ausretrogamer

Review: Retro Duo Portable V2.0

June 30, 2013 By ausretrogamer

The Retro Duo Portable V2.0: another clone system to satisfy your nostalgic hunger. These so-called ‘clones’ are fast growing in popularity. Companies like Hyperkin and Retro-Bit have capitalised on the popularity of retro gaming by producing systems that can play your old console cartridges.

Retro-Bit is having a second crack at this caper by creating the Retro Duo Portable (RDP) V2.0 – a portable (to an extent) unit that plays SNES carts from any region without hacking or modifications. The RDP V2.0 is also capable of playing NES carts using the bundled RetroPort adapter, which sticks out like a sore thumb. The RDP V2.0 can also play Sega Mega Drive / Genesis cartridges using the RetroGEN adapter, which is sold separately.

Retro-Bit’s first attempt at hardware console creation was modest. The screen wasn’t too flash, the unit felt cheap and games compatibility was limited. They have learned from the experience and introduced a number of improvements for V2.0. These include: upgraded LCD screen, crisper sound, improved D-pad and button layout, better battery life (Lithium-ion) with LED indicator and most importantly, enhanced game cartridge compatibility.

The RDP V2.0 comes in a slick looking package. Inside you will find a vast amount of gear – the console itself, a plastic stand, TV/AV connection cable, power supply unit, RetroPort adapter, a controller hub and two SuperRetro controllers (which can also be used on your SNES!).

After playing with the unit for a number of hours (on one battery charge!), here are our thoughts:

The unit feels sturdy in hand and has a nice soft coating. It doesn’t suffer from that cheap feel you get from other ‘clones’.

The D-pad and button layout is identical to a SNES pad, so you should feel right at home. However, the shoulder buttons do let the controls down as they are too close to the cartridge slot, but this is only a minor niggle. The external control pads are great to use if you intend on hooking the RDP V2.0 up to a TV, or if you use them natively on your SNES.

We did have a few compatibility issues with the Super FX SNES games, but overall we were pleased with Retro-Bit’s claim of improved compatibility.

Using the RetroPort adapter to play your NES carts basically renders the unit ‘un-portable’. The adapter sticks out above the unit which looks damn ugly. But hey, if you want to play your native old NES carts, you will put up with this unsightliness. Playing the RDP V2.0 with the RetroPort adapter definitely got attention on public transport.

The improved LCD screen is better than the original RDP (it has an increased pixel count), but it has a long way to go. You still have to ‘angle’ or ‘tilt’ the unit to get the best visibility, which gets annoying after a while. There is a contrast reset button which has three preset contrast settings for brightness. The clarity is average when compared to modern handhelds; but considering the price of the unit, it is understandable.

The beefing up of the sound is great in theory, however we did find the sound became distorted at maximum volume with a distinct ‘crackling’ on certain games (Super Smash TV). The sound was fine when playing with headphones, however the placement of the headphone jack should have been placed on the side of the unit, not on top (it gets in the way!).

Should you rush out and buy the Retro Duo Portable V2.0? It depends, if you are happy emulating (legally) your 8-bit and 16-bit Sega or Nintendo games, then the answer is no. However, if you want a system that you can plug in your library of SNES, NES and Mega Drive carts, then the RDP V2.0 is perfect. The other plus to owning the RDP V2.0 is that you will safeguard your Sega and Nintendo hardware from further abuse, and let’s face it, these old consoles won’t last forever!

Verdict: If you like the sound of a console that can play your SNES and NES cartridges out of the box, then check this unit out.

Five Video Games To Play In Winter

June 27, 2013 By ausretrogamer

For those of us that like to spend time indoors, read on. When the temperature plummets, these old favourites will make you feel like you are enjoying the winter splendor without the chill factor. Sit back and relax, and have a crack at these great winter games:

Winter Games [C64]

Epyx could do no wrong in their ‘Games’ series. Winter Games is no exception. Eight great events to beat your friends in – from skiing, jumping, skating to bobsledding. Just like the other ‘Games’ series, make sure you stay for the closing ceremonies.

