Blindfolded Speedrunner Completes Mario 64 In Under 20 Minutes

Blindfolded speedrunner Bubzia has just completed Super Mario 64 (SM64) in under 20 minutes. This feat is stunning given that he couldn't see the screen at all during the run.

Key Points:

• Time: Under 20 minutes, breaking the previous world record by over 40 seconds.
• Persistence: Bubzia spent 118 days of practice runs to achieve this.
• Community Impact: The runner credits the supportive community for pushing him through challenges.

Quotation:

"After 10 Months of restless grinding, 118 days / streams of practice, runs, and more, the most ambitious goal in blindfolded SM64 has finally been broken," says Bubzia.

Could you complete Super Mario 64 in 20 minutes without a blindfold?

Bleem.net Returns

In a surprising turn of events, Bleem has resurrected not as an emulator but as a publisher of retro games and digital content. Eli Galindo, founder of Piko Interactive, acquired the Bleem name in 2018.

This new iteration of Bleem focuses on Bleem.net, described as a “nostalgia portal” that offers ROMs, physical releases, and more. They are also working to publish games like Rage of the Dragons for modern systems.

Key Points

• Original Bleem was known for emulating PlayStation games on PCs in the late 1990s and had legal battles with Sony.
• The company closed in 2001 due to high legal costs but has now shifted gears into publishing and digital distribution.

What Does This Mean for Retro Gaming?

With the rise of nostalgia platforms like Bleem.net, it’s clear there's a growing interest in reliving classic gaming experiences. However, this also raises questions about the future of emulation and the legality surrounding these practices.

In your opinion, will Bleem.net's resurgence help breathe new life into retro gaming or exacerbate existing legal issues?

Release Date: October 15, 2024

Wizardry Variants Daphne is set to launch on iOS and Android devices. Developed by Studio 2PRO and published by Drecom, it will also be available in both Japanese and English with a PC version planned for Steam at a later date.

Key Features:

• Japanese and English
• Mobile-friendly controls designed for one-handed play
• 3D first-person dungeon exploration, reminiscent of the Wizardry series
• Customizable allies from various classes and races
• Challenging gameplay with a high difficulty level, featuring complex traps and enemies
• Character designs by Yusuke Kozaki, boss monsters by Katsuya Terada, soundtracks by Hitoshi Sakimoto

The game is set in the Abyss, where players must explore dungeons to uncover the cause of the curse that resurfaces every 100 years after the disappearance of the king who usually seals it.

What other mobile RPGs stay true to classic series elements?

Konami has discussed the challenges of remaking Metal Gear Solid 1 compared to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, highlighting that the former would be significantly more difficult.

This week, Hamster Corporation has announced the release of one more classic title as part of its Arcade Archives series. Nichibutsu's Moon Shuttle is set to hit the PS4 and Nintendo Switch eShop in Japan on October 3rd.

• Release Date: October 3rd
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch (Japan)
• Expected Release in Western Regions: Soon after the Japanese launch

Moon Shuttle, released by Nichibutsu in 1981, is a space shooter that involves navigating your small rocket through asteroid fields and defeating enemies. The game allows for either single or two-player play, though not simultaneously.

For a more detailed look at the gameplay, check out the trailer below!

Is Moon Shuttle enough to pique your interest in the Arcade Archives series?

Key Points:

• Jason Durkee, an American businessman living in Japan, was identified as the last live-action actor from the original Resident Evil game.
• He played Joseph Frost, a bandana-wearing firearms specialist who gets attacked by dogs in the game's intro sequence.
• The realization of this identification completes the identification of all actors involved in the FMV sequences of the original game.

Do you know of any other games that have had similar attempts to identify all its actors?

The launch trailer for the Silent Hill 2 remake has been released, offering a chilling glimpse into the reimagined world of this classic psychological horror game. Developed by Bloober Team in collaboration with Konami, the trailer revisits the haunting story of James Sunderland as he searches for his deceased wife Mary in the eerie town of Silent Hill.

