Live panel at the Portland Retro Gaming expo about “How to collect video games in 2024”.
Category Archives: Featured
XBOX right now.
Where my head is at when it comes to Xbox. I give you my thoughts on the new Xbox announcements and tell you what I’m looking forward to in the future…. And I talk a little about Game Pass. WATCH >> https://youtu.be/ciuQHmFoSf4
The Xbox Series consoles are like Microsoft’s love letter to gamers who can’t decide between “super powerful” and “super sleek.” On one hand, you’ve got the Xbox Series X—a rectangular, monolithic fridge look-alike that has the power to launch you into a parallel dimension of 4K gaming. It’s so beefy, it could probably double as a space heater in the winter. Just make sure to keep your snacks out of its vent holes, or you might accidentally toast them. Meanwhile, it’s got more teraflops than most people know what to do with, which sounds impressive, but let’s be honest, most of us are just using it to reload our Skyrim save for the thousandth time.
Then there’s the Xbox Series S, the X’s little sibling that skipped leg day but still manages to be pretty buff. It’s like the cute, mini-fridge version of the Series X—compact enough to tuck under your arm if you need a portable source of frustration when you’re losing at *Fortnite*. Sure, it doesn’t have the same raw power, but it’s the little console that could. The Series S is all like, “Graphics? Who needs ’em, I got speed!” and for those who want to game without taking out a second mortgage, it’s the budget-friendly option that still lets you yell at your TV in glorious 1440p resolution.
The state of retro game collecting…
We’re heading to Portland Oregon for the annual retro gaming expo. I’m sharing highlights from my weekend also diving into the current state of game collecting. See the prices for games and hardware, both the expensive stuff…and some of the good deals. Plus I ask the vendors what is hot right now.
Reggie and I are going to show all the games we picked up in an upcoming PICKUPS video…so stay tuned!
Here are five lesser-known facts about Portland, Oregon:
- Shanghai Tunnels: Portland has a network of underground tunnels, known as the Shanghai Tunnels (or “Portland Underground”), which were used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These tunnels are rumored to have been used for human trafficking, where people were kidnapped (or “shanghaied”) and sold to ship captains as laborers.
- The City That Briefly Banned Cars: In 1971, Portland became one of the first major U.S. cities to cancel the construction of a freeway (the Mount Hood Freeway), opting to invest in public transportation and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. This decision helped shape the city’s reputation for sustainability and urban planning.
- The Simpsons Connection: Portland has a strong connection to the famous TV show “The Simpsons.” Series creator Matt Groening grew up in Portland, and many of the characters’ names in the show are based on Portland streets and landmarks (e.g., Flanders, Lovejoy, and Quimby).
- World’s Smallest Park: Portland is home to Mill Ends Park, officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the smallest park in the world. It measures just 452 square inches and was originally created as a spot for a journalist’s pet leprechaun.
- The Original “Stumptown”: Portland’s nickname “Stumptown” comes from the 19th century when the city’s rapid growth required a lot of land clearing, leaving numerous tree stumps throughout the streets. The name has stuck around as a part of Portland’s identity.
These quirky and historic facts reveal Portland’s unique charm and cultural heritage!
100 Game Prototypes FOUND! (NES, SNES & Game Boy)
Josh Hamblin (Portland Retro Gaming Expo organizer) recently bought 100 game prototypes that belonged to an Nintendo employee! So many NES, SNES & Game Boy games! Common titles, rare & expensive games and yes many hidden gems! Check it out!
Evercade – 4 New Carts Reviewed (Tomb Raider / Legacy of Kain / Bitmap Bros / Thalamus )
The Evercade library continues to grow with over 60 cartridges for the system and more than 500 games! I’m reviewing these 4 cartridges on the Evercade VS with the latest 4.0 firmware.
