Nostalgia
Ongoing coverage on Nostalgia.
Latest coverage
Why Gothic 1 Remake Sold So Well Despite Its Flaws
Despite flaws like bugs, clunky combat, and performance issues on PlayStation 5, the Gothic 1 Remake achieved significant sales and player engagement. The article suggests that its success is driven by a dedicated audience seeking the original's challenging, unguided, and identity-defining gameplay, rather than just nostalgia.
There's rumors of a League of Legends Classic, and I'm not sure how I feel about it
Rumors suggest Riot Games is planning a 'League of Legends Classic' server, potentially launching soon. This follows a trend of classic versions of games like World of Warcraft and Old School RuneScape, sparking debate about the industry's reliance on nostalgia versus player desire for improved current experiences.
Grounded 2 Interview: Obsidian Talks Into the Abyss, Future Updates, and the Road to 1.0
Obsidian Entertainment's Grounded 2 Game Director Chris Parker discusses the game's development, including the 'Beat the Heat' update and the 'Into the Abyss' expansion. Parker touches on the game's Dungeons & Dragons influences, the balance between realism and whimsy in its design, and the upcoming release on PlayStation 5.
Toys for Bob dev says the team tried to capture 'the feeling that we fell in love with' when developing Spyro: A Realm Beyond instead of worrying about features first
Toys for Bob Studio Head Paul Yan stated that the team focused on recapturing the core feeling of the Spyro series for Spyro: A Realm Beyond, rather than adhering to a strict list of features. He emphasized balancing nostalgia with innovation to avoid rehashing old ideas or alienating fans. The game is set to launch in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Barbie Rewind Deluxe Edition on the Switch includes not just the game, but a genuine Barbie doll with an Atari t-shirt
Atari announced the Barbie Rewind Deluxe Edition for the Nintendo Switch, a special release that includes the game along with a genuine Barbie doll wearing an Atari t-shirt. This limited edition, numbered out of 20,000, also features a poster and offers access to classic Barbie games from various decades. The game is set to launch on November 12, the same month as Grand Theft Auto 6.
‘Overbit’ Plays Deadly Minigames on a Corrupted Old Computer
Overbit is a horror-comedy RPG that uses files, cursors, and internet elements to create surprise minigames within a world based on 2000s-era computers. Players interact with quirky creatures inside a mysterious virtual machine, some of which are corrupted. The game features challenging minigames and a narrative that explores the virtual machine's origins, with elements designed to disrupt the player's experience. Overbit is currently in development and available to wishlist on Steam.
Toys For Bob Hopes The New Spyro Adventure Will Be The "First Of Many"
Toys for Bob, the studio behind the new Spyro: A Realm Beyond, hopes this title will be the first of many new games in the franchise. Studio head Paul Yan emphasized the need to take risks and evolve the character while remaining true to Spyro's roots. The game is set to launch in 2027 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, featuring a visually updated Spyro with an enhanced wingspan.
Crazy Taxi: World Tour - An Important Arcade Revival
Sega has announced Crazy Taxi: World Tour, set to release in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The game will feature a global story campaign across five cities, extreme driving mechanics, and a classic arcade mode, with original creator Kenji Kanno involved. This revival aims to capture the chaotic joy of the original while offering modern updates and features.
Gears of War: E-Day Seems To Be Nostalgia Done Right
Gears of War: E-Day is positioned as a prequel focusing on Marcus and Dom, leveraging nostalgia. However, its smart approach to gameplay design elevates it beyond simple fan service.
Xbox is after my nostalgia-loving heart with this new translucent 25th anniversary Series X inspired by the OG console
Microsoft is releasing a limited edition Xbox Series X console and controller to celebrate the brand's 25th anniversary. Inspired by the original translucent green Xbox from the early 2000s, the console features a transparent green chassis and a retro-inspired controller. It is set to launch in November 2026.