• Game Overview: The remake emphasizes James's emotional journey after receiving a letter from his late wife, exploring themes of love, loss, and psychological pain. Iconic characters like Pyramid Head add to the horror experience, now enhanced with improved graphics and atmosphere, making it more engaging than ever before.

• Release Date: Silent Hill 2 will launch on October 8, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, blending nostalgia with modern touches and sparking renewed interest in this classic horror game.

Check out the trailer on YouTube.

Does the trailer make you excited for the full game?

A fan-made Lego kit inspired by Sega’s classic arcade game OutRun has been submitted to the Lego Ideas platform, where it needs public support to potentially become an official Lego set.

Nintendo Game Boy Bike Unveiled: The $16,500 Electric Motorbike

French company Dab Motors has introduced a limited-edition electric motorbike called the DAB 1α. This luxurious bike is priced at €14,900 (over $16,500) and heavily inspired by Nintendo's Game Boy Color.

Key Features:

• Transparent Purple Bodywork: The entire body is made of fully translucent plastics to reveal the inner mechanics.
• Nintendo-Themed Handlebars & Display: Custom controls and a screen mimicking the Game Boy Color’s LCD.
• Actual Game Boy Color Cartridge: Modified as the bike's starter key.

Cheats and Themes:

These include a speed boost, unlockable themes for the display, and sound effects. Cheat codes will come in a print magazine shipped with the bike.

Technical Details:

• Power: 11kW electric motor
• Top Speed: ~80mph
• Range: 93 miles
• Battery Life: 7.1kWh lithium-ion, takes around 3.5 hours to fully charge

Only 400 units will be produced, and they are expected to launch in December.

Unique Selling Points:

This ride is not for the faint of heart or wallet. It aims to merge nostalgia with high technology, making it a collector's item for serious gaming enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike.

What unique features would you add if creating your dream retro-inspired electric motorcycle?

Was looking at some larger ones but couldn't pass on this!

A new 2D platformer called “The Legend of Santa” is generating buzz for its striking similarities to the classic Nintendo game Super Mario Bros. 3, albeit with a Christmas-themed twist.

In September of 1994, Illusion of Gaia made its North American debut. Known for being much darker than the other RPGs Nintendo was allowing at the time, it left players with a lot to think about... but unfortunately, the localization was often incomprehensible.

Now, thanks to the efforts of L Thammy, the game has received a new fan translation 30 years after its western release. The GitHub project page for this translation can be found here.

Key points:

• The new translation aims to make the English script more comprehensible and closer to the original Japanese dialogue.
• A demo is available on GitHub, including the translation up to South Cape location.
• In addition, the patch improves load times by decompressing all assets in the game.

Do you remember being confused by the original localization?

Special Broadcast Being Held to Celebrate 40 Years of Toaplan Games

Overview

Tatsujin, the rights holder for Toaplan arcade games, is hosting a special commemorative broadcast on October 4th from 8 pm (Japanese time). The event will provide updates and insights on the 40th anniversary of Toaplan.

Background

• Established in 1979: Though its gaming division didn't form until 1984, Toaplan quickly made a name for itself with titles like Jongō, Performan, and especially the iconic Tiger-Heli.
• Notable Titles: Key Toaplan shooters include Slap Fight, Truxton, Hellfire, Zero Wing, and Batsugun. These games showcased Toaplan's mastery of the shmup genre.
• Post-Bankruptcy: In 1994, after filing for bankruptcy, ex-Toaplan composer Masahiro Yuge, acquired the company’s intellectual property via his Tatsujin firm and has been releasing updates and special collections since then.

Do you have any favorite Toaplan games from your past gaming days?

LEGO Discontinues NES, Atari 2600, and Sonic Green Hill Zone Packs

LEGO has announced the retirement of several popular themed sets based on classic gaming consoles and iconic video game levels. This includes the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Atari 2600, and Sonic the Hedgehog’s 'Green Hill Zone'.

Key Information

• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES): £229.99 in UK, $269.99 in US.
• Atari 2600: £209.99.
• Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone: £69.99.

These discontinuations are part of LEGO's strategy to phase out older sets and make way for new releases.

