Recently grabbed this for PS1. Thought it was pretty awful at first but still playing it an hour later and I'm pretty hooked. Its super hard though! Not much discussion online so I wanted to see if anyone else has played it and maybe has some advice.

I have seen the Game Dungeon on it.

Would be fun to play this on my Game boy Advance, Hopefully the final version finishes soon.

Ancient Roman - Power of the Dark Side: Getting a Fan Translation

The game, often cited as the 'Worst PlayStation RPG Ever', is about to receive an English translation patch thanks to a team of fan translators and hackers. Originally developed by Nihon Systems in 1998, Ancient Roman - Power of the Dark Side has become infamous online due to its poor graphics and sound quality, yet it has also gained popularity for being so bad, it’s good.

As detailed in an interview with SnowyAria from Time Extension, she explains how she stumbled upon this game while searching for JP-only games to translate. She was immediately captivated by its mismatched blend of polygonal characters and pre-rendered backgrounds, which reminded her of successful games like Final Fantasy VII. Despite the initial negative reviews, Ancient Roman - Power of the Dark Side’s quirky gameplay and odd story make it endearing in its own way.

However, translating such a poorly made game comes with significant challenges. The music doesn’t work reliably, due to the mismatched instruments and octaves. Additionally, sound effects are delayed for nearly a second before playing, an issue stemming from each file being normalized to 10 seconds long—unnecessary for even basic actions like sword swings.

Despite these hurdles, SnowyAria's team has made progress in tackling some of the game’s major issues and aims to make this unique gem accessible to a wider audience. The English translation patch will feature a walkthrough to guide players through any potential roadblocks, especially since the story itself is sometimes confusing and forgettable.

What do you think about translating games with questionable quality? Should such efforts be encouraged or discouraged in the gaming community?

Classic Japanese platformer Popful Mail from Nihon Falcom is making its way to the Nintendo Switch, part of D4 Enterprise and Project EGG's "EGGCONSOLE" series. Originally released in 1991 on various platforms, including PC-8801, PC Engine CD-ROM, Sega CD, Super Famicom, and Windows PC, it's exciting to see this side-scrolling adventure joining the Switch library.

Notably, only the Sega CD version received a Western localization from Working Designs. There were plans for it to become a Sonic side-story, but those never materialized.

The game will be released on July 11th, 2024. Although here's no English localization, the game is not text-heavy.

What do you think about bringing classic Japanese games like Popful Mail to modern platforms? Would you be interested in playing this adventure on your Nintendo Switch?

I feel like collecting for the Atari 2600 and while I have other systems like the Sega Genesis, I would like to have your input on what system you think goes well with it...maybe the Intellivision or Colecovision due to being within the same era as the woodgrain or black bread box?

Loopy, known for creating one of the oldest 3DS capture cards, has recently released a beta version of their software for New 3DS XL capture cards. This software allows users to capture true 3D images, enabling them to play 3DS games in 3D with a VR headset.

Unlike emulation, this setup utilizes real hardware for optimal performance and compatibility. Users can adjust the console’s 3D slider to achieve the perfect three-dimensional effect, as demonstrated by @Akfamilyhome on Twitter.

Could VR be the perfect way to play 3DS games?

What's the Scoop?

An engineer named Voultar has created a mod called the 'SNES 2CHIP Edge Enhancer' that addresses one of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)'s notorious issues — its blurry video output.

Key Points from the Mod:

• Innovative Approach: Unlike many modding solutions, Voultar's SNES 2CHIP Edge Enhancer doesn't rely on video amplifiers. Instead, it focuses on directly addressing the system's DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) to improve image clarity.
• Installation Ease: The mod is relatively simple to install — a five-wire soldering process that can be handled by anyone with basic electronic skills.
• Broad Compatibility: Designed to work with all variants of the 2CHIP SNES console, it ensures a significant improvement across different hardware versions without requiring custom modifications for each model.

How Does It Work?

Voultar spent many hours analyzing and dissecting the internal components of the SNES's DAC in order to understand its shortcomings. His approach was meticulous, ensuring that the mod would not compromise image quality based on specific game content or performance variability. Instead, it offers a consistent sharpening effect for RGB, S-Video, and Composite Video outputs.

