Nightdive Studios has been hard at work bringing us remasters and remakes of classic FPS games from a bygone era. We've already had revamped versions of the first two Quake games, and now the developer is bringing back Star Wars: Dark Forces.

In a recent trailer on the studio's YouTube channel, Nightdive will be collaborating with Lucasfilm Games (formerly LucasArts) to create a remaster of the mid-90's Star Wars title.

//youtu.be/4b9TTurkH4c

The trailer (which demonstrates alpha footage) shows off some of the work so far. You'll definitely want to check out the renewed cut scenes. Much like previous projects done by Nightdive, it'll still look and feel like Dark Forces, but will be g??ive?n a modern lift with 4K visuals, plus "advanced 3D rendering, modern gamepad support, trophies and achievements, and more."

The (dark) force is strong in this one

The original game was released all the way back in 1995, and was the first in the Jedi Knight series. It was developed on the aptly named Jedi engine, which is a toolkit that shares similarities with Build, the engine that powered the likes of Duke Nukem 3D and Shadow Warrior. Nightdive's remaster of the ancient Star Wars game will utilize the KEX engine instead, which the studio has used in a number of projects, including for the Quake remaster.

We recently got treated to a modern version of Quake 2, which impr??oved the graphics (particularly in the lighting department) while also adding quality-of-life changes and the DLC.

At the moment, we don't know when Star Wars: Dark Forces will be coming o??ut, but it's set to release on P??S4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

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Go Nagai's legendary series hits the shmup scene

Something a bit special from the retro funsters of Hamster this week, as Banpresto's coin-op adaptation of the much-loved manga/anime series Mazinger Z has joined the Arcade Archives, and is now available to download on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

Released to the Japanese arcade market in 1994, the vertically scrolling shmup is an adaptation of Go Nagai's iconi??c mecha franchise, which spawned numerous manga, anime, and theatrical films. Players choose from one of three vessels �Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger, or Grendizer �before embarking on a mission to defeat the endless forces of The Mechanical Beasts, Mycenae Forces, and The Vegan Empire, which have combined their powers in a joint plan to conquer the world. What follows is eight stages of frenetic arcade action, as the Mazinger forces battle the three factions and the mastermind, Dr. Hell.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ1EgpzTEjU&???;ab_channel=HAMSTERCorporation

While the arrival of Mazinger Z is very much a welcome one, it comes at something of a price, quite literally. In order to secure the license to release Mazinger Z, Hamster was pressed to roll out extra Yen to the license holders. The publisher is looking to pass this cost on to the player, as Mazinger Z will retail for twice the price of all Arcade Archives entries. This is the first time that Hamster has had to pay the additional licensing fee, which suggests that any future re-releases based on popular and lucrative brands might also see a lif?t in their retail costs.

It's rough, especially given that many Arcade Archives releases are already a little princely for their longevity, but for Mazinger fans, the extr??a buckeroos w?ill probably be seen as a bill worth footing.

Mazinger Z is available to downloa??d now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch priced at around $15.

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Silly shump returns

Something particularly fun and adorable from Hamster this week, as it bolsters its mammoth Arcade Archives range with the addition of Namco's cutesy '90s shmup Cosmo Gang the Video, now? available to download on PS4 ??and Nintendo Switch.

Released to Japanese arcades in 1992, before receiving a home release on Super Famicom shortly thereafter, Cosmo Gang the Video is a spin-off shooter featuring characters that appeared in iconic redemption game Cosmo Gangs, a title which saw the player battling to prevent a squad of crazy-eyed creatures from stealing energy boxes to take back to their home planet. Cosmo Gang the Video adapts these characters and settings to a vertically scrolling shmup format, a genre in which Namco h??ad proven itself a frontrunner.

//youtu.be/kfI4Z_P5joA

One to two players pilot the "Hyper Beat" space vessels, on a mission to fend off the Cosmo Gang, who has returned to cause further mayhem across the galaxy. The player battles waves of formation-based enemies over the course of 30+ stages, picking up power-ups and new weapons in order to even the odds against the Cosmo Gang's seemingly endless numbers. It should be noted that, despite its latter-day release date, the title is simplistic, even dated, when compared to the contemporary shmups of the day. Despite this, the arcade saw great success in its native ??Japan.

Cosmo Gang the Video is available to download now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, priced at around $8. You Check out the very silly action in the video above, courtesy of YouTuber Insert Coin.

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Tanks for the Memories

Once again, retro-lovin' publisher Hamster is reaching into the past of legendary studio Namco for another addition to its massive Arcade Archive range �This week sees the arrival of one of the developer's lesser-known '90s hits, Tank Force, now available to download?? on PS4 and Nintendo ??Switch.

Released to the arcade market in 1991, Tank Force is the third release in Namco's unofficial "Tank Battalion" trilogy �preceded by Tank Battalion (1980) and Battle City (1985). This multi-directional shooter sees up to four players ba?ttle it out in top-down, caterpillar-rolling action. A total of seven different tanks are available, all featuring their own respective traits and weapons, and a massive arsenal of 15 weapons and power-ups can ??be picked up to turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Check out the warfaring action in the video below, courtesy of YouTuber VideoGaming4U.

//www.youtube?.com/watch?v=DsRkKaIYdYo&?amp;ab_channel=VideoGaming4U

Featuring maze-like maps, destructible environments, land hazards, and winner-takes-all gameplay, Tank Force can be seen as something of an alternate to multiplayer hits such as Irem's cutesy hit Bomberman, though it obviously lacks the charm and charisma of the Hudson Soft series. Tank Force would not be ported to the home market of the 1990s, though it would make a reappearance as part of a number of Namco classic compendiums. Today, Tank Force's dynamic, score-attack-based gameplay has helped attract a niche but devoted community, still chasing t??hose '90s hig??h-score dreams.

Tank Force is available to download now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, pri??ced at around $8.

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There's Pooka! I love that guy!

There is something of a rarity joining the Arcade Archives this week, in as much as it's a title I've never actually played! Now available on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, it's Namco platformer Marvel Land!

Released to arcades in 1990, Marvel Land is a fantasy adventure that sees players guide a young hero, Prince Paco, through a series of colorful and hazardous stages on a quest to rescue ??the adorable Princess Luxie, who has been abducted by the wicked Mole King. What follows is typically cute platforming fare, as Paco negotiates "Marvel Land", essentially an amusement park wherein the Mole King resides.

As such, the adventure consists of dashing and jumping through numerous rides and attractions, while battling the mad monarch's rodent army �The Mogles �and their various lieutenants. To aid him? on his quest, Prince Paco can gather various power-ups including dragon wings, speed shoes, and a secondary clone to double the fun, doubl??e the pleasure.

Check out all the fun of the fair in the video below, courtesy of YouTuber Replay Burners.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VZMj_Dq6-E&am??p;ab_channel=ReplayBurne?rs

While the arcade edition of Marvel Land was rarely seen on the circuit, the game would be ported to the Sega Mega Drive, newly monikered as Talmit's Adventure �quite possible to avoid attracting the ire of Spider-Man-lovin' lawyers. In a cute touch, Marvel Land features a stage that takes place in a parade, which features a who's who of classic Namco characters, including Pooka from Dig Dug, Gilgamesh and Ki from Tower of Druaga, Pacet from Baraduke, Mappy, my girl Wonder Momo, and, of course, Pac-Man. Coincidentally, almost all games ??referenced in Marvel Land are also available as part of the Arcade Archives.

