Nostalgia
Ongoing coverage on Nostalgia.
Latest coverage
Scream 7 Spoiler Review – It’s Just Stab At This Point
Scream 7 is a competent but uninspired slasher sequel that fails to deliver meaningful commentary on its themes of AI and nostalgia. While it brings back Sidney Prescott and teases Stu Macher's return through AI-generated footage, the film ultimately lacks the meta-awareness that defined the franchise. The review criticizes the underdeveloped killer motivations and the underutilization of its potentially interesting concepts, concluding that the film is "fine" but disappointing for a series known for reinvention.
Resident Evil Requiem's "fan service" is entirely earned - and it's much more than that too
Resident Evil Requiem is lauded for its earned fan service, weaving nostalgic elements and callbacks into its core mechanics and narrative. The article argues that after 30 years, the series and its characters, like Leon, deserve this celebratory victory lap, which masterfully blends old and new era Resident Evil elements.
Thomas and Friends: Wonders of Sodor Turns Nostalgic Adults into Big Kids Later This Month on PS5, PS4
Thomas and Friends: Wonders of Sodor will be released on March 17, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Developed by Dovetail Games, the game allows players to explore the island of Sodor, complete objectives, and find collectibles, featuring characters like Percy, Gordon, and Thomas. The game is designed to evoke nostalgia for fans of the original series and is also suitable for younger players.
Resident Evil Requiem’s Star Wars-Level Pandering Drags the Whole Game Down
Resident Evil Requiem is criticized for its excessive reliance on nostalgia and callbacks to previous games, which detracts from new elements like the character Grace Ashcroft. The game's frequent references to past characters and events, such as Leon S. Kennedy, Albert Wesker, and Mr. X, are seen as pandering and a lack of confidence in original storytelling, drawing parallels to perceived missteps in recent Star Wars media.
Fans Hunting Rare Charizard Cards Are Reigniting Interest in Pokémon TCG's Phantasmal Flames Expansion - IGN
Interest in the Pokémon TCG's Phantasmal Flames expansion is surging due to the high market value of the Mega Charizard X ex Special Illustration Rare card. This elusive card has seen a significant price spike, with graded versions fetching up to $2000 on eBay, driven by its artwork and Charizard's enduring popularity. Factors contributing to the current spike include the card nearing an 'out of print' status, anticipation for Pokémon Day 2026, and the upcoming Pokémon World Championships.
Scott Pilgrim EX Review - A Short But Sweet Millennial Nostalgia Romp
Scott Pilgrim EX is a brawler that leans heavily into Millennial nostalgia, featuring solid mechanics, excellent art, and music. While its playtime is short, it serves as a spiritual successor to the original Scott Pilgrim game, incorporating numerous references to games and movies. The game offers a connected map structure with randomized battles and a central shop, and its presentation, including pixel art and a chiptune soundtrack, is top-notch, making it a satisfying experience, especially in co-op.
Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen on Switch is the nostalgia hit I needed
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004, hold up surprisingly well today, offering a significant dose of nostalgia for players who grew up with them. While the games retain their original charm and gameplay, some dated mechanics and the lack of modern quality-of-life features, such as online trading and a sortable item bag, are noticeable. Despite these drawbacks, the games are considered a worthwhile purchase for fans seeking a trip down memory lane, especially when compared to the cost of original cartridges.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Switch review - nostalgia is super effective
This review examines the Nintendo Switch re-release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, the 2004 Game Boy Advance remakes of the original 1996 games. While the port offers classic gameplay and expanded content like the Sevii Islands, it lacks new features and online functionality at launch, making it a nostalgic trip rather than a modern upgrade.
Review: Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen (Switch) - Red-Hot Nostalgia In A So-So Wrapper
This review evaluates the Nintendo Switch re-release of Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen, a 22-year-old Game Boy Advance remake of the original Pokémon Red & Blue. While it offers a convenient and nostalgic way to experience the Kanto region, the $19.99 price point without NSO Expansion Pack benefits and the lack of modern features like online trading are noted as significant drawbacks.
Tetris Effect (PS4)
Tetris Effect for PlayStation 4 offers a compelling blend of classic gameplay with modern mechanics like T-Spins and the 7-bag randomizer, providing strategic depth. The game's spectacular visuals and immersive soundtrack dynamically react to player actions, creating a highly satisfying experience. Despite minor distractions from particle effects, the game is a near-perfect fusion of nostalgia and innovation.
Resident Evil Requiem climbs to the top of Metacritic's all-time user scores, topping fan-favourites like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Cory in the House
Resident Evil Requiem has reached the top of Metacritic's 'Best Games by User Score' list with a 9.5, narrowly surpassing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Despite some criticism of relying on nostalgia, the game has achieved strong sales and positive reception, marking a significant win for Capcom.
Pokémon Pokopia Review - IGN
Pokémon Pokopia is a life simulation and building game that successfully merges the two genres, allowing players to restore a ruined Kanto region as a Ditto. The game features charming Pokémon interactions, creative building mechanics, and a surprisingly deep narrative that appeals to longtime fans. Despite minor nitpicks with building precision and storage management, Pokopia offers an engaging and rewarding experience.
This tiny Game Boy jukebox is a love letter to all nostalgia-hit Nintendo fans
The Pokémon Center has released a miniature Game Boy-style jukebox featuring the soundtracks from Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue. This collectible item celebrates the iconic music of the original Game Boy era and taps into nostalgia for the late 1990s franchise launch.
Resident Evil: Requiem | Critical Consensus
Resident Evil: Requiem, the ninth mainline entry in the series, has received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its blend of classic survival horror elements and modern gameplay. The game features dual protagonists, Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft, offering both intense action and tense exploration. While some reviewers noted a reliance on nostalgia and occasional tonal shifts, the overall consensus is that Capcom has delivered a polished and satisfying experience that celebrates the franchise's legacy.
Life is Strange: Reunion offers plenty of classic series nostalgia, but is Chloe's return anything more than a cynical play to the fans?
Life is Strange: Reunion aims to evoke nostalgia by bringing back beloved characters Max Caulfield and Chloe Price, but questions arise about whether this return is more than a fan service play. The preview suggests Deck Nine has handled Chloe's resurrection sensitively, focusing on the emotional impact of her return and the narrative choices available to players. While the core gameplay mechanics remain familiar, the emotional reunion between Max and Chloe is highlighted as a sweet and well-scripted moment.
Why Arcades Are Still the Perfect Fun Family Activities
Arcades remain a top choice for family fun, offering a blend of games, nostalgia, and social interaction suitable for all ages. They provide a unique environment for bonding through shared play, friendly competition, and creating lasting memories, serving as a valuable alternative to at-home entertainment.
Visions of Mana – A Return to Reverie
Visions of Mana aims to revive the Mana franchise by blending nostalgic elements with modern action RPG gameplay. Unlike its predecessors, it focuses on moving forward rather than dwelling on the past, offering a vibrant world rooted in nature and magic. The game emphasizes exploration and a rhythmic combat system, distinguishing itself from darker fantasy titles with its focus on awe and wonder.
Games of Our Childhoods
This article reflects on the lasting impact of video games on childhood and adult life, exploring the nostalgic connection many feel to early gaming experiences. It highlights specific games like Spelling Blizzard, Pokémon Red, Gold, Silver, and Crystal, and consoles such as the Game Boy Color and Nintendo 64, as formative memories shared with family and friends.
