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Ping Pong + Space Invaders = Bit.Pong

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the future of social gaming!

So you love Ping Pong (aka: Table Tennis) and you also love playing Space Invaders, so the logical question would be, how do you merge these two passions into one?!

The answer, bit.pong! Yep, take a look at this darn cool integration between table tennis and the first killer shoot’em up to hit the arcades in the late 70s! Who said you don’t get any exercise playing video games?! 😉

PS: For more details on this cool invention by Diplik, read this.


source: 80 Level via Facebook

 

A Wall of Retro Memories – Curated by the One and Only Ms. Ausretrogamer!

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A Frame Full of Memories – A Gift from the Heart of Ms Ausretrogamer

Every now and then, something unexpectedly awesome happens in your retro-gaming life, and this time it came courtesy of my better half, Ms Ausretrogamer herself.

While I was busy diving into pixels, pinballs, and handheld nostalgia, she secretly gathered every pass, badge, lanyard, pin, medal, and random bits of retro-event paraphernalia I’ve collected over years of attending expos, conventions, tournaments, open days, and launch events. We’re talking the whole backlog of memories and nerd credentials.

And then she went full curator mode.

What I saw next absolutely blew me away:

  • All of it beautifully framed.
  • A museum-grade collage of my adventures across the retro-gaming universe.
  • A time capsule of joy, fandom, and button-mashing history – all now hanging proudly in our games room.

It stopped me in my tracks! It reminded me of all the amazing places we’ve been, the great people we’ve met, the tournaments we battled in, the arcades we rediscovered, and the endless good times that come with being part of this incredible community. It’s not just memorabilia – it’s a reminder that every event left a mark, and that she and I shared so many of those moments together.

Honestly… she nailed it.
The composition, the colours, the layering – chef’s kiss. This isn’t just a wall of frames; it’s a tribute wall to retro gaming culture and to the epic memories that keep the Ausretrogamer flame burning bright.

So here’s to Ms Ausretrogamer, the mastermind behind this unique and very special creation. The games room just levelled up, and so did my heart. ❤️

Voice Acting in the ‘Arkham Trilogy’

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

The voice work by various actors and actresses in the “Batman: Arkham Trilogy” is iconic. The performances by Mark Hamill as the Joker and John Noble as the voice of the Scarecrow are on the Mount Rushmore of video game voice acting.

As I was watching the recent film “The Long Walk,” where Mark Hamill portrays the Major, the sinister overseer of the deadly walking contest, I couldn’t help but think how Hamill has given us so many memorable performances on film, on television, and in video games. The Major was so interesting in “The Long Walk,” I wish he had more screen time. His voice acting as the Joker in the “Arkham Trilogy” is the industry standard of what an outstanding actor can do with a video game role. He’s been highly praised for his work as the Joker, going all the way back to “Batman: The Animated Series.”

Scarecrow, the primary antagonist of 2015’s “Batman: Arkham Knight,” is voiced by the Australian actor John Noble. Noble has a face that’s instantly recognisable. I remember him from Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. He’s an actor when I see him, I say, “Oh, I like him.” He seems to always give an absorbing, restraint performance. But there is nothing about his voice acting as the Scarecrow that’s restraint. The Scarecrow is extremely menacing in “Batman: Arkham Knight,” and that’s because of Noble’s acting.

image source: vg247.com

The touch of distortion in the Scarecrow’s voice adds to the danger of the character. In “Arkham Knight” Noble as the Scarecrow sounds a little like Vincent Price. I loved that. I’m a big Price fan, and I watched many of his classic horror films this year, leading to Halloween. The Scarecrow seems like he wins at the end of “Knight” when Batman and he have their final confrontation.

In any Batman video game, the villains always heighten the ominous tension throughout the Cape Crusader’s journey.

Tara Strong’s vocal performance as Harley Quinn in “Batman: Arkham City” was outstanding.

 

Stern Pinball Revives the Undead: The Walking Dead Remastered Rises Again!

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The Walking Dead Lives Again – Stern’s New Remaster Bites Back! 🧟‍♂️

Ah, timing is everything! Just a few days after Halloween, Stern Pinball has dropped a monster announcement – their second remastered pinball machine, and this one’s a true undead legend. That’s right, the 2014 masterpiece The Walking Dead has been resurrected for a new generation of players!

