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Celebrate Prime Day 2024 with Prime Gaming’s Free Games Extravaganza!

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Get ready, gamers! Prime Day 2024 is just around the corner, happening from July 16 till the 21st. Amazon Prime Gaming members are in for an epic treat, with amazing deals leading up to and during Prime Day itself.

From June 24 through to July 16, Prime members can snag 15 fantastic PC games for free. Titles include Deceive Inc, Tearstone: Thieves of the Heart, The Invisible Hand, Forager, Card Shark, Heaven Dust 2, Soulstice, Wall World, Hitman Absolution™, STAR WARS™: Knights of the Old Republic™ II — The Sith Lords, Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX, Call of Juarez, Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, and Samurai Bringer.

STAR WARS™: Knights of the Old Republic™ II — The Sith Lords

Weekly Releases to Keep You Excited

  • Now Available:
    • Deceive Inc. [Epic Games Store] — Become the ultimate spy in this multiplayer game of subterfuge.
    • Tearstone: Thieves of the Heart [Legacy Games Code] — Embark on a puzzling adventure to recover the missing Heart of Tearstone.
    • The Invisible Hand [Amazon Games App] — Chase riches as a stockbroker, but beware the costs of greed.
    • Call of Juarez [GOG Code] — Dive into a wild western FPS adventure.
  • Available June 27:
    • Forager [GOG Code] — Explore and craft in this charming 2D open-world game.
    • Card Shark [Epic Games Store] — Outsmart your opponents in this game of cunning and deceit.
    • Heaven Dust 2 [Amazon Games App] — Survive a zombie-infested research base in this love letter to classic survival horror.
    • Soulstice [Epic Games Store] — Uncover dark mysteries in this action-packed fantasy tale.
  • Available July 3:
    • Wall World [Amazon Games App] — Mine resources and fend off monsters on a giant robospider.
    • Hitman Absolution™ [GOG Code] — Follow Agent 47 on a quest for redemption.
    • Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood [GOG Code] — The McCall brothers are back in a quest for gold.
  • Available July 11:
    • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge [Epic Games Store] — Join the TMNT in a beat ’em up adventure.
    • STAR WARS™: Knights of the Old Republic™ II — The Sith Lords [Amazon Games App] — Will you follow the light side or succumb to the dark?
    • Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX [Epic Games Store] — Relive the classic platformer with new levels and features.
    • Samurai Bringer [Amazon Games App] — Defeat legendary foes in this roguelite action game.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

More to Come!

Stay tuned for even more thrilling offers on Prime Day itself! And don’t miss out on the current Free Games with Prime, including The Lullaby of Life, STAR WARS™ Battlefront II (Classic, 2005), Weird West Definitive Edition, Genesis Noir, Everdream Valley, MythForce, Blast Brigade vs. the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread, and Projection: First Light.

Join the Fun

To keep up with all the latest Prime Gaming content and offers, follow the official Prime Gaming blog and their social media channels. This Prime Day, the gaming world is your oyster!

Visit the Prime Gaming blog for more details and get ready for an unforgettable Prime Day 2024!

Get Ready To Flip Out At The Melbourne Pinball Expo

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If Chicago can have a Pinball Expo, then why not Melbourne!

The pandemic may have stifled many an event and expos, including the awesome FlipOut, but you can’t keep a good pinball event down!

From the FlipOut ashes the Melbourne Pinball Expo (MPE) has risen, just like the legendary phoenix. The Melbourne Pinball Expo has been scheduled for later this year, from November 30th to December 1st and will be held at the Matthew Flinders Hotel in Chadstone – a stone’s throw from the Chadstone Shopping Centre – the fashion capital 😉 We honestly can’t wait for this 2 days of absolute pinball bliss.

Highlights from FlipOut 2018

Melbourne Pinball Expo will feature pinball machines from every major manufacturer for you to flip on (woohoo!), and will also host special guests from the USA, like Jersey Jack himself, who will reveal JJP’s latest title! As time nears, we’ll have updates on the machines that will be on the floor to play and the rest of the special guests list.

We love our pinball events in Melbourne, so a big thank you goes to the organisers – Pinball Transport, GDA Australia, Pinball Sales Australia and  fellow distributors, resellers and contributors for putting this event on for us pinball fans!

For ticketing information and purchases, please go here.

