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‘Rampage’ Arcade Game

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

When I played “Rampage” as a kid, it was on a small screen, and I often found all the destruction at times boring. I never liked “Rampage” all that much on my NES; I’d rather play “Double Dragon 2” or “Metroid.” But playing “Rampage” on an enormous screen in an arcade is something different all together. It felt like a totally different game to me.

I only played the “Rampage” arcade game because I couldn’t get on a fun bowling game that I’m somewhat good at. When I’m smashing buildings and vehicles, there’s something liberating and thrilling about it. The screen is so huge, it feels like you’re submerged in the ultra-violent game. It’s all fun until the choppers show up and counter your destruction of the city. When I’m into the game, I usually ignore anyone who’s firing at me when I’m George, Lizzie, or Ralph. Destruction of vehicles and structures is my focus before my time runs out. I like to play as George the most.

 

I don’t like eating people on the street, I never have. It’s sinister and creepy to me. I enjoy crushing cars and punching helicopters as they whiz past my head. There’s a feeling of accomplishment when a tall skyscraper topples to the pavement. The destruction is the point of the classic game, so when I destroy, it’s thrilling for a moment.

“Rampage” is a little repetitive, but the arcade game’s visuals are so enthralling you forget about it as you progress to a new level.

I’ve never watched the Warner Bros. movie with The Rock. I’ve heard it’s not that bad, but I’m not sure how you make a good film out of a game where you’re just smashing and demolishing things. But I’m sure the CGI effects were decent.

Heart of Neon Review – The Definitive Jeff Minter Documentary

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It’s been a long, fiercely independent road – but Heart of Neon stands as an incredible testament to one of the most singular and enduring voices in home computing history.

Can you think of anyone in the video games industry who has been making games continuously for more than 40 years?

We’re not talking about giant corporations or sprawling development studios. We’re talking about a single individual. One person. One vision.

Give up?

It’s Jeff Minter.

For over four decades, the legendary founder of Llamasoft has remained one of the most fiercely independent, creative and uncompromising figures in video game history. From his bedroom coding days on early home computers, through classics such as Gridrunner, Attack of the Mutant Camels, Llamatron and the mind-blowing Tempest 2000, right up to modern psychedelic masterpieces like Polybius and Tempest 4000, Minter has followed his own path regardless of trends, publishers or market expectations.

Documenting a career as remarkable, unconventional and enduring as Jeff’s is no easy task.

Thankfully, filmmaker Paul Docherty was more than up to the challenge.

Heart of Neon is a feature-length documentary that chronicles Jeff Minter’s extraordinary journey through the evolution of the video games industry, from the birth of home computing through to the modern era. More importantly, it captures something many documentaries fail to achieve – it captures the spirit of its subject.

From the opening moments, it’s clear that this isn’t simply a timeline of game releases or a collection of talking heads recounting old stories. Heart of Neon is a deeply personal exploration of an artist who has spent his entire life chasing a vision. Through interviews, archive material, game footage and some truly remarkable never-before-seen content, Docherty paints a vivid portrait of the man affectionately known throughout gaming circles as “The Yak”.


source: Heart of Neon (YouTube)

What struck me most was just how much care and attention has gone into every frame. The documentary has been painstakingly assembled over many years, overcoming funding challenges, production hurdles and even a global pandemic that threatened to derail the project. Yet, much like Jeff himself, Paul and his team simply kept pushing forward. The perseverance on display behind the camera mirrors the determination of the film’s subject.

And that effort absolutely shows.

The production values are superb. The editing flows beautifully between decades of gaming history, while the visual presentation perfectly complements Minter’s colourful, psychedelic creations. There are moments where game footage, interviews and archival material blend together so seamlessly that you become completely immersed in Jeff’s world. It’s the kind of documentary that grabs viewers by the eyeballs and refuses to let go until the credits roll.

For long-time Minter fans, Heart of Neon is packed with fascinating insights and stories that have rarely, if ever, been shared publicly. For newcomers, it’s an ideal introduction to one of gaming’s true pioneers – a developer who stubbornly remained independent while much of the industry consolidated around him. The film does an excellent job of explaining why Jeff matters, not just to retro gaming enthusiasts, but to the broader history of video games itself.

