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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

 

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

‘Fantastic Four’ on PS1

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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.”

Retro Classics Added to Xbox Game Pass

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Retro Classics Hits Game Pass – Over 50 Activision Favourites from the ’80s and ’90s Are Back!

If you’ve ever wanted to relive the glory days of gaming—when pixelated action ruled and joysticks (with one button) were king—then you’re in for a serious nostalgia hit. Xbox and Antstream Arcade have teamed up to drop something very special for retro fans: Retro Classics, a brand-new collection of 50+ classic Activision games from the 1980s and 1990s, now playable via Xbox Game Pass!

Yep, you read that right—whether you cut your teeth on Kaboom!, Pitfall!, Commando, Grand Prix, or even the mighty MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat, these beloved blasts from the past are back and ready to play on modern devices.

Game Preservation, the Fun Way

This launch isn’t just about a stroll down memory lane—it’s part of Xbox’s bigger mission around game preservation and backwards compatibility. It’s a great example of how the classics can still shine today, especially with a modern twist (like cloud gaming, achievements, and save states—more on that in a sec).

image source: Xbox

Where and How to Play

The best part? You can enjoy Retro Classics anywhere Game Pass goes. That means:

  • On your Xbox console

  • Using the Xbox app on PC

  • Streaming via cloud gaming on supported LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and even Meta Quest VR headsets

All you need to do is fire up your Game Pass dashboard, search for Retro Classics, install it, and boom—you’re back in the arcade.

New Features for Old Favourites

Retro Classics isn’t just about emulation—it’s about enhancing the experience. Players can now:

  • Save and reload progress, a first for many of these vintage games

  • Take on friends, rivals, or global leaderboards with built-in challenges

  • Chase down brand-new achievements designed just for this collection

So whether you’re a seasoned retro warrior or a curious newcomer ready to explore gaming’s golden era, Retro Classics is a must-try.

 

Game Over Sale: 1UP Arcade’s Final Week!

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Following on from our previous post about Brisbane’s 1UP Arcade closing down this week (to the public), they have listed for sale quite a few of their arcade machines, with quite a few that are highly sought after! If only we were closer, we would have loved to have grabbed some of the below listed machines!

If you are keen on grabbing an arcade machine (or two), head on to 1UP Arcade to inspect (and buy) these machines. Just be sure to get there this week/weekend – their opening hours are:

  • Thu: 12-8pm
  • Friday: 12-10pm
  • Saturday: 10am-10pm
  • Sunday: 12-8pm

Oh yeah, 1UP Arcade is also hosting a GAME OVER event with delicious burgers and fries been served up by the FOOD BABY FOOD TRUCK!

PS: Love seeing MCA arcade joysticks being used – nothing beats them!

image source: 1UP Arcade via Facebook

 

Thrill Of The Chase: Pulp Fiction BMF LE Pinball Machine

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Worth the Wait: Our Pulp Fiction Pinball Adventure!

Some things in life are totally worth the wait—like the perfect coffee, a great concert, or finally getting your hands on that dream pinball machine. In this case, we waited almost TWO YEARS (yes, you read that right!) for our Pulp Fiction Bad Mother Flipper Limited Edition pinball machine (Ed: Wow, that name is a mouthful!).

The Thrill of the Chase

Our quest began in March 2023, when a fateful social media post set our pinball-loving hearts racing. A new machine was coming, designed by Mark Ritchie (yes, THAT Mark Ritchie!) from Play Mechanix, under the umbrella of RAW Thrills, and manufactured by Chicago Gaming Company.

When I hit play on the official trailer, Ms. Ausretrogamer happened to walk past. Her reaction?
💥 “We HAVE to get this!”
💥 “We HAVE to get the Limited Edition with that amazing topper!”

Well, as a certified pinball tragic, I didn’t need much convincing. The only problem? Securing one.

A Little Pinball Luck

Call it fate, serendipity, or just good timing—Wayne from Mr. Pinball Australia sent out an email just an hour after the trailer dropped. He had all the details on how to lock in an order, and I wasn’t about to waste a second.

My reply? “Lock us in for a Bad Mother Flipper Limited Edition!”. Deposit paid. Order confirmed. Now all we had to do was… wait.

The Agonising Wait

At first, we were optimistic. Production was supposed to kick off in late 2023—perfect timing for an epic Christmas surprise! But as the weeks turned into months, doubts started creeping in. Pinball forums buzzed with news of delays, and it became clear that our patience was about to be seriously tested.

So shiny (and new)!

23 Months Later… Jackpot!

As the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait”—and in this case, 23 months of waiting!

Then, the moment we’d been dreaming of finally arrived: an email confirming our machine was ready for pickup! 🎉 The excitement was REAL. Seeing that notification pop up put a massive grin on my face—and on Ms. Ausretrogamer’s too!