These are the distributors, resellers, contributors and manufacturers that will have pinball machines available at Melbourne Pinball Expo

 

 

Lego Ideas – MONACO F1 GP

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Experience the Thrill of the Monaco F1 GP with LEGO!

Hey, LEGO fans and racing enthusiasts! Get ready to rev your engines and build your way to the most glamorous event in motorsport history: the Monaco Grand Prix, now in LEGO form!

A Legendary Race in Your Hands

The Monaco Grand Prix is the crown jewel of Formula 1 racing (and one of three races in the Triple Crown of Motorsport), known for its challenging circuit and breathtaking scenery. Now, thanks to passionate LEGO builder, Peter_Designs, you could recreate this iconic race track right at home (if it garners enough votes!). This LEGO project brings the excitement and elegance of Monaco’s streets to life with stunning detail and creativity.

Feel the Adrenaline

Imagine assembling the tight corners, the famous tunnel, and the harbor lined with luxurious yachts—all with LEGO bricks! This project isn’t just a model; it’s a tribute to the legendary race where drivers navigate one of the toughest circuits in the world. You’ll feel the adrenaline rush as you build and relive the high-speed action.

What Makes This Set Special?

This LEGO set is a marvel of design, capturing the essence of the Monaco GP with precision and flair. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Iconic Circuit Details: From the start/finish line to the Casino Square and the hairpin turns, every element of the Monaco track is meticulously crafted.
  • Dynamic Features: Pit stops, grandstands, and the bustling paddock area make this set come alive, offering endless play and display possibilities.

Support the Project

To turn this amazing LEGO Monaco GP set into reality, it needs your vote! By supporting this project on the LEGO Ideas platform, you can help bring this dream set to LEGO fans and racing aficionados around the globe.

Why You’ll Love It

Whether you’re a LEGO enthusiast, a Formula 1 fanatic, or someone who loves intricate and dynamic builds, this set is for you. It’s not just about building a model; it’s about celebrating the heritage and thrill of one of the most prestigious races in the world. The Monaco F1 GP LEGO set captures the spirit of competition, innovation, and luxury that defines the Grand Prix.

So, race over to the LEGO Ideas website and cast your vote for the Monaco GP set. Let’s make this extraordinary project a reality and bring the excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix from the track to your living room! Start your engines, and let the building begin!


source: Lego Ideas

Dive into the Arcade Era: A Journey Back in Time

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The golden age of arcade videogames was a magical time of groundbreaking innovation that gave birth to some of the most iconic franchises in gaming history. Think of classics like SPACE INVADERS, PAC-MAN, DONKEY KONG (featuring the debut of the legendary Mario), GALAGA and ASTEROIDS. These games weren’t just about pressing buttons and joystick maneuvers; they were about embarking on epic adventures and chasing high scores.

More Than Just Gaming

Arcades were much more than gaming hubs. They were vibrant social hotspots where friends gathered under the neon glow. It was here that players navigated mazes, jumped over barrels, and dodged alien lasers, all in the heroic pursuit of a high score. The camaraderie and competition forged friendships and created memories that lasted a lifetime.


Source: ACMI – The Story of the Moving Image – Videogames

The Lasting Impact

The influence of the arcade era is still felt today. These pixelated pioneers and their synth-laden soundtracks continue to be celebrated and revisited, serving as the beating heart of the 80s nostalgia. Whether it’s through modern reboots, retro gaming events, or pop culture references, the spirit of the arcade lives on.

So, next time you find yourself reminiscing about the good old days or watching a movie with a killer 80s soundtrack, remember the arcade. It was a place where heroes were made, high scores were chased, and friendships were forged. The arcade era might be a thing of the past, but its legacy continues to inspire and entertain.

The Nintendo Power Glove: A Blast from the Past

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I love the Power Glove. It’s so bad

Ah, the 1980s. A time of big hair, neon colors, and the birth of some of the most iconic video games and gadgets. Among these was the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which captured the hearts of gamers everywhere. But let’s not forget one of the quirkiest and most ambitious peripherals of its time: the Power Glove.

A Revolution in Gaming

In 1989, the Power Glove hit the market, promising to revolutionize the way we played games. It was a bold statement in the gaming world, offering players a taste of the future with its motion-sensing technology. This wasn’t just a controller; it was a way to physically interact with your favorite games.