Marvel Land is available to download now on PS4 and Ninte??ndo Switch, priced at around $8.

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The Forgotten Wall

This week is a very special one for Hamster Corporation, as the publisher celebrates 300 consecutive weeks of classic arcade game reissues �And to celebrate this record-breaking moment, the Arcade Archives receives a little royalty: The Arika's never-before-re-released puzzler Tetris: The Grand Master.

Launching in Japanese arcades in 1998, Tetris: The Grand Master was the biggest challenge offered to block-dropping fans to date. While TGM, (as it is known by the Tetris community), follows the typical rules and methodology of A??lexey Pajitnov's world-best puzzler, this particular edition offered up a marathon 999 levels to be conquered as well as the dazzling "20G" mechanic to truly push expert players to their limits. Essentially, this difficulty option places the incoming Tetrominos directly on top of the stack, offering a mere split-second to place them onto the playfield.

Check out the wild action in the classic run below, courtesy of YouTuber Sega-16.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEzvyMI4I9I

This mode fast became the target for the community, eager to master the iconic title to the point that they could play it �accurately and efficiently �on a second-to-second basis. Ironically, despite being held in such high regard, the original TGM would never receive a home release, though it would be followed by several console sequels over the following years. This new Arcade Archives release marks the first official home version of TGM since its late-'90s debut. Thus, this is a very special week for the die-hard Tetris community.

TGM has been a staple of speedrun tournaments and global competitions for many years, and now players all over the world can finally sit and master the game in their own bedrooms... in a legal capacity, at the very least. If you want to check out the brain-melting action for yourself, then Tetris: The Grand Master is available to download right now on PS4 and Ni??ntendo Switch.

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Tubular

Online retail outlet Epic Games Store has revealed the next title that it will be offering up to its users gratis, following this week's current offerings �And it will be none other than the old-school cool release Toe Jam & Earl: Back in the Groove, which will be available to all customers on October 13.

Released to PC and consoles in the spring of 2019, Back in the Groove saw the long-awaited return of early '90s gaming goofballs Toe Jam & Earl, as the awesome aliens once again? returned to their isometric adventure roots. Once again, the funky fresh aliens have crash-landed on Planet Earth, and must recover all of the pieces of their "Rapmaster Rocket" in order to get back out into the great beyond.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQlK-jTIiwU

Now sporting a roster of both new and familiar playable characters, as well as four-player co-op action, the series' dopey sense of humor, and the tongue-in-cheek "radical" vibes of the 1990s, all slickly adapted for the modern age. A suitably fresh soundtrack was composed by funk musician Cody Wright, while the entire project was overseen by Toe Jam & Earl co-creator Greg Johnso??n and, believe it or not, lifelong fan Macaulay Culkin.

On release, Back in the Groove was welcomed by the TJ&E fanbase, while critical reviews ranged wildly from mediocre to excellent. As divisive as the duo has ever been, Back in the Groove is clearly a title that will mean different things to different players. At least, given its ??upcoming freebie status, you'll be able to check out where you stand on the animated actioner �no strings attached, dude.

Toe Jam & Earl: Back in the Groove will be free to download from Epic Games Store from October 13. Until then, you still have time to bag current freebies Rising Hell and Slain: Back from Hell from the store.

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Is it a bird?

Chocks away and all that malarky, as Nintendo has announced that its skyfairing compendium, Pilotwings 64, will be the next Nintendo 64 classic to join the Nintendo Switch Online servi?ce. The new title will be added to the Switch Online archives on Thursday, October 13.

Released on N64 in 1996, Pilotwings 64 is a revamped edition of the much-loved 1990 SNES classic, best known for its groundbreaking use of Mode 7 technology, which was very much a boasting point for Nintendo during the 16-bit era. Much like the original, Pilotwings 64 features an array of airborne stunts and acrobatic activiti?es, including skydiving, Cannonball, stunt gliding, or even taking to ??the wild blue yonder equipped with a jet pack or seated in a gyrocopter!

My dad started building a gyrocopter a decade ago. I thi?nk he sold it before completion. True story.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmepP3ehkaM

Anyway, Pilotwings 64 will be made available to all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, and joins a roster of beloved hits from yesteryear that already includes Kirby 64, Pokemon Snap, Mario Golf, F-Zero X, Star Fox 64, Banjo-Kazooie, and, of course, Super Mario 64. Most recently, Nintendo finally confirmed that GoldenEye 007, one of the N64's most iconic releases and conspicuous by its continued absence, is headed to the archives in the near future, c?omplete with onl?ine multiplayer.

Pilotwings 64 will be ??available to download from Nintendo Switch Online on October 13.

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Good Fortune

Fun news for retro block-busting fans this week, as publisher Forever Entertainment has announced a return for the classic puzzle series, Magical Drop. Magical Drop VI, develop??ed by studios Highball Games and Storm Trident, is scheduled to launch later this winter on Nintendo Switch.

Magical Drop, for those less inclined, is a cute 'n' colorful arcade puzzler that first launch in 1995, at the height of the "tile-puzzler" craze. Playing from one of a number of cute avatars, all based upon the Tarot, players must cherry-pick colored orbs from a rapidly descending playfield before firing them back in an effort to match the rainbow-infused patterns together. The goal of Magical Drop is to cause a chain reaction, and thus the player is encouraged to set up several moves ahead of time, that can all be triggered with one final, scalpel-precise move, (hence the series' Japanese title "Chain Reaction").

Developed by Data East and published by SNK, several Magical Drop games were released to arcade and home platform markets throughout the mid-'90s. The series' most recent release, Magical Drop V, launched on Steam in 2012 and was an enormous ??disappointment, riddled with bugs and issues that often rendered it incompletable. The game was eventually pulled from sale. This new release will no doubt be looking to capture the charm and character of classic entries while delivering engaging gameplay within a variety of single a??nd multiplayer modes.

The visual style depicted here looks a bit "Flash game," but I remain hopeful, as Magical Drop happens to be my personal favorite of all the tile-puzzle franchises. My character of choice? Em?press... But then... you knew that alr??eady, right? Shock-freakin'-horror.

Magical Drop VI is currently in development for Nintendo Switch.

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Western localization in development

Edia, the developer/publisher behind Valis: The Fantasm Collection, has announced a Japanese release date for its next collection of obscurities: Cosmic Fantasy Collection �The double-header of PC Engine dungeon crawlers will lau?nch on Nintendo Switch?? December 15. A localization is currently in the works.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgKpNzoqwG8

As previously reported, the Cosmic Fantasy Collection will consist of two titles: 1990's Cosmic Fantasy: Adventure Boy Yuu, and 1991's TurboGrafx CD sequel Cosmic Fantasy 2: Adventure Boy Van. The latter title was the only game in the serie?s to find its way to western shores, and remains something of an obscurity regardless, so retro gaming fans w?ill definitely want to consider giving this new remaster a space on the radar.

The Cosmic Fantasy franchise would see relative success upon its debut in Japan, thanks to its quirky comedic style and obligatory love of naughty cheesecake fanservice. The series would spin off into several other adventures, and would also receive manga and anime adaptations, as well as a range of toys and merchandise. An intriguing little lost oddity in the annals of '90s gaming. Thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign, these forgotten titles will soon be experienced by a whole new genera?tion of anime a??nd RPG fans.

