Issue No. 230 - Retro Gamer (2024)

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Issue No. 230 - Retro Gamer (1)

Retro Gamer is the only magazine in the UK that’s fully dedicated to the halcyon days of classic gaming. If you’ve ever fondly blasted away at the Bydo Empire in R-Type, swung Bowser by the tail in Super Mario 64, or navigated all 20 levels of Matthew Smith’s Manic Miner, then this is the magazine for you. Created by a dedicated team of experts, Retro Gamer’s mission is to deliver constantly engaging and passionately written articles that cover a wide range of subjects. We offer our readership in-depth looks at classic games and franchises, behind-the-scenes glimpses of the software houses from yesteryear, and one-on-one exclusive interviews with industry veterans such as Archer Maclean and Hideo Kojima. Stylish, entertaining and beautifully presented, Retro Gamer is the ultimate guide to videogaming’s rich and diverse history.

in this issue
IN THIS ISSUELOADING…The Nineties were rife with platform heroes, from Sonic and Mario to James Pond and Superfrog. By far one of my favourites however was Earthworm Jim, the zany creation of artist Doug TenNapel. Just the idea of an earthworm in a high-powered spacesuit is absurdly silly, so when the team at the newly formed Shiny Entertainment saw Doug’s drawings, they knew they had found the star of the game that would launch the studio’s name. That story is told within this very issue, but we also explore how Shiny’s inventive game was expanded to the Mega-CD, its sequel and several other non-Shiny releases. We’ve even managed to get Tommy Tallarico to tell us a little bit about Jim’s new adventure for the incoming Intellivision Amico. But worry not, if you’re…1 min
RETRO RADARACTIVISION ACQUISITIONMicrosoft to absorb gaming’s original third-party developer Industry observers will have taken keen interest in Microsoft’s game studio acquisitions over the last few years – the company swallowed up eight companies between 2018 and 2020, the largest of which was Doom and Wolfenstein owner ZeniMax Media. However, the company’s latest deal looks set to dwarf all of those combined as it has announced plans to purchase Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. If the acquisition proceeds as planned, it will be Microsoft’s largest ever, comfortably surpassing the $26.2 billion it paid for the business-oriented social network LinkedIn in 2016. Activision has been a constant presence in the videogame market since 1979, when it was founded by ex-Atari programmers who were frustrated with a lack of recognition and royalties. The company initially…5 min
RETRO RADARSo that was ChristmasIt’s behind us now, so do you mind if I bring up Christmas? It probably seems weird talking about it as we hurtle deeper into 2022, but there’s something I really have to get off my chest. My Christmas, like that of millions of others, was not exactly how I planned it. A few days before, I got COVID. I had it really bad for one night and then got better pretty quickly. The physical stuff wasn’t the problem. It was what went with it, namely, I didn’t get to see my kids over the ‘festive’ period. That was tough. Isolating on my own for ten days not being able to hang out with my two boys. The first couple of days I was really miserable and allowed myself to…3 min
RETRO RADARA history of violenceWhatever happened to videogame scare stories? You know what I’m talking about, “Nintendo killed my son!”… “Videogames brainwash children!”… “Epidemic of youth violence!” Every time there was a new Carmageddon, Mortal Kombat or… I dunno… Endorfun, our elders would clutch their pearls and shriek that we were all doomed unless they banned this sick filth. Or words to that effect. Heck, even Pokémon got dragged into the general air that gaming was causing society to crumble, when an episode of the cartoon was alleged to have caused seizures. Spoilers: the world might not be in the best place right now, but I doubt much of that has anything remotely to do with Night Trap. While the videogame nasties uproar may have appeared as a concerted media and political campaign to…3 min

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Issue No. 230 - Retro Gamer (2024)

FAQs

Is retro gaming still popular? ›

Popular retro games today

There are many popular retro games that are still played today, showcasing the enduring popularity of these classic titles. The latest crazes which adults can enjoy include games like Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Why are retro games coming back? ›

The Nostalgia Factor

One of the primary reasons retro gaming is popular again is the powerful sense of nostalgia it evokes. For many, playing classic games from the '80s and '90s is like stepping back in time to their childhood.

What means retro gamer? ›

Retrogaming, also known as classic gaming and old school gaming, is the playing and collection of obsolete personal computers, consoles, and video games.

Does Gen Z like retro games? ›

Retro video games and aesthetics are experiencing a resurgence, but it's not just Gen X and older millennials revisiting their past: younger millennials and Gen Z are also embracing the nostalgia.

Is it illegal to emulate retro games? ›

On its own, the possibility of playing older games in whichever environment you please sounds like a nice option to have. But while emulators are free and legal, ROMs are not.

Is it illegal to download retro games? ›

To begin: downloading a copy of a game you don't own is not legal. It's no different from downloading a movie or TV show that you don't own. "Let's assume I have an old Super Nintendo, and I love Super Mario World, so I download a ROM and play it," said Bambauer. "That's a violation of copyright."

Are retro game consoles illegal? ›

If you're buying a retro game console from a good and reputable company like Nintendo, then you definitely're inside the clear. These companies have the right licenses to include their games at the device, so you don't have to fear about any legal issue.

Who invented retro games? ›

William Higinbotham built Tennis for Two, largely perceived to be the first video game proper, in 1958. Ralph H. Baer created the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game console, which became available in 1972.

Is the Wii considered retro? ›

It feels like only yesterday that we were gyrating to Just Dance in our living rooms, so perhaps the nostalgia hasn't caught up yet. While the Wii is officially considered a retro console, it may be a while before more people start reminiscing. You heard it here first, a Wii renaissance is incoming.

What is retro short for? ›

You can also use retro as a noun: "I'm really into retro when it comes to cars." The word was first used in the 1970s in French, rétro, short for rétrograde, from the Latin retrogradi, "move backward." Definitions of retro. adjective. affecting things past.

Is retro still in style? ›

Retro interior design trends are making a comeback in a big way. From statement wall art to vintage-inspired furniture, designers are embracing the past and giving homes a fresh, new look. If you're looking to add a touch of retro charm to your home, start with your walls.

Why do people still play retro games? ›

Old games prioritize player-centric gameplay, making you feel smart and powerful while offering unique challenges. Indie studios keep the nostalgic flame alive with new titles, while big publisher offer modern updates to classic games in a bid to preserve the charm.

Is retro making a comeback? ›

Vintage fashion has a timeless allure that continually reinvents itself, capturing the essence of bygone eras while blending seamlessly with contemporary styles. As we move through 2024, retro fashion trends are making a strong comeback, bringing with them a sense of nostalgia and individuality.

How big is the retro gaming market? ›

Pachter estimated the nascent video-game collectible market at under $100 million.

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