We had done it. We had secured one of our dream pinball machines, and now it was finally coming home to the Ausretrogamer Fun Factory.

Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got some flippin’ to do! 😎🎮

‘Ninja Gaiden Shadow’ on Game Boy

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with ninjas. They just seemed cool to me. I wasn’t a huge fan of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” but they were alright. For about two years, they seemed everywhere for a while. There was some oversaturation of the Ninja Turtles. The game I enjoyed the most involving ninjas was 1991’s “Ninja Gaiden Shadow” for Nintendo Game Boy.

I’ve always wondered why ninjas haven’t been used more in video games. I know there’s “Ghost of Tsushima,” one of the biggest and most beautifully designed games out there. But there’s not as many games that feature ninjas as you’d think.

When you’re playing a ninja game on your Game Boy, it takes a great deal of concentration, and the Game Boy’s screen is so tiny anyway. It took a little effort to get through the different acts with Ryu Hayabusa, the protagonist of “Ninja Garden Shadow.” You’re trying to save New York City from the forces of Emperor Garuda.

“Ninja Gaiden Shadow” featured basic play workings compared to what you used in the NES trilogy. I still found the gameplay thrilling. I enjoyed using the grappling hook that allowed Ryu to latch onto the difficult-to-reach railings. It took some getting used to but once I was able to grapple better, it became easy to use, even on the Game Boy. The Fire Wheel attack that Ryu could only use five times seemed like a waste to me. It did damage, but very little. And I thought it looked sort of ridiculous.

My friends all thought that “Ninja Gaiden Shadow” was very similar to classic NES games like “Double Dragon” and “Kung Fu.” I disagreed, immensely. All three are unique in their own ways. “Ninja Gaiden Shadow” was originally planned to be a Game Boy adaptation of “Shadow of the Ninja,” the NES game. I never played it, but I heard it was fun.

image source: retrovania-vgjunk.blogspot.com

“Kill Bill” is one of my favorite movies. I’ve watched the Crazy 88 scene dozens of times. The Crazy 88 aren’t exactly ninjas, but they fight like it, and Uma Thurman’s The Bride takes them on like they are. That extended fight scene took me back to my fascination with ninjas when I was younger. “Kill Bill” could’ve been an incredible property to adapt into a video game. I’ve heard that they did a prototype for an Xbox game, but nothing came of it.

 

X-Out: Resurfaced Review – A Deep-Sea Shoot’em Up That Makes Waves

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Now this is literally a blast from the past! Fabulously reborn from the Rainbow Arts Amiga classic, X-Out will give your Nintendo Switch a nice jolt of nostalgia.

This revitalised classic takes the beloved 1989 Commodore 64 shoot’em-up and plunges it into modern waters, offering both nostalgia for seasoned gamers and fresh excitement for newcomers.

A Deep-Sea Adventure Awaits

Set beneath the ocean’s surface, X-Out: Resurfaced stands out in the shoot’em-up genre with its unique underwater setting. As the pilot of a formidable submarine, you’re tasked with thwarting an alien invasion brewing in the ocean’s depths. The game’s horizontal scrolling action challenges you to navigate treacherous terrains, dodge relentless enemies, and unleash a barrage of firepower to restore peace beneath the waves.

Customise Your Submarine

One of the standout features is the extensive submarine customisation. Before diving into each mission, you’re allotted a budget to outfit your vessel. Choose from a variety of submarines—like the agile Trilobyte or the robust Shark—and equip them with an arsenal of weapons, including heat shots, flamethrowers, and smart bombs. This strategic layer adds depth, allowing you to tailor your loadout to your playstyle and the challenges ahead.

Stunning Visuals and Sound

The developers have done a commendable job updating the game’s visuals. The underwater environments are richly detailed, immersing players in a world teeming with aquatic life and hidden dangers. Complementing the visuals is a captivating soundtrack that evokes a sense of mystery and urgency, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Challenge and Replayability

X-Out: Resurfaced is not for the faint-hearted. Its challenging gameplay demands precision and strategy, especially with its no-continue system—losing all your health means starting over. However, this difficulty is part of the game’s charm, offering a rewarding experience for those who master its mechanics. For added fun, team up with a friend in the two-player mode and tackle the alien menace together.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of the original X-Out or a newcomer seeking a fresh and challenging shoot’em-up, X-Out: Resurfaced delivers on all fronts. Its blend of classic gameplay with modern enhancements makes it a must-have for your Nintendo Switch library. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure!