Cosmic Fantasy Collection launches in Japan on Nintendo Switc?h December 15.

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Unearthed Treasure

Tokyo Game Show is yet to officially get underway, but already it seems that some of its surprises are just too durn exciting to keep under wraps. According to a new leak uncovered by Gematsu, legendary shmup developer Treasure is getting set to reveal a new project under the banner of one of its best-loved IPs, Radiant Silvergun.

Gematsu found evidence of a new Radiant Silvergun title after poking around the TGS website uploaded by publisher Happinet. Alongside assets and titles pulled from over 30 franchises was a brand new logo simply depicting "Radiant Silvergun," complete with a silhouette of the game's iconic starship. Treasure, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, wil??l apparently be showcasing the new title at this year's ??TGS, which will no doubt get retro game fans and shmup aficionados into a suitable tizzy.

Radiant Silvergun was released in Japanese arcades in May 1998, before finding its way onto the Sega Saturn in the console's twilight years. For the longest of times, it would remain something of an urban legend among western players, available only via expensive imports and poor early-day emulation. The classy shmup would eventually be ported to Xbox 360 in 2011, which represented the title's first, readily available, global release. Today, Radiant Silvergun stil??l stands proud, holding a deserved reputation as a genuine classic of the genre.

What form this project will take remains to be seen, but I would think a remaster or remake is more likely than a sequel. In either case, we won't have to wait too much longer to find out, as Tokyo Game Show will kick off September 15, emanating from Chiba's Makuhari Messe complex. We will bring you all of the details from Radiant Silvergun (and many other TGS e??xclusives) right here on Destructoid.

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Don't call it a comeback...

'90s developer Sunsoft, perhaps best known for its range of 8-bit licensed adventures and 16-bit platformers, has announced that it will be holding a special digital presentation next week, wherein the company will announce several? titles scheduled to release over 2023 and the remainder of 2022.

"Although we have been quiet for some time, many things ??have been happening behind the scenes," declares Sunsoft general manager Yuichi Ochi in a press release. "We are very excited to be able to finally share our vision for the rebirth of Sunsoft with fans old and new."

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTfmwHxy52U

Originally formed in 1978 as a subsidiary of the legendary Sun Corporation, Sunsoft spent much of the 1980s in the electronic gaming market, before transitioning to video games via a plethora of NES releases, including Blaster Master, Fester's Quest, Xenophobe, Batman, and Gremlins 2: The New Batch. In the early '90s, Sunsoft began developing and publishing titles for the 16-bit market, creating a slew of, frankly, exceedingly middling platformers, brawlers, and adventure games for the Sega Genesis and SNES. Perhaps Sunsoft's best-known character is the platforming star Aero the Acro-Bat.

Sunsoft would enter a period of bankruptcy in 1995, but has always remained in the industry, albeit in an incredibly scaled-down capacity. Just last year, the company asked fans which of its classic IPs they would like to see receive a remaster or remake, so it's quite possible that next week's presentation will see the ??company announce several comebacks for the studio's portfolio of titles.

The Sunsoft digital event will take place on Thursday, August 18 at 13:00 PT / 16:00 ET / 21:00 BST and can be watched on the official Sunsoft YouTube channel. We will, of course, be sure to bring you all of ?the details right here on Destructoid.

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Developer details new content for classic fighter

This past weekend, developer Qubyte Interactive took to the airwaves to offer up new and previously confirmed info for its long-time-coming release Breakers Collection, which will compile Visco Corporation's cult fighters Breakers (1996) and Breakers' Revenge (1998) for modern platforms.

Qubyte's Bruno Carvalho and Marcel Bernardi hosted the cozy little live stream on Friday evening, taking questions from fans while showing off Breakers Collection's range of additional modes and features. There was a lot of welcome transparency about the title and its release, with the developers openly stating what would and would not be a part of the retro remaster. And while Breakers Collection sti?ll did not r??eceive its official release date, there were a lot of exciting tidbits on offer.

Among the topics discussed, we learned that Breakers Collection supports rollback netcode, and will also feature crossplay compatibility �though it was noted that the platforms engaging in crossplay were yet to be confirmed. In regards to online play, Breakers Collection will support lobbies, and feature player profiles complete with unlockable cosmetics, such as quotes and avatars. One major re??veal comes in the form of a new Team Battle Mode, which will allow players to take a squad of characters into battle.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=0atxmDoJ3sE

A gallery mode will feature fan art alongside vintage marketing materials, and Breakers Collection will also include a new range of character color options. An interactive replay function (something that every modern fighter needs to look into) will let players take control of a recording at any point to experiment with new solutions to tricky mid-match encounters. Qubyte Interactive also noted that there is no DLC planned, mildly hinting that post-release content is possible but unlikely. The team is planning to support the tournament scene in an online and offline capacity post-release. Y'all ain't ready f??or my Rila.

Originally announced way back in 2019, it's more than fair to say that Breakers Collection is sure taking its sweet time to come to final fruition. From this stream, however, it's clear that the compact team of developers is working hard to deliver a great release for fans of the niche scrapper. While no strict date was announced, Qubyte Interactive is confident that the title will release in 2022 in both a digital and physical capacity, with pre-orders for the physical edition now live at Strictly Limited Games.

Breakers Collection is currently in development fo?r PlayStation, ??PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

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What's Shmup, Doc?

It's c-c-c-cute-'em-up time in the Arcade Archives! This week's offering from the retro lovers over at Hamster Corporation is certainly something of shmup oddity: Bally Midway's Rabio Lepus, which is available t??o download right now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

Launching in the coin-op market in 1987, Rabio Lepus (also known in international territories as Rabbit Punch) is an early entry in the cute-'em-up subgenre and is considered an early precursor to Midway's highly popular '90s franchise Sonic Wings. Rabio Lepus is a high-fantasy adventure that sees two robo-rabbit vessels, (the titular "Rabio & Lepus"), jet i?nto battle on a brav?e mission to rescue the land's ruler, King Kitashirakawa, and his two bunny girl daughters, Komomo & Kotomi, from a nefarious alien force.

Check out the adorable rescue mission in the video below, courtesy of YouTuber ShiryuGL.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyFp3CwZqcg

Like most titles in the genre, Rabbit Punch features large, colorful sprites battlings on equally colorful sci-fi horizons, taking on wave after wave of non-sequitur enemies including golem warriors, metallic cats, demonic elements, and giant demon head with a worm for a tongue. As you might have noticed, this entry isn't quite as cartoonish as Konami's Parodius or NMK's Hacha Mecha Fighter, but? it still holds its own in the field of odd design. The international edition of the game removes the bunny girl princesses entirely. Spoilsports.

Rabio Lepus would find its way onto the home market in the form of 1990 PC Engine revamp Rabio Lepus Special, which sports expanded gameplay, new modes, enemies, and weapons. When Bally Midway's Sonic Wings series finally took flight, our long-??eared heroes, (and the princesses), were not forgotten, making several cameo appearances in tribute to the franchise's humble origins.

Rabio Lepus is available to download now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, price??d at around?? $8.

