Forgotten Compositions: How Yuzo Koshiro Relived a Childhood Memory with 'Terranigma'

Recently, the legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro made an interesting announcement on social media, sharing how he had composed music for Terranigma, but only now remembered it after 28 years.

Today marks the 28th anniversary of Terranigma, and I’ve just remembered that I composed the theme for Beruga’s Laboratory!

Koshiro's statement is a reminder that prolific game music composers sometimes can't recall their older works due to the sheer volume of projects they've been involved with throughout their careers. Terranigma stands out as it was only released in Japan and PAL territories, which has made the game a rare gem for collectors and enthusiasts.

Interestingly, Koshiro is currently hard at work on Earthion, an upcoming Mega Drive/Genesis action shooter.

What's your favourite music track from Koshiro?

Rare Game Boy Color Demo Cartridge for Sale

A rare Game Boy Color demo cartridge, a promotional item sent to shops before the handheld's release, has appeared on Vinted. The cartridge displays a chalkboard message advertising its color capabilities and shows snippets of games like Links Awakening DX, Tetris DX, and Wario Land II.

The seller, 'shipit', picked up the item at a car boot sale in the UK and only realized its value upon returning home. The cartridge is listed for £400, which reflects its rarity in the retro gaming community.

Chatting with shipit on Vinted, they told me that they ‘didn’t actually know the cartridge’s value until they got home’, picking it up because it looked interesting. As a Nintendo fan they often keep an eye out for memorabilia after finding once finding a sealed copy of Pokémon Blue for the Game Boy – every Pokémaniac's dream!

Do you have any stories of stu

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, a classic real-time strategy game, is coming to PlayStation 5 this spring, marking its first appearance on Sony’s platform. This update includes new content and cross-play support across PS5, Xbox, and PC (Steam).

The remastered edition will feature 4K Ultra HD graphics, enhanced audio, modernized controls, and all previously released content. Players can enjoy over 200 hours of gameplay spanning 1000 years of history with 35 civilizations to choose from.

This PS5 debut continues Microsoft’s push for cross-platform accessibility.

What's your faourite game from the Age of Empires series?

Incredibly limited-production titles for the original Game Boy, like 'Spud's Adventure', are rare treasures among collectors. This particular copy is not only still in its original box but is also up for grabs on eBay.

The game comes complete with a pristine box, plastic insert and instruction booklet. Unlike the incredibly sought after 'Amazing Tater', 'Spud's Adventure' has a slightly more accessible price point at $1,800 compared to the former’s reported $4,000.

The game itself sees players navigating through levels as Spud, a potato character, on a rescue mission for Princess Mato.

It's curious that the two rarest Game Boy games are potato-based...

Have you collected any one-of-a-kind cartridges?

A Fan Is Attempting to Port Celeste to the NES

A dedicated retro gamng fan named iProgramInCpp is successfully working on porting the beloved indie platformer Celeste to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This endeavour showcases remarkable dedication and technical prowess as it aims to recreate Celeste's critically acclaimed gameplay within the constraints of the 8-bit console.

The project features music contributions from talented chiptune artists livvy94, zeta0134, and Persune. Additionally, the developers of the Geometry Dash NES port, Famidash, have provided support. The demo for this port covers the first two chapters of Celeste, and has been released to coincide with the 7th anniversary since Celeste's original release in 2018.

What You Should Expect From Celeste On NES

The demo offers an impressive glimpse into what the final product will look like. However, some aspects are still in development mode as the project is a wo

GOG has announced the launch of a new feature called Dreamlist, aimed at reviving classic games that have been difficult to bring back. This tool allows users to vote for retro titles they would like to see re-released and share personal stories and memories tied to these games.

This initiative builds on GOG's ongoing commitment to game preservation, such as its Preservation Program, which ensures compatibility of older games with modern systems. Recent successes include the re-release of Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2.

Each game on Dreamlist has a dedicated page where fans can cast votes and contribute narratives. The data collected will be used by GOG in discussions with intellectual property holders, aiming to bring back games that might otherwise remain inaccessible due to licensing or technical challenges.

How can you participate in the Dreamlist?

• Voting for your favorite retro games.
• Sharing personal stories and memories tied to these titles on their dedicat

Powering up multiple retro consoles can be a tangled mess, but the Retro Tap aims to simplify that with one power block for up to 10 gaming systems.

• Up to 10 consoles
• Simultaneously runs over 4 or 6 of them
• Includes resettable fuses for safety
• Available medical-grade PSU with a ripple reduction compared to Triads
• Supports PS2 Slim PSU and features input polarity protection

The creator, @KytorIndustries, mentions that heavy-duty 18AWG copper wire is used, ensuring a clean power delivery over lengths of 6.5 feet and 13 feet (as shipped).

Availability and Price

The Retro Tap will ship in Q2 2025 at an "affordable price".

