Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, a classic real-time strategy game, is coming to PlayStation 5 this spring, marking its first appearance on Sony’s platform. This update includes new content and cross-play support across PS5, Xbox, and PC (Steam).

The remastered edition will feature 4K Ultra HD graphics, enhanced audio, modernized controls, and all previously released content. Players can enjoy over 200 hours of gameplay spanning 1000 years of history with 35 civilizations to choose from.

This PS5 debut continues Microsoft’s push for cross-platform accessibility.

What's your faourite game from the Age of Empires series?

Incredibly limited-production titles for the original Game Boy, like 'Spud's Adventure', are rare treasures among collectors. This particular copy is not only still in its original box but is also up for grabs on eBay.

The game comes complete with a pristine box, plastic insert and instruction booklet. Unlike the incredibly sought after 'Amazing Tater', 'Spud's Adventure' has a slightly more accessible price point at $1,800 compared to the former’s reported $4,000.

The game itself sees players navigating through levels as Spud, a potato character, on a rescue mission for Princess Mato.

It's curious that the two rarest Game Boy games are potato-based...

Have you collected any one-of-a-kind cartridges?

A Fan Is Attempting to Port Celeste to the NES

A dedicated retro gamng fan named iProgramInCpp is successfully working on porting the beloved indie platformer Celeste to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This endeavour showcases remarkable dedication and technical prowess as it aims to recreate Celeste's critically acclaimed gameplay within the constraints of the 8-bit console.

The project features music contributions from talented chiptune artists livvy94, zeta0134, and Persune. Additionally, the developers of the Geometry Dash NES port, Famidash, have provided support. The demo for this port covers the first two chapters of Celeste, and has been released to coincide with the 7th anniversary since Celeste's original release in 2018.

What You Should Expect From Celeste On NES

The demo offers an impressive glimpse into what the final product will look like. However, some aspects are still in development mode as the project is a work-in-progress. For instance, current versions lack background colours; instead utilizing solid black voids.

How To Contribute

iProgramInCpp is soliciting feedback for further improvements from both casual players and experts alike. Fans can either provide their input through its Discord server (link in the original article) or by contributing coding knowledge, particularly in 6502 assembly language.

How To Play The Demo

A GitHub link can be found in the original article.

How well do you think Celeste can be reproduced on the NES?

GOG has announced the launch of a new feature called Dreamlist, aimed at reviving classic games that have been difficult to bring back. This tool allows users to vote for retro titles they would like to see re-released and share personal stories and memories tied to these games.

This initiative builds on GOG's ongoing commitment to game preservation, such as its Preservation Program, which ensures compatibility of older games with modern systems. Recent successes include the re-release of Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2.

Each game on Dreamlist has a dedicated page where fans can cast votes and contribute narratives. The data collected will be used by GOG in discussions with intellectual property holders, aiming to bring back games that might otherwise remain inaccessible due to licensing or technical challenges.

How can you participate in the Dreamlist?

• Voting for your favorite retro games.
• Sharing personal stories and memories tied to these titles on their dedicated pages.

Which classic game from your childhood do you think should be prioritized for re-release through the Dreamlist?

Powering up multiple retro consoles can be a tangled mess, but the Retro Tap aims to simplify that with one power block for up to 10 gaming systems.

• Up to 10 consoles
• Simultaneously runs over 4 or 6 of them
• Includes resettable fuses for safety
• Available medical-grade PSU with a ripple reduction compared to Triads
• Supports PS2 Slim PSU and features input polarity protection

The creator, @KytorIndustries, mentions that heavy-duty 18AWG copper wire is used, ensuring a clean power delivery over lengths of 6.5 feet and 13 feet (as shipped).

Availability and Price

The Retro Tap will ship in Q2 2025 at an "affordable price".

Conclusion

If you're tired of handling multiple power bricks and lengthy cables, this could be a game-changer. Will it live up to its promises? Time will tell.

How would the Retro Tap change your current setup?

As the gaming retro scene continues to innovate with new iterations of FPGA-based consoles, Taki Udon has lifted the lid on his latest creation. The SuperStation One, an open-source PS1 FPGA gaming console.

The SuperStation One is deisnged to play PS1 games, but fully supports the MiSTer platform, making it a versatile addition to any retro collection or setup. It boasts an array of features tailored to enhance your home entertainment system experience:

• Video Output Options: Including HDMI (1536p/1440p), VGA, DIN10, Composite / RCA, and Component outputs.
• Audio Output: Equipped with 3.5mm Analog Audio and TOSLINK Digital Audio support
• Networking & Connectivity: Complete with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, plus an NFC reader for compatibility with Zaparoo.
• Expansion Ports:
  • USB Type-C for power and charging
  • TF Card Slot (64GB pre-installed)
  • Dual Combo PS1 SNAC ports for controller connections
  • IO Expansion Slot for the SuperDock accessory, which includes a CD/DVD drive, x4 USB-A ports, and a 2280 m.2 SSD bay.

