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Marvel’s Days of Future Past Comes to Life with Stern’s New The Uncanny X-Men Pinball Machine❌

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Enter the (Jack) Danger Room: Stern’s The Uncanny X-Men Pinball Brings Classic Marvel Action

Stern Pinball has unveiled their latest creation, The Uncanny X-Men pinball machine, designed by Jack Danger. This highly anticipated release dives deep into the beloved “Days of Future Past” storyline from Marvel comics, bringing a thrilling new experience for X-Men and pinball fans alike.

The game features a stunning playfield, with the Premium and Limited Edition (LE) models including standout features like the animated Sentinel toy, which rises from the playfield to challenge players, and Beast’s Lab, a vari-target feature exclusive to higher-tier models. The Sentinel head is a major focal point, capable of interacting with the ball through bash toys and even altering gameplay with its hands on the Premium and LE versions.


source: Stern Pinball, Inc.

Visually, the game shines with comic-style artwork from Jeremy Packer, aka Zombie Yeti, which perfectly complements the X-Men theme. The soundtrack, composed by Charlie Benante of Anthrax and Pantera, adds a dynamic and immersive layer to the action.

The gameplay is packed with interactive features. The Danger Room section, located near the left outlane, provides a high-risk, high-reward environment, while the Cerebro Lock offers a unique magnetic mechanism that holds and releases the ball, allowing players to shift between past and future missions. For tech-savvy players, Stern’s Insider Connected platform introduces game-specific achievements, mutant powers, and online quests, adding a fresh layer of connectivity to the classic pinball experience.

The Uncanny X-Men models L-R: Pro, Premium & Limited Edition
The Uncanny X-Men Pinball Designer, Jack Danger, threw everything at the playfield, including the kitchen sink!

With only 811 Limited Edition units available worldwide, a nod to the Earth-811 timeline of the storyline, this machine is set to be a highly sought-after collector’s item.

Whether you’re a seasoned pinball enthusiast or a die-hard X-Men fan, this machine offers an exciting blend of nostalgia, advanced gameplay mechanics, and connectivity that promises to keep you coming back for more.

Pricing:

  • Pro Edition: $US 6,999 / $AU 11,950**
  • Premium Edition: $US 9,699 / $AU 15,500**
  • Limited Edition: $US 12,999 / $AU 20,500**

** $AUD pricing to be confirmed

PAX Aus 2024 Panel Schedule Announced

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With only a month to go till PAX AUS 2024 (Ed: wow, not long to go now!), we thought we’d share some of the panels that will be on at this year’s event.

To check the full schedule of panels so you can map out your weekend at PAX Aus, go here now!

Friday, October 11:

  • Storytime with Julian Wilton, Creative Director of Massive Monster | Main Theatre, 12:00pm – 1:00pm

  • Fireside with Abubakar Salim | Main Theatre, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

  • Fireside with Sonia Coronado Cuesta, Senior Music Designer at PlayStation | Quokka Theatre, 5:00pm – 6:00pm

  • Content Creating with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses: Finding Acceptance within Gaming | Fruitbat Theatre, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

  • Career Storytellers | Dropbear Theatre, 10:30 – 11:30am

  • Creating Armour and Props with EVA Foam | Cosplay Theatre, 12:30pm – 1:30pm

  • Civilization VII Developer Panel: Bringing Your Civ World to Life | Quokka Theatre, 11:00am – 12:00pm

  • Xbox presents: In Conversation with Ryan Warden, Production Director of Avowed: Lifting the lid on Production | Quokka Theatre, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

  • Fireside: Bringing Lord of the Rings lore to the Art of Tales of the Shire, presented by Wētā Workshop | Main Theatre, 5:00 – 6:00pm

Saturday, October 12:

  • Penny Arcade Make-A-Strip | Main Theatre, 11:00am – 12:00pm

  • The Custodians of Lord of the Rings bringing Hobbit lore to Tales of the Shire, presented by Wētā Workshop | Quokka Theatre, 11:00 – 12:00pm

  • Crafting Characters: The Style and Substance of FINAL FANTASY XIV | Main Theatre, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

  • Making Music in the Games Industry | Dropbear Theatre, 2:30pm – 3:30pm

  • MOUSE: P.I. For Hire – First Look: Developer Playthrough | Quokka Theatre | 3:00 – 4:00pm

  • Fireside Chat With Josh Weier – Project Lead On Portal 2 | Quokka Theatre, 5:00pm – 6:00pm

  • Forging a new league of legends: gaming, mental health and masculinity | Dropbear Theatre, 4:30pm – 5:30pm

