AUSRETROGAMER

The Pop-Culture E-Zine

You are here: Home / Archives for gaming

gaming

Book Review: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World

By

🎮  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.

‘Tush Push’ as an ‘NFL Blitz’ Play

By

By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

When “NFL Blitz” was released, I played the game for so many hours that I’d lose track of time. One thing that I always felt was missing from the classic NFL game was more running plays. You would often have to toss a lateral to a teammate to run the ball up the field. I admit, throwing was a lot more fun, but a few running plays in the jumbo formations would’ve given the play a more offensive balance.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ “tush push” would’ve been perfect for “NFL Blitz.”

In the second quarter of the Baltimore Ravens preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, they converted a first down around the 50-yard-line by running a “tush push” play.

When the Ravens got the first down, I thought, Oh, the “tush push,” good for them. I was happy to see them use it and have it work. I couldn’t stand the play when the Eagles first started using it. It really bothered me for some strange reason. It even agitated me when they did it. Particularly when they scored a touchdown running it. There was something just off about it.

I had an epiphany: now I think I like it. Like jumping from one political party to another, I’m not sure why I’ve grown to anticipate the “tush push” by a team that only needs a few inches for a first down or a touchdown. Fresh, new things take time to get used to.

The “tush push” is, at its core, a variation of the quarterback sneak—a play that dates to football’s beginning. In an outdated sneak, the quarterback, positioned under centre, takes the snap and instantly surges forward behind the offensive line, trying to gain the necessary inch or two for a first down or a touchdown. The “tush push” alters this by employing one or more players behind the quarterback, who, at the snap, bodily push the quarterback from behind, propelling them forward with greater force.

Da Bomb was my favourite offensive play when playing “NFL Blitz” on my Nintendo 64. I would often select Hail Mary, but that always felt too easy to score on the opposing team. My favourite defence to play was Suicide Blitz and 2 Man Blitz. Suicide Blitz was always tricky because you could get burned with no defensive players playing back.

 

BREAKING: The Vectrex Mini is Real – And It’s Glorious!

By

Gamescom 2025 just got a whole lot more vector-tastic!

Hold onto your overlays, retro fans – the legendary Vectrex is back, and it’s been shrunk down to a pint-sized powerhouse! Making its dazzling debut at Gamescom 2025, the Vectrex Mini is a modern reimagining of the iconic 1982 vector-based console, and it’s already stealing the show in Hall 10’s Retro Area.

For the uninitiated, the original Vectrex was a trailblazer – the only home console with its own built-in vector display, complete with translucent screen overlays, lightpen support, and even 3D goggles. It was basically a mini arcade cabinet for your lounge room. Now, over 40 years later, the Vectrex Mini is here to rekindle that magic – in a much smaller (and cuter) form.

🧠 What’s New in the Mini?

  • 📺 1/3rd the size of the original, but still an all-in-one unit
  • 🌈 AMOLED display for crisp, vibrant vector graphics
  • 🎮 12 built-in games, with the ability to add more
  • 💾 Modern internals, but faithful to the original experience
  • 💸 Expected price: €150 (~ AU$270)
  • 📏 Height: approx. 6–8 inches / 15.2-20.3cm – perfect for your desk or shelf!

The Vectrex Mini is being developed by a passionate French team, and while it’s still in prototype form, the buzz is real. Fans at Gamescom are already lining up to get hands-on with the unit, which sits adorably next to its full-sized ancestor like a retro gaming Matryoshka doll.

🗓️ Kickstarter Incoming!
The team behind the Mini has confirmed a Kickstarter campaign launching in September, so if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a Vectrex (without shelling out hundreds on eBay), now’s your chance to jump in.

Whether you’re a die-hard Vectrex veteran or a curious newcomer, this is one retro revival you won’t want to miss. And who knows – if this goes well, maybe we’ll finally see that long-lost Vectrex handheld from the ’80s make a comeback too!

image source: Vectrex Official via Twitter/X

 

‘Fantastic Four’ on PS1

By

By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

“Fantastic Four” for the original PlayStation was a blast to play. For 1997, the gameplay graphics were superior to other video games at that time. It was a routine beating up numerous bad guys in side-scrolling stages game, similarly to the “Double Dragon” series and “Ninja Gaiden.” Having Human Torch leading the way and having The Thing cover the rear was always thrilling. Human Torch was a menace with fiery punches. I liked how Sue Storm could bring down the blue lightning when the fighting got extremely intense. Force Power was something I always used when a huge number of foes approached the team.

One complaint about the Acclaim Entertainment game is that the stages seemed too long. The Fantastic Four had to cover a lot of terrain before they got through a rigorous stage. The attack of the Molemen was a fun part of the game, but the time it took to defeat them was taxing. The payoff was lengthy. The payoff was a short fight with The Incredible Hulk.

The final stage: “Is the World Doomed?” was the best part of the game. I always thought that Dr. Doom welding a rocket launcher at the end was a little unfair. Dr. Doom looked great.

source: supplied

I’m excited for the new “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” but the trailers have been underwhelming to me. The films starring Chris Evans and Jessica Alba have a quirky, fun quality to them, but they’re in no way good comic book movies. In the second one, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” released in 2007, it’s like they didn’t know what to do with the Silver Surfer. Hopefully the new Marvel film doesn’t make the same mistake.