One of the documentary’s greatest strengths is its honesty. It celebrates the highs, including the enormous success and influence of Tempest 2000, while also examining the setbacks, disappointments and challenges that come with dedicating your entire life to creative independence. The result is a story that feels authentic and deeply human.

By the time the credits roll, you’ll likely walk away with an even greater appreciation for Jeff Minter – not just as a game developer, but as an artist who has remained true to himself for more than forty years.

In an industry often obsessed with bigger budgets, safer bets and shareholder expectations, Jeff Minter stands as a reminder that video games can still be personal, eccentric and joyfully weird.

Heart of Neon celebrates that legacy perfectly.

Whether you’ve been following Llamasoft since the Commodore 64 days or only recently discovered Jeff’s work through modern releases, this documentary is essential viewing.

Much like the neon-lit visuals that inspired its title, Heart of Neon shines brightly as both a love letter to Jeff Minter and a celebration of independent game development itself.

Score: 95%

Heart of Neon is not just one of the best video game documentaries I’ve seen – it is the definitive story of Jeff Minter, told with passion, authenticity and heart.

image source: Heart of Neon

Acknowledgement: Special thanks to Paul Docherty for providing access to Heart of Neon for the purposes of this review. No payment or compensation was received, and the opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the reviewer.

8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller Review

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8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller used with Nintendo Switch N64 games showing Wave Race 64 gameplay

A Classic Controller, Reimagined for Today

The Nintendo 64 controller is one of gaming’s most iconic, and let’s be honest – most controversial designs. That wild three-pronged layout divided players back in the day, but somehow, it just worked.

So when 8BitDo announced a modern take on this retro legend, excitement levels went through the roof. And after spending time with the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller, it’s safe to say… they absolutely nailed it.

Familiar DNA, Modern Comfort

At first glance, everything you love about the N64 controller is here:

  • That unmistakable button layout
  • The legendary C-buttons
  • A design that screams late ‘90s Nintendo

But 8BitDo has made one very smart move, they’ve refined the ergonomics.

Gone is the awkward “which prong do I hold?” dilemma. The analogue stick now sits in a more natural, modern position, making the controller far more comfortable for extended play sessions.

It still feels like an N64 controller… just without the hand gymnastics.

8BitDo 64 controller compared to classic Nintendo 64 controller

Wireless Freedom (Welcome to the Future, N64 Fans)

Let’s talk about the biggest upgrade: Bluetooth connectivity.

No cables. No restrictions. No sitting awkwardly close to the TV like it’s 1998.

This controller works seamlessly across multiple platforms, including:

  • 🎮 Nintendo Switch (especially playing N64 – Nintendo Classics)
  • 🕹️ Analogue 3D
  • 💻 Windows PCs (perfect for emulation)
  • 📱 Android devices

That flexibility alone makes it a standout – this isn’t just a nostalgia piece, it’s a daily driver for retro gaming setups.

Switch + N64 Classics = Pure Magic

Pair this controller with the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics library on Switch, and everything just clicks.

The experience feels right in a way modern controllers can’t quite replicate. Muscle memory kicks in instantly:

  • Drifting corners in Wave Race 64
  • Precision moves in Super Mario 64
  • Tight control in your favourite N64 classics

And when you cross that finish line in Wave Race 64… you already know what’s coming – “Bonsai!”. 

Pure nostalgia. Pure joy.

Another photo of the 8BitDo 64 controller compared to classic Nintendo 64 controller

Quality-of-Life Upgrades That Matter

8BitDo hasn’t just stopped at wireless convenience – they’ve improved the entire experience:

  • Responsive, modern analogue stick
  • Rechargeable battery (no more AA hunts!)
  • Reliable Bluetooth performance
  • Multi-device compatibility

It’s everything you wish the original N64 controller could have been, without losing its soul.

Final Thoughts

The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is more than a tribute, it’s an evolution.

