Raph Koster, renowned for his work on Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies, has unveiled his latest venture: Stars Reach. This ambitious MMORPG aims to revitalise the genre by offering a vast, persistent galaxy where players can explore, craft, and shape the universe around them.
Credit: Raph Coster
A Living Galaxy Awaits
In Stars Reach, no two planets are alike. The game boasts a fully modifiable environment, allowing players to make lasting changes—from chopping down trees to constructing buildings—that impact the world in meaningful ways. This level of interactivity harks back to the immersive experiences of Koster’s earlier projects, promising a dynamic sandbox for players to inhabit.
Community-Driven Development
After five years of development under Koster’s studio, Playable Worlds, Stars Reach is nearing completion. To navigate the challenging landscape of game investment, the team plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign, inviting the gaming community to participate in bringing this project to fruition. Koster notes that the game has already garnered positive feedback from early testers, reminiscent of the acclaim received during his tenure on Ultima Online.
Get Involved
While the Kickstarter campaign is set to commence in about a month, enthusiasts can sign up for notifications to stay informed about its progress. This initiative not only seeks funding but also aims to build a community around Stars Reach, fostering a collaborative spirit akin to the game’s own emphasis on player-driven content.
For more details, visit the official announcement.
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In the ever-evolving world of Super Mario 64 discoveries, a dedicated player has unearthed a peculiar glitch involving a log, a cliff, and an extraordinary amount of patience. By executing a precise 34-frame loop repeatedly—approximately 2.8 million times over 36 days—the player managed to make a log drift through a cliff. As of now, this glitch has no known practical application in gameplay or speedrunning.
The Discovery
The glitch was identified by a member of the Super Mario 64 community, showcasing the game’s complex mechanics and the dedication of its fanbase. The process involves meticulous timing and repetition, highlighting the intricate possibilities within the game’s physics engine.
Due to floating point imprecision, the rolling log in Tall, Tall Mountain in Super Mario 64 can be very slowly manipulated to go sideways through the cliff. It takes 36 days of nonstop manipulation to reach the limit of how far it can go. This has no currently known purpose.
While the glitch doesn’t currently offer advantages for speedrunners, it adds to the collective understanding of Super Mario 64’s inner workings. The community often explores such anomalies to find potential time-saving strategies or to gain deeper insights into the game’s design.
A Testament to Community Dedication
This discovery underscores the enduring passion and curiosity of the Super Mario 64 community. Even decades after its release, players continue to explore and uncover new aspects of the game, contributing to its lasting legacy in the gaming world.
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In a recent interview with the team at Time Extension, hardware innovator Taki Udon unveiled his latest project: an FPGA-based console inspired by Sony’s original PlayStation. This initiative aims to make FPGA gaming more accessible by eliminating common entry barriers.
Credit: @TakiUdon_
Key Features of the FPGA PS1:
• Comprehensive Compatibility: The console supports original PS1 controllers and memory cards, ensuring an authentic gaming experience. An optional add-on allows users to play original PS1 discs, enhancing its versatility.
• Integrated Connectivity: Unlike traditional setups requiring multiple dongles, this console offers built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and various analogue video outputs, streamlining the user experience.
• Affordable Entry Point: Continuing his mission to democratise FPGA gaming, Udon has priced the console starting at $149, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Udon’s previous venture, the MiSTer Pi, significantly reduced the cost of FPGA gaming, and this new project builds upon that success. By focusing on user-friendly design and affordability, Udon hopes to attract both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the FPGA community.
For a comprehensive understanding of Taki Udon’s vision and the development journey of the FPGA PS1, you can read the full interview here.
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GOG, a prominent European digital game distribution platform, has become a member of the European Federation of Game Archives, Museums, and Preservation Projects (EFGAMP). This coalition, established in 2012, is dedicated to preserving video games as cultural heritage.
Credit: GoG
EFGAMP comprises over 20 heritage institutions, including VIGAMUS in Rome, MO5.COM in France, and the Computerspielemuseum in Berlin. GOG’s inclusion marks the first Polish institution to join, bridging the private sector with cultural organizations across Europe.
Maciej Gołębiewski, Managing Director at GOG, stated, “GOG was created with video game preservation in mind.” He highlighted the GOG Preservation Program, launched in 2024, which ensures compatibility for over 100 classic games, delivering hundreds of enhancements to keep them accessible on modern systems.
Andreas Lange, COO of EFGAMP, welcomed GOG’s membership, noting that GOG’s experience in making classic games accessible complements the work of existing members and brings additional digital expertise to collective preservation efforts.
GOG’s collaboration with EFGAMP underscores the growing importance of preserving digital media. As concerns about the disappearance of digital content increase, initiatives like this play a crucial role in maintaining access to the titles that have shaped the gaming medium.
