Nostalgia
Ongoing coverage on Nostalgia.
Latest coverage
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.
5,000 Gamers Speak Out on Remasters and Remakes
A survey of 5,000 gamers by G2A.COM reveals strong interest in remakes and remasters, with 78% desiring modern visuals and performance while 69% wish to preserve the original game's essence. Nostalgia is a key driver, though most gamers are unwilling to pay over €50 for such titles. Developer involvement is also considered important by a majority of respondents.
Razer’s Boomslang Revival Is Ridiculous, But That’s Kind of the Point
Razer has revived its iconic 2005 Boomslang mouse for its 20th anniversary with a limited-edition release priced at $1,337. This high-end collectible mouse features modern specifications like a 45K Optical Sensor and wireless charging, but its exorbitant price and unique presentation as both a functional device and wall art piece position it primarily as a nostalgic collector's item for dedicated Razer fans.
Review: Pokémon Game Music Collection: Game Boy Jukebox - A Pointless Trinket Even Fans Will Grow Bored Of Swiftly
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company released the Game Boy Jukebox, a miniature replica of the classic handheld, to celebrate the Pokémon series' 30th anniversary. The device plays 45 songs from the original Pokémon Red and Blue games, but features low audio quality, no headphone jack, and purely cosmetic buttons, making it a charming but ultimately limited piece of merchandise.
Remember the McDonalds Fairy Game Toys?
McDonald's released Fairies & Dragons Happy Meal toys in 2007/2008, which included CD-ROMs with PC games developed by Fuel Industries. These desktop companion games, featuring four collectible fairies, are now considered a nostalgic collector's item. The article reflects on the innovation of the promotion and speculates on potential modern-day equivalents.
A Deep Dive Into The Longing For Modern Nostalgia in Gaming – Why Retro-Inspired Works!
This article explores the phenomenon of modern nostalgia in gaming, arguing that retro-inspired games offer a unique form of escapism by harkening back to simpler times and human connections. The author discusses how these games, with their often crude graphics and straightforward gameplay, provide a refreshing alternative to the complexity and corporate control of the modern internet and gaming landscape. The piece also touches on community feedback from platforms like Reddit and Facebook, highlighting player preferences for pick-up-and-play experiences and creative innovation often found in indie titles.
The Games That Defined Our Childhood: A Generation-by-Generation Guide | TAG
This guide breaks down distinct gaming generations within the millennial demographic, highlighting the defining consoles, cultural moments, and games for those born between 1984 and 1998. It explores the impact of console wars, the rise of online multiplayer, and the unique experiences of growing up with different gaming eras, from the SNES and Genesis to the N64, PlayStation, PS2, and Wii.
The Remake of the End of the Greatest RPG of All Time Review – More than just a tribute
The Remake of the End of the Greatest RPG of All Time is a meta-game that cleverly uses the nostalgia for classic JRPGs to create a layered adventure about game development. Players unravel complex puzzles by collecting manual pages and exploring developer videos, with the game itself becoming secondary to the investigation of its underlying mysteries. It's a unique experience that explores what motivates developers and how nostalgia shapes our relationship with games.
F*FOREVER Jakarta Hari Kedua Kembali Ajak Penggemar Nostalgia
The F*FOREVER concert in Jakarta entered its second day, featuring performances by Jerry Yan, Van Ness Wu, Vic Chou, and Ashin Mayday. The concert continues to embrace a nostalgia theme, bringing back the legendary stars of Meteor Garden for a multi-generational audience. The event is part of a larger tour that includes stops in China, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Overwatch's latest anniversary mode brings back pre-Overwatch 2 6v6 and I have to admit, I missed it
Overwatch's 10-year anniversary event brings back a limited-time 6v6 mode, which the author found enjoyable, particularly for the tank role. This pre-Overwatch 2 format allowed for a return to the off-tank playstyle, which was missed despite the author's general appreciation for the shift to 5v5 in the main game.
Kioku: Last Summer is out now - today - 28 May 2026
Kioku: Last Summer, a cozy adventure game from Assemble Entertainment and Lugn Games, is now available on PC for €14.99. Players explore the island of Kioku as Asti, making friends and uncovering secrets. The game features activities like fishing and collecting, inspired by 90s aesthetics and titles such as Boku no Natsuyasumi and Pokémon.
Konser Reuni F*FOREVER 3 Hari di Jakarta Resmi Dimulai Malam Ini
The F4 reunion concert tour, F✦FOREVER City of Stars, has officially begun in Jakarta with a three-day event featuring Jerry Yan, Van Ness Wu, and Vic Chou, joined by Ashin Mayday. The performers shared their excitement and attempts to recall Indonesian phrases ahead of their shows. This tour marks a significant nostalgic event for fans of the iconic Meteor Garden drama.
Before Angry Birds, Korea Had Fortress — Now It’s Returning on PC and Mobile
Fortress3 Blue, the latest installment in the classic Korean artillery game series, has launched on PC, Google Play, and the Apple App Store. Developed by original creator CCR and published by Blomics, the game modernizes the franchise's core mechanics with new modes and characters, aiming to capture both nostalgic fans and new players. The launch includes various in-game events and community activities to celebrate the return of the beloved title.
World of Warcraft housing expert recreates The Burning Crusade's iconic login screen on their in-game PC
A World of Warcraft player has recreated the iconic login screen for The Burning Crusade expansion within the game's new player housing system. The detailed recreation features a miniature PC setup, including a monitor displaying the login screen, a tower, keyboard, and desk lamp, all crafted using in-game items.
Review: Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection (Switch) - A Janky Compilation Carried By Nostalgia
Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection on Nintendo Switch compiles several older Rugrats titles, including platformers and mini-game collections, with modern emulation features like save states and rewind. While the 3D titles suffer from dated controls and camera issues, the 2D entries offer more competent gameplay. The collection is primarily carried by nostalgia, with its value diminishing for those without a prior connection to the games or the original show.
"We're not competing with Dawn of War 1, we're competing with people's memory" says DoW 4 lead creative
KING Art Games' Creative Director Jan Theysen discusses Dawn of War 4, stating the team is competing with players' memories of the original game rather than the game itself. Theysen emphasizes recreating the feelings of the first Dawn of War with modern design standards, focusing on base-building, map control, and large-scale battles within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. He also notes the resurgence of the Real-Time Strategy genre and the importance of strong campaigns and universes to attract both long-time fans and new players.
Mixtape Isn't Just a Video Game
Mixtape is an artistic exploration of nostalgia and the coming-of-age experience, blurring lines between storytelling and multimedia art. Developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game uses a curated soundtrack and vignettes to evoke the bittersweet emotions of youth and friendship. The article argues that such unique, artful experiences are vital for the evolution of the video game medium, even if they fall outside mainstream expectations.