It respects the quirks and charm of the original N64 controller while smoothing out its rough edges for modern gamers. Whether you’re reliving classics on the Switch, firing up an emulator, or pairing it with new retro hardware like the Analogue 3D, this controller delivers in every way that matters.

For diehard N64 fans and retro enthusiasts alike, this is an easy recommendation.

⭐ Verdict: Retro Perfection (With a Modern Twist)

If you’ve ever loved the N64, this controller belongs in your hands.

Final Rating: 🎮🎮🎮🎮🎮
Fun Factor: Bonsai!

8BitDo 64 wireless controller for Nintendo 64 games on Switch

Flick the rear switch to S for Switch mode, or D for any other consoles

Modern 8BitDo N64 controller with Bluetooth connectivity in use

Disclaimer: The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller was kindly provided by Rocket Comms for this review. No payment was received, and all opinions expressed are our own.

 

Pre-Ordered The NEO GEO AES+ Anniversary Edition – Who Else Is In?

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Well… We couldn’t resist.

We’ve officially locked in a pre-order for the NEO GEO AES+ Anniversary Edition in that stunning white finish, thanks to the legends over at PixelCrib. November 2026 suddenly feels very far away – but also gives us something seriously exciting to look forward to.

For anyone who grew up dreaming of owning an AES (or proudly owns one already), this release feels like a bit of a full-circle moment. It’s a modern nod to one of the most iconic home consoles ever made, and from what we’ve seen so far, it looks like SNK is treating it with the respect it deserves.

One of the biggest wins for me personally? My original AES peripherals won’t be gathering dust. Sticks, cables, and accessories I’ve held onto over the years will finally get some action again – which makes me very glad I never let them go. There’s something special about reconnecting original hardware to a new system that still carries the same DNA.

Now comes the hard part: the wait.

So we’re curious – has anyone else jumped in and pre-ordered one of these? And more importantly… what’s the first game you’re firing up when it arrives?

For us, it’s going to be incredibly hard to go past a few classics – but we’re keen to hear what’s at the top of your list.

Let the countdown begin!

 

Finding My Sound Again: How Sonicware’s MEGA-SYNTH Reignited My Creative Spark

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Finding My Way Back to Music… via the MEGA Drive 🎶🎮

For a while now, I’ve had that familiar itch. The one many of us get after years of loving music but not making it. I wanted to get back into creating sounds again – not just loading presets or scrolling endlessly through virtual instruments, but actually building something from the ground up.

The problem? I couldn’t quite find the right tool.

Modern synths are incredible pieces of tech, but many of them left me feeling a little cold. Too clean. Too polished. Too detached from the sounds that originally made me fall in love with electronic music in the first place. I didn’t want to recreate chart-topping EDM tracks – I wanted grit, character, and nostalgia. I wanted something that felt playful, immediate, and deeply familiar.

And then, almost by accident, I stumbled upon Sonicware’s  Liven MEGA-SYNTHESIS (lovingly referred to as just MEGA-SYNTH).

The Serendipitous Discovery

I honestly wasn’t hunting for it. Like many late-night retro-tragics, I was going down one of those internet rabbit holes – watching synth demos, reading forum posts, and generally convincing myself that maybe I didn’t need another piece of gear.

Then I saw it.

A compact, unapologetically nerdy synth inspired by the 16-bit sound chip of the Sega Mega Drive.

I stopped scrolling.

The more I read, the more it became clear: this wasn’t just close to what I wanted – it was exactly what I’d been searching for.

A Love Letter to 16-bit Sound

If you grew up with a Mega Drive (or Genesis, depending on where you lived), you know those sounds instantly. The punchy basslines. The metallic FM leads. The crunchy drums. The unmistakable character that powered the soundtracks of Streets of Rage, Sonic the Hedgehog, Golden Axe, and countless other classics.

The MEGA-SYNTH doesn’t merely approximate those sounds, it actively encourages you to recreate and reimagine them.