Xbox's big pitch for the future sure involves a lot of going backwards
Xbox's recent showcase emphasized a return to familiar franchises and a focus on exclusivity, aiming to recapture a sense of nostalgia and differentiate itself from competitors like PlayStation. However, the article questions the long-term viability of this strategy given ongoing controversies and the evolving landscape of game development and distribution.
Empulse's frantic movement and giant mechs are giving me serious Xbox 360-era FPS nostalgia
Empulse, a new first-person shooter from 1047 Games, evokes strong nostalgia for Xbox 360-era arena shooters with its frantic movement, wall-running, and giant mechs. The game emphasizes kinetic combat and features mechs that spawn on the map for teams to control. Empulse is set to release on Steam's Early Access platform on June 24 and will be playable for free during Steam Next Fest starting June 15.
At Summer Game Fest 2026, video games retreat to the safety of the past
The Summer Game Fest 2026 showcased a strong trend of developers relying on established franchises, sequels, and remakes rather than introducing new intellectual properties. While notable exceptions exist, the overall emphasis on recognizable titles suggests a retreat to safer, familiar ground within the industry amidst financial pressures. This focus on nostalgia and past successes, though generating excitement, raises questions about the future of innovation in gaming.
Masters of the Universe wants to be a Marvel-esque summer blockbuster, but it's actually a children's movie…
Travis Knight's upcoming Masters of the Universe film is described as a Marvel-esque summer blockbuster that embraces the absurdity of the source material, focusing on He-Man's struggle to find his way home. Despite its campy nature and heavy-handed metaphors about self-worth, the movie aims to instill hope in a younger generation while also appealing to adult fans with meme references and adult themes.
World of Warcraft Classic's Mists of Pandaria run reaches its end, as the Siege of Orgrimmar arrives in Azeroth
The Mists of Pandaria chapter in World of Warcraft Classic is concluding with the arrival of the Siege of Orgrimmar raid. This final questline pits players against Warchief Garrosh Hellscream and introduces new world bosses, challenges, and cosmetic rewards. The update marks a significant milestone as Classic catches up to the retail version of the game.
Pikachu 1996 Style Plush Now Available At The Pokémon Center
The Pokémon Company has released a retro-style Pikachu plush and keychain, originally launched in Japan, on the Pokémon Center online store. Priced at $29.99 for the plush and $12.99 for the keychain, these items recreate Pikachu's original appearance from Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy. While currently sold out in some regions, restocks are anticipated, and other anniversary merchandise is also available.
Review: Donkey Kong 64 - Kicks Some Serious Tail, But Goes Too Far
Donkey Kong 64, originally released in 1999 by Rare, is reviewed as an expansive adventure-platformer with a heavy emphasis on collectathon gameplay. While praised for its vibrant graphics, personality, and extensive content, the game's core mechanic of switching between five Kongs to collect color-coded items leads to repetitive backtracking and can be frustrating despite its charm.
The Casetify Tamagotchi collab has lit the fires of my 90s kid heart, with its nostalgia-fueled exclusive toy
Bandai Namco has collaborated with phone accessories brand Casetify to launch a new range of Tamagotchi-themed products, including phone cases, straps, and a limited edition Casetify Tamagotchi. The exclusive toy, priced at £43, features Casetify branding and a unique design, though it has already sold out. The collection also includes other Tamagotchi-themed accessories like phone straps and earbud pouches.
Texturetown is a Frankenstein's MMO created by remixing Club Penguin, Pirates of the Caribbean Online and other dead MMOs
Texturetown is an experimental MMO created by LA-based academic Aidan Strong, remixing assets from defunct children's MMOs like Club Penguin, Pirates of the Caribbean Online, Toontown, and Fusionfall. The game uses altered code, audio, text, and textures to evoke disjointed nostalgia for abandoned online spaces of the early 2000s.
Star Fox hands-on gameplay: Switch 2 takes flight with nostalgia trip for a new generation
A hands-on preview of Star Fox gameplay on the Nintendo Switch 2 highlights a nostalgic experience for a new generation of players. The game appears to capture the classic feel of the series while leveraging the capabilities of the upcoming console.