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The Making of Karateka – The Interactive Documentary Coming Soon From Digital Eclipse

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Before The Last Express… before Prince of Persia… there was Karateka

Famed game designer Jordan Mechner was an 18-year-old college student when he started making the martial arts adventure that would become one of the most influential games of the Apple II era.

Four decades later, the story behind this groundbreaking game has been meticulously reconstructed into an innovative interactive documentary by Digital Eclipse, the team behind acclaimed collections including the Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection.

Unveiled minutes ago during Microsoft’s ID@Xbox showcase, The Making of Karateka will be available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S as well as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam, GOG, and Epic Store). A simultaneous release on all platforms is expected later this northern hemisphere summer.

MORE DETAILS:



Retro Gamers Screening in Melbourne

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Not even a global pandemic could stop the Michael Naim Film Retro Gamers film being completed! It may have been delayed (like everything else was during COVID times), but we are rapt to see this Australian made and produced short film completed and ready for screening!

Featuring our good friend and fellow PAXAus Classic Gaming exhibitor, Cameron Bonde (aka: @octamed on Twitter) , Retro Gamers delves into the retro gaming community and explores its culture and nostalgic stranglehold.

Mark yourself busy on Sunday, July 23rd, as Retro Gamers will be screening at Cinema Nova. To purchase tickets to the screening, please head over to the Cinema Nova website here!

PS: For our friends in the US, you can also get tickets to the Retro Gamers screening at Gen Con 2023!


image & video source: Michael Naim



The Disappearing Legacy: The Endangered Status of Classic Video Games

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New study shows 87% of classic video games are critically endangered

The above headline should send shivers down our collective spine!!

In the ever-evolving world of technology and entertainment, video games hold a significant place. They have become a multi-billion dollar industry, captivating millions of players around the globe. However, a recent study conducted by the Video Game History Foundation in collaboration with the Software Preservation Network has shed light on a distressing reality: 87% of classic video games released are critically endangered. This revelation poses a serious threat to preserving the rich history and cultural significance of these digital artifacts.

Some spine-chilling classic video games facts:

  • 87% of classic games are not in release, and are considered critically endangered
  • Availability is low across every platform and time period tracked in the study
  • Libraries and archives can digitally preserve, but not digitally share video games, and can provide on-premises access only
  • Libraries and archives are allowed to digitally share other media types, such as books, film, and audio, and are not restricted to on-premises access
  • The Entertainment Software Association, the video game industry’s lobbying group, has consistently fought against expanding video game preservation within libraries and archives

The Vanishing Act:

Imagine a world where to watch a beloved film, you had to scour secondhand shops for a worn VHS tape and maintain outdated equipment solely for the purpose of viewing it. To exacerbate matters, the only other option would be to journey to a specific location, such as ACMI in Melbourne, where you could access a digitised version of the film but only by physically being there. Unbelievable as it may sound, this is the reality video game enthusiasts face today. Despite the industry’s colossal worth of $180 billion, the games themselves, along with their storied past, are disappearing.

The Dire Lack of Access:

When it comes to accessing classic video games, the options are dishearteningly limited. One could embark on the arduous task of hunting down collectible games and maintaining obsolete hardware. Alternatively, individuals might find themselves traversing great distances to reach specialized libraries or archives, all in the hopes of playing these beloved relics. However, these options are far from ideal. And regrettably, for most people, classic video games remain beyond reach, reserved only for the most dedicated and passionate fans. It’s a rather grim state of affairs.

The PAXAus Classic Gaming area is great to play classic video games, but not everyone has a 486SX PC setup at home to play classic games like Doom II

The Role of Libraries and Archives:

One might argue that libraries and archives should play a crucial role in preserving and providing access to classic video games. Just as one can peruse classic novels, listen to timeless albums, and watch iconic movies, the same privilege should extend to gaming enthusiasts. However, archaic copyright laws act as a significant obstacle, impeding institutions from fulfilling their mandate.