This thing ticks every box I didn’t even realise I had:

  • FM synthesis inspired by the YM2612

  • Dedicated tools for building authentic 16-bit tones

  • A hands-on workflow that feels more like playing than programming

  • The ability to craft chiptunes that feel alive, not sterile

Suddenly, I wasn’t just listening to nostalgia – I was participating in it.

Creativity, Reignited

What surprised me most wasn’t how accurate the sounds were – it was how quickly the creative juices started flowing again.

I found myself experimenting for hours. Twisting knobs. Rebuilding familiar sounds from memory. Accidentally creating something new while trying to recreate something old. The MEGA-SYNTH doesn’t fight you; it invites you in and says, “Go on – make some noise!”

There’s something incredibly freeing about working within constraints. Limited waveforms, deliberate sound design choices, and a clear sonic identity remove decision paralysis and replace it with momentum. Instead of asking “What should this sound like?”, I was asking “How far can I push this?”

That’s when you know a piece of gear is doing its job.

Old Sounds, New Energy

What makes the MEGA-SYNTH special isn’t just its retro credentials – it’s how effortlessly it bridges past and present. This isn’t a museum piece. It’s a modern instrument with a very specific soul.

Whether you’re:

  • Recreating classic Mega Drive-style chiptunes

  • Writing new music inspired by 90s game soundtracks

  • Or just wanting a synth that sounds unapologetically different

…it delivers in spades.

And for someone like me – someone who wanted to feel excited about making music again — that’s priceless.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes you don’t find the gear you’re looking for. Sometimes it finds you.

The Sonicware Liven MEGA-SYNTH didn’t just scratch an itch, it reignited a passion I’d been missing for far too long. It reminded me why I fell in love with electronic / chiptune music in the first place, and why those chunky 16-bit soundtracks still live rent-free in my head decades later.

For that spark of creativity, that rush of nostalgia, and that unmistakable Mega Drive magic, I’m genuinely thankful.

And perhaps the most exciting part? The MEGA-SYNTH has given me the tools to finally dive into recreating some of my all-time favourite Mega Drive soundtracks. Being able to analyse, rebuild, and reinterpret iconic tunes – especially the genre-defining work of Yuzo Koshiro on Streets of Rage – feels incredibly rewarding.

Whether I’m chasing that unmistakable bassline punch, those shimmering FM leads, or something entirely new inspired by them, this little synth makes it all possible. It’s not just about nostalgia anymore, it’s about carrying those legendary 16-bit sounds forward, one note at a time. 🎶

 

The Game Expo 2026: A Sunday Well Spent

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Crowds, geeky products, and classic consoles at Melbourne’s The Game Expo

I spent Sunday at The Game Expo (TGX) 2026 in Melbourne, and it was a solid reminder of why TGX remains a fixture on the local gaming calendar. The atmosphere was fairly relaxed early on, but it noticeably picked up by late morning and into the early afternoon, with the show floor feeling lively without ever becoming overwhelming.

The vendor area had a good spread of stalls, from modern gaming gear through to retro-focused sellers, and it was encouraging to see plenty of genuine interest and conversations happening throughout the day. That said, the clear standout for me was the retro gaming area. Seeing classic consoles set up on CRTs and actually being played – not just photographed – gave the space a real sense of energy and nostalgia. It felt less like a static display and more like a celebration of gaming’s history in motion.

TGX continues to strike a nice balance between old and new, and the retro section in particular remains a big part of what makes the event worth attending.

 

Happy MAR10 Day 2026!

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Happy MAR10 Day! 🍄🎉

Today, March 10 – MAR10 Day – we celebrate the plumber who leapt out of our CRT televisions and straight into gaming history. From the moment Super Mario Bros. transformed living rooms into side‑scrolling adventures, Mario became more than a mascot; he became a shared language for gamers everywhere. As we mark MAR10 Day 2026, it also feels like the opening lap for Super Mario’s 41st‑anniversary celebrations, a milestone that reminds us just how long this red‑capped hero has been jumping on Goombas and redefining what games can be.

