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Super Mario Bros. 64 Has Been Unleashed On The C64

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Wahoo, after 7 years in development, Super Mario Bros. is finally released on our beloved Commodore 64! A huge thank you to ZeroPaige for the hard work in coding this masterpiece.

For those few that don’t know, this creation is a Commodore 64 port of the 1985 game Super Mario Bros. which was originally released for Famicom and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This brilliant port contains the original version that was released in Japan and United States, as well as the European version – how awesome is that! It also detects and supports a handful of turbo functionalities, and has 2 SID support. We can finally experience Super Mario Bros. in fully glory on our C64s!

The download links can be found on the Lemon64 forum. The disk-image contains 2 programs:

  • SUPER M. BROS.64 – the game (everything in one file); and
  • SMB.64 DOCS – the game manual.

A cartridge-file is also provided, containing the game which can also be used on the C64GS!

For more details on this game and all its features go here.

NOTE: If the Super Mario Bros. 64 file(s) have been taken down, then that is the work of Nintendo’s DMCA notice to file sharing sites 🙁

 

Atari Mini Arcades

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Whoa, two brand new Atari Mini Arcades (featuring 5 classic Atari games each) have been announced!

These officially licensed Atari mini-arcades, including a Pong inspired cabinet with paddles and 2 player support, will launch this coming September.

Each mini-arcade will feature a 2.8″ colour screen, 5 officially licensed Atari games, speaker and 3.5mm headphone output. The units will be powered by 4 AA batteries (totally old school) or a micro-USB cable. Both mini-arcades will be presented in a collectable gift box. Pricing for each unit has been set at ÂŁ24.99 / €29.99 (no word on US or AU pricing or availability as of yet – we will keep posted). Pre-orders for these Atari mini-arcade system are currently available via Amazon UK.

The Atari Pong Mini Arcade includes a unique Atari inspired paddle system and 2 player support, with the following built-in games: Pong Ÿ, Breakout Ÿ, Circus Atari Ÿ, Off The Wall and Super Breakout Ÿ.

The Atari Mini Arcade features removable arcade style joystick and D-pad controls, with the following five built-in games: Centipede Âź, Adventure, Sprint Master, Warlords Âź, and Yars’ Revenge Âź.

image source: Blaze Entertainment

We are definitely keen to try out these Atari Mini Arcade systems, so stay tuned! Once we get our hands on these, we’ll report back with our thoughts. Game on peeps!

 

Evercade – It’s Coming!

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A new console has been announced and it looks very intriguing!

The Evercade is a brand new handheld console with unique multi-game retro cartridges from leading games publishers and console platforms. The first publisher to jump onboard, Atari, will be bringing 20 of their classic game carts from their 2600 and 7800 back catalogue. We are are eagerly awaiting news on future publishers.

Little is known at this stage about the Evercade, but the few bits and pieces of information has definitely piqued our interest, like:

  • An ever expanding library of games
  • Officially licensed content
  • No internet connection required
  • Collectable elements (unleash the trophy hunter inside of you!)
  • Save game progress; and
  • Connect to your TV via HDMI (sounds good to us)

The Evercade is one retro playing console we will keep an eye on and let you know more details as they come to hand.

 

Capcom Home Arcade

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Looks like another major video games player has realised that there is money to be made out of nostalgia!

The latest company to join the fray is Capcom with their Capcom Home Arcade – a plug and play arcade twin-stick system containing 16 classic titles from the golden age of arcade gaming. The system will be powered via a micro USB, it will be Wi-Fi enabled and will plug into any of the newfangled TVs via HDMI.

The Capcom Home Arcade is slated to be released on October 25 this year at a price of €229.99, which is about $360.00 based on the current exchange rate. That is some big bikkies to fork out for such a contraption, but having Final Fight, Ghouls’n Ghosts and Giga Wing on tap, we may be swayed.

What do you think of the Capcom Home Arcade? Hit us up on Twitter or Facebook to let us know.


source: Capcom Europe

 

Pac Maze: An Immersive Pac-Man Inspired Escape Maze

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A real life Pac-Man escape maze? Yep, you have read that right!

The peeps at Pac Maze have created the ultimate nostalgic Pac-Man inspired escape maze in Melbourne for one day at a secret location within 15 minutes from the CBD!

This immersive activation will bring a huge maze with the chance for players to lose themselves in a pixelated world, running, dodging ghosts and grabbing fruit to be the ultimate winner. Inside the maze, players will need to complete a coded pac puzzle along with collecting fruit. The first to complete the puzzle and collect all the fruit will be crowned the ultimate winner. If a player gets caught by a ghost they will lose a life – lose 3 lives and you’re out! Now that is old school rules.

Once players escape the Pac Maze they can kick on in the 80’s themed pixel room, which will include the OG Pac-Man game and a DJ who will be belting out the classics to wind the clock back.

Sounds fun! For full event details and ticketing, go here.

PS: We hope this isn’t the same mob that ran the much maligned Mario Kart (IRL event) in the CBD.