The Battle for Preservation:

Preserving classic video games is not a trivial matter. These digital artifacts not only represent milestones in the gaming industry but also reflect the evolving nature of technology and the artistry of game design. As with any form of cultural preservation, it is essential to protect these historical treasures for future generations.

Ah, if only we all had an old-school Apple IIc computer at home

Potential Solutions:

Addressing this crisis requires a collaborative effort from various stakeholders. A crucial step would be to reassess copyright laws, allowing libraries and archives the flexibility to digitise and provide access to classic video games without fear of legal repercussions. Additionally, industry players, game developers, and publishers should actively support preservation initiatives by providing resources, funding, and legal permissions to ensure the survival of their own creations.

Conclusion:

The perilous state of classic video games is a matter of concern for gaming enthusiasts and cultural preservationists alike. With the majority of these games facing the risk of extinction, urgent action is required to safeguard their legacy. By advocating for copyright reforms and promoting collaboration between industry and preservation organizations, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to explore, research, and appreciate the rich history of video games, just as we do with other forms of artistic expression.

Only through collective efforts can we prevent the disappearance of our digital heritage and ensure that classic video games remain accessible to all.

PS: For what its worth, we (in Australia) would love to see/support video games to be fully preserved by institutions/museums like ACMI (formerly Australian Centre for the Moving Image)

image source: if.com.au



story source: Video Game History Foundation

BBC Archive: Imagine Software – 1983

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Cast your mind back to 1983, when Imagine Software were the pop stars of video games development!

Now this is a blast from the past! Imagine Software, the video games development superstars from Liverpool were going gangbusters when this video was aired on the BBC almost forty years ago on October 23, 1983. Who didn’t love Green Beret, Arkanoid: Revenge of Doh and Hyper Sports to name just a few.

We all know what followed – the high-profile demise of Imagine a year later in 1984 – but for now, let’s just cast our minds back 40 years and enjoy this vid!


source: BBC Archive



It’s On Like Donkey Kong: The 2023 Brisbane Pinball & Arcade Collective

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Thunder & Lightning BPAC 2023

It’s that time of year peeps, one of Australia’s (and the southern hemisphere!) biggest annual arcade, pinball and console gaming events, the Brisbane Pinball & Arcade Collective exhibition or better known as BPAC, is coming to Brisbane from Friday 14th Jul 2023 till Sun 23rd Jul 2023 – it’s going to be MEGA!

From arcade to console, there a load of tournaments for each category that you could participate in, like the Australian Kong Off: Donkey Kong (arcade version) Championship, Australian Arcade Championships – Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Comp, N64 Mario Kart and GoldenEye Championships to name just a few!

Of course there will be a ton of pinball action with the Brisbane Pinball Masters and Pin-Golf tournaments to satisfy your silverball craving. We hear that a certain new Haggis Pinball machine may make it there too 😉

Just get a load of the stacked schedule – truly mind-blowing!

If you are keen to attend BPAC, then head over to their site here for more details and ticket information.

So, who is going and who is competing?



Super Mario Question Block Nintendo Switch Game Case

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3D Printed Super Mario question block Nintendo Switch Cart Case

Now this is pretty darn cool, thanks to Kickass3DPrints! Why is it cool you ask, well, Kickass3DPrints has made their Super Mario Question Block Ninty Switch game case STL files free to download from Cults3d.

So download the files (~ 532KB), hit up your favourite 3D printing provider and get this awesome game cube* made!

* pun fully intended 😉


source: Kickass3DPrints



Forget the JCVD Street Fighter Movie, This is the Street Fighter II Film We Needed

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We’ll admit that we didn’t mind the Jean-Claude Van Damme and Kylie Minogue Street Fighter Movie back in the day, but this Japanese version is probably the better of the two.

How darn charming and awesome is this! The round 3 fight between Chun-Li and M. Bison is one for the ages!