For retro gamers who were there from the beginning, Mario isn’t nostalgia — he’s memory. He’s blowing into NES cartridges to make them work, learning pixel‑perfect jumps by trial and error, and discovering secret warp zones through playground whispers rather than patch notes. Mario grew up with us: from the tight precision of Super Mario Bros. to the jaw‑dropping leap into 3D with Super Mario 64, and beyond. Each generation of hardware brought reinvention, but the soul stayed the same – joyful, accessible, and endlessly replayable.

MAR10 Day isn’t just about celebrating a character; it’s about celebrating where we came from as gamers. It’s a reminder that simple mechanics, tight design, and pure fun can stand the test of time. Forty (plus) years on, Mario still matters – not because he’s modern, but because he’s timeless. So today, whether you’re dusting off an NES, firing up a Super Famicom / SNES, or just humming the underground theme, take a moment to appreciate the plumber who helped define our hobby. Happy MAR10 Day – and here’s to the next extra life. ⭐


source: Nintendo Australia

Discovering the ‘HALO’ Arcade Game

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

On a recent trip to my local Dave & Busters, I discovered the “Halo” cabinet game “Fireteam Raven.” At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to play the first-person shooter game, they’ve become a little dull, but after seeing some of the incredible gameplay, I used some of my tokens to see if I’d like it. I probably played the cabinet game for almost an hour.

The first mission: Escape, is fun, but the game got more challenging and enjoyable the longer I played. There is so much chaos, it takes a few minutes of playing to get used to the Covenant’s jarring attacks. The cabinet I was playing in had a glitch with the reload button. It was frustrating but I just reloaded faster when I felt like I was getting low on ammo. And the gun was very sensitive.

Level 1: Escape

I watched maybe two episodes of the “Halo” series on Paramount and quickly realised it wasn’t that good. The battles (which were few) looked cheap and the characters were uninteresting. When I was in college, I remember friends camping out at Best Buy to get the newest “Halo” release. The game felt like a phenomenon.

When you kill the Covenant in “Halo: Fireteam Raven”, they make a similar sound to what a Xenomorph makes when they’re shot in James Cameron’s masterpiece “Aliens.” The “Halo” franchise is its own legendary franchise, but I think I enjoy “Fireteam Raven” because it reminds me of “Aliens,” my favorite sci-fi film of all-time.

Level 2: Rubble

The second stage: Rubble, has a “Dune” feel to it. It’s my favorite stage because there seems like there’s so much more action, and the skyline above the desert is a great backdrop when you’re firing at the Covenant’s attack fighters. You begin to understand and see an attack pattern when the fighters come swooping down at you in clusters of twos. You must use a great deal of ammo to sustain your health.

I’m late to the party when it comes to the “Halo” franchise, but an unlikely chance finding of a “Halo” game at a popular arcade has made me an intrigued fan.

 

The Holy Grail of Nintendo Collections Is For Sale

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Forget a Man Cave – This Is a Full-Blown Nintendo Time Capsule

Alright peeps… We’ve found it. The final boss of retro collecting. The “you win the lottery and disappear for a week” level setup. The Nintendo Kiosk Collection to end all Nintendo Kiosk Collections.

Currently sitting on eBay like it just casually spawned there is an insane private display (by eBay seller from France, Bob.bones) packed with original Nintendo kiosks from the NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy and beyond. Not one. Not two. A full-on museum-grade wall of playable nostalgia that looks like it was teleported straight out of a 90s department store… if that department store was run by a time-travelling Nintendo executive with unlimited floor space.

We’re talking:

🟥 Glorious red NES and SNES demo units
🟦 Chunky, unmistakable N64 kiosks
🟩 Classic Game Boy retail displays
🎮 Shelves absolutely stacked with boxed games
✨ Lighting, branding, and signage that screams “Mum, just five more minutes!”

It’s less a “collection” and more a Nintendo shrine. The kind of room where you half expect the Mario 64 file select music to start playing when you walk in.

And the price? Let’s just say this isn’t “skip takeaway for a few weeks” money. This is “sell a kidney, a car, and possibly a small island” territory. But honestly… for a setup that looks like a playable slice of retail history? There’s a weird part of my brain going, “Yeah, fair.”

