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Playback96 Opens at Chadstone, Bringing a New Spin to 90s Nostalgia

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The 1990s are having a moment, and Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre is the latest place to celebrate the decade that gave us VHS tapes, arcade cabinets, dial-up internet, video stores and some of pop culture’s most memorable moments.

Funlab, the entertainment company behind Holey Moley, Archie Brothers and Strike Bowling, has officially opened Playback96, a brand-new social gaming venue designed as a love letter to all things 90s.

Located within The Social Quarter at Chadstone, Playback96 combines immersive theming, interactive challenges and a healthy dose of nostalgia to create an experience that feels like stepping into a time capsule. Rather than simply decorating a venue with retro references, Playback96 has been built around recreating the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the decade.

From the moment guests enter, they are greeted by familiar icons of the era, including VHS tapes, cult movie posters, vintage technology and neon-drenched aesthetics that would look right at home in a Friday-night video store from 1996. The venue is packed with Easter eggs and references designed to reward keen-eyed visitors who grew up during the decade.

Unlike the classic arcades many retro gaming fans remember, Playback96 focuses on a collection of competitive social games that encourage groups to challenge each other in person. Guests begin their visit by collecting a game card from the venue’s “Walkman” radio wall before exploring a series of different challenges.

Among the attractions are:

  • Total Recall – A 90s pop culture trivia challenge testing knowledge of the decade’s movies, music, television and trends.
  • Stop Hammer Time – A reaction-based challenge where players compete for the fastest response times.
  • Pong Time – A modern reimagining of beer pong presented as a full-scale arcade-style experience.
  • Line Master – A giant drawing and guessing game inspired by classic doodling activities.
  • Ready Player Run – A physical challenge featuring swinging pendulums and an obstacle-style course.

The venue also embraces a level of playful interactivity often missing from modern entertainment spaces. Visitors are encouraged to discover hidden surprises scattered throughout the venue, including an old-school telephone that still accepts calls. Dialling specific numbers may even reveal a few unexpected secrets.

What makes Playback96 particularly interesting is that it doesn’t rely solely on passive nostalgia. Instead, it uses familiar cultural touchstones as the backdrop for experiences designed to be enjoyed together, reflecting a growing trend toward social gaming venues that get people away from their screens and interacting face-to-face.

For retro gaming enthusiasts, the concept taps into something that resonates strongly with the community. While classic arcades and retro consoles remain central to gaming nostalgia, the broader culture surrounding the 1990s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Playback96 celebrates not just the games people played, but the music, movies, technology and shared experiences that defined the era.

With its blend of nostalgia, competitive gaming and immersive theming, Playback96 aims to offer something a little different from the usual entertainment venue. Whether you’re looking to relive memories of browsing video store shelves, challenge friends to some light-hearted competition, or simply soak up the atmosphere of a decade that refuses to be forgotten, Playback96 may be worth adding to your next Melbourne outing.

Playback96 is now open at The Social Quarter, Chadstone Shopping Centre.

image source: supplied

Before ChatGPT: Exploring The Internet Archive’s Vintage AI Collection

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Artificial Intelligence might be the buzzword of the 2020s, but retro computer enthusiasts know the concept has been captivating developers for decades.

The Internet Archive has recently unveiled its Vintage Artificial Intelligence Collection, a fascinating archive of more than 100 pieces of software from the 1970s through to the 1990s. These programs attempted to simulate intelligence long before anyone was carrying around an AI assistant in their pocket.

From experimental chatbots and digital therapists to computer opponents and educational software, this collection offers a unique glimpse into how early programmers imagined thinking machines would work. Some titles may look primitive by today’s standards, but that’s exactly what makes them so compelling. These developers were exploring ideas that were decades ahead of their time, often working with just a few kilobytes of memory and hardware less powerful than a modern calculator.

Among the highlights are numerous versions of ELIZA, the famous chatbot originally created by Joseph Weizenbaum in the 1960s. ELIZA’s simple pattern-matching approach gave users the illusion of a meaningful conversation, making it one of the earliest examples of software that felt almost human.

Other entries include curious experiments such as Alter Ego, Little Computer People, The Dream Machine, Talking Sam, and even games where the challenge comes from facing what developers hoped would feel like an intelligent opponent.

What makes this collection particularly fascinating is the historical perspective it provides. Many of these creators envisioned a future where humans would regularly interact with intelligent machines. While their implementations were limited by the technology of the era, the underlying ideas were remarkably forward-thinking.

For retro gamers and computing enthusiasts, the collection is also highly accessible. Thanks to browser-based emulation, many titles can be launched and experienced directly through the Internet Archive without requiring original hardware.

