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Our Favourite Nintendo Game That We Still Play Today

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Asking a gamer to nominate their favourite Nintendo game is like asking a parent to pick their favourite child. Well, guess what, we are going to do the unthinkable!

But before we crown our favourite, let us tell you about the top 3 contenders (that we still love playing till this day!):

First contender, Wave Race 64 (N64) – yes, we did pick Wave Race 64 above Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64 and Goldeneye 007. Don’t get us wrong, the aforementioned games are superb, but nostalgia draws us to Wave Race 64. What wasn’t there to like – realistic water physics, challenging courses and an absolutely cracking 2 player challenge – ‘Bonsai!’. We lost a lot of hours playing this game head to head. Oh yeah, the N64 controller was perfect for this game.

The second contender is none other than Super Mario Bros. (SMB) on the NES. This 2D platformer catapulted the Mario franchise into the stratosphere for good reason. The game had great level design, matched by awesome gameplay, a mesmerising Koji Kondo tune and most importantly, intuitive control – what more could you want!

Well, if it wasn’t for the next game, I guess the choice would have been easy and SMB would have walked away with the prize. Let us tell you about a 16-bit platformer that took the SMB ingredients, gave them a fair shake and then poured the contents into the SNES for a game we call (drum roll please), Super Mario World (SMW)! With SMW, the 2D platformer reached its pinnacle – sublime level design, 16-bit aesthetics that were an absolute feast for your eyes and the sound was perfectly atmospheric. This was a game that you could lose yourself in. SMW is one of those games you can either pick up and play for half an hour to get your Mario fix, or play till the wee hours of the morning. SMW walks away with the prize of our favourite Nintendo game of all time. Thank you Mr. Miyamoto for creating the definitive 2D platformer.

Phew, that was hard!

 

Commodore PET Programs To Run In Your Browser

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If you have aged like a fine wine, you’ll remember Commodore’s PET (Personal Electronic Transactor) line of home/personal computers produced in 1977 by Commodore International.

For those of you longing for some Commodore PET computer action, here’s 340 (at the time of publication) Commodore PET programs that you can run in your browser!

 

Most Sold Video Games from 1989 to 2019

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We are suckers for these time lapse based graphs. Press play an be in awe as you see your favourite video games rising in the top 10 and then falling before the winner takes it all!

A word of warning, it becomes quite grim for us retro gamers once the 2010 decade hits!


source: Gamology – The Best of Gaming

 

What’s Up America! – Video Warriors Mini Documentary From 1980

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We love finding obscure mini documentaries from the early 80s, just like this What’s Up America! mini documentary, titled Video Warriors, which provides an insight on the state of the arcade video games industry circa 1980.

This documentary features a fresh-faced Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell, Lyle Rains (Atari VP of Engineering, Coin-Operated Games Division), and Roger Hector (Atari Manager of Advanced Products) to name a few. The focus is primarily on Atari Coin-Ops games, but arcade games from other manufacturers are also shown. We really love the part where Roget Hector discusses his co-creation, Atari’s (unreleased) Cosmos holographic handheld games system!

For those of you outside of North America, the What’s Up America! TV series ran on the Showtime channel from 1979-1981. Now go and enjoy this hit of nostalgia!


source: Scottith Games

 

Panels to Watch at PAX Online

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From the plethora of diverse and amazing panels that will take place during this year’s PAX Online, we thought we’d curate a few panels that we reckon you’ll all enjoy, especially the ones with a tinge of classic gaming. Oh yeah, the panels are all free to attend, so get ready to mark your calendars!

We’ll start with the best of the best, the Australian based panel that we are most looking forward to:

PANEL: Play It Again: Preserving Australia’s Game History
WHEN: September 13 @ 5:15pm
PANELISTS: Dr. Helen Stuckey [RMIT], Seb Chan [ACMI], Nick Richardson [ACMI], Candice Cranmer [ACMI], Dr. Denise De Vries [Swinburne], Dr. Cynde Moya [Swinburne]
ABOUT: The 1990s was an important era in Australian game development, with technological innovations such as Full-Motion-Video and motion capture helping to shape a new generation of games. Our panel will discuss the Play it Again ARC project, whose aims are to collect and preserve iconic titles from the era including Aussie Rules (1991), Krush Kill ‘n’ Destroy (1997) and the Team Fortress Mod of Quake (1996). We will explore some of the challenges facing the team from the technology of the era, and the ultimate goal of making these games playable once again via Emulation-as-a-Service.