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I live among the creatures of the fight

It's been over a decade since former Capcom producer Yoshinori Ono asked a room of San Diego Comic-Con attendees to literally wave money in the air to "prove" how much they wanted a brand new title in M.I.A. series Darkstalkers. And how many sequels has the Gothic fight franchise seen since that fateful show of dedication? Try zero. The stunt didn't take with the suits, and Darkstalkers remains in ??a shallow grave on the grounds of Capcom HQ.

One thing that Capcom has been showing passion for, however, is retro compilations, having released three such titles in as many years. Today, we're looking at Capcom Fighting Collection, which compiles a fistful of coin-op hits, most of which were not featured in the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, the Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle, Capcom Arcade Stadium, or the incoming, Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium. Did I miss any?

Given the number of CapComComps already available, one would think there was little reason to publish another. But this particular collection does include the Darkstalkers series. In fact, over half of the games featured here star Morrigan and her groovy ghoulies. While Capcom isn't quite prepared to resurrect the series for the modern fighting game market, it is savvy enough to recognize the brand's continued sales ??potential among its starving fanb?ase... Morrigan ain't the only bloodsucker.

Capcom Fighting Collection (PS4 [reviewed], PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Released: June 24, 2022
MSRP: $39.99

The Capcom Fighting Collection consists of 10 coin-op releases that dropped during Capcom's golden '90s age. I'm hesitant to use the term "classics" as, frankly, so few of these releases saw wide circulation, especially when stood against quarter-guzzling releases in the Mortal Kombat, King of Fighters, Tekken, and Capcom's own Street Fighter franchise. In fact, many of these titles saw more popularity in their home releases, finding bigger audiences on the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. People love to bang on about how "obsessed" they were with Darkstalkers but, from experience, it simply wasn't killing it on-site, with most western fighting game players queuing up for X-Men vs. Street Fighter or Tekken 2.

Obviously, that doesn't mean that Darkstalkers/Vampire/Night Warriors isn't deserving of a place in fighting game history �it's a really great, electric franchise, packed out with cool monster characters, Gothic aesthetics, and, of course, one of Capcom's most recognizable sirens, Morrigan Aensland. Here in CFC, players can enjoy the first two entries Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors (1994), and Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge (1995), as well as Vampire Savior, Vampire Hunter 2, and Vampire Savior 2 (1997) �revamps of each other that, essentially, form Darkstalkers 3.

It should be noted that while the first two titles in the series are showing their age in the modern climate, Vampire Savior 2 still kicks all kinds of ass, with a wicked roster of over-the-top characters, gorgeous pixel art animation, and stages that range from the sublime to the vomit-inducing. (Lordy, that space baby). By the time Vampire Savior rose from its grave, Capcom had already begun its love affair with Marvel, and this is reflected in Vampire Savior's magnificently theatrical gameplay, bolstered by its sinister c?harisma and chaotic charm. It's a grim gem, delightful even to the holiest of eyes.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Yb9eu0w5Mk

Speaking of gems, the Capcom Fighting Collection features two further titles that are perhaps best remembered for their home ports rather than their arcade appearances. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo (1996) mixes in Capcom's famous fighters with a block-busting puzzler, with chibi versions of characters such as Sakura, Ryu, Chun-Li, Morrigan, and Felicia fighting it out in tile-dropping madness. It's a typical "match colors" affair, with precise chains causing your chibi avatar to lay down super moves on your opponent, looking for the ultimate K.O. Like so many tile-based puzzlers, SPFIIT has aged well, and is still a lot ??of frantic fun when played ??against savvy opponents.

Sticking with the gem theme, Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix (1997) is perhaps the silliest and cutest title in Capcom's storied history. A one-on-one fighter with a difference, SGFMM (also known as Pocket Fighter) has a who's who of chibi Capcom warriors punch it out in unique, gem-based battles. While on the surface a "Mighty Street Fighter," SGFMM is a little more complex, with the player gathering (or stealing) gems??tones mid-fight to unlock fl?ashy specials, combos, and supers.

The most memorable feature is the "Costume Combo" mechanic, which sees the fighter change into a range of humourous outfits to attack the opponent. Felicia rocks a Mega Man cosplay, Morrigan is a sexy nurse/waitress, Akuma becomes an Olympic swimmer, and Chu?n-Li gets her Jill Valentine on. Honestly, the game was ridiculous then and it is now, but it's still a good time, and once you get the mechanics down, you can have a lot of fun with this fanservice-heavy release.

Once we get past the Darkstalkers and "Gem Fighter" titles, Capcom Fighting Collection gets a little more obscure. Receiving its first-ever home release, Red Earth (1996) is an exceptional?ly unique fighter that attempts to blend fantasy RPGs with 2D fighting games to birth a new genre. While two players can engage in typical one-on-one combat, sporting a roster of frankly bizarre and even nightmarish characters, the single-player mode actually sees the player embark upon a lore-filled fantasy quest, set in the far-off future of 1999.

Red Earth is a meticulous and very deliberate fighting title, rewarding precision and match-up knowledge over button-mashing. It would make waves within the industry for its distinct dual-gameplay and "save game" feature. It is also surprisingly violent by?? Capcom standards, featuring all manner of blood and gore and rewarding the ?player with different endings depending on their blood lust. It's been a long time coming, and its unique concepts make for an eye-opening experience. Thanks for coming.

Much like Red Earth, Cyberbots: Full Metal Madness (1994) is another ambitious release that saw Capcom aiming to redefine the very genre it had popularized. This mech fighter allows players to choose a pilot and one of many distinct mechs, before squaring off in heavy metal warfare. Cyberbots introduced mechanics such as weapon cooldown, reloading, and the damaging of appendages, attempting to capture the epic encounters of animes such as Gundam or Robotech. Oh,?? and one of the pilots is a crying naked woman in a? bubble. Of course.

Both Red Earth and Cyberbots were, from a sales standpoint, a little too ambitious for their own good. While both games have intriguing characters, cool design, and unique mechanics, today they serve as records of experimentation �novel attempts to carry fighters into new territories from both an aesthetic and a gameplay standpoint. It's wonderful to hav?e them archived here in this collection, as they are marvelous curiosities worth playing in their own right. As interesting today as they were 25 years ago.

The package is rounded out with Hyper Street Fighter II: Anniversary Edition... I don't need to write about this again. For full clarity, it is the recently censored version as featured on SF30.

In regards to the package itself, Capcom Fighting Collection is passable, offering a little more meat than the Capcom Arcade Stadium, but not even close to the museum aesthetics of Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. Most of the included titles are tweaked ROM dumps, though a unique Training Mode has been developed for each game. In regards to extras, the tree is a little bare, with merely a few sheets of concept art or marketing materials for each title, and that's it. Both the English a?nd Japanese ROMs are selectable for all games. Frustratingly, the custom controls menu is a little unkind to fight sticks, and I found I needed a pretty clunky setup? to offer buttons for Coin, Start, and the pause menu.

All 10 titles feature online multiplayer via rollback netcode, which essentially means that the Darkstalkers community now has an (official) online version of the series that it can play for life. A useful feature allows players to pick and choose the games they want to play, and CFC will match you up with anybody looking for a match in any of your selected titl??es. I managed to play most of the included titles online during launch week, and can report successful, strong connections. Unfortunately, the available matches tapered off a little as the week progressed, but the players ??are out there.

This is why crossplay (which is not supported in CFC) is a vital part of solidifying communities.