What makes this so special isn’t just the hardware – it’s the experience. These kiosks were how many of us first played Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Pokémon and more. Sticky controller grips. Timed demos. That kid hovering behind you waiting for their turn. Pure magic.

Seeing this all preserved in one place hits right in the childhood.

So, serious question, retro gaming fam:

If money was no object…
Would you keep this as a private game room, or open it as a public retro Nintendo museum?

Because honestly, this might be the closest thing we’ll ever see to a real-life Nintendo Time Capsule.

Now excuse me while I go stare at the photos again and pretend I have European kiosk money.

image source: bob.bones via eBay

Virtual Boy is BACK (of all things)!

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🎮 Virtual Boy is BACK! Are You Ready For Some Headaches?🎮

Nintendo has officially dusted off one of its most infamous pieces of hardware – the Virtual Boy – and is bringing it back into the spotlight in 2026. Yep, that 90s red-tinted headset that gave everyone a weird mix of wonder and eye strain is getting a second life… on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2!

🗓️ Launch Date: 17th February 2026

Whether you loved it, mocked it, or just remember it as that red thing, the Virtual Boy is returning in a modern form. Starting February 17, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers will be able to play the Virtual Boy classics under the banner Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics.

To actually play them, you’ll need:

  • A Nintendo Switch or Switch 2
  • An active Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership
  • And the special Virtual Boy accessory (more on that below)

🧠 The Games You Can Play at Launch

Nintendo is kicking things off with seven throwback titles that highlight both the quirky and the genuinely good stuff from the original 1995 library:

🎯 Launch Line-Up (17 Feb)

  • Teleroboxer
  • Galactic Pinball
  • RED ALARM
  • Virtual Boy Wario Land
  • 3-D TETRIS
  • GOLF
  • Innsmouth no Yakata (aka: The Mansion of Innsmouth)

This is a way better start than anyone expected. especially Wario Land and 3-D Tetris, which are genuinely fun even beyond the nostalgia factor.

🎁 More Games Coming Later in 2026

And here’s where it gets spicy: Nintendo isn’t stopping at the basics. Throughout 2026, more titles will roll out, including some classics and even games that never officially released back in the 90s!

🚀 Confirmed Incoming Titles

  • Mario Clash
  • Mario’s Tennis
  • Jack Bros.
  • Space Invaders Virtual Collection
  • Virtual Bowling
  • Virtual Force
  • V-Tetris

🔥 Unreleased Classics Making Their Debut

  • Zero Racers – a cancelled F-Zero spin-off originally meant for the Virtual Boy 30 years ago.
  • D-Hopper (Dragon Hopper) – another lost Virtual Boy adventure finally seeing the light of day.

That’s right — Nintendo’s pulling stuff out of the vault that never made it to retailers. Retro archaeologists are going to have a field day. 🦖

🥽 So What’s This Accessory You Keep Talking About?

To recreate that vintage stereoscopic 3D feel, Nintendo’s releasing a Virtual Boy accessory that you attach your Switch into — basically a modern take on the original headset.

They’ve teased:

  • A premium plastic version (harder wearing, classic vibe) – pre-order price: AUD$139.95
  • A cardboard version (budget Labo-style energy) – pre-order price: AUD$29.95

Both plug into your system and let you fire up these retro titles as intended.

🎮 Quality-of-Life Additions

Unlike the 90s original, this service isn’t just about emulating old binaries — Nintendo is including modern comforts like:

✅ Save states & rewind
✅ Control remapping
✅ …and possibly even colour options beyond red later in the year 👀

So even if the original gave you headaches, this version might be actually enjoyable — and worth dusting off that Switch. 😉

🧠 Wrapping Up

Is this a nostalgic gag? A genuine retro renaissance? Or just Nintendo poking fun at history? Probably a mix of all three — and we’re here for it.

Mark your calendars:
📅 17th February 2026 – Virtual Boy classics land on Switch Online.
👾 Retro fans, preppers, and weird 3D enthusiasts unite.

Stay tuned to Ausretrogamer for hands-on impressions once this bizarre comeback lands Down Under!🔥

image source: Nintendo