And now for the rest…

PANEL: Sid Meier’s Memoir!: A Conversation with Sid Meier about His Life in Computer Games (pre-recorded)
WHEN: September 13 @ 9:30am
ABOUT: In his first video game instruction manual, for 1982’s Formula 1 Racing, a 28-year-old systems analyst for General Instruments named Sid Meier declared that he hoped to one day “write the ultimate strategy game.” At the time he was installing networked cash register systems in retail stores. Nine years later, his software company, MicroProse, released Civilization, arguably the most influential strategy game in video game history. It was the first significant design in the 4X genre (“Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate”). Computer Gaming World called it “a new Olympian in the genre of god games.” PC Gamer US said it was the second-best video game ever created. Since then, the Civilization franchise has sold approximately 51 million units. Today, Sid Meier is a recognised giant in the field of video game design and development. His best known and best loved games include Pirates!, Railroad Tycoon, Covert Action, Gettysburg!, and F19 Stealth Fighter. Now he brings his signature wit and good humour to the story of his own development. In SID MEIER’S MEMOIR!: A Life in Computer Games [W. W. Norton & Company; September 8, 2020; $27.95 hardcover], he traces the arc of a legendary career, including the founding of MicroPose; the evolution of their famous war game manuals; the commercial failure of C.P.U. Bach, a visionary music generator inspired by his passion for the program’s namesake; and the abandonment of “DinoCiv,” his beloved dinosaur game that never came to be.

PANEL: Build an Inexpensive Retro Gaming Machine in Under an Hour
WHEN: September 15 @ 2:30pm
PANELIST: Tim Ellis [Creator of the Dispatches from the Multiverse podcast and Game Journalist with GeekWire]
ABOUT: Want to build a Raspberry Pi-based retro gaming console, but don’t know where to start? In this panel we will walk you through the whole process, start to finish, live. All you need is a $35 Raspberry Pi, an SD card, and your USB or Bluetooth controller of choice. And yes, we have Battletoads.

PANEL: A Guided Tour to ‘80s Computer Retrogaming
WHEN: September 17 @ 6:00am
PANELISTS: Alexander King [Adjunct Professor, NYU Game Center], Naomi Clark [Assistant Arts Professor, NYU Game Center], Clara Fernández-Vara [Associate Arts Professor, NYU Game Center], Bennett Foddy [Associate Arts Professor, NYU Game Center], Jesse Fuchs [Adjunct Professor, NYU Game Center]
ABOUT: Retrogaming is more popular than ever, and it’s never been easier to play history’s greatest videogames. But while vintage consoles and arcade games are increasingly accessible, classic computer games remain a bit arcane, and it’s easy to miss out on some amazing games buried in the floppy disks of yore.

So join us for a guided tour to an age of forgotten home computers, when PCs didn’t have the best computer games and they didn’t even make games for Windows yet. There’s no DOSBox where we’re going!

What’s worth playing? How do the emulators work? What’s BASIC? If you’ve never heard of a Commodore 64 or an Apple ][ and want to explore a new frontier of undiscovered retro goodness, join some game design professors to learn about getting into games on everything from the Amiga to ZX Spectrum.

PANEL: Building Our N64 Classic Console
WHEN: September 15 @ 11:00am
PANELISTS: Sam Woods [Associate Staff Writer, DualShockers], Mario Rivera [Video Manager, DualShockers], Cameron Hawkins [Staff Writer, DualShockers], Scott White [Associate Staff Writer, DualShockers], Ricky Frech [Senior Staff Writer, DualShockers], Asa GreenRiver [Founder/Host/Producer, Borderline Entertainment]
ABOUT: The N64 is considered to have ushered in Nintendo’s era of 3D gaming, and some of the best games of all-time have been released for it. From Super Mario 64, to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – we debate the 10 games that should make up the N64 Classic, if Nintendo ever decides to actually make one. This isn’t the definitive list of the top 10 games on the system, but a mixture of the best games from different genres that would make it the complete package.