Capcom Fighting Collection features 10 solid fighters, with no real dud among them. Still, one can't help but feel a nagging pang of needlessness, given the existence of Capcom Arcade Stadium and the publisher's other compilations. I'm not sure why all of these titles could not have simply been offered as a paid DLC drop for that release, or for Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium, especially when one considers the lack of extras offered in this package. I'm sure the dedicated Darkstalkers fans will be very happy to have the series readily available on their hard drives. And ultimately, that is the selling point here, whether y?ou waved a? dollar in the air at SDCC or not.

Oh, but if I see a "Capcom Shoot-'Em-Up?? Collection" in 2023... then you're just taking the piss.

Capcom Fighting Collection is a no-frills compilation of the pugilistic publisher's secondary catalog, offering well-aged revisits to Darkstalkers, the gem fighter spin-offs, and some ambitious and intriguing experiments. Outside of its important job as an archival piece, it's a somewhat barebones collection, hurt by lack of crossplay, and? questionable existence given Capcom's established range of compilations. Regardless, it remains a must-buy for all long-suffering Night Warriors.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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Industry mourns key figure in gaming history

Bernie Stolar, former president of Sony Computer Entertainment America and Sega of America, has passed away. The sad news was first announced by Stolar's friends before being verified by news outlet Gamesbeat. He was 75.

Stolar, who first entered the video game industry in 1980, had a stellar career that saw him work alongside multiple gaming giants, often being a key figure in the conception, licensing, and release of some landmark hardwar??e. Getting his break with Atari, Stolar would play a key role in the company's coin-op division, before eventually transitioning to lead developer on the company's handheld console, Atari Lynx.

Later in the 1990s, Stolar would be a founding member of Sony Computer Entertainment America, operating as vice president within the fledgling company and working as a licensor for the formative catalog of the company's new PlayStation brand. Stolar is credited with having brought Crash Bandicoot, Ridge Racer, Battle Arena Toshinden, and Spyro the Dragon to the game-changing console.

Having seen Stolar's success with the brand, Sega of America brought the Californi??an native on board to help develop and launch its next major hardware release, Sega Dreamcast. It was during his time as president and COO of Sega that Stolar acquired studio Visual Concepts, eventually leading to the first iteration of the 2K Sports brand �which still exists today under the ownership of Take-Two Interactive.

Having had a hand in the rise of Atari, PlayStation, Dreamcast, and many other recognized lines, Stolar stepped away from the gaming wing of the industry in the mid-'00s, instead choosing to work within marketing companies such as Adscape Media, GetFugu, and Zoom. While perhaps not as recognizable as s?ome of his more media-facing peers, Stolar's time in the industry was key to the launch of some of the 20th century's most iconic brands. In particular, the successful launch ?of Sony PlayStation changed the entire business almost overnight, and Stolar's role in this cannot be overstated.

We at Destructoid offer our condol??ences to his family and friends.

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Blasts from the Past

Edia, the indie outfit behind the recent Valis: The Fantasm Collection is getting back on board the retro train this week, opening a brand new crowdfunding campaign to secure the budget for a brand new remaster/rerelease of forgotten Nippon Telenet franchise Cosmic Fantasy.

Originally released on PC Engine way back in 1990, Cosmic Fantasy: Adventure Boy Yuu is a dungeon-crawling RPG that focuses on our young protagonist who is forced from a pleasant life of farming to become the leader of an intergalactic space force. As you do. Accompanied by his feline pal Nyan and the beautiful Saya, Yuu embarked ??upon multiple adventures, with the franchise going on to spawn toys, manga, and anime series. It is renowned for its quirky nature, goofy comedic style, and cheesecake "sexy" content.

Cosmic Fantasy: Adventure Boy Yuu would receive a number of sequels and spin-offs, though it seems that Edia's new collection will only be focusing on the original title and its ultra-rare, 1991 TurboGrafx-CD sequel Cosmic Fantasy 2: Adventure Boy Van. The latter title was the only release in the series to see a localized launch outside of Japan, so fans of M.I.A. titles �as well? as the golden age of sci-fi anime �will no doubt be hoping that this collection will find its eventual way to western shores.

Crowdfunding on Makuake, Edia is looking to raise ¥3 million (or roughly $23,000 USD) and seems relatively confident that it will do so, given that the developer has already announced a launch date and price for the finished product. We will be sure to give you a heads up when more information is forthcoming. Cosmic Fantasy Collection is tentatively scheduled to launch in Japan December?? 2022 on Nintendo Swit??ch.

Cosmic Fantasy Collection announced for Switch [Gematsu]

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Legendary studio has something in store

Treasure, the acclaimed studio behind such franchises as Gunstar Heroes, Radiant Silvergun, Bangai-O, and Ikaruga, has announced that it is currently hard at work on a mysterious new game, which it hopes to announce later in 2022 as part of the? developer's 30th-anniversary celebrations.

While the studio �which was originally founded in 1992 by ex-Konami coder Masato Maegawa �has offered no direct information in regards to the new game's IP, form, or genre, Treasure has noted that the project is something that its fans have been requesting for quite some time, which has got the ??company's dedicated, long-time fanbase buzzing with excitement and int??rigue.

//twitter.com/TreasureCoLtd/status/1538446520977985536?s=20&t=9OJM?kYLupw94PAZdA8yaxw

"On June 19, 2022, Treasure celebrated its 30th anniversary!" wrote the developer on its official Twitter. "On this 30th anniversary year, we are working hard in development to announce the highly requested 'that'. Please continue to give Treasure y?our support going forward."

While the tweet makes it sound like the title will be a known entity, such as a sequel or remake, that still leaves a whole lot of mystery up in the air. After all, Treasure's catalog of franchises are all incredibly popular, and fans would be pleased with a sequel to any of the aforementioned games. Of course, we could simply be looking at a major remaster or remake of one of its enduring classics �Ikaruga for example �but frankly, at this stage, I think the fans are just happy ??to see the studio back at it.

Let the speculation commence. We'll be sure to give you the good word when Treasu?re shows its hand.

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Get Reeeeeady... GO!

Fans of SNK's foremost fight franchise The King of Fighters are waking up to some surprising and unexpected news this morning, as it appears that The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match Final Edition is now available to purchase on PS4, mere hours after it popped up on the PEGI ratings board.

Already available on PC via Steam and GOG.com, The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match Final Edition is (allegedly) the last revision of the classic KoF entry, still considered by many to be the most iconic and definitive release in the storied series. KoF '98 Final Edition, originally released in 2014, features a fresh rebala?nce of the game's 64-strong roster of classic characters, along ??with rollback-netcode-powered online play, and a selection of additional modes including Endless, Mission, and Training.

//youtu.be/IkzrUD56DPk

In addition, boutique publisher Pix'n Love has announced that it will open pre-orders on a selection of physical releases next Monday. Options available will include a standard boxed edition of King of Fighters '98 Final Edition on PS4, a Collector's Edition (limited to 2500 copies) with classic Neo Geo-style packaging, and finally, a Deluxe Edition (limited to 200 copies) that also includes an aluminum plate featuring a reproduction of the KoF '98 Final Edition artwork.

All physical releases will launch later in 2022, but if you want in on the limited editions, but sure to put down your pre-order, exclusively on the Pix'n Love store, on Mo?nday, June 27, at 08:00 PT/ 11:00 ET /16:00 BS?T.