Details:

  • Platforms: XB/SW/PS5/PC
  • Genre: Shooter
  • Price: €19.99 / £17.99 / AU$29.99
  • Release date: 20th February 2025
  • Developer: Ziggurat
  • Publisher: ININ Games

Disclaimer: X-Out: Resurfaced NS code was kindly provided by PR Hound for this review.

Celebrating 45 Years of PAC-MAN: The CASIO x PAC-MAN Collection

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Game On! Casio Celebrates 45 Years of PAC-MAN with a Retro-Chic Watch Collection

It’s time to press start on nostalgia! In a thrilling tribute to one of the most iconic video games of all time, Casio has unveiled the Casio x PAC-MAN Collection to celebrate PAC-MAN’s 45th anniversary. This limited-edition collection fuses retro arcade charm with Casio’s timeless digital watch design, creating a must-have accessory for gamers and watch enthusiasts alike.

A Classic Collaboration

PAC-MAN first hit arcades in 1980, revolutionising the gaming world with its simple yet addictive gameplay. Now, in 2025, Casio pays homage to this cultural phenomenon with a collection that captures the pixelated magic of the original game.

Casio’s Vintage series, known for its nostalgic charm, serves as the perfect canvas for this tribute. The collection features four distinct models—all adorned with PAC-MAN’s signature 8-bit graphics, classic maze motifs, and beloved characters, including Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. The designs evoke memories of dodging ghosts and gobbling up pellets, all while keeping track of time in true retro style.

Design Details: A Trip Down Arcade Lane

Each watch in the Casio x PAC-MAN Collection is a statement piece, seamlessly blending vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship:

  • ABL100WEPC-1B – Combining retro aesthetics with modern technology, this watch offers Bluetooth® connectivity for smartphone pairing, step tracking, and automatic time correction. It’s the perfect blend of PAC-MAN charm and advanced features for daily convenience.

  • A168WEPC-7A – For a sleek yet playful option, this model combines a silver vapour-deposited dial with PAC-MAN graphics and neon accents. Fun details like “WAKA WAKA” on the clasp and LCD backlight elevate the nostalgia factor, while its polished finish makes it a versatile accessory.

  • CA53WPC-1B – This design pays homage to the original PAC-MAN maze, with the game stage featured prominently on the watch face. A yellow bezel mimics the classic arcade machine, while the band is made from bio-based resin, ensuring style and sustainability go hand in hand.

  • F91WPC-1A – Packed with personality, this watch features vivid neon colours and graphics of PAC-MAN and his ghostly foes, Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. Adding to its charm, “WAKA WAKA,” PAC-MAN’s signature sound, is printed on the band loop.

All models feature Casio’s hallmark digital display, LED backlighting and an unmistakable throwback to the ‘80s era of digital watches.

Why This Collection Is a Must-Have

For fans of PAC-MAN and retro gaming, these watches aren’t just timepieces—they’re wearable nostalgia. Whether you spent your childhood at the arcade or you’re a modern gamer who appreciates the classics, this collection is a perfect blend of gaming heritage and everyday functionality.

The Casio x PAC-MAN Collection is a limited-edition release, making it an exciting collectible for enthusiasts of both horology and gaming. With PAC-MAN turning 45, now is the perfect time to celebrate this legendary game in style.

Final Thoughts: Ready, Set, Collect!

Casio has once again proven its ability to merge technology with pop culture in a way that resonates across generations. The Casio x PAC-MAN Collection is more than just a watch—it’s a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of gaming.

Don’t miss your chance to grab a piece of arcade history. Whether you’re a gamer, a watch aficionado, or simply someone who loves a great throwback, this collection is a high-score-worthy addition to any wrist!

image source: Casio Australia

Tekken 4 and Exams

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

My brother plays a lot of Legend of Zelda when he gets home from work. He told me it helps him relax. Video games don’t help me relax all that much, with all the fighting and shooting of arrows. It takes his mind off things, and it takes a great deal of concentration, and he enjoys that. He said, “It makes me sharper.” I understood that.

I recall hearing someone talk about a fascinating study that suggested surgeons make fewer mistakes if they play video games. While I’m not sure about the accuracy of that data, it makes sense. Playing any game—like golf, for instance—could enhance focus and steadiness.

Before a large test in college, I would study for a few hours and then I would play an intense video game. Tekken 4 on PlayStation 2 was usually my go-to game before a test. Any Tekken game is extreme, and it takes a great deal of concentration. So much so that it was a bit of a release before doing something that could be stressful. The Bandai Namco Studios developed game was extremely popular at the time. My roommates and I would play against each other on lunch breaks and slow evenings. They played Tekken 4 before exams as well.

Tekken 4 channeled my concentration to something different than all the information that I had been studying. That short aversion of Tekken 4 probably helped me get a better grade on my exams and quizzes. I just didn’t want to overdue the video game playing at university.