The official specs highlight that the console is lightweight yet fully equipped with robust hardware:

• Cyclone V FPGA
• 128MB BGA SDRAM
• 24-bit ADV7125 Video DAC

Availability and Pricing

The SuperStation One is currently available for pre-order on the official Retro Remake site, starting at $149 (see the original article for a link). The early response to this release has been enthusiastic, with the units quickly disappearing off the shelves as of writing.

What do you think of the SuperStation One as an alternative to the MiSTer FPGA?

Bringing Super Mario 64 to the GBA: A Technical Demonstration of GBA's Capabilities

Someone is trying to bring the classic Super Mario 64 from the Nintendo 64 to the Game Boy Advance (GBA), and it looks incredibly impressive given the hardware constraints.

The Project and Its Progress

The modder, Joshua Barretto, explains that the GBA is significantly slower than the N64 and lacks native support for floating-point numbers, which makes his task even more challenging. However, he has managed to implement a basic physics and collision system along with a fully 3D camera, texture-mapping, and transparency support.

In a recent update, Barretto introduced Mario models into the game. You can now switch between characters such as Yoshi, Luigi, and Larry using pause and select on the GBA. The environments have also seen a significant upgrade with additional graphical details and new mechanics from the N64 original like swimming, sliding, enemies, and stars.

What do you think about this project? How do you think it will compare with Nintendo's official port on the DS?

Early PlayStation adopters may have fond memories of the 3D platformer Jumping Flash. Now, modder Naka Teleeli has created a unique and intriguing fusion combining it with legendary FPS game Doom.

According to Teleeli's description, the mod is designed to 'mimic those games... in a Doom-like way,' using the GZDoom engine. All Jumping Flash enemies have been ported over, along with weapons. The modder has made changes such as updating the HUD, weapon loadout, character class to enable jumping and stomping, adding some aesthetic changes, and includes an end-of-level interrupt.

If you're intrigued by this mash-up of two iconic games from different genres, check the original article for a download link.

Are there any other classic games you would love to see merged in a similar way?

Metal Miracle: A New Game Boy Color Game from Hermano's Creators

Metal Miracle is a brand new GBC game developed by Pat Morita, the same team behind the iconic homebrew title Hermano. The game combines elements of run 'n' gun genres with vibrant graphics and chiptune music.

• Genre: Run 'n' Gun
• Platforms: Currently in development for GBC
• Storyline: You play as a Ninja Guitarist or Mutant Punk, fighting to recover the Primordial Melody and free humanity from the horrors of noise.
• Music: Stellar chiptune compositions by Carlos Pérez.

Get Involved:

Pat Morita has already released a 4-level demo for you to try out. A Kickstarter will launch soon.

See the original article for links to both.

What did you think of the team's previous game, Hermano?

The Sega Mega Drive/Genesis has once again proven its audio capabilities, this time with an impressive replication of classic Castlevania tunes. Modder and homebrew coder GabrielPyron, using the Yamaya YM2612 sound chip, showcased a faithful rendition of "Simon's Theme" from Super Castlevania IV.

This achievement challenges the long-held belief that the Super Nintendo’s Sony SPC700 sound processor was superior in creating rich orchestral-style compositions. GabrielPyron emphasized, "The only way [the YM2612] could sound bad is in the hands of incompetent artists.”

This track is part of an unofficial project known as Mega Castlevania IV, a fan-made port of Super Castlevania IV to the Mega Drive/Genesis, which aims to reimagine both its gameplay and soundtrack. The project offers a fresh take on a classic title while showcasing the console's untapped potential.

What are your thoughts on the Mega Drive/Genesis’s audio capabilities compared to other classic consoles?

Nasir Gebelli Reflects on his Final Fantasy Innovations

Nasir Gebelli, the Iranian-American programming legend behind the first three Final Fantasy games, recently broke his silence in a Japanese documentary. Known for his groundbreaking work at Square during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Gebelli reflected on his contributions to this iconic RPG series.

Gebelli’s technical skills were pivotal, as he developed innovative features like efficient memory management to handle in-game messages and backgrounds. His programming of Final Fantasy III's airship remains one of his most celebrated accomplishments. Even though he emphasized the simplicity of coding these games, Gebelli highlighted the excitement of working on something new and collaborating with Hironobu Sakaguchi.

Gebelli’s legacy extends far beyond his technical contributions. His innovative coding techniques laid the groundwork for many RPG staples, influencing not only the Final Fantasy franchise but also broader gaming design.

What are your favorite memories or aspects of Gebelli's work in Final Fantasy?

GTA Vice City: Next Gen Edition

A new fan-made remaster of GTA: Vice City will release January 25th, offering a complete transfer to the RAGE game engine from GTA IV. This project by the Revolution Team aims to provide what many consider the closest thing we'll get to an actual remaster for this beloved title.

• What it features: The mod includes all story missions, collectibles, music & more.
• Availability: Free and available for download on January 25th.

What aspects of GTA Vice City make you nostalgic and worth revisiting in any remaster or re-release?