  • Sea Shanties you say? Yahaarghh! | GenerOZity Wombat Theatre, 9:00 – 11:00 pm

  • Airbrushing 101: Airbrushing for cosplay, props and minis (Live painting demo) | Cosplay Theatre, 10:30am – 11:30am

  • So you want to be a Voice Actor? | Main Theatre, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Ausretrogamer’s Alex Boz at the ‘Blast From The Past’ panel at PAX Aus

Sunday, October 12:

  • World Of Vtubers | Dropbear Theatre, 10:30am – 11:30am

  • Fireside with Mark Meer | Main Theatre, 12:00pm – 1:00pm

  • Zelda Universe Presents: More Than A Damsel | Quokka Theatre, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

  • Cosplay Central Crown Championship Finals | Main Theatre, 2:00 – 3:30 pm

  • Overshare: Handling Mental Health Topics in Stream Chat | Kookaburra Theatre,  2:30 – 3:30pm

  • Fireside with Teddy Dief and Karrie Shao | Quokka Theatre, 3:00 – 4:00pm

  • One-Shot Wonders | Writing D&D5e One-Shot adventures | Dropbear, 4:30 – 5:30pm

 

A Classic Is Reborn – The Atari 7800+

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Play Like It’s 1986!

Just in case you have been away on Mars or off grid somewhere on Earth, you may have missed the news that (the new) Atari are at it again, mining their legacy IP to create a contemporary product that tugs on retro gamers’ hearts!

This time around, it’s the Atari 7800+, which is based (on looks) on the 7800 console that was released in 1986. The beauty about the 7800 was that it could play both original VCS/2600 and native 7800 game cartridges, and thank heavens, the 7800+ will be able to do the same. However, the 7800+ will have an added advantage by being able to play the newer 2600+ and 7800+ carts as well – how cool is that?!

So fetch your old 2600 and 7800 game carts and get them ready for some action!


source: IGN

Join Shigeru Miyamoto In A Tour Of The Nintendo Museum

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Get Your Bucket List Ready!

Whoa, gotta set aside about 14 minutes and watch this brief tour of the Nintendo Museum with none other than Shigeru Miyamoto!

The Nintendo Museum is scheduled to open on October 2nd, 2024, in Kyoto, Japan! This is one item we definitely want to cross off the bucket list!


source: Nintendo Of America

Peter Brock – ‘King Of The Mountain’ Pinball Machines

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Leaving a burnout at last week’s AGE – the Australasian Gaming Expo (August 13 to 15), was Vector Pinball’s Peter Brock “King Of The Mountain” pinball machines – which were the talk of the exhibition. Both models of the Peter Brock themed pinball machines were on display at the Big Top Amusements booth.

The fully licensed Vector Pinball made machines feature Peter Brock’s 1979 Torana and the 1984 VK Commodore winning race cars at Mount Panorama (aka: Bathurst). Both variations of the King Of The Mountain retail for AU$11,900 (GST inclusive)!

For those pinball players outside of Australia, Peter Brock was a championship winning race car driver for Holden (GMH), much to the lament of the blue oval (Ford) lovers. Brocky won the Bathurst 1000 a record-breaking 9 times.

GAME FEATURES

  • Commercial Grade, Uses off the shelf Industry Standard Parts, 1 Year Warranty, 7 Day Phone Support, Onsite warranty options, depending on your location.
  • Different artwork on each side of the cabinet, 2 Backglass art versions available (see photo gallery), Option to have Black or White Playfield rubbers & acorns.
  • 3 Speaker Sound system
  • Cabinet Inner art Blades around the playfield to help create a world under glass.
  • Topper included
  • Shaker Motor Included
  • 3 or 5 ball play, digital volume control, etc all adjustable inside coin door
  • 32 Digit Alpha/Numeric Score/Information display. 2 digit Count Down Timer under playfield for challenge modes
  • Standard Ball Shooter with Auto Shooter built in for use when required
  • 2 & 3 ball Multi Ball modes
  • B R O C K upper lanes & K I N G Lower rollover lanes with lane change feature
  • Minimum play time – with auto Ball return feature
  • Skill Shot, Extra Ball, Jackpot & Super Jackpot, Bonus Hold features
  • 6 Drop Targets
  • Ball gate with Lift Control (top left)
  • 3 Flippers
  • 2 Sling Shots
  • 3 Pop Bumpers
  • 1 Spinner
  • 1 Captive Car shot
  • 6 Static Targets, 1 rebound switches
  • 2 LED strings, Each RGB LED on to and below the playfield is individually addressable for incredible light shows.
  • Software is upgradeable
  • 4 Highest Scores stored along with player entered initials
  • End of Game lucky Number match, Old School Knocker built in to Alert Match & Replays Awarded
  • Standard Pinball Tilt Bob Mech

If you missed playing these machines at last week’s AGE, then you still have a chance to have a flip at the upcoming PINFEST event in Newcastle (Sept 14 – 15) and also at the Melbourne Pinball Expo (Nov 30 – Dec 1).