PS: Thank you to our friend, Daniel Major (aka: GuyFawkesRetro) for sharing this cool vid!



Review: PC-Engine – The Box Art Collection

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We are still of the opinion that NEC’s PC-Engine could’ve easily competed with Sega and Nintendo on the world video game stage! The little beast was actually quite popular in the late 80s in its homeland of Japan, but beyond that, NEC made an absolute mess of the western release, including the renamed and hulking piece of plastic, the North American TurboGrafx-16.

If you were anything like us, you would have drooled at NEC’s console and its cute game cards called HuCards back in the late 1980s. With a heap of coverage in all the major gaming magazines at the time, we seriously considered buying a grey import, but once we factored in the foreign exchange, fees and the ridiculous shipping costs, it became nothing but a dream console to own one day.

With the resurgence of classic gaming a decade and half ago, we managed to finally procure not one, but several PC-Engine console variants, including the original (white system), CoreGrafx I and II, the Duo (CD-ROM based console) and the spectacular PC-Engine GT (aka: TurboExpress) handheld. The number of HuCards we bought from Japan along the way made up for the lost time we had in the late 80s and early 90s with NEC’s gaming console.

As per usual, the PC-Engine’s HuCards came in CD-type cases with amazing art, which still bring a smile to our faces. Thanks to Bitmap Books, their new box art collection tome, PC-Engine: The Box Art Collection immortalises these amazing games and their artworks!

Journey back to the late 1980s, when Japan gave birth to a bold new aesthetic that would soon sweep across the globe. The PC Engine stood at the forefront of this artistic revolution, showcasing a diverse range of styles and approaches that celebrated the country’s games, movies, music, design, and fashion. And at the heart of this revolution was the remarkable box art that adorned the PC Engine’s extraordinary library.

The PC Engine: The Box Art Collection book is a  tribute to the vibrant, sophisticated, and personality-packed covers that graced the best and most intriguing Japanese releases for NEC’s undersized powerhouse. Within the pages of this meticulously curated collection, you’ll discover masterpieces like Adventure Island, Darius Plus, Bomberman ’93, YS I & II, Soldier Blade, PC Denjin (Air Zonk), Akumajō Dracula X: Chi no Rondo (Castlevania: Rondo of Blood), Devil Crash, and Street Fighter II: Champion Edition.

Overflowing with creativity and passion, PC Engine: The Box Art Collection spans an impressive 372 pages. Immerse yourself in more than 300 professionally shot pieces of box art, accompanied by carefully reproduced screenshots. Every page has been crafted with the same design-led approach that made the PC Engine’s game covers so exhilarating, ensuring an experience that is both thoughtful and exciting. To enhance your journey even further, each featured game is accompanied by an insightful review and expert summary.

The standard edition of PC Engine: The Box Art Collection boasts a show-stopping metallic red foil logo on its hardback cover, reflecting the console’s bold and daring spirit. As with all Bitmap’s publications, the collection is printed lithographically on high-quality paper, allowing the gorgeous visuals to shine as they deserve. With thread sewn binding, this book is built to last, ensuring you can lay it open flat and fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking world of the PC Engine.

So, unleash your inner gamer and embark on a visually stunning adventure. PC Engine: The Box Art Collection invites you to witness the magic that unfolded when video games collided with art, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Get ready to be inspired, mesmerized, and transported to a world where creativity knows no bounds. We can’t recommend this tome highly enough!

Specifications

  • Title: PC Engine: The Box Art Collection
  • Publisher: Bitmap Books
  • Available From: PixelCrib
  • Price: AU$69.99
  • Pages & Weight: 372 pages. 250mm × 250mm; 2.5kg
  • Cover: Hardcover with textured cover with metallic red foil blocked logo and text
  • Print: Edge-to-edge high quality lithographic print
  • Binding: Sewn binding for enduring quality and the ability to lay flat for ideal double-page image viewing



Disclaimer: PC-Engine: The Box Art Collection book was kindly provided by PixelCrib for this review.

