Tag Archives: Indie Games

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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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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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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SkateCat Rolls Onto Nintendo Switch, Itch, and Steam: A Retro-Inspired Adventure

Indie gaming continues to shine with the release of SkateCat, a unique skateboarding adventure where players take on the role of a feline hero navigating a vibrant world. Developed by SJ Games, this innovative title is now available on Nintendo SwitchItch, and PC via Steam, with the added option of physical NES and Famicom cartridges for retro collectors.

SkateCat stands out as a homebrew gem, crafted using NESmaker software. The project exemplifies how accessible development tools can empower indie creators to revive retro consoles while showcasing fresh ideas. Led by a young developer, SJ Games collaborated with industry talents like dale_coop for custom coding and Raftronaut for a memorable chiptune soundtrack.

In SkateCat, players are tasked with saving Nekocity from monsters, blending quirky storytelling with exciting skateboarding gameplay. This mix of charm and action reflects the passion and creativity found in modern indie game development.

Physical editions are open to order for both the NES and the Famicom (both €45 with ~€17 shipping), catering to retro enthusiasts keen to experience the game on classic hardware. Meanwhile, the digital Steam ($9.99) and Switch ($9.99) versions are also available, offering a modern way to explore this nostalgic journey.

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Vampire Survivors Developer Teases Major Updates for 2025

The developer behind Vampire Survivors, Poncle, has outlined ambitious plans for 2025, including a new expansion, online co-op, and potential new projects.

Credit: Poncle

Key Highlights:

New Expansion: Following the success of the Castlevania crossover DLC, Poncle plans to release at least one more original expansion for Vampire Survivors.

Free Updates: The focus will be on substantial free updates, including new Adventures for existing expansions like Tides of the Foscari and possibly Ode to Castlevania.

Online Co-op: Building on the couch co-op introduced in 2023, Poncle is working to implement online multiplayer, aiming for a release within the year.

New Projects: The studio hints at non-Vampire Survivors projects, suggesting that 2025 will be its “biggest, chaotic-est, surprising-est” year yet.

These developments indicate a commitment to expanding the Vampire Survivors universe and exploring new creative avenues.

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