By joining EFGAMP, GOG reinforces its dedication to protecting gaming’s cultural legacy, ensuring that players worldwide can continue to enjoy classic games for years to come.
For more information, visit the official announcement.
NF Publishing, LLC has launched a Kickstarter campaign for an officially licensed, fully hand-illustrated guide to the original Mega Man game – and it got funded in 12 minutes.
Credit: Kickstarter / Capcom
Campaign Highlights:
• Official Licensing: This guide is officially licensed by Capcom, ensuring authenticity and quality.
• Hand-Drawn Illustrations: Every page is meticulously hand-illustrated, capturing the essence of the original game.
Credit: KickStarter
• Comprehensive Coverage: The guide offers detailed walkthroughs, enemy profiles, boss strategies, and more, making it an invaluable resource for both newcomers and seasoned players.
• Collector’s Item: With its unique artistic approach, this guide serves as both a functional manual and a collectable piece of art.
Supporting the Project:
Backers can choose from various pledge levels, each offering different rewards, including digital copies, physical books, and exclusive merchandise. The campaign aims to raise funds to cover production costs, ensuring that the final product meets the highest standards.
Why It Matters:
In an era dominated by digital media, this hand-drawn guide offers a tangible connection to the classic gaming experience. It celebrates the artistry and challenge of the original Mega Man, providing fans with a nostalgic journey back to the game’s roots.
For more details and to support the project, visit the Kickstarter page.
Retro-Bit Publishing, in collaboration with City Connection, has announced the revival of “P-47 II: The Freedom Star,” an unreleased shoot ’em-up game originally developed by Jaleco for the Sega Mega Drive in the early 1990s. After 35 years, this title is now available for pre-order as “P-47 II MD.”
“P-47 II MD” is a horizontal scrolling shooter that serves as a sequel to Jaleco’s arcade hit “P-47: The Phantom Fighter.” The game retains the classic shoot ’em up mechanics, challenging players to navigate through enemy-infested skies, dodging bullets and unleashing powerful attacks. The revival aims to deliver an authentic retro gaming experience, preserving the original gameplay while ensuring compatibility with modern hardware.
The physical release is priced at $54.99 USD (€69.99 EUR) and includes:
• Clear Black Cartridge: Paying tribute to the original arcade game, the cartridge features a clear black shell, allowing visibility of the red circuit board within.
• Reversible Inlay Artwork: The game case includes reversible cover art, showcasing Tankro Kato’s artwork on one side and the P-47 aircraft’s tail design on the other.
• Full-Color Instruction Manual: A comprehensive manual providing game setup instructions and background information.
• Individually Numbered Slipcover: Each copy comes with a protective slipcover featuring the main artwork and gameplay screenshots.
• 8cm Mini CD Soundtrack: A first for Retro-Bit, this release includes a mini CD featuring the original game’s soundtrack, allowing fans to enjoy the game’s music outside of gameplay.
Credit: retro-bit
Pre-orders are open from January 14 through February 16, 2025, with the game available through various retailers in North America and Europe. Given the limited nature of this release, enthusiasts and collectors are encouraged to secure their copies within the pre-order window.
Credit: retro-bit
For more information and to place a pre-order, visit Retro-Bit Publishing’s official website.
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“Annihilator” is a new top-down shooter developed by SALT & PIXEL for the Game Boy Color. In this game, players control Shinryu, an ex-marine and activist who awakens from a robotic slumber seeking revenge against the corporation CRUSH, which has taken his family, life, and body.
Credit: SaltAndPixel / Itch
The game features:
• Gameplay Modes: Three difficulty levels—Easy, Normal, and Hard—each offering a unique challenge.
• Controls: Simple controls with shooting, dodging, and item usage, optimized for the Game Boy Color.
• Cutscenes: Optional cutscenes that can be toggled on or off.
“Annihilator” is available for purchase at $10.00 USD, with a demo version also accessible for those who wish to try the game before buying.
For the latest updates and to join the community, players can visit the developer’s page.
It was a crisp autumn afternoon on October 22, 1989, when Nick Thiemann and his son Clark embarked on a trip to the local Child World toy store in Westport, Connecticut. Clark, a determined young boy with a passion for gaming, had been diligently saving money by collecting soda cans and bottles at a nearby athletic field. Finally, his efforts paid off, and he was ready to purchase a new game for his beloved Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Little did they know, their shopping trip would mark the beginning of a legal battle that would capture headlines and raise questions about consumer rights and video game marketing.
A Disappointing Discovery
At the store, Clark excitedly chose LJN’s Major League Baseball, a title boasting the distinction of being the first NES game with an official MLB license. Retailing for $39.99, it promised to bring the excitement of professional baseball into the living room. But as soon as they got home, Clark’s enthusiasm gave way to disappointment.