PETER BROCK – 79 Holden Torana Edition

PETER BROCK – 84 Holden VK Commodore Edition

Playfield

image source: Vector Pinball

 

PAX Aus Announces Largest Ever Tabletop Area & Disney Lorcana Showcase

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PAX Aus to showcase its largest ever tabletop area featuring Disney Lorcana, other new releases and fan favourites

The Australian Tabletop scene continues to go from strength to strength so it should come as no surprise that PAX Aus has dedicated even more of its floor space to this fan favourite, delivering the biggest ever tabletop area in 2024.

Kicking things off is the much-anticipated Disney Lorcana by Ravensburger. Fans will be able to get hands on discovering the fantastic secrets of Lorcana with some familiar Disney friends and reimagined characters. Whether you’re a first-timer, regular TCG player or collector, there will be an opportunity to explore, learn and immerse yourself in the magical world of Disney Lorcana.

“We’re extremely excited to bring Disney Lorcana to Australian fans this year,” said Will Chan, Disney Lorcana Sales and Marketing Manager at Modern Brands (exclusive ANZ distributor). “Whether you’re a Disney fan, new to TCGs or a fully fledged Illumineer well versed in questing for lore, our booth will have something for everyone. We look forward to bringing the community together to play, learn and share in celebrating this wonderful experience during the show!”

Disney Lorcana will be joined by other icons of the tabletop world – Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. Celebrating 50 years in 2024, Dungeons and Dragons will have exclusive  merch items and first time hands-on demos with new sets, with both areas open from 10am – 10pm Fri – Sat and 10am – 6pm Sunday.

Bandai is also offering a stellar lineup of activities, featuring learn-to-play sessions, tournaments and events for their popular trading card games: One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Digimon and their newest addition, Sand Land.

Miniature aficionados will be happy to learn that ‘Paint and Take’ will be returning in 2024 thanks to Let’s Play Games, who promise something a little different this year. While we cannot reveal too much, painters should expect to enter a Mediaeval world of wonder! Star Wars: Unlimited fans will ‘feel the Force’ as they will be able to get their hands on an exclusive ‘Grogu’ event promo card. There will also be new releases from Exploding Kittens Studios, Big Potato Games, CATAN New Energies, Forrest Shuffle and more.

The Australian Tabletop scene continues to grow and the Indie developers are shining! Tabletop goers will be delighted to see six tabletop winners in this year’s PAX Aus Indie Showcase featured in the PAX Aus Rising section – the largest number of Indie Showcase tabletop winners in PAX history.

Off the exhibition floor, there will be even more content for tabletop lovers, including the introduction of a new theatre, the Owlbear theatre, which will see TTRPG – One Shot Adventures being run throughout the weekend.

PAX Aus encompasses everything your ‘gaming heart’ desires: the epic expo floor, the largest tabletop area ever in PAX Aus history, the PC freeplay areal, the Handheld Lounge, Console Freeplay and Tournament areas, Cosplay Central and the Crown Championships of Cosplay, Speedrunning Stage, Jackbox, the PAX Aus Indie Showcase, PAX Collaboratory, PAX Rising, a jam-packed schedule of panels and entertainment, incredible special guests, PAX Together and the iconic Omegathon.

PAX Aus takes place on October 11-13 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. With three-day badges sold out and Saturday badges 80% sold out, don’t delay if you want to play!

For more information, updates and to purchase badges, please visit the official PAX Aus website.

source: Rocket Comms

 

 

2024 4KB Craptastic Game Competition Preview

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The Reset64 Magazine 2024 Craptastic Game Dev Spectacular Preview

Development for the 2024 4KB Craptastic Game Competition is in full swing. With the deadline fast approaching (August 31st), we thought we’d give you all a quick look at what some of the very talented devs are up to for this coding competition.

Best of luck to all the competitors and we can’t wait to try all of your craptastic creations!