Enter A World of Pure Imagination with Jersey Jack Pinball’s Willy Wonka and the The Chocolate Factory

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Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP) has unveiled their latest and possibly their greatest pinball machine, the Pat Lawlor designed, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!

The unveiling took place earlier today (April 13 – Australian time) at the 2019 Midwest Gaming Classic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in front of a jam packed crowd and streamed live to tens of thousands around the world via the awesome Buffalo Pinball team.

This pinball masterpiece was designed by the legendary Pat Lawlor, designer of Dialed In!, Twilight Zone, and over a dozen other classic games, including the best-selling pinball machine in history, The Addams Family. With this kind of pedigree, we always knew that JJP would not disappoint with a Willy Wonka pinball machine.

All three models of the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory™ pinball machines include:

  • four flippers
  • six balls
  • a captive ball
  • seven magnets
  • the Everlasting Gobstopper™
  • the Most Secret Machine™
  • Oompa Loompa™ camera sculpture
  • 7” Wonkavision™ LCD
  • a 27” HD LCD screen with interactive 3D animations
  • and candy-colored LED light shows

Gameplay features four multiballs, collecting Wonka Bars™, spelling Scrumdiddlyumptious™, touring Wonka’s Factory™, and a host of other goodies to lead you down the chocolate river to three wizard modes, including Pure Imagination™. Scenes and dialogue from the original 1971 film directed by Mel Stuart, starring Gene Wilder are showcased bringing this exciting theme to life. This pinball machine is the epitome of the old pinball adage, ‘a world under glass’.

The Australian (AU$) pricing for all three models is as follows:

  • Willy Wonka Standard Edition: $12,490.00
  • Willy Wonka Limited Edition: $15,490.00
  • Willy Wonka Collector’s Edition: $19,990.00

From first impressions, Willy Wonka looks terrific and seems to have all the hallmarks of becoming a pinball masterpiece. We honestly can’t wait to enter this pinball world of pure imagination with Jersey Jack Pinball’s Willy Wonka and the The Chocolate Factory!

image source: Jersey Jack Pinball

 

Sega Mega Drive Mini: To be this good takes AGES, To be this good takes SEGA

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Just in case you have been in a cave without any outside contact, get your diary out now and mark September 19, 2019 as the date that the beautiful Sega Mega Drive Mini will be released in the wild to go toe-to-toe with its old foe, the SNES Classic Mini! Oh yeah, this ain’t no Flashback system!

We were amazed to find the following letter, with love, from SEGA:

My Old Friend,

I know it’s been a while. Time moves forward, yet not a day goes by that you’re not on my mind. I, the popular, star-console, you, the shy, unassuming kid, but we found common ground when we played Ecco the Dolphin together. You were so fast, racing through the Green Hill Zone with my pal, Sonic!

You sure knew how to play. The way that CRT hue hit your glazed over face as you spent another hour playing Castlevania: Bloodlines
We both knew things would change and that we’d move on to other great things, but lately, I’ve been thinking about spending time together once more. We didn’t do what we were told, but we made a good team.

I look a bit different now. I’m much smaller. I’m packing 40 games inside my sleek, molded shell, and more blast processing power than ever before.

We lived fast and dangerously, together, playing the games some of the adults weren’t too keen on (but you had the cool parents). We had the games your friends wanted to play, a whole stack of them. Shining Force, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine, and Earthworm Jim, to name a few.

Sure. there were other distractions (remember pogs?). I was never jealous though because we still had Altered Beast and Gunstar Heroes.

I will try to write more regularly. I hear there is this friendly meeting space called “social media” now where I can share more.

I hope to hear from you soon.

With love,

SEGA Mega Drive Mini @-}–

Wow. We’ve never seen the SEGA Mega Drive Mini express itself like that before. If you’d like to write back, here is some information you may find useful when crafting your reply 😉

When: September 19, 2019

What: Miniature Sega Mega Drive console which will be plug-and-play ready with 40 classic games built-in! Oh yeah, the controllers will have 3 fire-buttons, not 6 (Ed: Oh well, it’s better than nothing)

Price: AU$139.00 / US$79.99 (Pre-orders via JB Hi-Fi or Play-Asia)

Announced titles (and more to come!):

  • Sonic the Hedgehog​
  • Ecco the Dolphin
  • Castlevania: Bloodlines
  • Space Harrier 2
  • Shining Force
  • Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
  • Earthworm Jim
  • Comix Zone
  • Altered Beast
  • Gunstar Heroes

So there you have it. Are you excited? Of course you are! Let us know on Twitter or Facebook which other titles you would like to see make the list of 40 legendary games.

Now, there are no limits with the Sega Mega Drive Mini!

image source: Sega Mega Drive Mini

 

Stern Pinball Releases Black Knight: Sword of Rage – A Game 40 Years In the Making!

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Stop the press peeps! This new Steve Ritchie designed Stern Pinball machine has been 40 years in the making. The iconic pinball character, the Black Knight, returns to entertain a new generation of pinball players with the third game in the Black Knight franchise, Black Knight: Sword of Rage.