I’m a huge fan of Vanessa Kirby. She was terrific in “Hobbs and Shaw” and a small, great film called “Pieces of a Woman.” I think she’ll be a wonderful Sue Storm. Her fight scenes in “Hobbs and Shaw” were some of my favourite parts of that fun action movie. And she was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her performance in “Pieces of a Woman.” And I think everyone likes Pedro Pascal. I’m not sure if Joseph Quinn can pull off Human Torch, but he gave two standout turns in last years’ “A Quiet Place: Day One” and “Gladiator 2.”

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

By

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.

Grand Theft Auto VI’s Second Trailer

By

By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

I’m an enormous fan of the “Grand Theft Auto” franchise and I’m looking forward to the release of “GTA VI,” but I must be honest…I wasn’t that impressed by the newest “GTA VI” trailer that was released a month ago.

There are some on the internet who have some absurd conspiracy theories about what happens in the next installment of “GTA.” I’ve heard one about car keys that made me laugh. I was told one about the pregnant woman that appears in the trailer that was absolutely ridiculous. “GTA VI” is the biggest video game in the world. Predictions and theories are going to be all over the map, but some are senseless.

I think there will be a lot more role-playing mechanics added to the game from the previous versions. There were 31 million views of the second trailer in 8 hours. Rockstar released it on a random Tuesday to please curious fans. I like the first trailer for “GTA VI” more. The use of music in “GTA” trailers has been terrific, especially for “Vice City” with “I Ran” by the band A Flock of Seagulls. That trailer for “Vice City” made me want to play that game the moment I watched it.


source: Rockstar Games

The visuals look amazing in the new trailer. The details of what characters are wearing look incredible. There’s a moment in a club where our principal characters (perhaps) dance and it looks like a scene out of a film. I paused the trailer and watched that moment again. The shiny, party dress that our lead female protagonist is wearing looks so real.

I don’t think any gaming company has ever had a more ace-in-the-hole than Rockstar has with the “GTA VI” release. Maybe in all of entertainment. Everyone knew Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” would be a smash hit. “GTA VI” has that level of anticipation for a piece of entertainment.

 

Long Live The LAN Party!

By

Re-live your LAN Party Glory

Remember the hum of CRTs, the screech of dial-up, and the sacred ritual of dragging your entire desktop to a mate’s place for a night of epic fragging?

ACMI is celebrating the glory days of multiplayer gaming in their upcoming Game Worlds exhibition — and they want YOU to be part of it.

💾 Dig up those LAN party pics — the mess of Ethernet cables, the snack-fuelled chaos, the Windows 98 loading screens — and send them in. Your photo could be featured on the walls of ACMI, forever commemorating your place in gaming history.

📸 Email your photos to: [email protected]
🗓 Exhibition opens September 2025

Let’s honour the golden age of connection — before online matchmaking, there was a mate’s garage, a switchboard, and a shared love of the grind.

Bonus trivia: ACMI’s own CEO, Seb Chan, got his start wrangling LANs and playing HEXEN. We’ve all come a long way — now it’s your turn to be featured.

image source: ACMI

We Want The Nintendo Switch 2 So Baaaad!

By

This ain’t a retro gaming related post, but damn, that Nintendo Switch 2 looks so darn sweet!

Lil ausretrogamer has taken a shine to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the original Switch, pumping thousands of hours on it – she is quite good at it and kicks my ar$e every time I race her! So the question remains, should we trade up to the NS2 and Mario Kart World, or stay on the OG Switch and milk it till it dies a slow (but fun) death? What a dilemma!

As the Borg collective famously said, “Resistance is futile”. So, did any of you guys pick up the Switch 2 (and Mario Kart World)? If so, what are your thoughts? Oh yeah, how is the free roaming on MKW? Oh mannnn, so many questions! Hit us up in the comments on FB over here to tell us your thoughts.


source: Nintendo of America

New Trailer for Atari’s Missile Command Delta

By

A Reimagined Classic?

According to the new Atari (they aren’t the Atari I used to know and love in the late 70s / early 80s), Missile Command Delta is launching on July 8th!

Apparently, the premise is that you and your friends are trapped in a mysterious bunker and you must find your way out by solving terminals, explore the twisting environments, and uncover the real story!

Hmm, being huge Missile Command fans, our interests were piqued, however, watching the trailer, it looks like this new game is Missile Command in name only :-/


source: Atari Interactive, Inc

Step Inside Game Worlds – A One-of-a-Kind Videogame Exhibition at ACMI!

By

📅 18 September 2025 – 8 February 2026
🎮 Level up your gaming experience!

From pixel pioneers to modern masterpieces, ACMI’s Game Worlds takes you deep inside 30 legendary videogames that have shaped how we play. Explore iconic titles like World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment), The Sims (Electronic Arts), and Neopets (World of Neopia), plus get an exclusive first look at a highly anticipated Australian game set to launch in 2025!

This isn’t just an exhibition—it’s an immersive adventure. Get hands-on with exclusive game demos, rare concept art, and never-before-seen designs that reveal gaming’s evolution from the 1970s to today. Test your skills in world record-breaking speedrun challenges and experience games in ways you never have before!

image source: ACMI

Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, Game Worlds is your ultimate quest. Tickets go on sale in July! Get ready to press start and explore the magic of videogames like never before.

🔗 More info & first look