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Level Up Your Playlist: Nintendo Game Music Now Streaming on Your Smart Device!

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Nintendo fans, rejoice! The iconic music from your favorite Nintendo games is now just a tap away with Nintendo Music, a brand-new app exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members. This app lets you dive into a treasure trove of legendary soundtracks—from the nostalgia of the Mushroom Kingdom to the epic battles of Hyrule—bringing the thrill of Nintendo’s best musical moments straight to your phone/smart device (as long as it’s iOS and/or Android based).

What’s more, you can make it personal. Create custom playlists, share them with friends, and explore curated collections to rediscover classic tunes or uncover new favorites. Nintendo Music offers streaming and downloading options so you can enjoy the beat wherever you are, whether you’re at home, on a jog, or just looking to infuse some magic into your day.

Not a Nintendo Switch Online member? No problem! You can take Nintendo Music for a spin with a 7-day free trial. Signing up unlocks access not only to the app but also to a library of classic games, exclusive offers, and more.

Grab the Nintendo Music app for iOS and/or Android now!

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Set to Open at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe in May 2025

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From the fun of Mario Kart to careening through Donkey Kong Country, experience all the interactive excitement of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, opening 2025 at Universal Epic Universe.

Exciting news for theme park lovers: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is set to open in May 2025 at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe park! This immersive land will bring iconic Nintendo franchises to life, offering rides, interactive experiences, and themed dining inspired by beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach.

Fans can look forward to racing through Mushroom Kingdom and exploring Bowser’s Castle in vibrant, high-tech environments. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is expected to be a major highlight of the Epic Universe expansion, creating new levels of fun and adventure for all ages.

For more details, visit Universal Orlando’s official site.

image source: Universal Orlando

Obey Your Pinball Master with Stern Pinball’s Metallica Remastered!🤘⚡

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Stern Pinball Unveils the Thrilling Metallica Remastered: A New Era of Pinball Gaming

Stern Pinball, Inc. has just announced the launch of Metallica Remastered, an exciting upgrade to one of its most iconic pinball machines, originally released in 2013. This new version not only retains the spirit of the beloved classic but also enhances it with cutting-edge technology, making it a must-have for pinball enthusiasts and Metallica fans alike.

What’s New in Metallica Remastered?

The Metallica Remastered machine boasts significant upgrades, including a vibrant full-color LCD display featuring all-new animations and stunning live concert footage. Powered by Stern’s modern Spike 2 electronics, this game elevates gameplay and presentation, allowing players to enjoy an expanded tracklist with 22 songs—eight more than the original.

The game also includes exciting new features like an Expression Lighting system, improved artwork by renowned Metallica artist Rhys Cooper, and enhanced mechanical devices that add to the overall gaming experience. The original playfield layout has been preserved, but players will benefit from new geometry, improved gameplay toys, and dramatic UV lighting effects.


source: Stern Pinball – YouTube

Metallica: A Legacy of Influence

Since its inception in 1981, Metallica has redefined rock music, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances and groundbreaking sound. Their cultural impact extends far beyond music, creating a massive global fanbase. This new pinball machine pays homage to their legacy while offering a fresh take for both old fans and newcomers.

Design and Features

Stern Pinball’s design team, led by John Borg and software engineer Raymond Davidson, has meticulously reimagined the original game. They’ve introduced three stunning new sculptures: Sparky, the Hammer, and illuminated Skulls, along with a new Metallica logo on the back panel. Enhancements to the iconic Lyman Sheats rule set add two new game modes inspired by Metallica’s latest albums—72 Seasons and Hardwired…to Self-Destruct—alongside a new “Blackened” Wizard Mode.

Players can expect an immersive experience with over 1,000 new speech calls from the band, new sound effects, and seamless integration of additional Metallica tracks, complete with HD-quality concert footage.

L to R: Premium & Limited Edition

Limited Edition Highlights

For collectors, the Limited Edition (LE) model is a treasure. Limited to just 500 units worldwide, this version features exclusive elements such as the Expression Lighting System™ and custom-designed artwork. Other perks include upgraded audio, anti-reflection playfield glass, and a numbered plaque with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Get Yours Today!

Metallica Remastered is now available in Premium and Limited Edition models, with a range of accessories set to launch soon. Pinball fans and music lovers alike won’t want to miss out on this exhilarating new chapter in pinball history.

Forgotten Worlds Magazine Issue 4: A Nostalgic Dive into the Classics of Gaming Journalism

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Press Start To Play!

Get ready to be transported back to the golden age of gaming magazines with Forgotten Worlds Issue 4! This edition is a true love letter to the legendary publications that defined gaming journalism in the ‘90s and early 2000s, from Mean Machines to EGM, Super Play, GamePro, Hyper, and CVG. With over 100 full-color, perfect-bound pages, Issue 4 is packed with stories that will hit the nostalgia sweet spot for any retro gaming fan.

What’s Inside?
This issue takes you behind the scenes of the most iconic gaming magazines ever printed. Through exclusive interviews with the editors, writers, and artists who crafted these classics, you’ll get a rare look at what it was like to be on the frontlines of video game journalism. Daniel Wilks from Hyper magazine, for example, shares fascinating anecdotes about the highs and lows of capturing the magic of gaming culture for print. And that’s just the start—there’s something for every fan, from the console wars to the rise of imports and RPGs!

A Kickstarter for the Ages
To make Issue 4 happen, the Forgotten Worlds team has launched a Kickstarter campaign that is well worth checking out. Fans of retro gaming history can grab their copy through the campaign, as well as enjoy exclusive perks and rewards. Whether you’re a collector, a historian, or just someone who loves a good deep dive into the evolution of gaming, this Kickstarter is your ticket to securing this limited-edition treasure.

