July 16-23 Retrospective: Epochal Game Releases Across the Decades

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23 July, 2023

Jin from Ghost of Tsushima in hamletian pose

The Genesis of Icons: Sonic, Street Fighter, and Mario

Our journey begins with the arcade classic Donkey Kong, which made its North American debut on July 16, 1981. Developed by Nintendo, this game introduced the world to the now-iconic characters of Mario (then known as Jumpman) and Donkey Kong. Its mix of platforming and puzzle-solving mechanics laid the groundwork for many games that followed.

10 years later Sonic the Hedgehog, debuting on Sega Genesis on July 26, 1991. Sonic, Sega’s fast-paced mascot, quickly became an icon. Many platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, feature his high-speed adventures.

Next is Street Fighter II, pioneering the fighting genre on July 17, 1992. Released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, it’s been re-released on modern consoles and PC. It’s famed for its combo systems and character-specific moves.

The Era of Strategic Combat: Starcraft and Mega Man

Starcraft: Brood War took us to the cosmos on July 18, 1998. Initially for Windows and Macintosh, a remastered version later arrived for Windows and macOS. It reintroduced this iconic real-time strategy game to a new generation.

Mega Man Battle Network dialed us into the digital world on July 20, 2001. Originally for Game Boy Advance, it’s now part of the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

The Birth of Immersive Horror: F.E.A.R.

F.E.A.R. blended action and horror, debuting on July 18, 2005. Originally for Windows, it expanded its reach to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Its unique style continues to captivate players worldwide.

The Evolution of Multiplayer Battles: Splatoon 2

Splatoon 2 added a splash of color on July 21, 2017. Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, this sequel amped up the fun and competitiveness of ink-based multiplayer battles.

Modern Marvels: Spider-Man and Ghost of Tsushima

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales swung onto PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in July 17, 2021. It delivers a compelling narrative and stunning visuals to superhero fans worldwide.

Next, we visit the breathtaking landscapes of Ghost of Tsushima. Released for PlayStation 4 on July 17, 2020, it also has an enhanced version for PlayStation 5.

The New Face of Horror: Carrion

Carrion introduced a reverse-horror world on July 23, 2020. It’s available on multiple platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. Players experience horror from the monster’s perspective.

The Charm of Paper Craft: Paper Mario

Finally, Paper Mario: The Origami King unfolded its charming world on Nintendo Switch in July 17 2020. With innovative combat and witty dialogue, it provides a vibrant conclusion to our retrospective.

Retro Arcade Fun with Antstream on Xbox

By

Mat

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22 July, 2023

Reviving the Classics

Forget the fear of retro video games sinking into obsolescence. Antstream Arcade is here to help. As TIGA’s award winner for game curation, it’s a gaming time machine. It’s more than just a platform; it’s also an exciting space for innovation.

A Platform of Preservation

Antstream doesn’t only restore long-lost or cancelled titles. It elevates them to new heights. It fosters a community that values these games. With an impressive catalogue, Antstream makes the past accessible again. Now, the forgotten becomes unmissable.

Indie Developers: New Kids on the Retro Block

What stands out about Antstream is its support for indie developers. These developers are still releasing games on retro platforms. One example is Turbo Tomato, an Amiga game released last year. It has seen significant popularity on the platform. This clever move shines the spotlight on these new-retro games.

Innovative Challenge System

It’s not just about nostalgia. Antstream is adding a competitive streak into these vintage games. They’ve developed a unique challenge system. This system reworks classic titles into engaging modes. Modes like ‘one-life challenges’ bring fresh excitement to time-honoured games.

Harnessing the Power of Community: Giant Slayer Mode

The recent standout feature is the Giant Slayer mode. It has successfully harnessed the power of the community. In this mode, players create and issue challenges. This fosters a healthy competitive spirit. This platform is not just another streaming service. It’s a vibrant, community-led platform where each player contributes to the gaming experience.

Tournaments: Where Gems and Glory Await

Their tournaments ramp up the competitive atmosphere further. High-stakes contests take place in games like Dig Dug and Marble Madness. Winning doesn’t just earn bragging rights. It also earns you gems to spend on more games or future tournaments.