Despite the game’s MLB license, it lacked an essential feature: player names. Due to the absence of a license from the MLB Players’ Association, the game used only team names, stats, and uniform numbers. For a young fan eager to manage his favourite players, this omission was a dealbreaker.
“This isn’t what I thought it was,” Clark complained to his father. Sympathetic to his son’s plight, Nick attempted to return the game. Unfortunately, the store refused, citing a strict policy against refunds for opened items. They could only exchange it if the cartridge was defective—a situation that left Nick and Clark feeling duped.
Taking Nintendo to Court
Nick Thiemann wasn’t just a disappointed parent; he was a lawyer. Frustrated by what he saw as deceptive marketing, he decided to take action. On January 16, 1990, Nick and Clark filed a class-action lawsuit against Nintendo of America, LJN, and Major League Baseball. Their claim? The game’s packaging violated the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act by misleading consumers.
The lawsuit demanded punitive damages, attorney fees, a $40 refund, and changes to the game’s packaging to prevent further confusion. It also sought to allow other dissatisfied buyers to join the case.
The story quickly attracted media attention. While some outlets found humour in the situation, others saw it as an important stand for consumer rights.
Nintendo’s Defence and the Court’s Decision
Nintendo responded with a motion to dismiss, arguing that the claims failed to demonstrate a legal basis for action. Their defence highlighted that the game never explicitly promised player names and that its rosters were accurate at the time of development in 1987. The phrase “simulate being a manager,” they argued, did not legally require the inclusion of player names.
On December 28, 1990, Judge Ellen Burns sided with Nintendo, dismissing the case. While the Thiemanns appealed, they eventually withdrew, marking a definitive victory for the gaming giant.
The Legacy of the Case
Despite its flaws, LJN’s Major League Baseball went on to sell over a million copies. The Thiemanns’ lawsuit, though unsuccessful, set a precedent for questioning marketing practices in the gaming industry.
Nintendo, for its part, would face other legal challenges in the years that followed, from claims of carpal tunnel syndrome to allegations that its games caused seizures. These cases highlighted the growing pains of an industry grappling with consumer expectations and product liability.
A Glimpse into Gaming History
Looking back, the Thiemann lawsuit serves as a fascinating snapshot of an era when gaming was still finding its footing. It also reminds us of the passion and loyalty that fans bring to the hobby—passion strong enough to inspire a 9-year-old to fight back.
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Nintendo has been at the forefront of the gaming industry for decades, crafting worlds and characters that have captured the imaginations of millions. But when it comes to sales, which franchises reign supreme? Let’s dive into the top 10 best-selling Nintendo franchises and uncover some lesser-known facts about these beloved series.
10. Brain Age (35.51 Million Copies Sold)
Who said video games couldn’t be educational? Brain Age was designed to stimulate players’ minds through puzzles and memory exercises. Its success demonstrated the broad appeal of the Nintendo DS and the power of games to engage older audiences.
Did You Know? The game’s concept was inspired by the work of Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, who believed daily mental exercises could keep the brain sharp. The in-game character of Dr. Kawashima is modeled after him.
9. Game & Watch (43.40 Million Copies Sold)
The Game & Watch series laid the groundwork for Nintendo’s handheld dominance. These simple, LCD-screen games were revolutionary in the early 1980s, paving the way for the Game Boy.
Did You Know? The designer of Game & Watch, Gunpei Yokoi, came up with the idea after seeing a bored businessman playing with a calculator on a train. This spark of inspiration led to one of Nintendo’s first major successes.
8. Kirby (50.76 Million Copies Sold)
This pink puffball has stolen the hearts of gamers worldwide. Known for his adorable design and ability to inhale enemies and copy their powers, Kirby has been a staple of Nintendo’s lineup since 1992.
Did You Know? Kirby’s original name was going to be “Popopo.” The name “Kirby” was chosen as a nod to John Kirby, a lawyer who successfully defended Nintendo in a lawsuit against Universal Studios over Donkey Kong.
7. Donkey Kong (65.00 Million Copies Sold)
Before Mario was Mario, he was Jumpman, dodging barrels thrown by the titular ape. The Donkey Kong franchise has evolved over the years, with platforming classics like Donkey Kong Country redefining what the Super Nintendo could do graphically.
Did You Know?Donkey Kong Country was one of the first games to use pre-rendered 3D graphics, a technique that gave the SNES game visuals rivalling early 3D consoles like the PlayStation.
6. Super Smash Bros. (73.74 Million Copies Sold)
Nintendo’s all-star brawler brings together characters from across its franchises, letting fans settle long-debated rivalries. With 73 million copies sold, Super Smash Bros. has become a staple of competitive gaming and casual couch battles alike.
Did You Know? Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Super Smash Bros., originally envisioned the game as a generic fighter called Dragon King: The Fighting Game. The addition of Nintendo characters was a late-stage decision that changed everything.
