Classic Replay

What is it?   Feeling nostalgic for the golden days of the Mega Drive? Before Nintendo's Game Boy ruled the scene, there was Sega's Nomad—the Mega Drive that (almost) fit in your pocket. Only released in America, the Nomad was a portable version of Sega's 16-bit masterpiece. It was about the size of a chunky paperback book and heavier than your average Harry Potter novel. This pocket-sized powerhouse let you play Genesis (US Mega Drive) games on the go, with its six-button controller, a port for an external second controller, two AV outputs, a large built-in 3-inch colour screen, and the option to plug it into your TV at home. The only downside? It couldn't accommodate your beloved 32X and Sega peripherals. But hey, being able to play Toki on the toilet? Totally worth it! Why you should want one Genesis cartridges, including most UK and Japanese ones with an adapter, are still easily accessible and won't break the bank. Games you really should get From Ghouls 'n...

  The Sharp X68000: A Retro Gaming Gem The Sharp X68000 is a legendary Japanese computer system that has earned a special place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts. Released in 1987 , this 32-bit powerhouse was ahead of its time, offering arcade-quality graphics and sound that were unmatched by other home systems of the era A Brief History The X68000 was named after its Motorola 68000 CPU , which was also used in other iconic systems like the Atari ST, Amiga, Sega Genesis, and Neo Geo. Despite its high price tag, the X68000 became a success in Japan, finding its way into many homes and becoming a favourite among gamers and developers alike Standout Features One of the most remarkable aspects of the X68000 was its ability to deliver arcade-perfect ports . The system's architecture was similar to Capcom's CPS-1 arcade boards, making it an ideal platform for bringing arcade hits to the home. This capability allowed the X68000 to host some of the best and most faithful arcad...

Commodore 64 Year Released: 1982  Manufacturer: Commodore Did you know? There are numerous underground sites dedicated to keeping the Commodore 64 alive and thriving. Check out C64.com and the more recent C64 Online Emulator . What is it? In the 80s, you were either an Amstrad, Spectrum, or Commodore kid. The C64 boasted a whopping 64K of memory, incredible sound, 16 colours, and superb hi-res graphics (for its time). It was also many kids' first experience with an online network when Commodore released the Compunet Modem, allowing them to spend all night downloading demos and chatting with other like-minded gaming fans. Why do I need it? For a treasure trove of original games that are still worth playing today. Titles like The Eidolon , Creatures , Wizball , and Ballblazer are some of the best and earliest games from Lucasfilm. Their first release, Rescue On Fractalus , used a pioneering technique to generate a believable 3D landscape - finding a 'Jaggi' enemy hammerin...

You can't beat an epic two-player experience! My earliest memory of a two-player game is playing Gauntlet on the Amstrad CPC with my cousin. We would spend hours on it, and then came Deeper Dungeons with 500 more levels, many of which were fan-made and from the developers themselves. Another early memory is Target Renegade, a fantastic game that was even better with a friend. It actually improved over the arcade original and then some. Then came Gryzor, and I was blown away. The home conversion I had was far from arcade perfect, but it allowed you to team up with a friend, which was a game-changer for the time in both depth of gameplay and cooperative action. But there were many more. Here's my list of favourite two-player games.  10. Gauntlet (1985): This dungeon crawler was a hit in arcades, allowing up to four players to team up and battle through hordes of enemies. Its cooperative gameplay and unique character classes made it a standout. 9. Contra (Gryzor UK) (1987): Known ...

Back in 1993, 32 years ago, SEGA licensed a machine powered by a 32-bit Intel 80386SX CPU running at 25 MHz. At the time, the Intel DX2 and Pentium processors were just emerging, with the DX2 released in March 1992 and the Pentium in March 1993. Unfortunately, Amstrad's offering came a bit too late to make a significant impact. However, it was upgradable to 16MB of RAM and featured a 40MB hard drive, along with SVGA graphics boasting 256KB of RAM. There were plans to release a Cyrix 486 model, but it's unclear if it ever made it to market. The Amstrad Mega PC had potential, but several factors could have made it more successful: Better Timing: Releasing the Mega PC earlier, before the dominance of more powerful 486 and Pentium CPUs, could have given it a competitive edge. Improved Performance: Upgrading the CPU to a 486 or even a Pentium would have made it more appealing to consumers looking for better performance. Competitive Pricing: Offering the Mega PC at a more affordab...