Back when it first shambled onto the scene, The Walking Dead was a breakout hit – John Borg’s chaotic, fast-flowing design and Lyman Sheats Jr.’s brilliant, tension-filled code made it one of Stern’s most atmospheric and addictive titles ever. It captured the grim, relentless fight for survival perfectly, blending strategy, horror, and adrenaline in a way few machines could match.

Now, more than a decade later, The Walking Dead Remastered brings the apocalypse back to life – bigger, bloodier, and more technologically advanced than ever before. Powered by Stern’s new SPIKE 3 system, this modern reanimation features a gorgeous 18.5” full-HD display, immersive high-fidelity audio, wireless headphone support, enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, and a new lighting system that lets players bathe in all that zombie-fighting glow.


source: Stern Pinball

The playfield? It’s a loving update to Borg’s original design, complete with enhanced versions of the fan-favourite “Cell Block C” Prison building, the gruesome Well Walker toy, the infamous Bicycle Girl ramp, and that glorious crossbow that fires pinballs across the playfield – now re-engineered for even smoother, more precise mayhem. Players can expect dynamic new RGB lighting, illuminated zombie heads on the slingshots, and a remastered rule set that builds on Lyman Sheats Jr.’s legendary original coding, keeping the “risk vs reward” gameplay alive and kicking.

The visuals have been fully overhauled, blending painterly new art and high-quality video elements that tie into iconic moments from AMC’s hit series. Even better, The Walking Dead Remastered includes fresh custom audio callouts from the show’s stars Michael Rooker (Merle) and Danai Gurira (Michonne), adding even more atmosphere to the carnage.

Of course, Stern’s Insider Connected platform is built right in — letting players track achievements, join global leaderboards, and participate in exclusive challenges. Survive the Prison, fight through the CDC, wade through the Blood Bath, and see if you can outlast the Horde to become the Last Man Standing!


source: Stern Pinball

Collectors will want to hunt down the Limited Edition – capped at just 500 units worldwide. The LE packs in Stern’s Expression Lighting System and matching Speaker Lighting System with Walking Dead-themed effects, a stunning mirrored backglass, exclusive armour and decals, designer-autographed bottom arch, shaker motor, anti-reflection glass, and even a signed certificate of authenticity. It’s the ultimate prize for any fan of the series, or anyone who knows a true zombie classic when they see one.

The Walking Dead Remastered is available now in Premium and Limited Edition models, with accessories on the way. It’s a fitting tribute to both the franchise and the late Lyman Sheats Jr., whose work continues to define modern pinball excellence.

So grab your crossbow, load up on pinballs, and prepare to fight the dead — and fear the living. Stern’s The Walking Dead Remastered proves that even in pinball, some legends refuse to stay buried.

We may have to upgrade our beloved 2014 TWD Pro machine 😉

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

Back to the Future: Classic Gaming at PAX Aus 2025

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Old-School Was Cool at PAX Aus 2025 🎮✨

We saved the best of PAX Aus 2025 till last 😉 Because as much as we love the new, shiny, RGB-filled world of gaming, our hearts will always belong to the pixel-packed past. The Classic Gaming area once again felt like coming home – a warm hug of CRT glow, joystick clicks, and the unmistakable chime of 8-bit magic.

Every corner was a trip down memory lane: old-school computers, consoles, handhelds, and pinball machines all humming in harmony. There’s just something about playing retro games on their original hardware – the tactile clunk of inserting a cartridge, the flicker of a cathode ray screen, the rush (and rage!) of losing your last life. No emulator can replicate that kind of nostalgia.

And those display cabinets? Chef’s kiss. They were packed with rare and droolworthy treasures, including the ultra-obscure Apple/Bandai PiPP!n ATMARK dev unit and PiPP!n @World, plus the Sharp Famicom Titler AN-510 and the elusive Sharp FamicomStation (aka Famicombox). Retro hardware heaven!

