Homebrew
Ongoing coverage on Homebrew.
Latest coverage
Treasure of Usas - An MSX and MSX2 Konami game arrives on the Amiga via Hoffman
The classic Konami MSX2 platformer Treasure of Usas has been ported to the Amiga by developer Hoffman. This near 1:1 port is designed to run on a standard Amiga 500 and features a 50/60Hz upgrade for smoother gameplay. An enhanced edition with overhauled graphics and sound is planned for the future.
Super Mario Bros looks incredible on the Sega Master System!
A near-perfect port of Super Mario Bros. has been released for the Sega Master System, developed by LackofTrack. This ambitious homebrew project not only replicates the original NES gameplay but also features an enhanced graphics mode inspired by Super Mario All-Stars and an audio mode utilizing the YM2413 FM synthesizer chip.
30 years later, I finally got to play Quake on the PS1, but that's before I found a better version that doesn't rely on "substantial AI assistance"
The author explores playing Quake on the PlayStation 1, initially finding a promising homebrew demo that unfortunately relies on AI assistance. While the demo includes other impressive PS1 projects, the author expresses a preference for the older, non-AI QuakePSX port due to its mouse support and perceived better performance, despite the overall limitations of playing Quake on the original PlayStation.
Aonic - HOT NEWS as Sonic the Hedgehog gets an early demo on the Amiga and it's impressive!
A highly anticipated work-in-progress demo of Sonic the Hedgehog, titled Aonic, has been released for the Amiga 1200. Developed by reassembler, this impressive homebrew project meticulously recreates the Sega Mega Drive classic by utilizing its original source code and disassembled assets. While the gameplay, physics, and speed are preserved, the current build omits audio and features some visual differences due to significant engineering optimizations required for the Amiga hardware.
Beach Head - A brilliant game from the 80's arrives on the ColecoVision
The classic 1983 military game Beach Head has received an unofficial homebrew port for the ColecoVision console, developed by Eric Damain and Adan Toledo. This adaptation faithfully recreates the original multi-stage combat experience for the classic hardware and emulators. The game features six distinct combat phases, four difficulty levels, and original soundtrack elements.
Rally-X - An Arcade conversion of Rally X for the Amiga is in the works via JOTD
A new arcade conversion of Namco's 1980 game Rally-X is in development for the Amiga by JOTD. The project was revived after a software rewrite, with the developer aiming for 50 frames per second performance on stock hardware by bypassing the blitter and relying on hardware sprites. The game is expected to support AGA hardware for dual-playfield side screens, with potential for ECS compatibility.
Screw the wedding photos, I'm playing Doom on a DSLR camera like the good lord intended
A developer has created a module that allows the classic game Doom to be played on a Canon EOS 550D DSLR camera using the Magic Lantern firmware. The older camera's hardware is reportedly capable of running the game at a smooth frame rate, with its controls adapted for gameplay. This achievement adds another device to the list of unconventional hardware capable of running Doom.
Wolf64 - Wolfenstein 3D comes over to the C64 via Kweepa
An unofficial fan port named Wolf64 has brought id Software's 1992 first-person shooter Wolfenstein 3D to the Commodore 64. Developed by Kweepa using pure 6502 assembly language, the port features a raycasting engine, full-color texture mapping, and responsive combat. This non-commercial project is available for stock Commodore 64 systems with a disk drive and includes a full shareware episode.
Fix-It Felix Jr is coming to the ZX Spectrum Next!
The arcade game Fix-It Felix Jr, inspired by the Wreck-It Ralph film, is coming to the ZX Spectrum Next. Developed by a team including Antonio Savona, Steven Day, and Saul Cross, this homebrew conversion follows its successful release on the Commodore 64. The game will be available for free on itch.io with an option to donate to charity.
Commando - 1980's military shooter by Capcom as an Amiga AGA edition via JOTD
Developer JOTD has released an enhanced AGA Arcade edition of Capcom's classic vertical shooter Commando for the Amiga, specifically targeting the Amiga 1200 and 4000. This new version aims to be more faithful to the arcade original than previous home ports, leveraging the AGA chipset for improved graphics and sound, with IM76 handling the audio enhancements.