Availabilty and Purchasing

• These sets will retire soon once current inventories are depleted. Fans should act quickly to secure them before they run out.
• Remaining stock can be found on LEGO's official website or authorized retailers.
• Retired sets may become collector's items, potentially increasing in value over time.

Would you consider purchasing these sets despite (or because of) their limited availability?

A fan-driven project has made it possible for English-speaking players to fully enjoy Dezaemon 3D, a shoot 'em up game creation tool originally released for the Nintendo 64DD. The release includes full English translations of nearly all game elements, as well as the Nintendo 64DD functionality that was initially designed for expanded game features.

• Key Features: A comprehensive translation covering tutorials, menus, prompts, and sample games. The only untranslated element is a label on a single cup of tea.
• Nintendo 64DD Support: Emulators like Ares support the 64DD disks, making it easier to explore these features.
• Community Contribution: Lead by Whowasphone404 and implemented by Zoinkity, this community effort highlights the dedication to translating and preserving retro gaming experiences.

Which games do you wish had a fan translation?

Nintendo has been actively taking down YouTube videos that feature its games being emulated or modded, which has sparked significant discussion and concern within the gaming community.

Bryan77233 has crafted a stunning Wipeout craft set on the LEGO Ideas page. This kit, designed with FEISAR in mind, brings back memories of the iconic PS1 game and Studio Liverpool’s initial designs.

• Total Pieces: 1905
• Unique Features: Repair drones, power-up plates, and a cradle holder would be included.
• Vote Threshold: Needs to reach 10,000 supporter votes, with only 189 days remaining from the current 2046 votes.

So, if you're interested in seeing this set on your shelf and supporting a community project, make sure to support the project.

Should we collectively support this LEGO set to bring LEGO Wipeout into our lives? 🚀

The Ryujinx emulator, a popular tool for emulating Nintendo Switch games on PCs, has been taken down following a request from Nintendo. This action is part of Nintendo’s broader crackdown on emulation and homebrew communities, particularly as the company seeks to protect its intellectual property and revenue streams.

I was going to post this in /c/retropie but it seems they haven't had any activity in 8 months. So I figure here is the next most appropriate place.

I recently brought out my raspberry pi, and started taking care with it. I downloaded some new themes. I put a hell of a lot more roms into it.

One problem is, if I try to connect a controller, I can map every button except LT and RT.

At first I thought it was because I was using the 8 Bitdo Switch arcade stick (which also has the ability to connect to PC/Linux/Raspberry Pi.

I didn't understand it, but I thought "Ok. Maybe something about it being an arcade stick means I can't use those two buttons on THIS stick. Whatever. I'll just use a different controller.

So I pull out my WiiU Pro Controller......SAME EXACT ISSUE.

So now I don't know WHAT to think. I WAS going to connect it to my switch, and see if I could do a button test on that, to see if it registers the inputs for those two buttons, but now I'm not sure that's needed if it's had the same issue with two unrelated controllers with two different form factors, made by two different companies.

Is this a common issue with an easy fix, or has life once again said "FUCK YOU Lost_My_Mind!!!" ?

PLAY magazine, known as the last stronghold of PlayStation print media, has released its final issue. This signals the end of an era for the magazine.

I know this might be an unusual post, since this is a new game, but hear me out!

I just picked up UFO 50 this week, and I can't recommend this enough to anyone who loves retro gaming. The premise is that this is a collection of 50 games from a fictional 8-bit console in the 1980s, with a little info card for each one providing its release date, developers, and some trivia. The game selection screen shows 50 cartridges to choose from:

These are all full games like you might have seen during the era - not minigames or demos, and the ones I've booted up feel pretty authentically 8-bit (with some modern QoL things thrown in). There are all sorts of cool ideas and game types: platformers, a point and click adventure, bullet hells, at least one full JRPG, etc.

Some examples:

It looks like as you browse through the chronological library, you see a sequel or two of previous titles. This was made by the team that created Spelunky, and it wasn't even on my radar until I fortunately saw a video a few days ago of one of the individual games (followed by some confusion when I couldn't figure out where to buy that game by itself). If any of this appeals to you at all, I highly recommend checking it out.