The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match Final Edition is available to download now on PS4 and PC.

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Magic and Mystery are part of his history...

Yep, yer boy Chris Moyse is here with more gaming news for those Of A Certain Age. Publisher Leonardo Interactive and developer Smallthings Studios have announced a brand new game starring one of the point 'n' click genre's formative home computing heroes, Simon the Sorcerer!

Neither a remaster nor a remake, Simon the Sorcerer Origins will be a prequel to the original 1993 Adventure Soft classic, as a rebellious young man falls under the tutelage of his friend, guide, and mentor, Calypso. Simon the Sorcerer Origins will retain the exploratory, point 'n' click gameplay of yore, complete with item? puzzles, a wide cast of characters, and a comical, tongue-in-cheek script.

Check out an early development trailer below, courtesy of IGN.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTnK19Ezu7Y

According to L?eonardo Interactive, this officially licensed prequel features slick, cartoonish artworks, and sporting dynamic transitions that allow gameplay to flow seamlessly in and out of cutscenes. As players explore Simon's newfound powers, they will learn of the events that led?? up to his mythical 1990s escapade.

Fresh off of Ron Gibert's recent Return to Monkey Island announcement, point 'n click fans will be stoked to hear of Simon's return. Hopefully, this brand-new adventure will capture the magic and enchantment of its old-school roots. Simon the Sorcerer Origins will la??unch in 2023 on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platforms.

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Tanuki Patootie

Publisher Deck13 has announced a release date for retro-inspired 3D platformer Lunistice. The anthropo?morphic adventure game will launch on PC and Nintendo Switch on September 2.

Developed by super-indie outfit A Grumpy Fox, Lunistice recalls the early efforts of the 3D platforming genre, and is reminiscent of the sort of titles that would appear on the PlayStation and Sega Saturn in the genre's formative days. The game concerns our fuzzy hero Hanna the Tanuki, who will run, jump, and fight their way through seven of their own wild and characterful dreams. Lunistice was originally designed with the speedrunning community in mind, s?o look forward to fast & fluent gameplay that rewards precision movement and smart stage traversal.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb-tQGSnDvQ

Lunistice has taken a long and twisty road to completion, having started out as a 2D platformer, then becoming an N64-style rail shooter, and also running through several different game engines and even titles! But it seems that both A Grumpy Fox and Deck13 are happy and confident with the game's current development direction, and have thus dropped a fresh new trailer along with a final launch date. It certainly looks authentic to the Crash Bandicoots and Jumping Flashes of old, so fans of polygonal action might want to keep?? an eye out for Han??na's eventual debut.

Lunistice launches September 9 on PC (on Steam and GOG) and Ni??ntendo Switch.

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Can't wait to check out his whirlwind attack

As you all know, being dedicated video game fans, all iconic characters grow from the smallest nuggets of inspiration. Link, Samus, Max Payne, Monty Mo??le, Manic Miner, all of these fictional gaming stars once fizzled into existence from the inside of a developer's cortex �though many of them understandably went through a lot of design and personality tweaks before they were in our sweaty hands.

Well, ??except for Manic Miner, he was based on a true story.

Case in point: This fun concept document was recently unearthed for your favorite Sonic the Hedgehog character, (NAME). As posted by dedicated fansite SEGAbits, the studio memo introduces Sega employees to a funky new character set to take Sonic's universe by storm??, According to the writeup, he's pretty much Sonic's equal in all matters, and though he doesn't?? have our hero's "smart-aleck" attitude, the new, red-stained character remains "the best all-round athlete" on the island!

Simply put, (NAME) is the original echidna from?? hell, in fact, he's a totally outrageou?s paradigm!

(NAME) will be featured in the upcoming (see "1994") Sega Mega Drive release, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, where he will act as the Chaos Emerald's lone guardian �convinced by someone called "Dr. Robotnick"  (Dr. RobotSIC) �that The Blue Blur is an enemy of the people, and must be stopped at all cost. Get off of Facebook, (NAME), it's filling your... high, spindl?y dreadlocks... with?? propaganda!

(NAME) will not attack Sonic the Hedgehog directly, but can steal Power Rings, destroy roads, and cause chaos with his iconic Whirlwind Attack... So that's why this famous toy is designed as such. Don't worry, explains the document, as the two running buddies will become firm friends, thus spoiling the plot of a movie that ??is still nearly 30 years away from being released.

We'll see (NAME) in action when Sonic the Hedgehog 3 launches, February 2, 1994, on Sega Mega Drive.

//twitter.com/SEGAbits/status/150533938?6585616384?s=20&t=JFiYX2ihuk1pAABWNo30Dg

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No, not that anime

The '90s were a fine heyday for fighting game-based anime �we got tubular movies and OVAs in the form of Street Fighter II, Street Fighter Alpha, Fatal Fury, The King of Fighters, and even Capcom's monsteriffic mashup, Darkstalkers, in the form of 1997 release Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge.

And you spring chickens for whom 1997 seems like the "black-and-white" years, you're in luck, as distribu??tor Discotek Media has announced that it will be releasing all four chapters of the c?lassic anime on Blu-ray this coming May, fully remastered and shining in the light of the full moon like never before.

//twitter.com/??discotekmedia/status/1503550781282127872?s=20&t=JT9N257wTM_64Gx7PSRKPA

As well as featuring sparkling new audio and video quality, (presented in HD for the first time), the Night Warriors: Darkstalkers Revenge Blu-ray will also sport newly corrected subtitles, (featuring both the characters' Japanese and English name variants), Japanese/English voice tracks, an art gallery, trailers, and clean versions of the OVA's intro/outro sequences �so you can enjoy Eikichi Yazawa's "The Trouble Man" in all of its glory. The Blu-ray also comes housed in very attractive packaging.

Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge launches on Blu-ray May 2022. Pre-orders are now live over at RightStufAnime. For specific release dates, be sure to stay tuned to the official Discotek Media Twitter.

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Lend them a hand

I know that you're all frothing at the mouth for news of that rumored Glover comeback, but I'm afraid I just don't have anything for you right now. I can tell you, however, that the fingered fanatic will be making a return to PC next month, via?? a Steam re?release of their original 1998 platform adventure.

Originally launching on PC and Nintendo 64, Glover sees the titular?? magical glove embark upon a hazardous quest to rescue their owner: a wizard who has unfortunately turned themselves to stone following a spell gone wrong. And thus, accompanied by a handy rubber ball, our brave glove traverses 30 stages of 3D platforming action, dodging traps, bashing baddies, and locating the mystical gems that will restore life to their hapless master.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl_Xp4DuSII

Developed by home-coding legends The Oliver Twins (of Dizzy fame) Glover did not exactly set the 3D platforming world on fire upon its release, but still entertained plenty of fans with its colorful visuals, cutesy style, and smart integration of glove-and-ball based puzzle work. While this rerelease should be necessarily considered a full bells-and-whistles remaster, Publisher Piko Interactive has noted that the Steam edition will be a fresh build from the original N64 source code, and will feature some (as ye??t undisclo??sed) improvements.

As for a full Glover remake or sequel... Well, perhaps this very rerelease will pave the way, or at least tell Piko whether or not there is a call for such a project. That's how it worked for Kao the Kangaroo, which is set to receive a full remaster specifically becaus?e its Steam re-release was such a surprising success.

Glover launches on PC (via Steam) April 20.