For the first time ever, players will explore, discover, and unlock the secrets of the Black Knight universe.  Navigating through these dark, mysterious, and twisted realms, players will uncover foes, demons, riches, and secrets in their quest against the Black Knight.  Black Knight: Sword of Rage pinball machines will be available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models.


source: Stern Pinball

“There’s nothing more iconic in the pinball universe than the Black Knight character,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.  “Created by game designer Steve “The King” Ritchie, the Black Knight has always taunted and antagonised players to battle him and now, for the first time, players will be able to fight back.”

Stern’s Black Knight: Sword of Rage Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models feature stunning and distinctive hand-drawn art in homage to this pinball icon.  Each game features a custom sculpted, interactive, and multi-functional Black Knight bash toy. This interactive Black Knight toy features a bi-directional motorised flail, a glowing RGB helmet with individually controllable expressive lighting to interact and taunt players with custom speech, and a sliding coil-driven shield that will bash and block your shots.

All models include the distinct “Magna-Save”, a player-controlled magnet used to prevent a ball from draining, and timed resetting drop targets.  In addition, Black Knight: Sword of Rage features a legacy sound package composed and performed by Scott Ian of Anthrax with Brendon Small, adrenalising the audio experience for players on their journey, and custom speech by Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies.

The Premium and Limited Edition models both feature a transparent upper playfield with a distinct 3-ball lock mechanism, giving players the ability to achieve a 6-ball multiball.

The Limited Edition – 600 units globally – includes additional unique features such as an exclusive mirrored backglass, anti-reflection pinball glass, shaker motor, exclusive custom art blades, a custom autographed bottom arch, a sequentially numbered plaque, and exclusive battle art custom themed cabinet artwork.

Complementing the immersive theme and exciting gameplay experience, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations on the high-definition video display.  SPIKE™ reduces system complexity and energy usage resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing. The state-of-the-art electronic system also powers a high-fidelity 3-channel audio system that is three times more powerful than audio systems of previous generations.

Pricing and Availability:

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (we’ll update this post once we have the $AUD pricing)

  • Pro Model: $US 5,999
  • Premium Model: $US 7,599
  • Limited Edition Model: $US 8,999

Black Knight: Sword of Rage pinball is available through authorised Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world.

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Pinball Press
Pinball Press is here to spread the word on everything pinball across the known universe. For business / PR email: [email protected]

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OZ COMIC-CON: Australia’s Greatest Pop Culture event launches tickets and plans for 2019

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Oz Comic-Con is returning to Melbourne on June 8th – 9th, and Brisbane and Sydney in September, giving fans across all fandoms the ultimate event for all things pop culture. Assemble your super squad and get ready for a jam-packed weekend of entertainment.

Oz Comic-Con was introduced to Australian shores in 2012 and has since cemented itself with pop culture fans, offering a little bit of everything for everyone interested in film, television, comics, anime, cosplay and much more. Convention goers can expect appearances from film and television stars, comic book artists and voice actors, gaming tournaments and freeplay along with out-of-this-world activations, industry talks and panels, and exclusive merchandise that can’t be bought anywhere else.

An event for all ages, kids can leave their mark on MARVEL’s colouring wall, spark their creative desires in a range of kids comic artist workshops and walk tall in the Kids Cosplay Parade.

Comic enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the Comic District with opportunities to meet comic guests from major publications and enjoy the Comics Library. Gamers can head on over to the Gaming Zone and feed their competitive spirit or simply relax in the freeplay gaming area.

Oz Comic-Con also plays host to the Australian Championships Of Cosplay, the most prestigious costume contest in Australia, presented by Spotlight and Brother. It is the first stop in the ‘Quest For The Crown’, a global competition that will see the overall Australian winner representing Australia at the 2020 C2E2 Championships of Cosplay in Chicago.

Confirmed guests for Melbourne so far include film and TV actor Alexander Calvert, Shadowhunters actors Dominic Sherwood and Alberto Rosende, also welcoming local and international comic book artists Dean Rankine (The Simpsons , Rick And Morty , Futurama ), Nicola Scott (Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman ) and Carla Wyzgala (Hidden Door Comics ).

Whether it’s appearances by film and television stars, comic book artists, gaming tournaments, cosplay, creative workshops or hard-to-find merchandise, Oz Comic-Con is the perfect one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family! With new announcements made every week, Oz Comic-Con Melbourne 2019 is set to be the most exciting show to
date.

MELBOURNE
WHEN: June 8 th (Saturday) – 9 th (Sunday) from 9am – 6pm, daily.
WHERE: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre | Convention Centre Pl, South
Wharf, VIC 3006
TICKETS

BRISBANE
WHEN: September 21 st (Saturday) – 22 nd (Sunday) from 9am – 6pm, daily.
WHERE: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre | Merivale St & Glenelg Street, South
Brisbane QLD 4101

SYDNEY
WHEN: September 28 th (Saturday) – 29 th (Sunday) from 9am – 6pm, daily.
WHERE: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

TICKET INFO: Tickets are ON SALE now – save up to 33% with early bird prices. Also available is a range of exclusive tickets, including the Collectors Pass and Shadowhunters Experience.

For tickets and additional information visit www.ozcomiccon.com

image source: Oz Comic-Con