In the ever-evolving world of technology, few brands have managed to maintain their relevance and charm quite like the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. This iconic 8-bit home computer, first released in 1982, continues to captivate the hearts and minds of enthusiasts around the globe. But what is it about the ZX Spectrum that keeps it so firmly rooted in modern-day life? Nostalgia: A Powerful Force Nostalgia plays a significant role in the enduring appeal of the ZX Spectrum. For many, it represents a simpler time when gaming was in its infancy, and the thrill of loading a game from a cassette tape was unmatched. The ZX Spectrum was more than just a computer; it was a gateway to countless adventures and a source of endless creativity. The memories of those early gaming experiences continue to resonate with fans, keeping the brand alive and well. Social Media Presence In today's digital age, the ZX Spectrum has found a new lease of life on social media platforms. Hashtags related to the ZX Spec...

Golden Axe, a classic hack-and-slash game developed by Sega, has left an indelible mark on the gaming world since its release in 1989. Let's explore its journey across different platforms and see how it fared.  Arcade   Golden Axe made its debut in arcades, captivating players with its engaging gameplay and fantasy setting.  The arcade version is often hailed as the best iteration, thanks to its smooth controls, vibrant graphics, and immersive sound. It set the standard for beat-'em-up games and remains a beloved classic. Sega Mega Drive/Genesis The Sega Mega Drive (or Genesis in North America) brought Golden Axe to home consoles. While not a perfect port, it retained much of the arcade's charm and added two extra levels and new play modes. This version became a staple for Mega Drive owners and is fondly remembered for its faithful adaptation. Golden Axe on 16-bit Computers Golden Axe, the iconic hack-and-slash game, made its way to various 16-bit computers, including the...

I found this old Nintendo article the other day, I took it from a free a mag, called Shortlist from back in September 2015. They basically interviewed Shigeru Miyamoto (director and designer) from Nintendo. The article gives massive insight Shigeru Miyamoto and the people who worked with him, it's reassuring to know that the people testing the game just didn't want to go home, played it into the wee hours of the morning, obviously up and being paid overtime for ironing out all of those nasty mushrooms bugs. Anyway, below you'll find a high-resolution scan of the entire article, hopefully, you'll enjoy reading it as much as I did...

Saw this article a while back in Computer Shopper and absolutely loved it. This scan is from issue 348, I had no idea they featured a retro-inspired article once a month in their magazine, I definitely didn't expect to find it here whilst browsing for the latest gadgets. You can click on the image to make it full screen and read it first hand, but it is nice to see a feature on the stuff we grew up with from the eighties. The article talks about the Amstrad models, the 128K Plus 3 with disk drive is the one I had, but I did originally have access to a 48K model, every time we visited my cousin (2-3 times a week) The writer also takes a well-earned playground swipe at Commodore 64 owners, some thirty years later... Great stuff! Make sure you check it out. Well, hopefully, you'll enjoy and it will bring back some amazing childhood memories. It certainly did for me. This guy is a great writer, so look forward to reading more of his articles in future.  

If you dig through old ZX Spectrum, Commodore and Amstrad magazines, you'll find interviews and a whole treasure trove of information from our long lost almost forgotten past. It's slow going, plod like almost, but every once in a while you might come across something that you've never seen or heard of before, things that can't be found on the internet. For example; I've searched high and low on the internet for information about old game sales i.e. Units sold for my favourite 8-bit games, across many formats, but unfortunately this consistently turns up nowt. However, this hasn't deterred me, my mission is to seek out old information pertaining to these forgotten classics, the information is out there, but mixed up in a mass of detail. I'm quietly convinced this slug like approach has legs, heck I've even approached ex-programmers in a bid to find out as much information as humanly possible. With that in mind, this is what I've uncovered thus far, ...