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The next wave of Humongous Entertainment adventure games is rolling out on Feb. 10

It's strange to get amped up about new versions of old games that I'm highly unlikely to play as a weary adult, but that's nostalgia for ya. Building on the recent Nintendo Switch ports of Putt-Putt Travels Through Time and Freddi Fish 3: The Case of the Stolen Conch Shell, Nintendo fans of a certain age will be able to revisit four more '90s Humongous Entertainment adventures like Spy Fox and Pajama Sam, including one of my favorites.

The Nintendo Switch eShop is getting four Humongous games on February 10:

• Pajama Sam: No Need to Hide When It's Dark Outside
• Pajama Sam 2: Thunder And Lightning Aren't So Frightening
• Spy Fox in Dry Cereal
• Putt-Putt Saves the Zoo

If you're enticed at all, there's going to be a launch-window discount with 20 percent off from February 3 through February 17, 2022. So instead of $14.99 ?a pop, they'll be $11.99.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s-nTfDyiKQ

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPJ5uW4_1G8

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCjxN6nk-G4

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=a74aU9W9mwI

My favorite of these childhood point-and-click adventures games is the last on the list �way back when, they?? drew me in with the "roam around a zoo" premise, and I have fond memories to this day. There's one se?ction, in particular, I always mentally jump to.

[caption id="attachment_306856" align="alignnone" width="1280"] _{*So much* time was wasted here.}[/caption]

That said, Humongous had a wide impact on young? gamers' formative years. I'm sure some of you will prefer? the antics of Spy Fox or Pajama Sam over the talking purple car.

In gaming and elsewhere, '90s nostalgia is big right now, and considering that the Humongous catalog has already taken root on Steam, eying up the Nintendo eShop seems like a fairly safe bet. While there's plenty of potential for more waves, I think this running list �a bit of Pajama Sam, Spy Fox, Putt-Putt, and Freddi Fish �is a pretty well-rounded start to getting the Humongous En?tertai??nment library established on Switch.

Putt-Putt Goes to the Moon would be my next choice. It was the "clas??sic" in my household.

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What a pleasant surprise

Putt-Putt and Freddi Fish are coming back �again! While a bunch of '90s edutainment adventure games from the Humongous Entertainment catalog got a new lease on life with easily accessible Steam releases, it's time to move into the console space. Two games, Putt-Putt Travels Through Time and Freddi Fish 3: The Case of the Stolen Conch Shell, will rele??ase on the Nintendo Switch eShop on January 3, 2022. Re??member Pep?

You can find both games on the eShop today, ahead of their launch, and as announced on Twitter, there's a discount. Putt-Putt Travels Through Time and Freddi Fish 3 will normally cost $14.99 each on Switch �a premium compared to the PC versions on Steam �but they're $11.99 until January 10. (Speaking of which, there's?? a big Stea?m sale right now.)

For some, this will be a nice surprise �a throwback to simpler times. For others, well, I guess you had to be there. I played a few Humongous games in my day, enough that these names are nostalgic, but never these specific entries. Funny enough, I've wondered before what the conveyor belt puzzle game Pajama Sam's Sock Works might be like on Switch.

Admittedly, Nintendo Switch probably won't be the ideal way to play '90s-era point-and-click adventure games, but I can see some folks around ?my age getting bit by the nostalgia bug, especially if they've now got fa??milies of their own. The circle is complete.

Even if you've got zero interest in Putt-Putt or Freddi Fish on Switch, you have to admit, it's nice when games like this aren't left to slowly fade away �assuming the ports are up to snuff, of course. It seems as if UFO Interactive is testing the waters with what should be sure bets, so we'll see if there's enough interest to warrant Switch releases of Spy Fox and Pajama Sam?. It'd be fun to rediscover the whole collection with fresh eyes.

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He's a totally outrageous paradigm

While nobody raised an eyebrow that Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, and other big bucks mascot adventurers all made successful comebacks, it has been a little more surprising to see the return of lesser-remembered platforming superstars such as Bubsy Bobcat, Kao the Kangaroo, Zool, and Ty the Tasmanian Tiger. Well, it seems we mig??ht h??ave another name to add to the list, with a rumor that Square Enix might be preparing a return for '90s nobody, Gex.

The whispers started after Square Enix filed a new European trademark for the brand, (as spotted by the eagle-eyes of Gematsu). While this does not necessarily confirm the existence of plans for the 'tuded lizard boi, it should be noted that Square Enix has spoken of its plans to release new titles based on classic Eidos IPs. These titles are expected to arrive in the form of sub-label "Square Enix Collective", and a Gex remaster, remake, or new sequel would certainly fit this bill. Of course, old trademarks get refreshed and revitalized on a weekly basis, but the timing, aligned with so many '90s platforming comebacks, has certainly got the Gex fanbase flicking their tails with excitement.

In hindsight, I regret that last sentence.

If a new Gex title did emerge, it would be the first release for the franchise since 1999's Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko, by which point our hero had someone been tu?rned into some bizarre, bootleg, "James Bond" type (who is also Stone Cold Steve Austin and also Austin Powers?) complete with UK lad's mag attitude and a human girlfriend. If I reme?mber correctly, they actually fuck at the climax of that game. Jesus Christ.

Whether Gex 4, a Gex remake, a Gex remastered trilogy, or a Gex nothing-at-all are on the horizon remain??s to be seen, but we'll be sure to give you the heads up should anyone at Square Enix decide that the time is right for scaly secret agent's comeback.

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Turn Back Time

In an industry of glum news, it's a happy story. A modest story, sure, but a happy one all the same. Way back in 1992, Wonder Boy developer Westone Bit Entertainment received news from publisher Sega that production was to cease on its upcoming arcade platformer Clockwork Aquario. While the cute 'n' colorful title was just a sliver from release, it was decided that the scene had moved on, with the kids' quarters now being poured into brawlers and fighting games. In a world of Ryus and Scorpions �and with Sonic and Super Mario Bros. cornering the platform market �em> Clockwork Aquario was consigned to the vaults, never to see its day in t?he sun.

And yet, here we are. It's three decades later, I'm three decades older, and somehow I'm reviewing Clockwork Aquario for the good ship Destructoid. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of publishers ININ Games and Strictly Limited Games �who have spent the last two years digging up the source code, acquiring the rights, and even going as far as to reassemble members of the original development team �this long-lost release can finally be experienced, just a tad late to the party. Clockwork Aquario is one of the "lucky ones." Who knows how many dusty games lie in dusty attics, canceled just a smidgen shy of completion? Every single relocated game represents a tiny bit of an industry, an art form, and a hobby �our hobby �lovingly restored.

And even if the game itself doesn't turn out to be a true gem, at least we might get a Guinness World Record out of it.

Clockwork Aquario (PS4 [reviewed], Nintendo Switch)
Developer: Westone Bit Entertainment
Publisher: ININ Games, Strictly Limited Games
Released: December 14, 2021
MSRP: $19.99

Right from the off, Clockwork Aquario is a reminder of arcade gaming of old, a time when backstory and a time when plot was iterated in seconds, gaping holes be damned. In this instance, a lightning-fast attract mode informs us that the world is under siege from devious fish Dr. Hangyo, who has risen up from the depths to attack our plane??t, (and kick over childrens' sandcastles), with the he?lp of his mechanical (Clockwork) undersea (Aqua) army. In order to save the world from this fishy fate, three intrepid heroes venture into Dr. Hangyo's undersea kingdom of Aquario to shut down the mad mechanic's devious scheme. It goes without saying, this was a much simpler time in regard to video game narratives �Abby Anderson would shit bricks.