The design was straight out of a sci-fi movie, with its sleek black and grey exterior, and buttons spread across the forearm. Strapping on the Power Glove felt like gearing up for an epic adventure. The idea was simple: wear the glove, move your hand, and your in-game character would mimic your movements. It was the stuff of dreams for any young gamer.

The Reality Check

However, the reality didn’t quite match the hype. The Power Glove’s motion controls were far from perfect, often leading to frustration rather than seamless gameplay. The calibration process was complicated, and the games that were compatible with the glove didn’t always provide the best experience.

Despite its shortcomings, the Power Glove became a cult classic. Its appearance in the 1989 film “The Wizard” cemented its place in pop culture history. The scene where the character Lucas Barton declares, “I love the Power Glove. It’s so bad,” is iconic and resonates with fans to this day.

Why the Power Glove Matters

The Power Glove might not have been the game-changing device it set out to be, but its impact on the gaming world is undeniable. It paved the way for future innovations in motion-sensing technology, inspiring the development of devices like the Nintendo Wii Remote and VR controllers.

Looking back, the Power Glove represents a time of experimentation and bold ideas in the gaming industry. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how important it is to dream big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

A Collector’s Treasure

Today, the Power Glove is a sought-after collector’s item. Its legacy lives on as a symbol of innovation and the 80s’ fearless approach to new technology. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or just a lover of all things nostalgic, the Power Glove is a fascinating piece of gaming history.

So, next time you’re reminiscing about the good old days of gaming, don’t forget to give a nod to the Power Glove. It’s quirky, it’s iconic, and it’s a testament to the imaginative spirit that continues to drive the gaming industry forward.

The Power Glove: it may not have been perfect, but it was undeniably cool. And sometimes, that’s all that matters.

“Go ahead, make my day”

Introducing the Wooden Game Boy – No Injection Moulding Here

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What does one do when they acquire a CNC router? Well, they put it to good use and create a wooden Game Boy, based on the OG case!

Physicist, coder and creative, Sebastian Staacks did exactly that with his newly procured machine, making a Game Boy out of walnut wood – thank fully based on the OG Game Boy from 1989. Sebastian has painstakingly documented the entire process on his site here and has also provided links to design files on Github – so if you have the itch to create something cool, then hop to it!

We gotta say it, this is one darn cool creation that we are in absolute awe of! Take a bow Dr. Sebastian Staacks.



Parasol Stars Is Coming To Modern Consoles

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🌈The Iconic Sequel To Rainbow Islands Is Coming To Modern Consoles on July 11th!

In 1991, TAITO released the third entry in its enduring Bubble Bobble series: Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III. Originally released on the PC Engine, the game followed the success of its predecessors, building on the foundations Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands laid down and continuing the story from where they left off. It quickly became a hit, later being ported to Atari ST, Amiga, Game Boy, and even NES, gaining huge popularity and its own dedicated fandom.

Some thirty-three years later, this iconic platformer is ready to land on modern consoles on July 11th for only €9.99 and can be pre-ordered for Nintendo Switch as of now. Xbox pre-orders will start on 19.06.2024. Both offers an additional 10% pre-order bonus until release! Hurry up! PlayStation®4/PlayStation®5 versions will also be out on the 11th of July 2024.

Game Features:

  • An enigmatic ensemble of enemies, each with unique abilities (and charm);
  • 2-player mode: double the fun with Bubby and Bobby!
  • Dazzling parasols with magical powers;
  • Power-ups galore;
  • 8 worlds to save, plus 2 unlockable ones!

And some quality-of-life options, such as save states and the ability to rewind gameplay – woohoo!

 

Introducing Evercade Alpha – The First Evercade-Compatible Bartop Arcade

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It’s time to change the game – literally.

Attention all gamers and retro enthusiasts: the Evercade Alpha is coming later this year, and it’s going to revolutionise your home arcade experience! This sleek, bartop-sized arcade machine is the latest addition to the Evercade family and is packed with features that will transport you back to the golden age of gaming. The standout feature? Full compatibility with the extensive Evercade cartridge ecosystem.

Endless Gaming Fun with Evercade Cartridges

The Evercade Alpha doesn’t just come with a few built-in games—it opens the door to over 50 physical Evercade cartridge collections, offering a staggering 500+ games. From legendary arcade hits to home console classics and vintage home computer gems, the Evercade Alpha ensures your gaming adventures will be never-ending.