How a new Dizzy game might look on the Amstrad CPC... I’ve always thought that the Dizzy series, when taken in its entirety, is as wonderful, wacky and varied as anything you see in a Sonic or Mario adventure. But our egg-headed friend desperately needs a comeback, and a Mario game mixed with the speed of a Sonic adventure might just be the ticket to bring Dizzy kicking and screaming back from the success of the 80's. Dizzy is a sleeping giant; why can't Codies see this? He should be up there with Sonic and Mario in terms of brand and mascot; it's almost criminal to keep him under wraps like this. Now for the weird part... He could be revived on the Amstrad CPC, the true home of Dizzy. He could use the Amstrad’s hardware scroll, as seen in Killer Cobra - look at the speed that game runs at! Now just imagine replacing the main sprite with an egg, then force upon him the laws of gravity, stick a rocket up his arse and watch him go. I can just see him now, rolling, bounci...

Ouch! £7.99. FFS! Screw you Nintendo! That's bloody expensive, but take my money you dirty rotten scoundrels. But know this, I'll forever hold a grudge against you. It's quite sickening what Nintendo have gone and done here, they've given us the first few levels for free, hooked me in, and then fleeced me of £7.99 of hard earned sterling. I'm already addicted (business as usual Nintendo)! The lure and temptation are too much with the first four levels being bloody brilliant, easy to control and capture you from the start. I'm enjoying it, but that price has left a bitter sickness deep within. The world tour mode, the only one I've discovered thus far, appears to consist of only six measly worlds, with four sections within each and the "end level" boss at the end of each section. The first world is easily pushed aside but does enough to prepare you for the trials that lie ahead. The second world reminds me why I hate Mario games; it's not...

Have you ever wondered what Amstrad CPC games were exclusive to the Amstrad CPC? The list below is what I know of, some of the games below are truly awful, but then again, there's quite a few games I wouldn't have missed for the world. This is by no means a definitive list of exclusives, and in most cases, you can find these games on the Amiga, ST and Consoles, but you won't find 'em on the ZX Spectrum or C64 (That's if I've done my homework correctly).  There's some real classic amongst this lot, Bumpy is brilliant, as is Bactron and D.Day is a masterclass in arcade strategy. I also found a game I never knew existed in 'Dempsey and Makepeace' a classic cop series set in the 80s. But the jewel in the crown for me is Get Dexter. Star Driver needs to be checked out if you've never played it, it scrolls along like a mode 7 game, the scrolling technique from the SNES, and if you think you're ready for a challenge, try Builderland, it needs...

I’m sitting here staring at a blank white Microsoft Word background. My head is swimming with random retro thoughts, however, I haven’t got a clue where I’m gonna go with this, but I'll give it a shot.  I've currently been thinking about all these new remakes i.e. The NES, Megadrive and five hundred other devices that are currently available or incoming. Initially, I was really excited by it all, but in essence, these are just more lumps of plastic that I’ve already collected. In 2016, shouldn't we be able to play all our favourite games on a single platform? For sure we have the PC and Raspberry Pie, but I’m thinking more along the lines of a SEGA console that plays all SEGA games, for example; SMS, Megadrive, Game Gear, 32X, Saturn, and Dreamcast all in one lovely lump of Japanese plastic. The same goes for Nintendo, Atari and any other console manufacturer, sick of the prospect of buying yet another lump of plastic and feeling restricted to only one genre of consol...

Most people associate gaming with kids' classics like Outrun, Space Harrier and Streets of Rage are games that have lived on and continue to live on through adults. Nowadays, it feels as if SEGA has tapped into this and is on a mission to re-release most of their prized possessions, such as PowerDrift, a perfect racer in which you race across all sorts of weird and wonderful structures, or the legendary Outrun, it took me years to properly master this Yu Suzuki classic, it was like no other racer in the world. But it's the imminent arrival of Turbo Outrun that has me real excited, it's not quite "Outrun" I mean you can't really compare the two, for example, the sequel is more of an atmospheric hi-octane race, that transports the player through nearly every road-like extremity. Gone are the branching paths and selectable soundtracks, but it does have better graphics and more features, including upgrading your car between stages, and more importantly, you can...