A Very Cool Custom LEGO Nintendo Game Boy

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Get ready for a blast from the past with this incredible creation by LEGO Masters finalist and avid gamer Nick Lever! Combining his love for LEGO and Nintendo, Nick has brought the iconic Game Boy to life in a whole new way. Prepare to be amazed as he unveils his 1:1 scale LEGO version of the beloved portable gaming system!

Constructed using a whopping 354 pieces and 115 unique parts, this life-sized masterpiece is a sight to behold. But that’s not all! Nick’s attention to detail is truly remarkable, as he has included a fully functional D-pad that you can actually press, as well as slots for inserting game cartridges. It’s like stepping back in time and holding a piece of gaming history in your hands!

Although you won’t be able to play any games on this LEGO Game Boy, Nick has thoughtfully crafted four custom game cartridges to accompany his creation. Get ready to dive into classic titles such as Tetris, The Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening, and the timeless Pokemon Red and Blue. While some may miss the absence of Donkey Kong Land, it’s hard to complain when these games are considered among the greatest of all time. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking in a quick gaming session instead of being productive this afternoon!

Now, here’s the exciting part. If you’re feeling inspired and eager to build your very own LEGO Game Boy, you’re in luck! Nick is offering the required piece list and instructions for sale. Simply reach out to him on Instagram to get your hands on this valuable resource. Get ready to unleash your inner builder and embark on a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of gaming!

So, grab your LEGO bricks, channel your creativity, and prepare to experience the joy of constructing your own life-sized Game Boy. This project is sure to bring hours of fun and a sense of accomplishment. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to merge two beloved passions and create something truly extraordinary. Get ready to level up your building skills and embrace the world of LEGO gaming!



story source: technabob

The Nintendo Snack Pack DOES What Sega Don’t!

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The Nintendo Snack Pack Dedicated Oldschool Entertainment System (DOES)

We have always been in awe of Starforce Pi’s creations, like the amazing PC-Engine SD and Sega OMega Drive.

This time around we are in awe of The Nintendo Snack Pack, a portable gaming/streaming system fitted into a 1972 Sony TV-740 case, including a large 20,000mAh battery and 12v charger that makes it an easy proposition to carry around and play!

The Ninty Snack Pack specifications are quite impressive (see below), but at the heart of it are two boards, the SNES mini and NES mini, stacked on top of one another. Switching between ‘channels’ is done via the large retro-style rotary dial on the front of the all-in-one unit.

The rotary dial not only allows you to switch between SNES and NES gaming fun, but it also allows you to switch to a SEGA channel which comes complete with 8/16-bit Sega fun and a host of other gaming systems to play. The third channel, VIDEODROME, is used to stream classic cartoons, movies and other shows via Chromecast, and last but not least, the fourth channel allows any console with an AV/composite connection to be plugged in and played – wowser, this is one super impressive DIY creation!

It would be a huge understatement for us to say how much we’d love The Nintendo Snack Pack to be sitting in our games room right now!

The Nintendo Snack Pack DOES What Sega Don’t!

Nintendo Snack Pack SPECS:

  • Authentic Nintendo NES Mini Board (Channel 1)
  • Authentic Nintendo SNES Mini Board (Channel 2)
  • 4x Controller Ports (1-2 Player for Channel 1 & 2, respectively)
  • Google Chromecast 2nd Generation (Channel 3)
  • RCA Audio/Video Input (Channel 4)
  • Aluminium Rotary Dial to switch channels
  • 8″ IPS LCD screen in 4:3 aspect ratio, 1024×768 (HDMI/RCA/VGA)
  • Logitech 1.2watt Stereo Speakers (Z120)
  • 20.000mAh 12V DC Battery
  • Vintage 1972 Sony TV-740 Converted Case
  • Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 24 cm, Weight: 2.5kg (5.5lbs)

story & image source: Starforce Pi