It’s a wonderful reminder that the roots of today’s AI revolution stretch deep into the history of personal computing. Long before ChatGPT, Copilot and modern large language models, there were hobbyists and programmers experimenting with digital personalities on Commodores, Apples, Atari computers and other classic systems.

If you’ve ever wondered how yesterday imagined the future, the Vintage Artificial Intelligence Collection is well worth exploring.

Have you tried any of these early AI programs back in the day? Let us know which ones you remember most!

The Vintage Artificial Intelligence Collection is available via the Internet Archive and contains more than 100 emulated software titles spanning several decades of computing history.

Australian Video Game History Documentary Seeks Community Support

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Australia’s video game development history is set to take centre stage in Region Locked, an upcoming documentary series aiming to explore the untold stories behind Australian-developed video games and the people who created them.

According to the project’s creators, the documentary will delve into the rise of Australia’s game development scene during the 1980s and 1990s, featuring stories from developers, publishers and industry pioneers who helped put Australian-made games on the global map.

The team behind Region Locked says interviews are planned with creators connected to classic titles including The Hobbit and Way of the Exploding Fist, alongside a broader look at the challenges, innovations and successes that shaped the local industry. The documentary also intends to highlight the role of Australian studios such as Beam Software during a formative period of gaming history.

To help bring the project to life, the creators have launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign and are seeking support from the Australian gaming community.

For retro gaming enthusiasts, preservation of gaming history is an important part of ensuring the stories behind the games are not lost to time. A documentary focused on Australia’s contribution to video game development could provide an interesting look back at a significant chapter of our local gaming heritage.

Interested readers can learn more about the project and its crowdfunding campaign via the project’s Kickstarter page:

👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/regionlocked-doco/region-locked/

Disclaimer

Ausretrogamer has not been involved in the production, development, or funding of Region Locked and cannot independently verify all claims made by the project’s creators. This article is provided for informational purposes only. As with any crowdfunding campaign, readers should conduct their own research and carefully consider the risks before making a financial contribution.

The Atari Lynx: Atari’s Colour Handheld That Deserved Better

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When it comes to retro gaming documentaries, few creators do it better than Nostalgia Nerd. His latest video dives deep into the fascinating story of the Atari Lynx, Atari’s ambitious handheld console that arrived years ahead of much of its competition. Featuring a stunning colour backlit screen, impressive arcade-quality games, and innovative features, the Lynx was a technological marvel that deserved far more attention than it received.

In this engaging retrospective, Nostalgia Nerd explores the origins of the Atari Lynx, its groundbreaking hardware, memorable game library, and the challenges it faced competing against Nintendo’s juggernaut Game Boy. Whether you’re a long-time Lynx owner or simply curious about one of gaming’s most underrated handhelds, this is a must-watch journey through a unique chapter in video game history.


source: Nostalgia Nerd

 

Inside DMA Design (AKA: Rockstar Games) In 1996

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From Lemmings to Larceny — DMA Design’s leap into gaming infamy started right here.

Ah, the 90s – that unmistakable era of questionable fashion choices, dial-up internet, and frosted tips! But one thing that wasn’t shocking? The creative brilliance bubbling away at DMA Design (yes, the very same studio behind Lemmings).

A recently resurfaced 1996 video shows the Dundee-based team hard at work on a brand-new project titled Grand Theft Auto. What began as a quirky top-down car game called Race’n’Chase would soon explode into one of the most iconic (and controversial) video game franchises of all time.

The footage offers a fascinating glimpse into gaming history – you can spot early builds of Liberty City, rough animations, and plenty of mid-’90s office vibes. It’s surreal seeing the team at DMA Design – later to be renamed Rockstar North, part of Rockstar Games, laying the groundwork for what would redefine open-world gaming forever.

So throw on your flannel shirt, fire up your CRT monitor, and take a nostalgic trip back to where it all began – before Grand Theft Auto became a global phenomenon, it was just a bunch of Scots tinkering with pixels and possibilities.

🎥 Watch the 1996 development video and witness gaming history in motion!


source: BBC Archive

Review: Irem Collection Volume 3 (Xbox) – Blast from the Pixelated Past

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If you’re a fan of side-scrolling shoot ‘em ups and wild retro weirdness, Irem Collection Volume 3 from ININ Games is like opening a time capsule filled with pixelated power-ups, dragons, and the kind of creative enemy design only the ’80s and ’90s could conjure. This lovingly compiled collection brings together three of Irem’s most eccentric and thrilling shooters: Mr. Heli/Battle Chopper, Mystic Riders, and Dragon Breed. And trust me—you’re in for a ride that’s as bizarre as it is brilliant.