Thus begins Clockwork Aquario, an almost unbearably cute, side-scrolling platform adventure, designed for a world that had given rise, (and oodles of cash), to franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Bros., Zool, and even Bubsy the Bobcat. Combining elements of its genre brethren, then splashed with lashings upon lashings of Konami/Taito-style Japanese charm, Clockwork Aquario sees one or two players take up the role of three distinct heroes �proto-steampunk kid Huck Londo, pink-haired cutie-pie Elle Moon, and rotund robot Gush �before embarking on a madcap journey into Dr. Hangyo's world, laying waste to his wind-up warrior?s and... erm... popping lots of balloons. I don't get the last bit.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YbN_pnWass

Clockwork Aquario, it has to be said, does not rewrite the book on platformers. Featuring large, colorful sprites, a relatively fast pace, head-bouncing attacks, invulnerability power-ups, and a helluva lot of jumping, Westone Bit's final release certainly ticks all of the boxes required by the side-scrolling releases of its day. What this arcade does bring to the party, however, is bagfuls of charm, absolutely delightful sprite work, and some lavish and superbly detailed backgrounds. Clockwork Aquario is, without doubt, a great-looking game that, despite its age, can effectively charm the player with its cute charisma, cartoonish personality, and whimsical soundtrack. One can almost compare its style to that of WayForward's catalog today. Despite its age, Aquario's ch?aracters, enemies, bosses, and l??ocales are highly impressive.

The gameplay itself is a standard ??affair. Our heroes dash from left to right, leaping chasms and dispatching villains with a solid slap or a good, old-fashioned head-bounce. Once stunned, a villain can then be picked up and tossed, Koopa-shell style, at other enemies. Valuable score pickups, extra lives, and invulnerability power-ups are awarded for chained attacks. It's a slick system, and it can be very satisfying combining slaps, tosse??s, and head-bounces to efficiently clear a screen of enemies. Take a hit, and your chosen character looks a little worse for wear, take another hit, and it's ghost town.

The play??er presses ever-forward, negotiating the environment and bashing bad guys en route to a confrontation with each stage's sub-boss, before facing off against Dr. Hangyo in one of his monstrous contraptions. In keeping with the Aquario?? aesthetic, the baddies are all of the undersea variety, from crabs and oysters, to squid, eels, and barracudas �all delightfully designed with that '90s anime aesthetic... All big tears and bursting blood vessels. Cute game. Real cute game.

Of course, it has to be clearly stated that as an arcade title, Clockwork Aquario can be finished in almost no time whatsoever. It is mostly up to the player to provide their own challenge by strictly limiting (no pun intended) the number of continues made available to them. This very nature of re-releasing a game initially designed to be played in ?30-??odd minutes gives way to one unfortunate inevitability of this entire project: $20 for a 20-30 minute game, designed with three-decade-old sensibilities, is a big ask. The price is likely a necessity, given that the publisher will look to make a return (or at least break even) on the investment spent on making this lost release a reality. Add to that the niche audience factor, and the publishers will be looking to squeeze every dollar they can.

Aside from the main game, there isn't a whole lot of bang for your buck here. There is a restored bonus round for two players, a small gallery, a music player complete with awesome remixes of Clockwork Aquario's fab score, and a selection of screen filters for those who dig their scanlines, CRT curves, and fuzzy pixel filters. Ultimately, the player is mostly recuperating for the restoration itself, an expensive task that saw the publishing team pull Clockwork Aquario from the edge of oblivion. This makes the title a hard sell for your average video game buyer in gaming's ninth generation?.

Fortunately, for the historians and retro fans among us, Clockwork Aquario is a fun title. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it plays great, looks wonderful, and sounds splendid. I found myself instantly transported to a world of Tumble Pops and Pangs, of Rainbow Islands, New Zealand Stories, and all of the other brash and colorful games that lit up the dingy walls of the arcade. In 2021, I don't expect Clockwork Aquario to be a smash hit, and I certainly don't expect people to "take a chance on it" at $20. But for those who care about video game preservation, those who can afford to support the cause, or those who just really love old-school platform gaming, an enjoyable ?trip to the past awaits you.

Clockwork Aquario is here. 30 years late, but soaked in old-school style. Westone Bit Entertainment's final release would not win any awards for originality, but offers a short, fun, and attractive journey to the halcyon days of the '90s arcade renaissance. The package on offer is a little thin, and the price will be a tad high for ??the average player's t?aste, but important work has been done by publishers ININ Games and Strictly Limited �here's hoping they will be rewarded in kind.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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RIP DisneyQuest and most Microsoft Stores

Back in the '90s, corporations had tons of cash to toss at elaborate "store" concepts. Some of those still exist now, but this is when DisneyQuest reigned supreme, before the second location shut down in 2001. A physical PlayStation Store thoug??h? Never been. Though it looks like a place I wanted to be in 1999, and is appropri??ately era-elaborate.

This physical PlayStation Store existed at The Metreon in San Francisco, so some of you may have even been to it! It actually lived until 2009, so it had a good run. Three photos of the store have been floating around Twitter this week, traced back to the Shift-Suite blog: they are the most 1999-looking thing I've seen in a long time. Look, I'm a sucker for '90s kitsch. Straight-up, this concept rules. This is just two years after the first Men in Black film, and it shows with some of the orb design in the third imag??e.

The giant demo stations with the springing controller rods, the PlayStation merchandi??se on display, the bar-style atm??osphere with tons of discs in a sealed case, and the clear window concept: it's calling to me like a siren's song. Obviously it would evolve over time, and the 2000s and the PS2 era were very different, but this snapshot will live in my memory forever.

//twitter.com/3CC0__/status/1470890730260475914

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The 16-bit space opera is back

Just in case you aren't already awash in classic shmup action this year, Ratalaika Games has announced that the dramatic Sega Mega Drive release Gleylancer will be getting a rerelease on modern pla?tforms next week. The 16-bit epic will blast off once again on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platforms on October 15, priced at around $?7.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho4udXNHAQY

Originally released in 1992 exclusively for the Sega console, Gleylancer, (or "Gley Lancer" in some circles), is a sci-fi?? themed, horizontally scrolling shmup, and sees players jetting into the outer reaches of the galaxy in a laser-blastin' battle against an unknown alien force.

Set in the far-off future of *checks notes* 2025, Gleylancer turned heads at release for its narrative-heavy approach to the shmup genre, as young pilot Lucia turns rogue and hijacks the titular vessel in order to rescue her father, ?seemingly ??captured by the intergalactic menace.

The new release of Gleylancer is mostly unchanged from its 1992 iteration, but does include new accessibility features and an overhauled control system �affording starfighters smoother access to the Gleylancer's trademark weapon and speed cycle systems. While highly regarded by critics and fans at launch �particularly for its cinematic approach to arcade action �Gleylancer is undoubte?dly showing its age a tad today, but still features some cool design and delightfully warming ret??ro aesthetics.

At less than ten bucks, it's worth checking out for the dedicated shmup head, pi??qued with curiosity at this literal blast from the past.

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