Category Archives: Modern Retro Games

MSX2 RPG Burai Joukan Heads to Switch in Japan This Summer

Retro gaming fans in Japan will soon get their hands on a revived classic. Burai Joukan, a turn-based RPG originally released on the MSX2, is making its way to the Nintendo Switch in early summer 2025. The game, developed by Riverhillsoft and first released in 1989, is a lesser-known but visually striking RPG with a deep story rooted in Eastern mythology was announced here.

The original

This marks yet another MSX2 title finding new life on modern hardware. While Burai Joukan was later ported to platforms like the PC-98 and Sega CD, the original MSX2 version is remembered for its detailed pixel art and ambitious storytelling. The game follows a group of warriors known as the “Eight Heroes” as they battle against an evil force seeking to disrupt the balance of the world. Its combat system is a blend of strategic, turn-based mechanics with a focus on character-driven progression.

Credit: At Press Japan

While details on the Switch version remain limited, it’s expected to retain the original game’s visuals and gameplay while potentially incorporating quality-of-life improvements. Given the recent trend of MSX2 titles being re-released with modernized features such as save states and enhanced menus, Burai Joukan could receive similar treatment.

For fans of Japanese retro RPGs, this re-release is an opportunity to experience a title that never saw an official Western release. Whether this signals more MSX2 classics making the jump to Switch remains to be seen, but it’s a promising sign for enthusiasts of classic Japanese RPGs.

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PlayStation Strikes Down Bloodborne PSX Demake, But Nightmare Kart Races On

As reported yesterday, PlayStation has issued a DMCA takedown against the beloved Bloodborne PSX demake, forcing its complete removal from Itch.io and other platforms. The project, a passion-driven recreation of Bloodborne in the style of a PlayStation 1-era game, has built a devoted following since its release in early 2022. Fans of the demake praised its authentic retro aesthetic and faithful reinterpretation of Bloodborne’s opening sections.

Credit: Itch.io

The takedown, however, does not affect developer Lilith Walther’s other project, Nightmare Kart, a gothic racing game that began as an April Fools’ joke but evolved into a standalone title. Originally conceived as a Bloodborne Kart fangame, Nightmare Kart has since transformed to distance itself from Sony’s intellectual property, with original character designs and worldbuilding.

Credit: b0tster

Walther confirmed that development on Nightmare Kart continues, and the game will receive a DLC expansion, despite the legal roadblock on Bloodborne PSX. This news comes as a disappointment to fans who had hoped Sony might embrace the Bloodborne demake, particularly in the absence of an official PC or PS5 remaster of the game.

While Sony’s crackdown is unsurprising given its IP protection stance, it does little to alleviate the ongoing frustration among Bloodborne fans who have been clamouring for a modern re-release. For now, Nightmare Kart lives on, ensuring that the spirit of Walther’s work isn’t entirely lost.

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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Demo Now Available on Switch

Nintendo has released a demo for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Nintendo Switch via the eShop. The full game, which launched on January 16, 2025, is a high-definition update of the original Wii title, featuring enhanced visuals and additional content.

Credit: Nintendo.com

In this adventure, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong set out to reclaim their stolen banana hoard from the mischievous Tiki Tak Tribe. Players can navigate through 80 levels across nine diverse worlds, including content from the Nintendo 3DS version. The game offers both solo and two-player local cooperative modes, allowing friends to team up and tackle challenges together.

The gameplay involves classic platforming elements such as stomping enemies, blasting through barrels, and riding vehicles like mine carts and rockets. Players can also ride Rambi the Rhino to smash through obstacles. The game introduces various moves, including the Ground Pound, Roll, Blow, and Grab and Cling, to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.

Credit: Nintendo

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the game offers an option to reduce difficulty, providing extra hearts and other aids to make the journey smoother. This feature makes the game accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that both newcomers and veterans can enjoy the adventure.

Since its release, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has seen significant success, with over 107,000 retail copies sold in Japan during its opening week.

For those interested in trying out the game before purchasing, the demo provides a glimpse into the vibrant world of Donkey Kong and the challenges that await. It’s a great opportunity to experience the enhanced graphics and refined gameplay that this HD version offers.

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Cronela’s Mansion: A Retro Revival on Kickstarter NOW!