Ranbler - A rather decent Scramble clone for the ZX Next by zxspeccykid
Ranbler, a new game for the ZX Spectrum Next, has been released, serving as a clone of Konami's 1981 arcade classic Scramble. Developed by zxspeccykid as a solo project using z80 assembly, the game features 13 levels and incorporates advanced ZX Spectrum Next hardware capabilities. The creator credits the homebrew community and open-source materials for their learning process.
Galaxian - A brilliant Arcade classic by Namco comes over to the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis
A new port of Namco's 1979 arcade classic Galaxian has been released for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. Developed by Nameless Algorithm using a static translation technique, this fan project preserves the original gameplay and graphics while adding features like auto-fire and hiscore saving. The port is compatible with emulators and FPGA hardware.
Dev ports Half-Life to the PS1, asks Valve if it's cool with that, and says he'll "make it public"…
A developer named Manny has successfully ported the original Half-Life to the PlayStation 1 hardware, creating a custom renderer and game runtime in Rust. The port runs at an average of 17 frames per second and includes all seven maps of the Hazard Course. Manny has reached out to Valve for permission to release the source code, stating he will make it public if he doesn't hear back within a month.
Proving Doom can actually run on anything, one programmer has made a working build for Commodore 64
Programmer Steve McCrea is developing a version of the classic first-person shooter Doom for the Commodore 64, utilizing ray casting technology. While not a true 3D port, this homebrew project features variable floor and ceiling heights, opening doors, and visible weapons, building upon McCrea's previous work on the Commodore VIC-20. The project is still seeking a musician to compose the soundtrack.
Chromo Shock Reloaded - A side scrolling shoot 'em up for the C64 by cristiancubillos
Chromo Shock Reloaded is a new homebrew shoot 'em up game developed by cristiancubillos for the Commodore 64. This upgraded 'Reloaded' edition focuses on refinement, optimizing performance, and fine-tuning the soundtrack for a pure arcade blasting experience.
Destroyer Ball - Another Arkanoid clone makes an appearance, and this time for the Amstrad CPC Plus/GX4000!
Destroyer Ball GX, a new homebrew block-breaker game developed by ShaCPC, has been released for the Amstrad CPC Plus and GX4000. This enhanced version pays homage to the classic Arkanoid, featuring vibrant visuals, eight initial levels, and bonus power-ups. The game also includes joystick controls, a cheat menu with infinite lives, and full cartridge compatibility.
"Mario looks like Mario now" - One week later, the cursed plumber in Super Mario 64 for 3DO has been cured
Eyepatch Entertainment has released an update for their Super Mario 64 conversion on the 3DO, significantly improving Mario's appearance and overall project fidelity. While performance is still being refined, the developer is also working on a Sega Saturn version. Distribution of the 3DO version is unlikely due to Nintendo's intellectual property concerns.
Developer creates a password-cracking Game Boy Advance that is 'about thirty million times slower than a modern…
Security engineer Mark El-Khoury has developed a password-cracking utility for the Game Boy Advance, based on the Hashcat software. While significantly slower than modern hardware, running at approximately 727 SHA256 hashes per second, the project demonstrates the potential for repurposing older gaming consoles for niche applications. El-Khoury also humorously suggested a World of Warcraft addon version for in-game hash cracking.
Midnight Wanderers - Got a NEOGEO? Then check out this upcoming game by Domkid (Z-TEAM)
Homebrew developer Domkid of Z-TEAM is bringing the 1991 Capcom arcade classic Midnight Wanderers to NEOGEO hardware, including NEOGEO AES, MVS, and NEOGEO CD. Built using the Scorpion Engine, this reimagining captures the original's visual style and gameplay mechanics, though it is not a direct 1:1 port of the CPS1 arcade version. The developer is seeking feedback on bugs, performance, and gameplay feel as refinement continues.
Rust'n'Steel Reboot - A jumping platformer for the C64 first released in 2009, now overhauled for 2026!
Homebrew developer natthrafn has released Rust'n'Steel Reboot, an overhauled version of their 2009 Commodore 64 platformer. This new release features significantly improved gameplay, 9 new levels, an end boss, and a total of 31 levels, with progress and high scores saved to disk.