5. Animal Crossing (78.98 Million Copies Sold)
Life simulation has never been so charming. Animal Crossing lets players escape to idyllic villages, build relationships with quirky anthropomorphic animals, and live a peaceful digital life. The pandemic-era release of New Horizons catapulted the franchise to new heights.
Did You Know? The original Animal Crossing on the Nintendo 64 was designed to be played in real-time, meaning the in-game time synced with the real-world clock. This was groundbreaking in 2001 and set the tone for the series’ relaxed pace.
4. The Legend of Zelda (163.34 Million Copies Sold)
The adventures of Link and Zelda have captivated players since 1986. With rich storytelling, iconic music, and groundbreaking gameplay, this franchise has sold over 163 million copies. Titles like Breath of the Wild have redefined open-world gaming.
Did You Know? The original Legend of Zelda allowed players to tackle dungeons in any order, an unprecedented feature at the time. This non-linear approach inspired countless open-world games that followed.
3. Wii Series (215.44 Million Copies Sold)
The Wii Series includes legendary titles like Wii Sports, Wii Fit, and Wii Party. These games broke barriers, introducing gaming to people of all ages and fitness levels. Wii Sports alone became a cultural sensation, often bundled with the Wii console.
Did You Know?Wii Sports was used in rehabilitation programs for seniors and patients recovering from physical injuries. The motion controls proved to be a fun and effective way to encourage activity and improve mobility.
2. Pokémon (480.00 Million Copies Sold)
The world of Pokémon has become a global phenomenon since the release of Pokémon Red and Green in 1996. With over 480 million games sold, this franchise has expanded beyond gaming to include trading cards, anime, movies, and merchandise galore.
Did You Know? The iconic sound of Pikachu’s “Pika Pika” almost didn’t happen. The original Pokémon cries were computer-generated noises, but Pikachu’s voice actor, Ikue Ōtani, added such charm to the character that her voice became a staple for the franchise.
1. Mario (826.38 Million Copies Sold)
It’s no surprise that Mario, Nintendo’s mascot, sits at the top of this list. From the iconic Super Mario series to spinoffs like Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Mario Sports, this franchise is a juggernaut in every genre it touches. With over 396.80 million copies sold in the core Super Mario series alone, Mario is synonymous with gaming.
Did You Know? The original name for Mario was “Jumpman,” and he debuted as a carpenter (not a plumber!) in Donkey Kong. His red cap was designed because animating hair was too complicated at the time, and his moustache helped differentiate his face.
So there you have it, no real surprises for me to see Mario at number 1, but some interesting names on the list. What was the biggest surprise for you?
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Evercade has announced the upcoming release of “Indie Heroes Collection 4,” a curated selection of 11 modern retro games crafted by indie developers. This collection is set to launch in February 2025, with pre-orders opening on January 30th.
The compilation features a diverse array of genres, including platformers, puzzle games, and action-packed adventures, all designed to evoke the charm of vintage gaming. Notable titles in this collection include:
• The Curse of Illmoore Bay: Battle supernatural forces in this action-packed platformer.
Credit: Evercade
• Block’Em Sock’Em: A fun and fast-paced puzzle brawler where strategy meets chaos.
• Nyghtmare: The Ninth King: Explore a haunting realm in this dark fantasy action-adventure.
• Jane Austen’s 8-Bit Adventure: Dive into a charming, literary-inspired journey filled with wit and puzzles.
• Collie Defense: Strategically protect your territory in this quirky defense game.
• Flea!2: Henry the Flea is back in this precision platformer for Evercade.
• Batty Zabella: Batty Zabella’s beloved Husbano has disappeared, and it’s up to you to help her find him in this saucy, spooky adventure for Evercade.
• Murtop: Murti the bomb-pooping rabbit has a mission: eliminate all the nasty moles!
Credit: Evercade
• Soko Banana: An 8-bit puzzler designed in the style of the classic Sokoban block-pushing formula.
• Block Droppin’: Classic “match three” gameplay comes to Evercade with this block-swapping puzzler.
• Starseed: Embark on an interstellar journey in this engaging space-themed adventure.
Each game has been previously featured in Evercade’s “Game of the Month” series, allowing players to experience a variety of indie titles throughout the year. The physical cartridge will be compatible with all Evercade and HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket devices, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of players.
Priced at £19.99, $24.99, and €24.99, the collection offers an affordable opportunity for gamers to explore new titles inspired by classic gaming aesthetics. The package includes a full-colour manual, providing insights into each game’s development and gameplay mechanics.
For those interested in securing a copy, pre-orders will be available through Evercade’s official retailers starting January 30th. Given the popularity of previous Indie Heroes collections, enthusiasts are encouraged to act promptly to ensure availability.
For more information and to stay updated on the latest developments, visit Evercade’s official website
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