Mario Kart 64 [N64]

Mario Kart 64 (MK64) is by far the slickest and well rounded Mario Kart incarnation. It is easy to pick up and play, with varied tracks, surfaces and obstacles. The perfect winter track in MK64 has to be Frappe Snowland. Pick your favourite Nintendo character and get driving, slipping and sliding.

NHL ’94 [SNES] / Hit The Ice [PC-Engine] / Blades Of Steel [NES]

What is a winter video games list without some ice hockey thrown in! Instead of one hockey game, we have chosen three retro classics: NHL ’94 [SNES] for the realism, Hit The Ice [PC-Engine / TurboGrafx-16] and Blades Of Steel [NES] for some ‘not so serious’ ice hockey shenanigans.

Frostbite [Atari 2600]

This one is a bit of a Frogger rip-off. Frostbite extends the Frogger concept by introducing an architectural element to the game – you, as Frostbite Bailey, must avoid all sorts of animals and other pesky obstacles to get to the other side and build your igloos.

Tecmo Super Bowl [NES]

Culminating with the Super Bowl in the northern hemisphere winter, Tecmo Super Bowl is the perfect football game to blast away those winter blues. This is the finest example of an American football game on any 8-bit machine. Forget ‘4th and Inches’ on the C64, this is better. “Set! Blue 80, Blue 80, Hut-Hut!”.

There is nothing better than enjoying games with a tinge of winter from the comfort of your own armchair. Which video games will occupy your time this winter?

PS: If you are lucky enough to be in the opposite season, then check out the five best games to play during summer.

How To Pick The Perfect Video Game

June 25, 2013 By ausretrogamer

I was stunned to find that this “How To Pick The Perfect Video Game” flowchart was created by Mike Brunson of online gaming company, Silver Oak Casino.

Mike has plotted a decision tree with modern and retro video games covering most genres. Go through the flow and find out which game you end up on.

Click on the image to see the full flowchart

Created by: Mike Brunson [Silver Oak Casino]

Retro Gaming: Hobby or Money Pit?

June 23, 2013 By ausretrogamer

Are you one to count all the money you spend on your hobby? Are you in it for the enjoyment the hobby provides or the money it may make?

Hardcore collectors seek to procure ‘Complete In Box’ items as a hobby, with a view that the item will appreciate in capital value due to its condition and desirability amongst other collectors or retro gamers. I personally buy gear to play with, not to have it sit in a box and gather dust.

By definition, hobbies don’t need to generate money. For that reason, I never keep track of how much I spend on retro gaming – It would probably freak me out! I also have a very understanding partner and she encourages me to embrace and enjoy my chosen hobby.

With finite disposable income, we have to pick and choose what we can afford and what we will leave for those more affluent. I do get emotional sometimes over certain ‘hard to get’ items and push myself beyond set limits, but luckily this seldom happens.

I judge the worth of the items I buy according to the nostalgia and enjoyment they bring, not by their monetary value. Heck, sometimes it is just the thrill of the chase that brings me joy – even if I leave empty handed. I do not have regrets about any items I have procured over the last 30 years. I just wish I had kept most of the gaming gear I had as a kid, but I’m sure that could be said for most of us, and there is no point crying over spilt milk.

With the intoxicating allure of nostalgia, we embark on replaying games we enjoyed as children. We like to recapture that exhilarating feeling when whacking that chunk of plastic into our favourite console(s). For that reason, the joy of playing old video games will always be priceless to me.

Ten Of The Best Games: PC-Engine

June 20, 2013 By ausretrogamer

Yet Another Best Games List!

I am often asked to list my favourite games for different systems. Such queries have led to the creation of my “Ten Of The Best Games” series.

The first cab off the rank is NEC’s PC-Engine. I am sure there will be an uproar about certain games being left off the list, but hey, that is the beauty of gaming, we all have our own tastes.