The other panels we reckon you should also consider (if you have time) are:

There you have it folks, a few panels to whet your nostalgic appetite. There are staggering number of panels on during PAX Online, so don’t forget to check the schedule, as there may be something of interest for you.

 

Celebrating The 35th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros.

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We must admit that the latest Nintendo Direct got us excited with all of the games, products and events that are coming up to celebrate Super Mario’s 35th anniversary!

In particular, we were most excited about Super Mario 3D All-Stars, the Augmented Reality (AR) induced Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit and the awesomely cool Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. These will all be launching in the very near future (make sure you pre-order, as they will go quick)!

We have included the rest of the announcement further below, so let us know on Twitter or Facebook of what you are most excited about!

Wahoo!

source: Nintendo

  • Super Mario 3D All-Stars: Optimised versions of 3D Super Mario games Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy, are coming to Nintendo Switch in one package. In addition to having higher resolutions than their original versions, the games have been optimised for a smooth gameplay experience on Nintendo Switch. Super Mario 3D All-Stars also includes an in-game music-player mode to play the music and songs from all three games. Players can also listen to music on their Nintendo Switch systems when the screen is off. Super Mario 3D All-Stars launches exclusively for the Nintendo Switch family of systems on 18th September with a suggested retail price of AU$$79.95. The package version software is a limited-time only production, and the digital version will be a limited-time only release until the end of March 2021. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is available to pre-order from Nintendo eShop today.
  • Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: Created in partnership by Nintendo and Velan Studios, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit brings the fun of the Mario Kart series into the real world by using a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite** to race against opponents using a physical kart come to life. The physical kart responds to boosts in-game and in the real world, stops when hit with an item, and can be affected in different ways depending on the race. Players place gates to create a custom course layout in their home, where the only limit is their imagination. Race against Koopalings in Grand Prix unlock skins to customise courses and costumes for Mario and play with up to four players in local multiplayer mode.*** Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, which is available in Mario or Luigi models, launches on 16th October with a suggested retail price of AU$149.95.
  • Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.: This new collectable device is inspired by the original Game & Watch systems first released in the 1980s. The original handheld device included a game and could also be used as a watch to tell time. The original Game & Watch series sold more than 43 million worldwide. Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. features a modern +Control Pad. In addition to playing classic games Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (released in Japan as Super Mario Bros. 2) and a special version of Ball with a Mario makeover, Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. also functions as a clock, with 35 little touches to discover, including some guest appearances from Mario’s friends and foes. Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. launches on 13th November with a suggested retail price of AU$79.95.
  • Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury: Multiplayer mayhem pounces onto Nintendo Switch! This enhanced version of Super Mario 3D World, which originally launched for Wii U, features co-op gameplay both online* and through local multiplayer in a variety of creative levels. Additional details about what new things this game has to offer will be revealed later. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury launches for Nintendo Switch on 12th February 2021 with a suggested retail price of AU$79.95. New Cat Mario and Cat Peach amiibo will also be released as a double pack (SRP AU$44.95) at the same time as the game.
  • Super Mario Bros. 35: Welcome to Super Mario Bros. … with 35 players! In this competitive online battle game, 35 players will compete to be the last Mario standing… or running. Enemies defeated will be sent to other players’ courses, but that also works the other way around! Players can activate special items to try and outpace their opponents. Super Mario Bros. 35 launches 1st October as a digital-only game exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members*. The game will be playable until 31st March 2021.
  • Super Mario All-Stars: The classic Super NES game that includes upgraded versions of Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario Bros. 3 with enhanced 16-bit graphics is joining the catalogue of games available with Nintendo Switch Online… in a matter of hours*!
  • Super Mario Events: From now until March 2021, there are many events to mark the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.
  • From 4:00pm AEST / 6:00pm NZST on 9th September until 4:00pm AEST / 6:00pm NZST on 23rd September, Mario Kart Tour will have a Super Mario Kart Tour event, with special appearances by Mario (SNES) and Donkey Kong Jr. (SNES) from the original Super Mario Kart.****
  • A 35th anniversary-themed Ninji Speedrun course is coming to Super Mario Maker 2 in November.
  • In November and December, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will have an in-game online tournament using Super Mario series fighters, stages and items.
  • A Super Mario-themed Splatfest is coming to Splatoon 2 in January 2021. Physical Splatfest T-shirts will be available for purchase on the My Nintendo Store soon. The upcoming Splatfest asks the important question: Which Super Mario power-up do you prefer: supersize with a Super Mushroom or become invincible with a Super Star?
  • In March of next year, Super Mario-themed furniture will be available in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
  • Super Mario Products: In addition to events, many different Super Mario-themed products are now available.
  • Monopoly Super Mario Celebration from Hasbro is now available at retailers worldwide.
  • The LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System set is now available exclusively at LEGO stores, with multiple LEGO Super Mario sets now available at retailers worldwide, including the Adventures with Mario Starter Course.