In a surprising turn of events, Sega has authorised TecToy to bring back their classic Sega Megadrive console in limited edition form. Brazil is the first place the console will be launched, and TecToy are already taking orders. It looks exactly like the classic design of the 90s original, only this time includes an SD Card slot and 22 (allegedly) unforgettable games. TecToy are calling it an 'historic moment' "...but what do you think? Is Sega simply cashing in? Or is this great news for Sega fans?".   Personally, I will probably end up buying one given the chance. I know there's lots of other more affordable alternatives, such as the 'EverDrive', 'Raspberry Pie' and the 'PC' for emulation, but for me you can't beat an original lump of plastic, and that is exactly what this is, with an SD Card bolted on.   For more information... See below link or watch launch trailer http://www.tectoy.com.br/pre-venda-mega-drive-e...

Just a few thoughts on the tribute game made with AGD, for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. It's great and everything, but I'm confused? I'm still a massive fan of the original Donkey Kong arcade-style platformer from the 1980's. It is said to be the game that launched the career of Shigeru Miyamoto, but more importantly, Mario and Donkey Kong. The game went on to give Nintendo international stardom, with Miyamoto creating a legacy so powerful, that Nintendo and Japan should pray daily for his continued existence. However, Donkey Kong Jnr wasn't a great sequel, in fact, Miyamoto himself thinks it's a weaker game. It sold well, but so did the USGOLD home conversion of Outrun, so sales don't really mean diddly squat, in regards to us gaming enthusiasts. I did like the way this game reversed the characters roles, with Kong now caged and Mario becoming the antagonist. The game featured a good premise as well, instead of ...

#Bigtrak gave us a glimpse into the future, it felt like cutting edge entertainment, and late seventies kids were the first to own their very own robot. At the time, TV advertisements showed it effortlessly, but very slowly delivering apples and other items to parents. You'd see it carefully navigating around a dog or cat, narrowly avoiding a flight of stairs, firing a laser, before dropping off its payload to an unsuspecting parent. What made Bigtrak really cool, is that you pre-coded it with a set of instructions, up to sixteen commands and three laser blasts, and it obeyed. You watched in awe as it cleverly followed your preset path. I tried all sorts of manoeuvres that would potentially scupper Bigtrak in its tracks, going up ramps, driving along steep ledges, but mostly used it to terrorise our dog. If you were lucky enough, Bigtrak came with an optional trailer, allowing you to impress friends by...

"Don't bother with consoles, buy games for your PC instead", I was told recently; I laughed it off. You see, my time spent playing games on the PC has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. Before I explain why, I need to refer back to my first ever home computer, The ZX Spectrum and games such as Ant Attack, Death Chase and Sabre Wolf, which left a lasting impression and pushed the machine to its limits. Later on, around 1984, I transitioned to the Amstrad CPC. There were some really great games, Prince of Persia, Operation Wolf, and Renegade, to name but a few. I ain't gonna lie, I developed a sheer hatred for Speccy ports and the amount of games that forced me to play out my survival tactics in a small restricted window. This, for the most part, we're told was an absolute necessity, because in order to get the likes of Operation Wolf and Wec-Le Mans running comparatively near to the standard of the arcade original, something had to give, and that...

This is without question, the best fucking Snowboarding game ever made! Thrilling beyond belief, there's a good variety of extreme snowboarders and customisable kit to choose from.  This is the N64's finest hour, after Mario 64, Goldeneye, Zelda, ExciteBike 64, Bomberman 64, Banjo-Kazooi, Donkey Kong 64, StarFox 64, Mario Kart 64...  There's a sequel on the GameCube 'Avalanche', but the original is superlative in comparison. I mean seriously... the presentation... music and graphics are truly inspirational for the time. I didn't know the N64 had it in her. Big ballsy polygons fly about at phenomenal speed, with wonderfully detailed scenery and character animation.   There're about five or six modes, but the meat is in the arcade race, where you can race against the computer opponents or friends. The computer AI is set across three difficulty levels, on the highest setting, the only way to secure a win is to find the alternative routes within an...