We have talked about Cronela’s Mansion before, and we are pleased to say that it is now live on Kickstarter, bringing a fresh yet nostalgic take on the genre. Developed by Straynus, this new title pays tribute to classics like Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island, promising a blend of humour, mystery, and intricate puzzles.

Credit: Kickstarter

What makes Cronela’s Mansion stand out is its dedication to retro gaming. Unlike most modern indie projects, this game is designed for multiple classic platforms, including the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and even PC and Nintendo Switch. The developer has gone the extra mile, ensuring each version is optimized for its respective system, with unique sprite work and adaptations.

Credit: Kickstarter

Set in a mysterious mansion filled with odd characters, supernatural occurrences, and plenty of puzzles, Cronela’s Mansion embraces the quirky, narrative-driven spirit of its inspirations. The game has already been showcased at MAGFest 2025, where it won Best Sound Design, further cementing its potential.

Credit: Kickstarter

The Kickstarter campaign is ambitious, with a funding goal of £103,966. As of now, the project has raised over £46,000 with 27 days remaining. Backers can choose from various editions, including digital copies, physical cartridges, collector’s items, and even a behind-the-scenes art book. Demos for multiple platforms are available, allowing players to get an early taste of what’s in store.

If you’re a fan of classic LucasArts-style adventure games or just love the idea of a new title built for retro hardware, Cronela’s Mansion is a campaign worth backing. The project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by March 6, 2025. You can check it out and support the game on Kickstarter.

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Flea 2 Brings More Retro Platforming Madness to the Dreamcast and NES

Indie developer Lowtek Games is back with Flea 2, a sequel to their 2020 retro platformer, bringing even more flea-jumping action to the Dreamcast and NES. Continuing the adventures of Henry the flea, this installment introduces new mechanics, levels, and characters while keeping the challenging, fast-paced gameplay intact.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Flea 2 offers tight, responsive controls and a unique jumping mechanic where Henry bounces uncontrollably, requiring precise timing to navigate obstacles and enemies. This time around, the game features a branching level system, allowing players to explore different paths as they collect blood packs and avoid deadly hazards.

Credit: Steam

The game is being developed for both the NES and Dreamcast, with physical copies available for collectors. NES cartridges are being made in limited batches, while Dreamcast editions come with a full-colour manual and case, embracing the spirit of classic releases.

Reviews from early players highlight Flea 2’s quirky pixel-art style, catchy chiptune soundtrack, and satisfying difficulty curve. The game maintains the retro aesthetic while introducing quality-of-life improvements, including optional paths for less experienced players.

Credit: Steam

Flea 2 is currently available on Steam as well, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond the original hardware. For fans of NES-style platformers and those who appreciate the thriving homebrew scene, this is one to watch.

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Doomlings: A Dark Twist on Lemmings for the MSX

In a nostalgic twist for MSX enthusiasts, developer Totta has unveiled “Doomlings,” a game that flips the classic “Lemmings” concept on its head. Unlike the original, where players aimed to guide the creatures to safety, “Doomlings” challenges you to eliminate as many of these determined beings as possible in each level.

Credit: Indie Retro News

The game introduces a unique mechanic: while traditional Lemmings mindlessly march into danger, Doomlings actively strive to reach the exit, adding a layer of complexity to your task. Equipped with a variety of tools that change with each level, players must interact with the environment to ensure the Doomlings meet their demise. As the game progresses, levels become more intricate, demanding quick thinking and strategic planning.

“Doomlings” is part of the MSXdev competition, celebrating the enduring appeal of the MSX platform. For those eager to experience this darkly humorous puzzle challenge, the game is available for download on the MSXdev website.

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The Sims Nostalgia Ramps Up With a Y2K-Themed Website

As previously reported – Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the re-release of The Sims and The Sims 2 for Windows 10 and 11 PCs, scheduled for January 31, 2025. This move comes as part of the franchise’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, rekindling fond memories for longtime fans.

To amplify the nostalgia, EA launched a Y2K-themed website, www.the-sims-y2k.com, reminiscent of the internet’s early days. The site features playful elements like “Sim Urself,” allowing users to create retro-style selfies with iconic Simsimagery, and the “Meme Jacuzzi,” offering a collection of Sims-inspired memes. The design, complete with Comic Sans font and vintage graphics, captures the style of the era.

Credit: Sims Y2K Meme Jacuzzi

The re-releases will include numerous expansion packs. For The Sims, this encompasses expansions such as Livin’ LargeHouse Party, and Hot DateThe Sims 2 re-release will feature eight expansion packs and nine stuff packs, providing a comprehensive experience for players.  