Conclusion

If you're tired of handling multiple power bricks and lengthy cables, this could be a game-changer. Will it live up to its promises? Time will tell.

How would the Retro Tap change your current setup?

As the gaming retro scene continues to innovate with new iterations of FPGA-based consoles, Taki Udon has lifted the lid on his latest creation. The SuperStation One, an open-source PS1 FPGA gaming console.

The SuperStation One is deisnged to play PS1 games, but fully supports the MiSTer platform, making it a versatile addition to any retro collection or setup. It boasts an array of features tailored to enhance your home entertainment system experience:

• Video Output Options: Including HDMI (1536p/1440p), VGA, DIN10, Composite / RCA, and Component outputs.
• Audio Output: Equipped with 35mm Analog Audio and TOSLINK Digital Audio support
• Networking & Connectivity: Complete with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, plus an NFC reader for compatibility with Zaparoo.
• Expansion Ports:
  • USB Type-C for power and charging
  • TF Card Slot (64GB pre-installed)
  • Dual Combo PS1 SNAC ports for controller connections
  • IO Expansion Slot for the SuperDoc

Bringing Super Mario 64 to the GBA: A Technical Demonstration of GBA's Capabilities

Someone is trying to bring the classic Super Mario 64 from the Nintendo 64 to the Game Boy Advance (GBA), and it looks incredibly impressive given the hardware constraints.

The Project and Its Progress

The modder, Joshua Barretto, explains that the GBA is significantly slower than the N64 and lacks native support for floating-point numbers, which makes his task even more challenging. However, he has managed to implement a basic physics and collision system along with a fully 3D camera, texture-mapping, and transparency support.

In a recent update, Barretto introduced Mario models into the game. You can now switch between characters such as Yoshi, Luigi, and Larry using pause and select on the GBA. The environments have also seen a significant upgrade with additional graphical details and new mechanics from the N64 original like swimming, sliding, enemies, and stars.

Early PlayStation adopters may have fond memories of the 3D platformer Jumping Flash. Now, modder Naka Teleeli has created a unique and intriguing fusion combining it with legendary FPS game Doom.

According to Teleeli's description, the mod is designed to 'mimic those games... in a Doom-like way,' using the GZDoom engine. All Jumping Flash enemies have been ported over, along with weapons. The modder has made changes such as updating the HUD, weapon loadout, character class to enable jumping and stomping, adding some aesthetic changes, and includes an end-of-level interrupt.

If you're intrigued by this mash-up of two iconic games from different genres, check the original article for a download link.

Are there any other classic games you would love to see merged in a similar way?

Metal Miracle: A New Game Boy Color Game from Hermano's Creators

Metal Miracle is a brand new GBC game developed by Pat Morita, the same team behind the iconic homebrew title Hermano. The game combines elements of run 'n' gun genres with vibrant graphics and chiptune music.

• Genre: Run 'n' Gun
• Platforms: Currently in development for GBC
• Storyline: You play as a Ninja Guitarist or Mutant Punk, fighting to recover the Primordial Melody and free humanity from the horrors of noise.
• Music: Stellar chiptune compositions by Carlos Pérez.

Get Involved:

Pat Morita has already released a 4-level demo for you to try out. A Kickstarter will launch soon.

See the original article for links to both.

What did you think of the team's previous game, Hermano?

The Sega Mega Drive/Genesis has once again proven its audio capabilities, this time with an impressive replication of classic Castlevania tunes. Modder and homebrew coder GabrielPyron, using the Yamaya YM2612 sound chip, showcased a faithful rendition of "Simon's Theme" from Super Castlevania IV.

This achievement challenges the long-held belief that the Super Nintendo’s Sony SPC700 sound processor was superior in creating rich orchestral-style compositions. GabrielPyron emphasized, "The only way the YM2612] could sound bad is in the hands of incompetent artists.”

This track is part of an unofficial project known as Mega Castlevania IV, a fan-made port of Super Castlevania IV to the Mega Drive/Genesis, which aims to reimagine both its gameplay and soundtrack. The project offers a fresh take on a classic title while showcasing the console's untapped potential.

What are your thoughts on t

Nasir Gebelli Reflects on his Final Fantasy Innovations

Nasir Gebelli, the Iranian-American programming legend behind the first three Final Fantasy games, recently broke his silence in a Japanese documentary. Known for his groundbreaking work at Square during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Gebelli reflected on his contributions to this iconic RPG series.

Gebelli’s technical skills were pivotal, as he developed innovative features like efficient memory management to handle in-game messages and backgrounds. His programming of Final Fantasy III's airship remains one of his most celebrated accomplishments. Even though he emphasized the simplicity of coding these games, Gebelli highlighted the excitement of working on something new and collaborating with Hironobu Sakaguchi.