Do you own a SNES? Are you thinking about using Voultar's mod?

This looks incredibly fun, kudos to the Modding team for creating this.

Sonic Mania Dreamcast Port Has Sega Fans Going Wild

A 2017 game for various platforms has now been ported to the Dreamcast, surprising many gamers. Sonic Mania, originally released on consoles like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, is now running smoothly on this console from 1998.

Sega fans are appreciating how the Dreamcast, though ahead of its time, could still support such games despite being released decades ago. The port was made possible through technical wizardry from developers like Falco Girgis and @SonicFreak94 using advanced tools and techniques.

For those interested in retro gaming and tech innovation, this news highlights the enduring spirit of creating and enjoying classic titles on modern platforms. It's a testament to the dedication of the gaming community in preserving and celebrating the past.

A Treasure Trove of Gaming History has been Recovered! Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII and an additional 18 Square Enix i-Mode games, thought lost to history, have resurfaced. This impressive haul includes various Kingdom Hearts titles, and the recovery process involved using a debug cable method devised by the Kahvibreak Discord member XYZ.

Read about the discovery

The incredible efforts of researchers like RockmanCosmo and Twitter user @NaoyaShinota, employing a custom debug cable and Linux scripts, have brought back games such as Final Fantasy 4 After Years, Final Fantasy Legends, and the Kingdom Hearts Card Struggle series.

For enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to revisit these titles on emulators like DoJa SDK. However, some games like Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII still require more work to be made functional.

Have you played any of these Square Enix feature phone games?

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana Coming Soon to the West

XSEED Games, a renowned publisher for retro and indie titles, accidentally revealed an exciting piece of news through a prematurely posted tweet that has since been deleted. The tweet, initially aimed at promoting Anime Expo 2024 demos on July 7th for Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana along with other games such as Potionomics: Masterwork Edition and Corpse Party II: Darkness Distortion, hinted at the western launch of the anticipated title. Attendees were encouraged to visit booth E-110 to experience these demos before Anime Expo concluded.

What other announcements are you hoping for during Anime Expo?

Catacomb 3-D, a groundbreaking title from 1991, is set to receive an exclusive PC release. This highly anticipated re-release features three physical versions available at various price points: The Shallow Grave Edition, The Stone Tomb Edition, and the Ancient Vault Edition.

The Shallow Grave Edition includes a USB stick with the game, a Making Of video, and a History of Catacomb 3-D PDF written by David L. Craddock. Additionally, you'll receive Catacomb-themed pins, stickers, a poster, and a cinch bag for a total cost of €69.95.

The Stone Tomb Edition ups the ante with a genuine floppy disk alongside all the items from the Shallow Grave Edition. The Ancient Vault Edition, priced at €154.95, adds to the collection by including everything mentioned and a Catacomb 3-D t-shirt and an additional 5.25” floppy disk.

This release is significant as Catacomb 3-D contributed foundational elements that later influenced games like Wolfenstein 3D and Doom, setting standards in the first-person-shooter genre with innovative features such as the on-screen character face changing when taking damage.

What other classic games do you think have significantly impacted modern gaming franchises?

Prince of Persia, the timeless classic from Jordan Mechner, has been given an impressive new life in the form of an unofficial port to the long-retired Commodore Plus/4 computer system. The announcement comes via IndieRetroNews, revealing a new port developed by Csabo, TCFS, and Unreal that showcases the game in a way that few could have imagined for the Commodore machine.

Originally released for the Apple II in 1989, Prince of Persia has since become an iconic franchise spanning multiple games, movies, and other media. With ports to myriad platforms over the years, one might think the Commodore Plus/4 would be a distant dream until now. The latest attempt from Csabo, TCFS, and Unreal has an ambitious colour palette expansion that truly breathes new life into the game.

To experience this remarkable achievement firsthand, head over to plus4world.powweb.com and download the port. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of Prince of Persia that even on hardware long since retired from active use, its spirit continues to thrive.

How do you see the future of retro gaming ports evolving? Will we see more classic titles receive such meticulous revivals on platforms like the Commodore Plus/4?