These re-releases not only offer a trip down memory lane but also provide an opportunity for a new generation to experience the charm/chaos of the original Sims games.

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Dream Ride: A New Micro Machines-Style Party Racer for the Dreamcast

The Sega Dreamcast continues to defy time, with a steady flow of new indie releases keeping the console alive. The latest addition is Dream Ride, an arcade-style party racer inspired by the classic Micro Machines series. Developed by Dream Quest Games, the title promises fast-paced, top-down multiplayer racing with chaotic twists.

“Dream Ride” supports single-player and multiplayer modes, accommodating up to four human players and eight CPU opponents. The game includes eight unique cars, each with distinct handling and speed, and features four different game modes.

Credit: Itch IO / Ginger Beard Man

The gameplay in “Dream Ride” emphasizes momentum and drift, requiring players to adapt to each vehicle’s characteristics. Power-ups such as magnets, ghosts, shields, and speed boosts are integral, with hazards like oil slicks and thunderbolts adding strategic depth.

The game runs at a consistent 60 frames per second, with dynamic sound effects and CD audio music. It also includes a cheat system for additional gameplay options. “Dream Ride” is playable on both original Dreamcast hardware and emulators, and is also compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android platforms. It can be downloaded from gingerbeardman’s itch.io page under a “name-your-own-price” model.

The release of “Dream Ride” follows the trend of indie games revitalizing the Dreamcast, with titles like “Xeno Crisis”, “Intrepid Izzy”, and “Rush Rush Rally Reloaded” also contributing to the console’s ongoing legacy.

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Songbird Productions Revives Classic Atari Jaguar Titles with Stunning Reprints

The Atari Jaguar is getting a well-deserved shot of nostalgia, thanks to Songbird Productions. The company has announced reprints of iconic Jaguar titles, giving retro gaming enthusiasts the chance to own pristine, authentic versions of some of the rarest and most beloved games from the ’90s.

Atari Karts: Racing Back to the Past

Leading the charge is Atari Karts, making a triumphant return at $89.95. This limited-edition reprint brings back the 1995 classic in all its glory, featuring Bentley Bear and a cast of quirky racers. Licensed directly from Atari, this version includes a brand-new box, a meticulously crafted cartridge, and a full-colour 16-page manual—just like the original release.

Credit: Songbird

The production run is set at 250 copies, split across two phases in February and April, with pre-orders opening Thursday 30th January. However, if demand surges, Songbird Productions is open to expanding the run, ensuring fans don’t miss out on reliving this underrated karting gem.

SpideX & Wormhole 2000: Classic Arcade Shooters Reimagined

Accompanying Atari Karts are SpideX and Wormhole 2000, two intense arcade shooters priced at $79.95 each. These aren’t just simple reprints—they come with stunning, all-new box art, reflecting Songbird’s dedication to enhancing the Jaguar experience. Now fully owned by Songbird, both titles are receiving the premium treatment, making them must-haves for collectors.

Each package includes a fresh box, cartridge, and an 8-page full-colour manual. The initial run is limited to just 50 copies in February, but as with Atari Karts, a larger release could follow if demand proves high.

Check out their website and X account for more Atari products and stay tuned for more products.

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The Thing: Remastered Becomes Nightdive Studios’ Fastest-Selling Title

Nightdive Studios’ recent release, The Thing: Remastered, has quickly become the developer’s fastest-selling game to date. According to Atari’s 2024 end-of-year business report, the remastered title was “well-received by critics and players alike,” achieving unprecedented launch sales across all digital PC and console platforms. The remake has reasonable reviews, getting a mixed score of 69 on Metacritic.

Originally launched in 2002, The Thing served as a direct sequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 film, offering a third-person survival horror experience that resonated with players. The game sold over a million units during its initial run, cementing its place as a standout horror title of its era. 

The remastered version, released on December 5, 2024, brings the classic back with enhanced graphics and updated gameplay mechanics, aiming to captivate both returning fans and newcomers. While specific sales figures for the remaster haven’t been disclosed, its rapid success suggests a strong market appetite for revitalised classic horror games.

This achievement not only highlights the enduring appeal of The Thing but also underscores Nightdive Studios’ expertise in delivering quality remasters that honor the original while appealing to modern gamers.

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