Retro Gaming
Ongoing coverage on Retro Gaming.
Latest coverage
45+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Big Games Big Deals Sale
The PlayStation Store is currently hosting its Big Games Big Deals sale, featuring thousands of discounted PS5 and PS4 titles until May 6, 2026. The article highlights a curated selection of recommended games, many of which are at their lowest-ever prices.
Ninja Gaiden III The Ancient Ship of Doom Joins Console Archives April 23
Hamster announced that Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom will be released for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on April 23, 2026, as part of its Console Archives lineup. This re-release of the 1991 Tecmo title features side-scrolling action, ninjutsu, and Tecmo Theater cutscenes, with added quality-of-life features like customizable controls and save/load functionality.
Ninja Gaiden 3: The Ancient Ship of Doom is this week’s Console Archives game on Nintendo Switch 2
Hamster has announced that Ninja Gaiden 3: The Ancient Ship of Doom will be released on the Nintendo Switch via the Console Archives series on April 23. Originally released in 1991 for an 8-bit console, this side-scrolling action game follows Ryu Hayabusa as he fights to prove his innocence. The digital version will be available for $7.99.
Console Archives NINJA GAIDEN III: The Ancient Ship of Doom launches April 23
Console Archives announced that Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom will launch on April 23 for PlayStation 5. The game is a port of the classic title, bringing it to modern platforms.
Evening Previews
Wolfhound is a new game that draws heavy inspiration from classic 8-bit titles. The preview suggests it has learned from the best of the genre, offering a nostalgic experience for players.
Sony Does Its Latest Retro Release Justice with a PS5, PS4 Trophy List
Sony has released Wild Arms 4 on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, complete with a full Trophy list including a Platinum. The classic RPG is available for purchase or via a PS Plus Premium subscription. The article also notes that seven new PS5 and PS4 titles have been added to the PS Plus Extra tier.
FPGA dev claims the Neo Geo AES+ is "basically the MiSTer core" broken up into separate chips
FPGA developer Pramod Somashekar claims the upcoming Neo Geo AES+ console, which promises to recreate the original hardware using ASICs, is essentially a repackaged MiSTer FPGA core. While another expert, Furrtek, suggests the device has the potential to be the best remake since SNK's original hardware, Somashekar argues that using hard-wired ASICs prevents future updates, unlike FPGA solutions. The debate centers on whether the Neo Geo AES+ offers genuine innovation or a 'bait and switch' by Plaion.
Kickstarter campaign goes live today!
JanduSoft and Last Chicken Games have launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the physical production of a retro spin-off for the classic Nintendo Game Boy, set in the universe of Jett Rider. The campaign aims to raise €5,000 over 15 days, offering digital and limited boxed editions of the 8-bit adventure.
You Don't Need a Neo Geo AES+, These Games Are Already on PS5
Many classic Neo Geo games are readily available on PlayStation 5, offering a more affordable alternative to the new Neo Geo AES+ hardware. Titles like Metal Slug, Garou: Mark of the Wolves, and The King of Fighters 2002 can be purchased digitally, with prices ranging from $5.99 to $14.99, often going on sale.
When Childhood Gaming Heroes Fall: The Brutal Reality of Replaying Classic Games
This article discusses the common experience of retro gamers revisiting childhood favorites and finding that gameplay mechanics have not aged well, despite strong visual art direction. It explores how evolving player expectations and rapid industry advancements create a disconnect with older titles. The piece suggests approaching classic games as historical artifacts or seeking out remasters and remakes to balance nostalgia with modern polish.
Maybe some N64 games are better left forgotten, but don't tell that to the reconstituted Star Fox studio seemingly…
Original developer Argonaut Games, which has recently been revived, has teased a potential revival of their 1998 Nintendo 64 title, Buck Bumble. The company posted cryptic messages on social media, suggesting the cyborg bumblebee game could be getting a new lease on life, much like other retro titles such as Gex and Destroy All Humans.
Review: ZPF (Switch) - A Unique-Feeling Mega Drive Shooter With Some Switch Issues
ZPF is a unique Mega Drive-style shoot 'em up for the Nintendo Switch, featuring a blend of fantasy and cyberpunk elements. While visually impressive for its 16-bit roots and offering deep gameplay mechanics, the Switch port suffers from persistent scroll judder and a lack of quality-of-life features, significantly impacting the overall experience.
Sunday Pokemon Red Sessions Show Why Classic Games Never Get Old
A Reddit post highlighting a user playing Pokemon Red on a Game Boy Color sparked discussion about the enduring appeal of classic games. The article argues that despite advancements in graphics and technology, the simple fun and design of games like Pokemon Red continue to resonate with both older and younger generations, proving that great game design is timeless.
Kings Do Not Fall to Be Featured in Steam Medieval Fest!
Kings Do Not Fall, a retro-style beat 'em up developed by HyperDevbox, will be featured in the Steam Medieval Fest from April 20 to April 27. The game will also be available at a 20% discount during the event. Developed by veteran Carlo Perconti, the game pays homage to classic 90s arcade titles with modern gameplay enhancements.
PlayStation Vita: Our Love for a Dead Console
The PlayStation Vita, released in 2011, aimed to bring a home console experience to a handheld device with features like dual analog sticks and an OLED screen. Despite a strong library of JRPGs, fighting games, and indie titles, it struggled against mobile gaming and the Nintendo 3DS due to its high price and proprietary memory cards. However, the console gained a dedicated following through modding, enabling emulation, custom themes, and the use of standard Micro SD cards, preserving its legacy as a beloved handheld.
Moon Cresta - A faithful recreation of an Arcade classic is coming to the Amiga via Johnny Acevedo [WIP DOWNLOAD]
Amiten Games, led by Johnny Acevedo, is developing a faithful recreation of the arcade classic Moon Cresta for the Amiga platform. This project is a from-scratch build, not a port, aiming for arcade-perfect mechanics and graphics. An alpha build (v0.2) is available, showcasing smooth ship control, a full assembly system, and 60% of the arcade levels and graphics recreated.
Metal Slug celebrates 30-year anniversary with reboot tease
SNK is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its iconic side-scrolling shooter series, Metal Slug, with a dedicated website and a tease for a reboot. The company announced plans for "new ventures in gaming" to reignite the franchise, which has seen limited mainline entries since Metal Slug 7 in 2028. While the announcement has generated excitement, concerns have been raised regarding the potential use of AI-generated promotional materials.
Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege Review – A Brilliant NES Throwback That I Hated Playing
Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege is a brutally authentic NES-style action platformer that, despite its expert craftsmanship, did not resonate with the reviewer personally. The game features a gory, gothic aesthetic, challenging gameplay reminiscent of the 8-bit era, and a story that unfolds through optional dialogue and multiple endings. Available on PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5, it successfully emulates its retro inspirations, earning a 4 out of 5 rating.
SNK's Neo Geo console remake works with original cartridges and HDMI
SNK and Plaion have announced a remake of the Neo Geo AES console, dubbed the Neo Geo AES+. This updated version features HDMI output for 1080p resolution, DIP switches for language and display settings, and a memory card for saving high scores. Preorders are open for a 35th anniversary edition bundle and a standard edition, with modernized game cartridges also being released.
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th April)
Several Nintendo Life staff members share their weekend gaming plans, including playing Pragmata, Pentiment, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, and Tomodachi Life. Discussions also touch on the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie, Seamus Blackley's thoughts on Nintendo's next console, and the passing of voice actor Jock Blaney.