As always, thank-you to our competition sponsors and supporters:

Bitmap Books

 

Protovision

 

Ausretrogamer – retrogaming and pinball

Title: Weights and Crates

Author: TND Games

Status: In Progress

Synopsis: You are a worker at an explosives factory. You have been sent outside to the water logged shipping yard, where you are operating a conveyor belt, with crates on board. For every crate that passes points are scored. Yellow crates give 100 points and red crates award 200 points. Landing on yellow crates will stun you for a bit. If you are pushed to the central point of the red rollers, a fault occurs on the belt, resulting in you falling into the water. If you land on red crates or getting hit by falling 10 ton weights will result in instant death.

Title: Shark Under The Sea 4K

Author: SkyBerron

Status: In progress

Synopsis: You take on the role of a hungry shark. Eat small fish, avoid depth charges and don’t let yourself be hunted by the hunter divers.

Title: MoruBOOST

Author: Alexander Martinelle, Cogitare Computing

Status: Submitted

Synopsis: Speed across the alien planet dodging your alien captors!

MoruBOOST is a game of timing and luck. Use the robotic guinea pigs speed to dodge enemies and reach the end of the level as fast as possible to gain as many points as possible.

Title: Nightmare 4k

Author: PATAGONIA – Juan Castiñeira

Status: Submitted

Synopsis: Ghosts will take over your dark and scary house, you must escape from them. Your only safe zone is to stay under the light, that’s when the ghosts disappear. Take the key and find the exit door.

Title: Hydrogen

Author: Chris Stanley / Megastyle

Status: Submitted

Synopsis: Taking the form of a traditional ‘brick breaker’, Hydrogen is a game in which you must battle your way through twelve chambers of an alien space station to achieve victory. Use your effector and power spheres in order to decimate all the defence cubes. Liberate canisters containing one of four isotopes of hydrogen fuel, each providing the player with a different and useful ability to help win the day!

Title: Escape from the Metaverse

Author: Space Moguls / Carl-Henrik Skårstedt

Status: In progress

Synopsis: You’re trapped in the metaverse! Escape a fractured universe where gravity is not a constant and try to get the fastest time possible.

Title: Geom4K

Author: Oziphantom

Status: In progress (hopefully I make it)

Synopsis: It’s a twin stick shooter with geometric shapes that hunt you.. Needs two joysticks to play or two mapped to a good enough keyboard in an emulator. Currently supports 3 different enemy types. Hunter, Boxer and Kamikaze! Can currently handle 32 enemies at 25fps, but I will either add “superior hardware” support that hopefully gets it locked 50 or make a new version for the better platform.

Title: Drone Zone

Author: Code/Design: Carleton Handley, GFX/Music: Saul Cross

Status: Submitted

Synopsis: A racing game with a drone. Fly around six tight, small courses inside caves for the fastest time. Whilst you can fly around slowly the game is designed as a time attack game. All courses can be completed in under 20 seconds with practice, I’m hoping somebody can finish the easier course in under 10 seconds after release.

Title: The Revenge of the Blobby Thingies

Author: Martin Piper

Status: Completed

Synopsis: This is you, the other monsters are jealous of your light green colour. Find freedom from the monster factory! Shoot the monsters. There are 65536 types of monsters in this game. Each has their own characteristics and animations.

Title: Jerry Kavinsky versus Space Goblins

Author: Bago Zonde / Commocore

Status: In progress

Synopsis: “Jerry Kavinsky versus Space Goblins ” is going to be a loose tribute to the game “Jim Power”. In the game we play the role of Jerry Kavinsky, a time warp hero whose mission is to rescue the kidnapped President’s daughter from the hands of mutants. Mutant goblins and mutant plant spikes will do everything in their power to stop Kavinsky. On top of that, Kavinsky must be careful not to fall into the abyss. Otherwise he will be forgotten forever. Not mentioning the President’s daughter!

Title: Cavern Drone Race

Author: Geir Straume

Status: In progress

Synopsis: This is a drone racing game, in which you compete against two AI controlled drones. The race takes place in a large cavern, and you have to successfully fly through some checkpoints before completing the race, or you will be disqualified.

<SURPRISE, no screenshot>

Book Review: Run ’n’ Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters

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Don’t miss out on this explosive journey through gaming history. Grab your copy of Run ’n’ Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters today and relive the glory days of on-foot shooters!

If you’ve ever felt the adrenaline rush of dodging bullets in Contra (it’ll always be Gryzor to us!), or the intense thrill of blasting through waves of enemies in Metal Slug, then Run ’n’ Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters by Bitmap Books is the ultimate nostalgic treasure trove you’ve been waiting for. This book isn’t just a collection of game titles; it’s a vivid journey through the explosive history of one of gaming’s most beloved genres.

