Tag Archives: etro gaming

Breaking the Myth: Donkey Kong’s Kill Screen Conquered After 44 Years

For over four decades, players of Nintendo’s 1981 arcade classic, Donkey Kong, believed that the game concluded at the infamous “kill screen” on level 22. This stage was notorious for a bug that caused the bonus timer to overflow, leaving Mario with mere seconds to complete the level before an inevitable demise. However, speedrunner Kosmic has recently demonstrated that this kill screen isn’t the definitive end.

In Donkey Kong, players navigate through four distinct stages that loop with increasing difficulty. Upon reaching level five, the game’s difficulty plateaus, and these stages repeat in a set pattern. Traditionally, elite players would amass high scores up to level 22, where the kill screen would abruptly end their run due to the aforementioned timer glitch.

Kosmic’s breakthrough involves an exceptionally precise maneuver exploiting a glitch on the barrel stage—the very stage where the kill screen occurs. This stage requires Mario to ascend ladders and traverse slanted girders to reach the top. By executing a meticulous trick, Kosmic utilised a broken ladder glitch to swiftly climb to the top, effectively bypassing the constraints of the kill screen.

It’s worth noting that while this strategy was theorized as early as 2013, previous attempts, even with tool-assisted speedruns, couldn’t overcome the timer limitations. Kosmic’s success hinged on an extraordinary stroke of luck. The game’s timer decreases with each barrel Donkey Kong throws, and these throws occur at random intervals. To have sufficient time to perform the glitch, a player would need Donkey Kong to delay his initial barrel throw—a 1 in 3 chance—and then further delay subsequent throws, a 1 in 32 chance. Combined with flawless execution, the odds of achieving this are astronomically low, making such a feat exceedingly rare in actual gameplay.

This discovery not only challenges long-held beliefs about the game’s limitations but also showcases the dedication and ingenuity of the gaming community in uncovering new possibilities within classic titles. There is a supporting Pastebin technical white up on DK’s delays here.

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Ridge Racer 64 Drifts Its Way To Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers have a new reason to rev their engines: Ridge Racer 64 is now available on the service. Originally released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, this title was notable for being the first in the Ridge Racer series developed for a non-PlayStation console. Interestingly, it was co-developed by Nintendo Software Technology in collaboration with Namco.

The game offers a variety of modes, including Quick Play, Grand Prix, Car Attack, and Time Attack. Players can race across nine different courses set in three unique environments. Notably, Ridge Racer 64 introduced four-player split-screen multiplayer to the series, allowing friends to compete in Battle Mode, Stage Mode, and Team Mode.

This addition to the Switch Online library coincides with the game’s 25th anniversary, which will be celebrated on February 14, 2025.  To access Ridge Racer 64, ensure your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription is active, and download the game through the service’s N64 library.

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Elminage Series Set for Modern Console Debut

Fans of the classic dungeon RPG series Elminage have reason to celebrate. Developer Mebius has announced plans to release the first in a series of console ports for the STARFISH-SD-developed Elminage games, with an official announcement expected in mid to late February.  

The Elminage series, known for its deep dungeon-crawling mechanics and homage to the Wizardry franchise, includes several titles:

• Elminage: Priestess of Darkness and The Ring of the Gods (2008)

• Elminage II: Twin Goddesses and The Land of Destiny (2009)

• Elminage III: Dark Apostle and The Palace of the Sun (2011)

• Elminage Gothic (2012)

• Elminage Ibun: Ame no Mihashira (2012)

Elminage Gothic

According to Mebius, the upcoming console ports will be based on the 3DS versions of these games, with adjustments made for easier playability. The first title is scheduled for release in early summer in Japan.  

While the specific title for the initial port hasn’t been officially confirmed, a poll conducted by Mebius in May 2024 revealed that Elminage II was the top choice among fans, securing 66.9% of the votes. This suggests that Elminage IImight be the first to make its way to modern consoles.  

For those unfamiliar, the Elminage series offers a rich blend of character customization and challenging dungeon exploration, reminiscent of classic RPGs. The games have garnered a dedicated following over the years, with titles like Elminage Original receiving “Very Positive” reviews on platforms like Steam.  

As we await the official announcement, it’s clear that Mebius is committed to bringing these classic adventures to a new generation of gamers.

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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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