🚁 Mr. Heli / Battle Chopper (Arcade & PC Engine)

This quirky little helicopter with eyes and a face is anything but cute when it comes to dishing out destruction. In Mr. Heli, you’re piloting a plucky chopper through caves, industrial complexes, and molten hellscapes, blasting enemies while navigating tight spaces and gravity-defying jumps.

The PC Engine version is a neat inclusion—it’s a faithful port with slightly different sprite work and some charming 16-bit flair. Whether you’re nostalgic for the arcade or curious about the console iteration, it’s great to have both.

🧙‍♂️ Mystic Riders (Arcade)

Mystic Riders is what happens when you mix magic carpets, flying broomsticks, and enough glittery magic spells to make Hogwarts jealous. This co-op horizontal shmup is the most whimsical of the bunch—two wizard kids take to the skies to take down fantastical foes in a world that feels like a mashup of anime and high fantasy fever dreams.

The local 2-player co-op here is where it shines. There’s something inherently joyful about launching fireballs and dodging oversized haunted pumpkins with a friend at your side.

🐉 Dragon Breed (Arcade)

Now this is the heavy-hitter. You’re not just piloting a ship—you’re riding a freaking giant golden dragon across a dystopian sci-fi landscape. The gameplay twist? Your dragon is invincible, acting like a moving shield as you rain laser death upon alien hordes. It’s smart, strategic, and the kind of game that sticks with you.

With its epic boss fights, moody soundtrack, and layers of attack options, Dragon Breed is arguably the crown jewel of this collection.

🎮 Quality of Life Upgrades

ININ Games didn’t just dump ROMs and call it a day—there are some thoughtful enhancements here:

  • Quick Save/Load and a built-in rewind system let you recover from boneheaded mistakes or rewind to finesse your dodging skills.

  • Customisable controls, including rapid-fire assignments, make a huge difference for comfort and performance.

  • Display filters recreate the glow and scanlines of old-school arcade monitors, or keep it clean with sharp pixels—it’s your choice.

  • Worldwide leaderboards add a modern challenge for competitive score-chasers.

🕹️ Final Thoughts

Irem Collection Volume 3 is a joyous blast of arcade nostalgia. Whether you’re chasing high scores, revisiting forgotten favourites, or discovering them for the first time, these games hold up remarkably well. The mix of fantasy and sci-fi, wacky enemy designs, and tight shoot ‘em up mechanics showcase why Irem was a kingpin of the genre.

And let’s be honest—riding a fire-breathing dragon while blasting biomechanical nightmares just never gets old.

Score: 7.5/10 – Pure retro arcade magic, lovingly preserved and enhanced for the modern couch warrior.

The Strong Franchise of ‘The Lion King’

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

When I was little and I held my Game Boy in my hands, and I would play “The Lion King,” I would’ve never thought that in 2024 the musical would still be an enormous hit on Broadway and a new film would be coming out in December, “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

When the original “The Lion King” was released in 1994, I could never get a seat, because it was always sold out at my local theater. I wasn’t into Disney films at that age, but it was such an enormous hit that I was curious to see what all the hype was about. I think I finally caught the film on video, months after its theatrical release. I remember thinking that the voice acting was very good.

When I bought “The Lion King” game for Game Boy, I remember thinking how hard the game was to play at first. Simba was difficult to control when he swung from rhino’s tails. The long swings from tree-to-tree didn’t seem so much like “The Lion King” and more like a game where a monkey is the protagonist. I thought it was great how Simba ages throughout the game as he continues his journey.

I’ve never understood why “The Lion King” hasn’t been featured more when it comes to Disney parks. Disney is planning to have a Disney villains themed park, which I think is a great idea, and you know Scar must be included. Scar, voiced by the amazing Jeremy Irons, is in the top five of Disney villains. Scar is one of the most sinister Disney villains; up there with Lady Tremaine from “Cinderella.”

I didn’t know “Mufasa: The Lion King” was even in production. When I saw the trailer before “Inside Out 2,” I thought it looked decent. I don’t get really excited for a new “Lion King,” because, what more do we need to know or see about that world? It all sort of looks the same and the music is always overblown to remind us that it’s a “King” property. I don’t blame Disney; the brand makes them a ton of money.

“The Lion King” is the third-longest-running musical in Broadway history. The 2019 photorealist, animated remake made $1.6 billion worldwide!

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”

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!

 

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.