Technical Partnership with Microsoft’s Azure

One key to Antstream’s success is their partnership with Microsoft’s Azure. Founder and CEO Steve Cottam explains that Azure’s global server density ensures lag-free service. This is crucial for a platform delivering an authentic arcade experience.

A Fresh Take on Arcade Gaming

Antstream Arcade revives the charm of old-school arcade gaming. It brings back the fun element often missing in modern gaming. But, it’s not stuck in the past. With its focus on innovation and community, Antstream Arcade is a fresh, vibrant corner of the gaming world. Both nostalgia and the thrill of something new get served. If you miss the feeling of dropping a quarter into an arcade cabinet or love a good challenge, Antstream is your platform to watch.

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Does Tiny Football Bend It Like Sensible Soccer?

By

Mat

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21 July, 2023

Hey there, pixel-art aficionados and Sensible Soccer savants of the 90’s! Guess what? Legendary game wizards, Microprose, just uncorked a fresh brew of nostalgia with a dash of pixellated charm – meet Tiny Football!

This cute, pixel-crafted footie game is now sliding down the price scale from 9.75€ to a mere 6.33€ until 27th July.So, go on, teleport your digital wallet, save some coinage, and test-drive this throwback. We’re all ears (and 8-bit eyes) to know if it can bend it like our beloved Sensible Soccer did. Get kickin’!

Going Full Throttle with Grand Prix Story

By

Mat

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Title: Grand Prix Story
Developer: Kairosoft
Publisher: Kairosoft
Released: September 8, 2011
Platforms Available: Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch
Platform Reviewed: Android
Maturity: Everyone
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Howdy, race fans! If you’ve ever daydreamed of becoming the next big name in motorsports, but the closest you’ve come is playing Mario Kart, then buckle up. We’re about to take a victory lap with “Grand Prix Story” – a mobile game from the petite yet potent Japanese developer, Kairosoft.”Grand Prix Story” allows you to switch gears from the typical race game. Instead of controlling the car, you’re in charge of a racing team, and it’s your job to take the trophy home. It’s available on Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, and Steam, and if you’re an Android Game Pass holder, you can experience this thrill-ride absolutely free. This highly addictive strategic racing game hones your multitasking skills as you tackle a variety of tasks including building and improving your vehicle, recruiting top-tier staff, securing sponsorships, and fine-tuning your racing strategy. The best part? You don’t have to be Lewis Hamilton or know the ins and outs of a gearbox to be successful in this game.Let’s hit the pedal to the metal and delve into the nitty-gritty details of “Grand Prix Story.”

A Race Worth Watching

If you’re thinking “I don’t know a thing about racing,” fear not! “Grand Prix Story” ensures that knowledge of racing isn’t a prerequisite to join the fun. The races are auto-run, but that doesn’t mean you’re left twiddling your thumbs. You’ll need to make strategic decisions like activating auras and keeping an eye on your vehicle’s durability. Let’s just say, it’s less about going full throttle and more about balancing your gas and brake.

The Pit Stop – Where the Magic Happens

The backbone of your success lies within your garage. Your vehicle isn’t just a flashy piece of metal—it’s the heart of your racing enterprise. Remember, it’s not always about having the fastest car; it’s about having the best *balanced* car. Invest in research points to unlock, upgrade and customize your vehicles and parts. But remember, it’s not just about parts; you need the right hands to install them. And that’s where your team comes in.

Gran Prix Story Garage work Repair 4 weeks until races

Building Your Dream Team

You’ll start off with two groups: drivers and mechanics. Your mechanics are the lifeblood of your vehicle’s performance. They use research points to level up, and can sometimes get a random stat boost while working—talk about job perks! Drivers not only double as mechanics but also participate in the race itself. They go through training that uses their energy and money, but the ROI? Priceless.

Auras – Not Just New Age Hocus Pocus

These magical things called “auras” can be obtained by your drivers. Auras can supercharge your vehicle’s performance in races, upgrade vehicle parts, and even boost a driver’s training. However, use these wisely. Auras are rare, and you might want to reserve a high-level aura for a critical race or upgrade.