Gebelli’s legacy extends far beyond his technical contributions. His innovative coding techniques laid the groundwork for many RPG staples, influencing not only the Final Fantasy franchise but also broader gaming d

GTA Vice City: Next Gen Edition

A new fan-made remaster of GTA: Vice City will release January 25th, offering a complete transfer to the RAGE game engine from GTA IV. This project by the Revolution Team aims to provide what many consider the closest thing we'll get to an actual remaster for this beloved title.

• What it features: The mod includes all story missions, collectibles, music & more.
• Availability: Free and available for download on January 25th.

What aspects of GTA Vice City make you nostalgic and worth revisiting in any remaster or re-release?

Gimmick!, the classic platformer that originally came out in 1992, is making a comeback on the NES as part of a Collector's Edition release by Limited Run Games. This exclusive item includes a uniquely branded green cartridge, poster, CD soundtrack, enamel pin, and numbered foil slipcover inside a deluxe foil box.

Originally released in Japan for the Famicom before a worldwide NES version followed a year later, Gimmick! is now being re-released to celebrate the platform's enduring popularity. The Collector's Edition release starts pre-ordering on January 24th and ends on February 23rd.

How big do you think the market is for retro-game physical releases?

This latest venture from Filippo Meozzi and Liam Stone offers a completely different take on the iconic Doom franchise. They've taken it beyond its usual fast-paced action by transforming it into a museum experience where players can collect cheese, hors d’œuvres, find secret beers, and enjoy wine while appreciating art pieces that lead to the actual Metropolitan Museum of Art’s website.

• Cultural Enrichment: The game collaborates with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, providing a blend of gaming and education. Players can learn about actual artworks by exploring hyperlinks to the Met's website as they play.
• Highbrow Modding: Filippo Meozzi, who works in the art industry, has brought his experience into this mod, making it both visually and intellectually appealing.

See the original article for a download link.

What do you think about this unique approach to a Doom?

Princess Crown, one of Sega Saturn’s best games, has received a significant boost in its English translation. The latest update from eadmaster in version 0.8 includes translated story events, items, and names, and introduces English text for radial menus, combat scenes, and shops.

• Story Events, Items and Names Translated: All event dialogue and item descriptions are now available in English.
• Shop, Combat, and Doorway Signs (most) Now Support English Text.
• Improved Soft-lock Fixes. Some irritating soft-lock events have been addressed for smoother gameplay.

This update is a significant milestone, bringing this cult classic closer to becoming accessible to a global audience. The work from various fan translators over the years has culminated in these tangible improvements.

See the original article for a download link for the patch.

Have you played Princess Crown in the original Japan

The $250 Koei PasoGo: A Bizarre Game Console From 1996

Back in 1996, Koei, a renowned developer of historical strategy games, released the PasoGo handheld console in Japan. The PasoGo was designed as a personal computer (Pasocon) and Go game hybrid. Priced at approximately $250 USD, it offered 20 hours of gameplay from six AA batteries and was much larger than its contemporary, the Game Boy Pocket.

Although the Game Boy Pocket cost just $43, Koei's PasoGo seemed rather steep at $250. Despite this, it aimed solely to cater to Go enthusiasts, with only 11 games ever developed for the system—each focused on Go.

According to James Channel (yes, the one who created that incredible SNES PlayStation mod), these games were divided between educational, competitive, and historic matches of the strategic board game.

What should Koei have done differently to release a successful handheld in 1996?

Sega's classic 1989 arcade beat 'em up, Golden Axe, is set to receive an unofficial port to the Neo Geo by a dedicated fan developer, h0ffman.

According to a recent social media post, h0ffman has already made significant progress in porting the game. The footage includes parts of the game's title screen, character bios, and high scores.

h0ffman explains his motivation for undertaking these unofficial ports on social media: 'I ordered a MisterPi from @TakiUdon_. While waiting for it to arrive I wondered how hard it would be to disassemble an arcade game back to source. Half randomly picked Shinobi, classic game and runs on a 68000. DIsassembled most of it in about a week and wondered what to do with it.'

No release date has been given, but h0ffman says that progress is 'a lot quicker' than he had anticipated.

Have you played any of h0ffman's previous ports? What do you think of his work?

Hyper Runner Set to Zoom Onto Amiga

Developed by Raster Wizards, the project seems to draw inspiration from classic games like F-Zero and OutRun. The game is described as a mix of high-speed arcade and retro racing elements.

• Inspiration: The developers aim for a style reminiscent of F-Zero and OutRun, which were known for their fast-paced track designs.
• Development Timeline: Hyper Runner has been in development for several years, with the latest builds showcasing promising results.

The developers' work is a testament to how far retro gaming communities can take classic platforms. This project is also reminiscent of the beloved Lotus Espirit Challenge and Jaguar XJ220 racers on the Amiga.

Developer Insights:

The game's creators are taking a break from another ambitious project, Super Metal Hero, which shows aspirations similar to the Neo Geo run 'n' gun classic Metal Slug. Both projects showcase the dedication of these developers to bring classic gaming ex