Special Pre-Order Pricing

Starting June 4th, the Evercade Alpha will be available for pre-order at a special price of £199.99 / $229.99 / €229.99, a significant discount from its regular retail price of £229.99 / $249.99 / €249.99. This offer is valid until November 2024, so act fast to secure this deal from any Evercade retailer worldwide.

Choose Your Adventure: Street Fighter or Mega Man Editions

The Evercade Alpha comes in two exciting versions, each featuring unique built-in games and officially licensed designs from the legendary Japanese publisher Capcom:

Evercade Alpha Street Fighter Arcade

Features six iconic titles from the Street Fighter™ franchise, including the never-before-released Street Fighter™ Alpha series.

– Street Fighter™ II’ Champion Edition
– Super Street Fighter™ II Turbo
– Street Fighter™ Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams
– Street Fighter™ Alpha 2
– Street Fighter™ Alpha 3
– Super Puzzle Fighter™ II Turbo

Evercade Alpha Mega Man Arcade

Boasts two arcade-exclusive games from the famous Mega Man™ franchise, alongside a selection of Capcom’s classic arcade titles.

– Mega Man™: The Power Battle
– Mega Man™ 2: The Power Fighters
– Final Fight™
– Knights of the Round™
– Carrier Air Wing™
– Strider™

Premium Features and Design

Each Evercade Alpha unit is pre-assembled and packed with top-notch features for an unparalleled gaming experience:

  • Dual Evercade Cartridge Slots: Designed to mimic a coin tray, these slots support the entire Evercade cartridge ecosystem.
  • Authentic Arcade Controls: Competition-grade controls ensure you get the response and feel of a real arcade machine.
  • High-Resolution Screen: An 8″ IPS screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio delivers sharp, vibrant visuals.
  • Light-Up Marquee: Includes three interchangeable backlit marquee panels, with more available for purchase.
  • Additional Ports and Controls: Volume control, stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack, and two USB ports for external controllers.
  • Power and Connectivity: Powered by a USB-C connector, with an international mains plug included.

Expand Your Gaming Library

One of the most exciting features of the Evercade Alpha is its dual Evercade cartridge slots. This means you’re not limited to the pre-installed games. You can expand your game library with any physical Evercade cartridge collection, encompassing games from five decades of gaming history. Whether you prefer indie games, classic Japanese titles, or hidden gems, the Evercade Alpha has something for everyone.

Instant Access to Over 500 Games

With Evercade cartridges, there are no downloads, no setup, and no fuss—just plug in and play! Enjoy a seamless gaming experience with physical cartridges that include a box and manual, just like the good old days. Plus, your save games are supported across all Evercade devices.

Don’t miss out on the chance to bring the arcade experience home with Evercade Alpha. Pre-order now and get ready to dive into a world of classic gaming fun!

Long-Awaited Nintendo Museum Opening In Japan Later This Year

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Japan to Open Long-Awaited Nintendo Museum This Autumn (northern hemisphere)

Nintendo enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the highly anticipated Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan, is set to open its doors this spring (or autumn if you like in the northern hemisphere).

Originally slated for a 2021 opening, the museum’s completion has been confirmed in a recent financial earnings report. The final preparations are underway, with an official grand opening expected later this year. The museum promises to be a landmark destination for fans of the iconic video game company.

This will be another venue to add to the already growing “This to do and see in Japan” bucket list! For more details, visit the TimeOut article here.

A New Retro-Indie Fanmade Game: Mighty Final Fight Forever

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Mighty Final Fight Forever is a fanmade beat ’em up project following on from the original Mighty Final Fight game released by Capcom in 1993

Indie developers Bouncer Games are working on a new game called Mighty Final Fight Forever, a redesigned and a complete remake of Capcom‘s 1993 release on the 8-bit NES, Mighty Final Fight.

Ausretrogamer reader, Vasek T. had the chance to play the demo version and reckons it looks “really promising”. Being huge beat’em up fans (Double Dragon and Final Fight are our fave) and judging by the gameplay teaser below, we reckon this overhaul and remake of 1993’s Mighty Final Fight is definitely right up our alley!

To say we can’t wait for this to be released would be a huge understatement.

PS: The Free Demo (Windows) version can be found here.