Opening with forewords by Mega Man’s legendary producer, Keiji Inafune, and Cuphead creators Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, you know you’re in for a treat. Their insights set the stage for an epic journey that starts with 1975’s Gun Fight, widely considered the birth of the run ’n’ gun genre, and marches through over 300 iconic games spanning decades.

Written by award-winning video game journalist and comic book author Dave Cook, Run ’n’ Gun brings to life 40 years of gaming history with flair and expertise. Cook’s engaging narrative is peppered with incredible behind-the-scenes stories, fascinating quotes, and mind-blowing trivia that will captivate both veteran gamers and newcomers alike. The expert gameplay tips scattered throughout the book offer an added bonus, giving readers a chance to revisit their favorite games with a fresh perspective.

The visual appeal of this book is nothing short of stunning. Lithographically printed to the highest standards, each page bursts with vibrant colours and high-quality screenshots that almost leap off the page. The luxurious feel of the hardback edition, with its spot-varnished fascia featuring artwork by the talented Jorge M. Velez, makes it a beautiful addition to any coffee table or bookshelf.

One of the standout features of Run ’n’ Gun is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while also providing a comprehensive look at the evolution of the genre. From the pixelated charm of early arcade games to the sophisticated graphics of modern shooters, this book covers it all with meticulous detail and passion.

Run ’n’ Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters is more than just a book; it’s a celebration of a genre that has given gamers countless hours of excitement and adventure. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of run ’n’ gun games or simply love video game history, this book is a must-have. Dive in, and let the memories and discoveries unfold!

Specs:

Disclaimer: Run ’n’ Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters book was kindly provided by PixelCrib for this review.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Gets an 8-Bit Makeover

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CineFix is back with another nostalgia bomb! This time, they’ve turned the 1986 classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, into a retro 8-bit animated video game.

Picture Ferris dodging Principal Rooney in pixelated glory! This hilarious blast from the past was crafted by David Dutton of Dutton Films, with toe-tapping tunes by Henry Dutton. It’s like your childhood got a major upgrade—game on!

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III – A Nostalgic Gem on the Nintendo Switch

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Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III on the Nintendo Switch is a delightful journey back to the golden era of arcade gaming. This game, the third installment in the beloved Bubble Bobble series, successfully captures the essence of its predecessors while introducing fresh and exciting gameplay mechanics that both new players and longtime fans will adore.

Origins: Originally released in 1991, “Parasol Stars” continues the charming adventures of the iconic Bubble Bobble duo, Bub and Bob. This time, our heroes wield magical parasols that open up a whole new world of possibilities. This game was a standout on the PC-Engine, and its transition to the Nintendo Switch has been executed flawlessly, maintaining its retro charm while enhancing it for modern audiences.

Gameplay: At its core, Parasol Stars is a platformer that combines elements of action and puzzle-solving. Players navigate through vibrant, colorful levels, using their parasols to capture and throw enemies, collect power-ups, and solve intricate puzzles. The game’s level design is ingenious, offering a perfect balance of challenge and fun. Each stage feels unique, filled with hidden secrets and rewards that encourage exploration and replayability.

Controls: The controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to pick up and play while still offering depth for those who seek to master the game. The parasol mechanic is brilliantly implemented, allowing players to use it as a shield, a weapon, and a tool for interacting with the environment. The seamless controls enhance the overall gameplay experience, ensuring that players of all skill levels can enjoy the adventure.

Features: This game is packed with quality-of-life features that make it a must-have on the Nintendo Switch. The game supports both single-player and local multiplayer modes, allowing friends to join the fun and tackle levels together. The Switch’s portability means you can enjoy Parasol Stars on the go, making it a perfect addition to your travel gaming collection.

Visually, the game retains its retro pixel art style, which has been lovingly updated to look stunning on the Switch’s screen (especially on the OLED iteration). The soundtrack is equally nostalgic, featuring catchy tunes that complement the whimsical atmosphere of the game. The addition of leaderboards and achievements adds a competitive edge, encouraging players to perfect their skills and compete with others worldwide.

In conclusion, Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III on the Nintendo Switch is a joyous celebration of classic arcade gaming. Its engaging gameplay, intuitive controls, and charming aesthetics make it a standout title that should not be missed. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer looking for a fun and challenging platformer, Parasol Stars is a shining example of how timeless gameplay can continue to captivate and entertain.

Disclaimer: Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III NS review code supplied by PR Hound