Video Game History
Ongoing coverage on Video Game History.
Latest coverage
Nintendo Switch Delists Final Fantasy VII & Tomb Raider Packs May 19th
Two special content packs for Final Fantasy VII and Tomb Raider will be delisted from the Nintendo Switch eShop on May 19th. Players can still claim these packs, which include the Midgar Special Pack and Tomb Raider Special Pack, even without owning the base games. This situation highlights growing concerns about digital preservation and the fragility of digital content in the gaming industry.
The Magic Returns in Hogwarts Legacy’s Wizarding World
This article analyzes the evolution of Harry Potter games, from early 2000s titles like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on platforms such as PlayStation and Game Boy Color, to the modern open-world experience of Hogwarts Legacy. It highlights the significant graphical and gameplay advancements, comparing the visually rich PlayStation 5 version with the more limited but still charming Nintendo Switch Lite experience.
I'm sad to report that when I worked on Black & White 2's expansion I was never offered a weed-laced chilli con carne
A former intern at Lionhead Studios reflects on the studio's culture during the development of Black & White 2's expansion, noting the prevalence of marijuana use among developers. The author humorously laments never being offered any, questioning if they were considered too 'normal' or if the practice had ceased by 2006. Despite the anecdotal drug use, the author maintains a fond memory of Peter Molyneux buying them a McDonald's, highlighting the lasting impact of games like Black & White.
From killer monkeys to minigun babies, the funniest cheat codes in gaming, ever
This article discusses some of the funniest and most memorable cheat codes in gaming history, ranging from the chaotic angry pedestrian mode in Grand Theft Auto to explosive secrets in Tomb Raider 2. It also highlights unique cheat codes in Age of Empires, Turok, Sonic 3D Blast, Mortal Kombat, and Star Wars Jedi Knight 2, reminiscing about a golden age of harmless and humorous in-game modifications.
Warhammer Classics - Announcement Trailer
A collection titled Warhammer Classics has been announced, celebrating 30 years of Warhammer video game history. This series revives classic titles in their original state, including Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat, Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate, and Space Hulk Ascension. The announcement notes that some content may not reflect current Warhammer lore or settings.
Best Sports Games On Each Xbox Console
This article looks back at the best sports games released on each generation of Xbox consoles, from the original Xbox to the Xbox Series X/S. It highlights ESPN NFL 2K5 for the original Xbox, College Hoops 2K8 for the Xbox 360, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 for the Xbox One, and College Football 25 for the Xbox Series X/S.
Early Punch-Out prototype surfaces, ROM shared online
A prototype ROM for the original Punch-Out!! has been shared online after surfacing from a former Nintendo of America employee. The prototype features differences from the final game, including no sound, fewer boxers, and early character names like Vodka Drunkenski. The Video Game History Foundation also showcased the prototype in a new video.
Marvel Maximum Collection Review | NoobFeed
The MARVEL Maximum Collection offers a good way to revisit classic Marvel games, making it a valuable addition to preserving video game history. While not the definitive Marvel collection, it serves as a solid step in that direction.
Rumor: New Starfox Game Announcement Coming This Month
This article reflects on the legacy of the original Star Fox game, released in 1993, and its significance as a technological demonstration. The author praises Star Fox 64 as a superior entry in the franchise and laments the perceived neglect of the Star Fox series by Nintendo.
A Brief History of Conan the Barbarian Video Games
This article explores the history of Conan the Barbarian's appearances in video games. Netto's Game Room provides an overview of the character's gaming ventures across various titles.
How Mario and Donkey Kong’s Evolution Helped Build Nintendo’s Lasting Legacy
This article analyzes the evolution of Nintendo's iconic characters, Mario and Donkey Kong, from their arcade origins to modern multimedia stars. It highlights how their adaptability, coupled with Nintendo's innovation in game design and expansion into other media like film and theme parks, has cemented their lasting legacy and influence on the gaming industry.
Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance Still Feels Like the Perfect Send-Off for the Classic Flight Sim Era
Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance is still considered a perfect send-off for the classic flight simulation era. The game's enduring appeal lies in its immersive gameplay and its place in the history of the genre.
Star Wars: X-Wing (1993) – The Rebel Flight Sim That Started It All
Star Wars: X-Wing, released in 1993, is celebrated as the foundational space combat simulation that launched a beloved franchise. Its successor, Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance, also marks a significant anniversary, highlighting the enduring legacy of these classic flight simulators.
Beloved YouTuber The Gaming Historian moves on from making videos with a 'parting gift': A ton of ancient Nintendo court docs you can browse on the Internet Archive
YouTuber Norman Caruso, known as The Gaming Historian, is retiring from video creation due to burnout after a decade and a half of producing documentaries. As a parting gift, he has released a large collection of scanned court documents from a 1982 legal case between Universal Studios and Nintendo regarding the game Donkey Kong.
Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995) – The Shooter That Changed Star Wars Games
Star Wars: Dark Forces, released in 1995, is analyzed as a groundbreaking first-person shooter that significantly impacted the Star Wars gaming landscape. The article reflects on the game's release and its place in video game history, contrasting it with the current state of the industry.
Retroquiz – Tidiga svenska spel
This article presents a quiz focused on early Swedish video games, highlighting titles like Backpacker and Svea Rike. It emphasizes the long history of game development in Sweden and encourages readers to test their knowledge of the country's gaming past.
Playing With History launches soon – Here’s how to get a copy
Playing With History, a book based on a popular feature series exploring historical video games, is launching soon. The book, featuring over 200 pages of new content and interviews, will be available physically and digitally. Late pledges are open on Kickstarter until a few days before shipping begins in late May 2026.
Game History and Preservation
The "Stop Killing Games" initiative has gained traction, reaching the EU Parliament to advocate for game preservation. This movement combats apathy and the loss of digital art, highlighting the importance of saving video game history, including titles from the 1980s.
Svenska spelundret – stor temavecka hos FZ!
This week's feature on FZ celebrates the Swedish video game industry, covering its history from early titles like Svea Rike to modern successes such as Valheim and Arc Raiders. The coverage includes lists of top Swedish games, historical retrospectives, and discussions on current and upcoming titles.
Game History and Preservation
Fans have successfully backed up and validated 385 terabytes of video game data from Myrient, a significant effort in game preservation. Separately, the 40-year-old arcade shoot 'em up Gradius has been recreated using pure ASCII characters.