Tag Archives: VideoGameHistory

Previously unreleased NES Prototypes shared with the Retro Community

Hidden Palace has unveiled a treasure trove of NES prototypes from the collection of Armageddon Potato, a well-known figure in the Nintendo collecting community. This release offers enthusiasts a unique glimpse into the development stages of numerous classic titles.

The collection includes early versions of games such as Adventures of DizzyBombermanBubble Bobble 2Felix the CatMega Man 2Ninja Gaiden II, and The Simpsons: Bart vs. the World. These prototypes provide invaluable insights into the evolution of these games, showcasing differences in graphics, levels, and gameplay mechanics compared to their final releases.

In addition to Armageddon Potato’s collection, a previously unseen prototype titled Scanner has been released, courtesy of Frank Cifaldi. Furthermore, the team at Codebound has contributed source code and several builds of The Lion King for NES and Game Boy, offering a deeper understanding of the game’s development process.

These releases are part of Hidden Palace’s ongoing efforts to preserve video game history by archiving and sharing prototypes, source code, and other development materials. Such initiatives are crucial for understanding the creative processes behind classic games and ensuring that this knowledge is accessible to future generations.

For those interested in exploring these prototypes, they are available for download on Hidden Palace’s website. This release not only enriches the historical record of NES game development but also provides fans and researchers with the opportunity to experience and study these early versions firsthand.

To stay updated on future releases and preservation efforts, follow Hidden Palace on their official channels.

The SNES Pixel Book – A Visual Celebration of Super Nintendo’s 16-Bit Era

Bitmap Books presents The SNES Pixel Book, a 272-page hardcover tribute to the golden age of 16-bit gaming on Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). This meticulously crafted volume showcases thousands of screenshots, sprites, and level maps from iconic titles such as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid. Grouped by genre, the book offers thoughtful insights into the evolution of game design and its lasting impact on today’s video game landscape. Authored by Robert Bannert and Christine Bauer, with translation by Thomas Nickel, the book is encased in a spot-varnished protective slipcase, reflecting Bitmap Books’ commitment to high-quality publications.

For more information, visit: The SNES Pixel Book – Bitmap Books