Of course, the silverball scene was just as strong, featuring pinball machines that just landed on Aussie shores – like Pinball Brothers’ Predator and Jersey Jack Pinball’s magical Harry Potter. Picking a favourite was near impossible, but as lifelong ‘80s Arnie fans, Predator definitely got our thumbs-up, with Labyrinth and Dune hot on its heels.

There’s truly nothing like the Classic Gaming area at PAX Aus — it’s where the roots of gaming are celebrated, preserved, and most importantly, played. Here’s hoping it returns in 2026 to remind us once again why the classics never die.

image source / copyright: ausretrogamer.com

PAX Aus 2025: The Fun Came, We Saw, We Played!

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From Gaming to Cosplay, PAX Aus 2025 Had It All!🎮✨

Can you believe it’s been a whole year since the last PAX Aus? Time really does fly when you’re having fun—and wow, did we have a lot of it this year!

From the moment the doors opened, PAX Aus 2025 was bursting with energy, excitement, and that unmistakable buzz of shared geekdom. Whether you were there for the blockbuster game reveals, epic cosplay, thought-provoking panels, or just to roll some dice and mash some buttons, there was something for everyone.

The Main Hall was a sensory overload (in the best possible way), filled with new gaming experiences, neon lights, and endless action. Meanwhile, the Tabletop and Freeplay areas became mini worlds of their own – where strangers became teammates, rivals, and friends over cards, boards, and controllers.

And of course, we can’t forget the heart and soul of the show (Ed: we are biased!) – our beloved Classic Gaming area. But don’t worry, we’re giving that its own spotlight soon (because it totally deserves it). Keep an eye out for that post if you’re craving a dose of retro nostalgia! 👾

For now, grab a snack, get comfy, and let your mouse wheel (or index finger) do the work—scroll on and soak up all the PAX Aus 2025 goodness!

image source / copyright: ausretrogamer.com

Pokémon GO City Safari is coming to Sydney this December

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Pokémon GO City Safari Is Coming to Sydney – Catch ‘Em All in the Harbour City!

Pokémon Trainers, get ready to dust off your Poké Balls and charge your phones – because Pokémon GO City Safari is making its Australian debut in Sydney this December! Whether you’re a seasoned Trainer or a nostalgic fan who remembers the glory days of Red and Blue, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

What’s Happening?

On December 13 and 14, 2025, Sydney will transform into a real-life Pokémon playground for Australia’s very first City Safari. From the sparkling waters of Darling Harbour to the leafy paths of Centennial Park, you’ll be able to explore iconic landmarks, discover hidden gems, and encounter Pokémon in the wild – all while meeting fellow fans and soaking up the city’s summer vibes.

Event Details

  • When: Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. AEDT
  • Where: All across Sydney!
  • Tickets: $19 AUD for a single day, or $33 AUD for both days (with the Extra Day Add-On). Tickets are limited and non-refundable, so don’t snooze!
  • How to Buy: Head to the official City Safari website or grab your ticket in the Pokémon GO app (Main Menu → Events).

Explore Sydney with the GO Stamp Rally

The City Safari isn’t just about catching Pokémon – it’s about exploring Sydney like never before! Take part in the Pokémon GO Stamp Rally by visiting famous spots like:

  • Darling Harbour
  • Sydney City Centre
  • Royal Botanic Gardens
  • Circular Quay
  • Milsons Point
  • Manly Beach
  • Centennial Park

Spin the Photo Discs at participating PokéStops to collect up to eight unique stamps each day. Each stamp earns you an encounter with Eevee wearing an adorable explorer hat – and the stamp design changes depending on how long you “press,” so every stamp is a little different!

Special Pokémon Encounters

Sydney’s streets will be teeming with event-themed Pokémon, including Mudbray (the Donkey Pokémon), which is exclusive to City Safari 2025 events. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a Shiny Pokémon or two!

Exclusive Giveaways & Bonuses

Swing by the City Safari booth in Darling Harbour (under the Pier Street Underpass near Darling Square) to score a Pikachu sun visor – the ultimate summer accessory for Trainers on the go.

