• The device features a 960 x 720 display that can be slid up, revealing a smaller 640 x 480 display underneath.
• It's designed for dual-screen gaming and could also serve as a dashboard to show performance settings.
• Unique components include removable sections with interchangeable analogue sticks and potentially start/select buttons.

Implications:

• This represents a significant departure from Anbernic’s usual product releases, focusing on innovation rather than quantity.
• Complex designs introduce challenges, particularly regarding build quality and UI considerations across two screens.

What do you think about this potential new device? Does it make Anbernic seem more promising as a brand?