Unlocking Workshops – The Path to the Podium

In “Grand Prix Story,” progress is marked by unlocking new workshops. As you unlock each one, your team grows, you can manage more cars, and you’ll be closer to achieving your dream of dominating the Formula circuit.

Balancing Virtual Thrills with Real-world Breaks

My Grand Prix Story fervor led me to a cozy spot on my couch, mobile in hand, all set to dive in. Hours flew by, but my unwavering focus on the race management left me with a stiff neck that protested with every turn for weeks. It was a comical wake-up call, a reminder that even the most captivating virtual worlds, especially the pixel ones, demand we take breaks to avoid a real-world pit stop at the chiropractor’s office. This invaluable lesson is one that I am here to share with you.

Gran Prix Story Prehistoric Scenery Race

Race Away!

“Grand Prix Story” offers a plethora of races, each with varying degrees of difficulty. But the most thrilling are the Grand Prix races, a combination of several races where the overall winner becomes the champion. Are you ready to take the crown?In a nutshell, “Grand Prix Story” is a charmingly chaotic, humorous blend of strategic planning and addictive gameplay. You don’t have to be a race fanatic to get engrossed in this game. All you need is your strategic cap and a desire to take your team to the top of the podium. Will you finish first, or will you be left in the dust? Start your engines, and let’s find out!And that’s the chequered flag, folks! Now, excuse me as I must get back to my garage. My next Grand Prix win awaits.

Where to Buy Grand Prix Story

Google Play (Android): Available for $4.99. Download it from Google Play.
App Store (iOS): Available for $4.99. Download it from the App Store.
Nintendo eShop (Switch): Available for $14.99. Purchase it from the Nintendo eShop.

Official Page: Visit the official Wairosoft (Kairosoft) X.com profile for more information.
Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Kairosoft Subreddit.

The 1945 Airforce: A Hilarious Nostalgia-Packed Blasting Extravaganza

By

Mat

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Who knew that the retro charm of the 90s could be packaged into a nifty smartphone app, ready to serve pixelated space warfare at your convenience? The answer is simple, my joystick-wielding comrades: 1945 Airforce. A delightful, free-to-play, www-themed shoot-’em-up that marries vintage arcade aesthetics with modern gameplay mechanics.

Pull up a chair, sip on your piña colada, and brace yourself for a blast (quite literally) from the past! Strap in for the simple joys of evading pixelated bullets while relentlessly raining down fire on WW2 warrior sprites. This game comes pre-loaded with a kick of nostalgia that could send you rocketing back to the arcade era faster than a Hyper-loop ride.

The gameplay is easy to master, even for the least tech-savvy grandpa at the family gathering. You get a suite of legendary WWII aircraft at your fingertips – each one promising an explosive joyride that could leave you grinning like a mischievous gremlin.

Don’t let the cute, blocky graphics fool you; this game is as much an adrenaline-pumping action fest as its 90s ancestors like 1941, 1942, and so on till 19xx. With over 100 levels full of action, your thumbs are in for a treat of non-stop space shootouts. But be warned, each boss enemy is so colossally enormous they won’t even fit on your screen! Cue dramatic gasps and sweaty palms.

The game offers different modes: Bombarding, Bosses, and Protect – each tossing you into an entirely new gameplay. Get ready to have your skills tested and reflexes twisted! And the best part? You can do it all offline, which means no more groaning over spotty Wi-Fi signals while you’re battling gargantuan bosses.

Ah, and let’s not forget about in-game purchases. Now, before you raise an eyebrow and mumble ‘pay-to-win,’ take a breath. Yes, there are microtransactions, but they’re like the optional cherry on top of a delicious arcade sundae. The game is completely playable and entertaining without spending a dime. Yes, you might see occasional adverts, but hey, everyone needs a break for a sip of their piña colada, right?

In conclusion, 1945 Airforce Space Shooter serves a hearty dose of nostalgia, coupled with engaging and versatile gameplay. So, whether you’re a veteran Sky Force warrior, or a newbie pilot just getting their space-legs, it’s time to buckle in and blast off into the pixelated skies of this re-imagined arcade classic. After all, who said arcade gaming was a thing of the past?