Ticket holders also get some sweet in-game bonuses:

  • 4-hour Lure Module duration (excluding Golden Lures)
  • Up to 5 Special Trades per day
  • 50% Stardust discount on trades
  • Your Buddy Pokémon might find a City Safari–exclusive Tiny Compass souvenir

Power Up Your Adventure with Add-Ons

Want to level up your experience? Add-ons are $9 AUD each and work across both days:

  • Raid Lover: Up to 12 daily Raid Passes, bonus XP, and extra Candy for raid catches
  • Egg-thusiast: 1/2 Egg Hatch Distance, double Stardust, XP, and Hatch Candy
  • Extra Day Add-On ($14 AUD): Play both days with boosted bonuses and a higher chance of finding Shiny Pokémon

How to Get Tickets

  • Open Pokémon GO, tap Main Menu → Events
  • Select Pokémon GO City Safari: Sydney
  • Choose your date, add-ons, or gift tickets to friends (must be Great Friends or higher)
  • Complete payment and keep your confirmation email handy

Ready to Safari?

Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, Pokémon GO City Safari is your ticket to rediscovering Sydney, making new friends, and catching ‘em all in style. Mark your calendars, Trainers – Sydney’s about to get wild!

image source: supplied

Gaming Giants Assemble: PAX Aus 2025 Exhibitors Announced

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PAX Aus 2025: Gaming’s Biggest Party is Back in Melbourne!

Dust off your controllers, sharpen your pinball flippers, and charge those power banks — because PAX Aus 2025 is almost here, and it’s shaping up to be the ultimate celebration of gaming culture! With less than a month to go, the exhibitor line-up has just been revealed, and trust us, it’s packed with enough gaming goodness to keep your thumbs twitching well into next year.

From console giants to cult indies, esports mayhem to quirky activations, here’s a taste of what’s waiting on the Expo Floor this October.

Nintendo Brings the Big Guns

Nintendo Australia is going all-in with an epic booth showing off the Nintendo Switch 2 and fan-favourite Switch titles. For the first time in Australia, you can wander Lumiose City in Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Switch 2 Edition) ahead of its October 16 launch.

But that’s not all:

  • Kirby Air Riders is speeding onto the scene (Nov 20 release).

  • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond lets you try Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.

  • Demos for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades II and more round out the booth.

Basically: if you’re a Nintendo fan, clear your calendar.

Xbox Turns It Up to 11

Xbox is dropping a massive rig at PAX with THIS IS AN XBOX — an immersive booth stuffed with must-play moments. You’ll be able to get hands-on with the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, slice and dice in Ninja Gaiden 4, and uncover plenty of Easter eggs for those willing to explore.

Pro tip: bring your camera, because the booth is loaded with photo ops.

The Sims Goes Camping

Who says gaming can’t be outdoorsy? The Sims is bringing Camp Gibbi Gibbi to PAX, complete with its new Adventure Awaits expansion. Expect campfire vibes, bug-catching, and some very collectible Sims merch. FreePlay is joining the fun too, showing off an in-game campground lot for mobile players.

Devolver Digital & Massive Monster – Cult Vibes

Lamb cultists, rejoice! The first hands-on with the new Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven DLC is happening at PAX. Alongside gameplay and merch, you’ll also be able to snap photos with The Lamb in the Temple. A must-stop for anyone who loves Devolver’s quirky chaos.

Bethesda Brings the Wasteland

Step into Fallout IRL at Bethesda’s Red Rocket diner and Vault-Tec cafeteria setups. With props, prizes, and photo ops galore, you’ll feel right at home in the Wasteland. Plus:

  • Meet ESO Game Director Rich Lambert.

  • Pose with DOOM: The Dark Ages props.

  • Nab an exclusive Fallout 76 Pinny Arcade pin.

Collectors, consider this your side quest.

Borderlands 4 Lands at Gearbox

Vault Hunters, PAX Aus is where you’ll first hear the dirt on Borderlands 4. Expect developer insights, never-before-heard stories, and a chance to chill at Moxxi’s Bar with themed drinks, giveaways, and fellow fans. Chaos guaranteed.

Ubisoft: 10 Years of Siege & Just Dance Vibes

Ubisoft is bringing the big guns with a Rainbow Six Siege 10th Anniversary Esports Showdown. The best APAC teams will fight for a slot at the Munich Major, plus fans can groove to the latest Just Dance tracks on the show floor.