Here are the ten best games to play on the PC-Engine (TurboGrafx-16):

	Title: Bomberman’93 AKA: – Genre: Action Rating: 91%
	Title: PC Genjin AKA: PC Kid / Bonk’s Adventure Genre: Platform Rating: 90%
	Title: R-Type AKA: – Genre: Shoot’em up Rating: 93%
	Title: New Adventure Island AKA: Genre: Platform Rating: 93%
	Title: Battle Lode Runner AKA: – Genre: Puzzle Rating: 89%
	Title: Devil Crash AKA: Devil’s Crush Genre: Pinball Rating: 93%
	Title: Galaga ’88 AKA: Galaga ’90 Genre: Shoot’em up Rating: 90%
	Title: Kyukyoku Tiger AKA: Ultimate Tiger/Twin Cobra/Tiger Heli Genre: Shoot’em up Rating: 91%
	Title: Super Star Soldier AKA: – Genre: Shoot’em up Rating: 90%
	Title: Don Doko Don AKA: – Genre: Platform Rating: 90%

Notable mentions that would make any top PC-Engine games list:

° Gomola Speed	° Street Fighter II: Champion Edition
° Splatterhouse	° Bloody Wolf
° Dungeon Explorer	° KLAX
° The Legend of Hero Tonma	° Legend Of Valkyrie
° Lode Runner	° Momotaro Katsugeki (aka: Peachboy)
° Out Run	° Parasol Stars
° Parodius	° 1943 KAI
° Raiden	° Shinobi
° Soldier Blade	° Space Harrier
° Ninja Spirit	° Ys Book I & II [CD]
° Dracula-X: Rondo Of Blood [CD]	° Seirei Senshi Sprigan [CD]

Five Video Games To Play In Summer

June 13, 2013 By ausretrogamer

When the temperature soars outside, there is only one thing to do – turn on the air-conditioner and grab a video game that will keep you cool and simulate that summer experience.

Australian Retro Gamer digs deep into the old video games library and pulls out five titles perfect for some summer gaming delight.

Wave Race 64 [N64]

Grab your jet-ski and hit the waves. This early N64 title has realistic water effects and an array of differing environments and courses that will keep your heart racing. Play on your own or call a friend over, you will have an absolute ball. Bonsai!

California Games [Lynx]

When you think of California, you think of sun, surf and lots of obscure sports, right? California Games on the Atari Lynx brings four events which will have you playing till the batteries run out. Connect the Lynx to a power outlet and have some fun in the sun.

Virtua Tennis [Dreamcast]

With all the Grand Slams being in summer, it is perfectly natural to pull out your Dreamcast and start playing Virtua Tennis – the best tennis video game ever, period! Practice makes perfect, and the mini games are equally entertaining as blasting your opponent on clay, grass or even hard courts.

Summer Games II [C64]

No summer games list can be complete without Epyx’s seminal favourite. From the triple jump to the cycling event, grab seven of your mates, a sturdy joystick and have some fun! Make sure you watch the closing ceremony fireworks – a perfect touch to a perfect game.

Out Run [PC-Engine]

Jump in your red Ferarri, crank up the stereo, swing past your girlfriend’s place and hit the road. Feel the wind in your hair as you race down the highway to make it to the next checkpoint. Make sure you enjoy those cool and refreshing tunes along the way.

Well, there you have it. These are just a few video games to keep you cool this summer. Which video games will you play?

Street Fighter: Where Are They Now

June 12, 2013 By ausretrogamer

Ever wondered what has become of your favourite Street Fighter? Wonder no more! The talented Canadian 2D and 3D artist, Arman Akopian (aka: I-GUYJIN-I) has taken it upon himself to collate and show us what has happened to our favourite Street Fighters in the ‘Street Fighter Chronicles’.

Time hasn’t been too kind to our fighters – did you know that Zangief found God! I am still devastated to what has become of my favourite fighter, Ryu – very sad indeed.

Source: I-GUYJIN

The Space Invaders: In Search of Lost Time

June 9, 2013 By ausretrogamer

Film: The Space Invaders: In Search Of Lost Time
Director: Jeff Von Ward
Studio: Wooden Horse Productions
Released: 2013
Distributor: Amazon Instant Video – $3.99 (7-day rental) or $14.99 (buy movie)
Synopsis: The Space Invaders: In Search of Lost Time will take you inside America’s hidden game rooms and into the hearts and minds of those who have made it their mission to enthusiastically preserve these important cultural touchstones.