So why wait? Join the campaign, snag yourself a copy, and get ready to relive the glory days of gaming journalism with Forgotten Worlds Issue 4!

Hold Onto Your Skorts – PAX Aus Has Just Dropped Their Exhibitor 2024 Line-Up

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PAX Aus Announces 2024 Exhibitor Line-Up

Go AFK, mute Discord, and pay attention! PAX Aus has confirmed that this year’s event is even bigger with more developers, more publishers, more Indie Games, the biggest Tabletop area ever and a jam-packed schedule. And don’t forget, the Classic Gaming area for your retro gaming and pinball fix!

PAX Aus 2024 will welcome back some of your favourite publisher brands and new friends, including Bethesda Softworks ANZ, Blizzard Entertainment, Devolver, FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, PC Game Pass, Playside Studios, SEGA, Steam, The Sims and Ubisoft.

Some of the biggest and best hardware brands will satisfy the appetite of gaming gear connoisseurs, with AFTERSHOCK PC, ASUS – Republic of Gamers, Bluemouth Interactive, Cooler Master, Govee by Clever Gear, Intel, Keychron, LG Electronics Australia, MSI Gaming, Samsung and Secretlab joining the line-up.

Bringing the love to PAX Aus this year, Devolver and Massive Monster will host the first-ever PAX weddings. Two loved-up couples will walk down the aisle on Sunday October 13 at 11am and 3pm in a faithful, life-size replica of the Cult of the Lamb Temple featured in the popular game. For any pilgrims willing to take the plunge, check out the schedule for more sinful activations over the PAX weekend!

While on the topic of love, PAX Aus welcomes Steam for the first time ever. More on that when the show opens, you’re not going to want to miss it!

Red Bull Gameball Royale is the ultimate face-off at PAX Australia 2024. Four teams of Australian creators, led by captains Lachlan, Iamfallfromgrace, Muselk, and Loserfruit will go head-to-head in an interactive dodgeball tournament. This high-impact sport has been digitally levelled up with gamified mechanics delivered through an impressive LED court. Players will need to dip, dive, duck and dodge to advance towards being Australia’s first Red Bull Gameball Royale Champions.

Bethesda Softworks ANZ is excited to unveil an epic fan event at PAX Aus, offering attendees a deep dive into the captivating universes of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Step into the heart of Tamriel at the carefully crafted Elder Scrolls Online Tavern at the PAX Pub, and then escape the hustle at The Fallout 76 Skyline Valley C.A.M.P.site Handheld Lounge.

Ubisoft will be showcasing Assassin’s Creed Shadows on their booth with a playable demo and Assassin’s Creed Shadows Game Director, Charles Benoit, will also be making an appearance to present Bringing Assassin’s Creed Shadows to Life with Ubisoft Quebec (watch this space!). Esports fans will be able to enjoy Ubisoft’s Rainbow 6 Siege showcase at the PAX Arena from 6-10pm on Friday night in the queue hall. The Arena will feature top of the line equipment from Razer, ZOWIE and Centre Com.

The Sims is coming to PAX Aus to give Simmers a Plumbob photo zone and free tarot readings with the one and only Grim. With their newest expansion Life and Death coming soon, Grim will be ready for 3 full days of posing, reaping lost souls, and giveaways.

Blizzard Entertainment will be celebrating the launch of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred at PAX Aus, offering an activation space featuring incredible bespoke artwork from @JazzaStudios and a life-sized glaive weapon for Diablo fans to get up close and personal with! Every day of PAX Aus, two lucky winners will take home a customised Vessel of Hatred kit that introduces them to the new Spiritborn class and its Spirit Guardians.

PlaySide Studios will be featuring multiple playable titles on their booth, including KILL KNIGHT, Thrive: Heavy Lies The Crown, Age of Darkness: Final Stand and a currently unannounced Dumb Ways to Die title, in addition to an interactive experience for the upcoming MOUSE: PI for Hire by Fumi Games. You can also catch the MOUSE: P.I. For Hire – First Look: Developer Playthrough panel, which will feature a global exclusive live playthrough of the game with Game Director, Mateusz Michalak, and Producer, Maciej Krzemien.

SEGA‘s stand at PAX Australia will feature three of its highly anticipated titles to play; Sonic X Shadow Generations, Metaphor: ReFantazio and Two Point Museum. There’ll be a dedicated streaming area where attendees may catch some of their favourite content creators streaming the latest SEGA games live, and the chance to meet movie Sonic in person, as he’ll make multiple appearances throughout the weekend.

FINAL FANTASY™ XIV Online are inviting seasoned adventurers to battle against the fearsome Valigarmanda, newcomers to challenge an early primal battle and encouraging everyone to snap a picture in their special photo spot and get their hands on some goodies! Additionally, don’t miss the panel with Senior Story Designer Natsuko Ishikawa and Quest Designer Saki Takayanagi.

Speaking of getting hands-on with some special stuff, the Bandai Namco team will be bringing Dragon Ball Z: Sparking! ZERO for visitors to play. Square Enix will also be bringing a Life is Strange: Double Exposure photo activation, with the opportunity to win some amazing prizes throughout the duration of the event.

Other exhibitors include BlackMilk Clothing, Crunchyroll, Aussie Broadband, and the New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence, who will be bringing 18 of New Zealand’s newest indie games.

Also on the showfloor, PAX Aus’ biggest Tabletop area ever featuring Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game; hosting ‘learn to play’ sessions inviting you on your first adventure as an Illumineer, a photo op in the Great Illuminary, questing in the Starter Deck challenge zone, and Disney Lorcana artist Matt Chapman, available for signings.

And the recently announced schedule features the very best of local and international gaming talent with panels, firesides and entertainment, kicking off with Storytime with Massive Monster’s, Julian Wilton; the first ever PAX Aus Australian Keynote.

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

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