Aftershock Powers the Party

Custom PCs, daily giveaways, streamer battles, flight sim setups, a claw machine (!), and even live carving by Broxh — Aftershock is pulling out all the stops. Expect SteelSeries, Clevergear, and Ultralabs hardware launches, plus exclusive merch for the lucky few.

Retro Collecting Meets Modern Gaming

It’s not just about new titles. eBay’s Passport Adventure will have a collectors’ playground, including:

  • A museum wall of iconic gaming collectibles.

  • Vintage arcade games (yes please!).

  • Exclusive prizes for quest-goers.

For collectors, this booth is a holy grail.

Extra Goodies Worth Checking Out

  • ÆRTHLINGS mystery figs drop daily in Queue Hall, tying into the brand-new ÆRTH game.

  • Red Bull Tetris® brings a competitive twist, with a shot at the World Finals in Dubai.

  • Australian Esports League showcases the best school & uni talent across Rocket League, Siege, and Valorant.

  • CODE spotlights Kiwi game dev creativity, and Crunchyroll brings the anime hype.

Oh, and hardware fans? Brands like MSI, Thermaltake, Turtle Beach, Sony InZone, and Keychron will have the latest tech ready for you to try.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Whether you’re chasing new game demos, geeking out over collectibles, or just want to be surrounded by thousands of like-minded gamers, PAX Aus 2025 looks set to deliver on all fronts. From Pokémon firsts to Fallout photo ops, esports madness to indie darlings, this is the gaming event of the year.

Mark your calendars: PAX Aus 2025 hits Melbourne next month (October)!

Book Review: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World

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🎮  Pixel-Powered Love Letter to Indie Greatness!

Bitmap Books has done it again, folks! If you thought their previous tomes were retro gold, wait till you get your hands on 50 Indie Games That Changed the World. This isn’t just a book — it’s a celebration, a tribute, and a beautifully bound time capsule of the indie gaming revolution that reshaped the industry.

From the moment you crack open the cover, you’re greeted with Bitmap’s signature high-quality design: hardcover, vibrant full-colour pages, and that oh-so-satisfying tactile feel that makes you want to flick through every page like it’s a collectible card deck. But this isn’t just eye candy — it’s brain candy too.

🕹️ Indie Games: The Unsung Heroes of Gaming

Curated by Kirk McKeand, the book dives deep into 50 indie titles that didn’t just entertain — they changed the game. We’re talking about the likes of Braid, Undertale, Celeste, Papers, Please, and Stardew Valley — each one a testament to creativity, risk-taking, and the power of small teams with big dreams.

Each entry is packed with:

  • Insightful commentary on the game’s impact
  • Behind-the-scenes stories of development struggles and triumphs
  • Gorgeous visuals that make you want to replay every title
  • And yes, that warm fuzzy feeling of “I remember playing this!”

🧠 More Than Just a List — It’s a Cultural Chronicle

What sets this book apart is its thoughtful curation. It’s not just about popularity — it’s about influence. These games pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and gave voice to new ideas. Whether it’s Gone Home redefining narrative storytelling or Superhot bending time and perception, each game is a milestone in its own right.

And let’s not forget the diversity of genres and styles — from pixel art platformers to experimental puzzlers, the book showcases the sheer breadth of what indie devs have brought to the table.

📚 A Must-Have for Gamers, Collectors, and Dreamers

Whether you’re a retro aficionado, a modern indie fan, or just someone who appreciates the artistry of game design, 50 Indie Games That Changed the World is a must-have. It’s the kind of book you leave on your coffee table and end up discussing with friends for hours.

Bitmap Books continues to prove that gaming history deserves to be preserved with style, substance, and a whole lot of love. This book is a celebration of the underdogs — the games that dared to be different and ended up changing everything.

Final Verdict: A pixel-perfect tribute to the indie spirit.

So go on, grab a copy, fire up your favourite indie title, and bask in the glory of gaming’s most revolutionary gems. And remember — sometimes the smallest games make the biggest impact.

Disclosure: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World was provided by PixelCrib for this review.