Tomb Raider Trilogy
Legacy of Kain Collection
Bitmap Brothers Collection 2
Thalamus Collection Vol 1
Atari 50th: Wider World of Atari DLC (Review)
Atari and Digital Eclipse are back with a new DLC to their excellent Atari 50th the Anniversary Celebration! They are adding 19 playable games, as well as 8 video interviews into a brand new timeline to the main game. More info: https://atari.com
A second DLC entitled The First Console War will be released globally on November 8, in addition to a physical release of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 for $39.99. The physical release contains the original game and both DLCs.
A Steelbook version for Nintendo Switch, which will include Atari 2600 art cards, miniature arcade marquee signs, an Al Alcorn Replica Syzygy Co. business card, will retail for $49.99 USD.
Games Included in DLC #1:
Atari Video Cube (2600)
Avalanche (800)
Avalanche (arcade)
Berzerk (2600 Voice Enhanced)
Berzerk (2600)
Berzerk (5200)
Berzerk (arcade)
Desert Falcon (2600)
Destroyer (arcade)
Football (arcade)
Frenzy (arcade)
Off the Wall (2600)
Red Baron (arcade)
Sky Diver (2600)
Sky Diver (arcade)
Steeplechase (2600)
Stellar Track (2600)
Submarine Commander (2600)
Super Bug (arcade)
Top 10 BOOMER SHOOTERS to Play Now!
Here’s a list of 10 popular new boomer shooters that pay homage to classic 90s FPS games while bringing modern gameplay improvements:
1. DUSK (2018)
- Why: A love letter to classic shooters like DOOM and Quake, DUSK features retro graphics, fast movement, and satisfying gunplay with creepy, rural horror aesthetics.
- Notable Feature: Smooth movement mechanics and fantastic level design.
2. Ion Fury (2019)
- Why: Developed on the Build engine (used in Duke Nukem 3D), Ion Fury nails the retro aesthetic with chaotic action, large explorable levels, and a charismatic protagonist.
- Notable Feature: Classic, 90s-style level design with secret areas and nonlinear progression.
3. Amid Evil (2019)
- Why: A fantasy-based FPS that takes cues from games like Heretic and Hexen. Amid Evil is fast-paced, with gorgeous environments and magical weapons that feel impactful.
- Notable Feature: Weapon variety with magical powers and large, intricate worlds to explore.
4. Prodeus (2022)
- Why: Blending old-school sensibilities with modern visuals, Prodeus has a unique “retro-modern” art style. It offers bloody action, classic shooting mechanics, and a built-in level editor.
- Notable Feature: Dynamic lighting and particle effects with a retro aesthetic.
5. Wrath: Aeon of Ruin (Early Access)
- Why: Built on the Quake engine, Wrath is a dark, gothic boomer shooter with fluid combat, intricate level design, and grotesque enemies.
- Notable Feature: True 90s FPS feel with detailed, non-linear maps.
6. Ultrakill (Early Access)
- Why: A hyper-fast FPS that combines DOOM-style shooting with Devil May Cry mechanics. Ultrakill is pure adrenaline, with fluid movement, over-the-top weapons, and a scoring system that rewards stylish play.
- Notable Feature: A combo-based combat system and insane speed.
7. Project Warlock (2018)
- Why: Inspired by DOOM, Hexen, and Wolfenstein 3D, Project Warlock blends pixelated graphics with modern design, offering varied levels, multiple weapons, and magic.
- Notable Feature: RPG-like elements such as skill upgrades and a vast arsenal of weapons.
8. Hellbound (2020)
- Why: Described as a “1990s FPS, 30 years later,” Hellbound delivers brutal, fast-paced action with gore-heavy visuals and a focus on nonstop combat.
- Notable Feature: Extremely violent combat and large hordes of enemies.
9. HROT (Early Access)
- Why: A Soviet-style FPS set in the 1980s, HROT embraces its Eastern European roots with unique environments, old-school graphics, and gritty combat.
- Notable Feature: Dark atmosphere and bizarre weaponry that reflect the Soviet-era vibe.
10. Forgive Me Father (2021)
- Why: A Lovecraftian shooter with a comic-book aesthetic, Forgive Me Father mixes eldritch horror with classic FPS mechanics, offering atmospheric levels and creepy enemies.