Let’s get straight to it – as an arcade junkie, this film well and truly fed my need for retro gaming nostalgia. Jeff Von Ward has created a masterful film in which he tracks down and interviews some serious arcade collectors, like Jon Jamshid, who has amassed an impressive 180 machines!

The collectors share their passion for preserving these historic machines and the connection you feel with them is instantaneous – from scoring their first machine, their real estate woes, to the lengths they go to seek their next arcade hit.

You will be amazed by the number of machines that are stored in basements and garages (as well as the stories behind them all!). You will be blown away by the dedication of these collectors and their respective arcade setup, especially Peter Hirschberg’s Luna City Arcade – an amusement heaven.

Interspersed throughout the film is some amazing archival footage, including Damon Claussen’s appearance (with his mom!) on the Starcade TV game show. The flow of this film, from start to finish, feels natural and just right.

From the moment I sat down to watch ‘The Space Invaders: In Search of Lost Time’, I did not move nor blink (that may be a slight exaggeration) until the last credit was shown. Whether you are familiar with the arcade machines or not, this film is for anyone that has a nostalgic bone in their body, or would just like to find out what makes serious collectors tick.

Verdict: ‘The Space Invaders: In Search Of Lost Time’ is a wonderful film that should not be missed. Mr Jeff Von Ward, you deserve an Oscar!

Breaking News from the Director: Jeff reports that the film has just been picked up by New York City based digital entertainment curator, FilmBuff. FilmBuff has successfully distributed niche documentaries such as ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’ (the doc or anti-doc on Banksy) and ‘Super Size Me’.

Image and video source: thespaceinvaders.org

Top 5 Games Charts: March 1996

June 7, 2013 By ausretrogamer

March 1996 saw the release of the brilliant Coen brothers movie, Fargo. In the same month, we were bopping away to Take That’s “How deep is your love” (we did?!) and the Prodigy’s “Firestarter” (that’s more like it!).

The Sega Mega Drive and Saturn were embroiled in their own 16-bit vs 32-bit war, while Nintendo’s SNES was being stretched to it’s maximum capability.

These were the top games that had us glued to our consoles in March 1996:

	1) Donkey Kong Country 2 (Nintendo)
	2) Yoshi’s Island (Nintendo)
	3) Killer Instinct (Nintendo)
	4) FIFA Soccer ’96 (EA)
	5) Street Racer (Ubisoft)

	1) FIFA Soccer ’96 (EA)
	2) Premier Manager (Sega)
	3) Sonic & Knuckles (Sega)
	4) Micro Machines ’96 (Codemasters)
	5) Mickey Mania (Sony)

	1) Virtua Fighter 2 (Sega)
	2) FIFA Soccer ’96
	3) Firestorm: Thunderhawk 2 (Core Design)
	4) Virtua Cop (Sega)
	5) Daytona USA (Sega)

Game Time: Watches

June 6, 2013 By ausretrogamer

For those of us born in the 1970’s, we have fond memories of Gunpei Yokoi’s wondrous Game & Watch series – from the various handhelds to the wrist watches that had mini versions of Nintendo games. The games on these watches were a pared down version of their console or handheld counterparts, but hey, who cared, they looked cool on your wrist.

Fast forward to the present, and these watches still attract attention. Their nostalgic value is not measured in currency, but in smiles from onlookers. The conversations that these watches generate are a sure fire way to meet interesting people, from retro gamers to the curious diner sitting at the next table.

If the Game & Watch wrist watches are too child like for you, then perhaps the Fossil ‘Atari Asteroids’ limited edition is more up your alley. These watches had a limited run (5000 to be exact) and are therefore getting harder to source. Unfortunately, the ‘Asteroids’ game is not playable on these watches, it merely serves as a demo for this contemporary time piece.

If you are into watches of the video gaming kind, then these time pieces are a cool way to tell the time and provide some gaming relief (excluding the Asteroids watch!) if you are stuck on the road without your handheld or smartphone.

ausretrogamer

Yet Another Best Games List!

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