To keep up-to-date with the latest Super Mario news, check out the official Super Mario Bros. 35th anniversary website.

Related videos:

Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Direct https://youtu.be/pmEhxzbPjCI
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is coming September 18th! https://youtu.be/tXcHqmPI_3k
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit – Coming October 16th! https://youtu.be/5W_MNv65UMc
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury comes to Nintendo Switch on February 12th, 2021! https://youtu.be/1LoC9hK_zLo
Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. – coming November 13th! https://youtu.be/DrCI0Z-_o5E
Super Mario Bros. 35 – Announcement trailer (Nintendo Switch) https://youtu.be/AMpi0rTvCuQ

 

Original Film Footage of Mortal Kombat Fighters

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This was an awesome tweet by History Uncovered! The tweet features original footage that was used to animate the first Mortal Kombat arcade game!

HIGH SCORE – A New Netflix Docuseries Tracing The History of Classic Video Games

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If you have Netflix, then mark August 19th on your calendar to watch HIGH SCORE, a new 6 part documentary series tracing the history of classic video games.

Narrated by the voice of our favourite video game plumber, Charles Martinet, this docuseries traces the history of classic video games, featuring insights from the innovators who brought these worlds and characters to life.

We have watched a plethora of documentaries on the history of video games, so we expect to hear some of the same stories, but that isn’t a bad thing at all. With Netflix behind this documentary, we are assured of high production value!

We can’t wait to watch this to get our nostalgia hit! Get Ready!


source: Netflix

 

Ultra Rare Pinball: IO MOON by SLEIC

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Now here is a pinball machine we did not know about till now! Introducing IO MOON!

Produced in 1994 by Spanish pinball manufacturer, SLEIC, IO MOON is a rarity (and oddity) in the pinball machine landscape, where not too many people played it or owned one.

There is an opportunity right now for a collector to jump on this machine via Pinside, where it is being sold for an eye-watering US$15,000! If you have been in the pinball hobby for a while, you will understand that this high price is justified due to the rarity of the machine.

The seller, CaptainNeo, states that it took him 10 years to find IO MOON, which has been the flagship of his collection. He has done a lot of work to the machine, including the replacement of every lamp socket and more importantly, installing English ‘ROM’ sets just in case you don’t understand Spanish. The machine is also playable, which is a bonus 🙂


source: Neo S

The IO MOON rule set is apparently close to the iconic The Addams Family pinball machine, which is definitely a good thing. As keen astronomers, we love the theme, but the rarity and price are something we’ll just admire from afar.

If anyone out there has seen or played this rare pinball machine, hit us up on Twitter or Facebook to let us know what you thought of it.

source: Pinside

 

Type-In Listings for your Commodore 64 – It’s So Old School!

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If you want to truly get back to the mid 80s by typing in your BASIC programs into the Commodore 64, then you are in luck!

Roman Werner (aka: King Roman) has created a couple of type-in games for the C64, so get your fingers ready. You will be kept quite busy as you peck at the keyboard, typing in the BASIC listing for Yahtzee and Black Jack.

Oh yeah, you could cheat by copy and pasting the listings from their respective PDF documents, but that would be cheating! If you really want it to be like the 80s, then type away and be very careful where you put those pokes 😉

image source: King Roman