FreeDOS, now 30 years old, will soon run Windows

After serving the tech community for over three decades, FreeDOS, a free operating system that serves as an alternative to Microsoft's DOS and other prompt-based systems, is set to expand its capabilities. According to Jim Hall, the founder of FreeDOS, future releases of this open-source project will include full compatibility with Windows 3.x series (Windows 3.1 and 3.11), providing a nostalgic computing experience for retro enthusiasts.

In a conversation with Ars Technica, Mr. Hall explained that while many people might not be interested in using FreeDOS on modern hardware, fans still appreciate its unique command prompt interface. This interest has remained relatively constant over the years as new users explore FreeDOS as their first foray into text-based operating systems.

As technology evolves, so does the challenge of running FreeDOS on newer PC systems due to the transition from BIOS to UEFI firmware. The project recommends utilizing virtual machines or emulators like DOSBox, PCem, and 86Box to achieve a full MS-DOS compatibility experience. This allows users to run legacy applications and games without requiring hardware that is powerful enough for today's advanced software.

With the latest FreeDOS version (1.3) released in 2022, development continues with an emphasis on bug fixes and utility updates, preparing for the addition of Windows 3.x compatibility as part of its ongoing evolution.

Finally got it all set up just how I want it, sorta. Thinking of getting some button mods to make it more unique ◾️

Atari Unveils Expanded Retro Game Compilation for 50th Anniversary

Atari is set to release a new addition to its popular 50th anniversary game compilation, featuring 39 more retro classics. This expansion aims to provide gaming enthusiasts with an in-depth look into the golden age of video games and the console wars.

What's Included

• First Timeline: "The Wider World of Atari" - This section features 19 playable games plus eight new video segments, offering a candid look at behind-the-scenes stories. Expect to discover insights on cult classics like Berzerk and the creation of Breakout.
• Second Timeline: "The First Console War" - Dedicated to the rivalry between Atari's 2600 and Mattel's Intellivision system. This timeline includes six video segments and 20 playable games, representing both sides with a mix of sports titles for each console.

Release Details

• The Expanded Edition will launch on October 25th across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms.
• A premium physical version priced at $49.99 will also be available, complete with extras such as a Steelbook case, miniature arcade marquees, and an Al Alcorn replica card from Syzygy Co.

Is this something you'll be looking to buy? How about that physical edition?

A remarkable JavaScript development has brought back memories from the golden era of gaming. The game, Q1K3, manages to pack in two levels, five different enemy types, three weapons, audio, and more within a mere 13KB executable size! This achievement was part of JS13K Games - an annual HTML5 and JavaScript game development competition.

Developed by Dominic Szablewski, Q1K3 showcases the potential of JavaScript in creating immersive games despite its tiny size. The game offers a nostalgic experience with features like lighting effects, textures, sound effects, and music without compromising on space usage.

Experts praise this effort for demonstrating impressive level development, implementation of enemy AI, and remarkable graphics, considering the 13KB limit. It’s a testament to creativity and technical skill in game development.

The creator’s dedication has sparked discussions on improving games within limited space constraints. Interested gamers can play Q1K3 here: link.

What do you think? How might this inspire game creators?

Zelda II is now on the SNES!

A talented developer named Infidelity has ported Zelda II: The Adventure of Link from its original version to Nintendo's 16-bit platform.

Port status: Infidelity invites players to try out this adaptation, emphasizing that it is fully playable from start to end. He also advises them to review the included README file which details all known issues needing further refinement.

Are you a fan of the original Zelda II?

I figure it will be a good thing to throw onto a wish list for whatever holiday is coming next. In a perfect world, it would run a Linux-based OS, be moddable, have decent ergonomics for an adult, and kinda just generally not suck. Is a hundred bucks a reasonable price point? One hundred fifty? I grew up in the 8-bit and 16-bit eras but never completely stopped gaming, so I'd be interested in emulating somewhat newer stuff too. I normally just plug in a controller and find a desktop emulator, but portable could be fun, especially if it had potential for general SBC computing.

Edit: I think I have a better idea what I'm looking for now. The Anbernic devices seem to more or less match up with what I am looking for, so I'll start there with a more informed search. Thanks! Happy to get more suggestions and tips, though.