- Notable Feature: Comic-style visuals and a unique sanity mechanic that affects gameplay.
These modern boomer shooters capture the spirit of classic FPS games while incorporating new features and updated visuals for today’s gamers.
Norway Trip (Part 2) – RetroMessa Expo + GAME & MUSIC PICKUPS!
Here are five relatively unknown facts about Norway:
- Norway introduced Salmon Sushi to Japan: In the 1980s, Norwegian seafood exporters promoted the idea of using salmon in sushi, which wasn’t traditionally done in Japan. This has since become a popular staple in Japanese cuisine.
- Svalbard Global Seed Vault: Norway is home to the “Doomsday Vault,” located on the Svalbard archipelago. It stores duplicates of seed samples from around the world, acting as a backup to preserve plant diversity in case of global crises.
- Norway has a “no homework” movement: Some schools in Norway are testing out the idea of not giving homework to students. This movement is rooted in research suggesting that less homework may improve students’ learning experience and reduce stress.
- World’s longest road tunnel: Norway is home to the Laerdal Tunnel, which is the longest road tunnel in the world. It stretches for 15.3 miles (24.5 km) and connects Laerdal and Aurland in Western Norway.
- Norwegians love slow TV: Norway popularized “Slow TV,” which involves long, real-time broadcasts of events like train journeys, knitting, or firewood chopping. One of the most famous examples is the 7-hour long broadcast of a train journey from Bergen to Oslo. It became a cultural phenomenon.
Metal Jesus in NORWAY – Game Hunting in Oslo & Kristiansand (Part 1)
Part 1 of our epic trip to Norway. We hunt for metal music, eat tasty Norwegian food, take in beautiful scenery and visit a retro gaming store! — WATCH >> https://youtu.be/MpkHLXN6ze4
Norway, land of fjords, skiing, and… black metal. Yep, the same country known for producing Nobel Peace Prize winners and picture-perfect nature scenes also gave birth to a music genre that sounds like a Viking raid set to guitar riffs. You have to admire the contrast: one moment Norwegians are peacefully cross-country skiing through tranquil forests, and the next, they’re donning corpse paint and summoning the forces of darkness through a double bass drum beat. It’s as if someone looked at all that beautiful, calm Norwegian scenery and said, “You know what this needs? Screaming.”
Norway’s contribution to black metal is legendary—so much so that the music feels like an extension of the country’s winter: long, dark, and cold. The genre’s pioneers went beyond music, dabbling in church burning and spiky leather accessories, turning a typical Wednesday into a metal apocalypse. And while the rest of the world may associate Norway with reindeer and serenity, the black metal scene has given it a reputation for being a place where a peaceful hike can just as easily end with a DIY music video in a snow-covered graveyard.
PAX West Hightlights – New GAMES I’m excited for! (Nintendo, Atari, Indies)
Highlights from PAX West in Seattle. Lots of new games from Nintendo, Atari, Capcom, etc… plus indie games and more. –> WATCH >> https://youtu.be/Sz5eN4JTZwI
PAX West in Seattle is like Comic-Con’s geeky cousin who’s into video games, Dungeons & Dragons, and has way too many Funko Pops but somehow still manages to be cooler than you. As you step into the expo, you’re greeted by a sea of flannel shirts, obscure gaming references, and more LED lights than your average spaceship. It’s the only place where arguing about the best Final Fantasy game can last for hours and somehow, both sides are still wrong. And don’t get me started on the cosplay—there’s everything from a near-perfect Master Chief to a Pikachu that looks like it’s seen some things.
Navigating the expo hall is like leveling up in a video game—each booth is a mini-boss encounter, from indie developers pitching their latest pixel-art platformers to massive companies showing off shiny new tech. If you’re lucky, you’ll leave with enough swag to build a small nerd shrine, though the real loot is the random stickers, pins, and tote bags you’ll find months later in your backpack. By the end, you’re emotionally exhausted, a little poorer, but filled with enough gaming news, demos, and nerdy conversation to last you until the next PAX (or at least until you finish your current Steam backlog…in 2035).