Category Archives: Featured

Featured, Vintage

My Arcade MAME Cabinet – UPDATED for 2024!

Video Leave a comment

My standup MAME arcade cabinet was last updated back in 2017! So, today we upgrade the computer, software and add a monitor that can rotate plus other random aspects. The game room is getting upgraded!

The Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator (MAME) is a software program designed to emulate the hardware of arcade game systems on modern computers. Developed in 1997 by Nicola Salmoria and the MAME team, MAME has become the go-to emulator for playing arcade games on platforms ranging from desktop computers to smartphones and even gaming consoles. MAME’s primary purpose is to preserve and document the history of arcade gaming by accurately emulating the original hardware and software of arcade machines. By doing so, MAME allows players to experience a vast library of classic arcade games without the need for original, often rare, arcade cabinets.

MAME supports thousands of arcade games from various manufacturers and eras, ranging from the early days of arcade gaming in the 1970s to more recent titles from the 2000s. Its extensive compatibility and accuracy make it an invaluable tool for enthusiasts, collectors, and historians alike. Beyond gameplay, MAME also serves as a research platform for developers and preservationists, enabling them to study and document the inner workings of arcade hardware and software. Through continuous development and updates, MAME remains a vital part of preserving the rich history and cultural impact of arcade gaming for future generations.

Featured, XBOX (Hidden Gems)

Buy these XBOX 360 games on the store before it CLOSES!

Video Leave a comment

The Xbox 360 Store & Marketplace will close permanently on July 29th 2024. Here are 11 digital games I think you should consider buying while you can!

GAMES SHOWN:
Gatling Gears
Guardian Heroes
Fusion: Genesis
Trials HD
Alien Breed 3: Descent
Ms. Splosion Man
Thunder Wolves
The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom
Mad Riders
NiGHTS into dreams
Scrap Metal

The Xbox 360, released by Microsoft in 2005, was a groundbreaking console that revolutionized gaming with its powerful hardware and online capabilities. With a sleek design and a range of features, it quickly became a staple in gaming households worldwide. The console boasted an impressive library of games, spanning various genres from action-adventure to first-person shooters, catering to a wide audience of gamers. Its launch titles included classics like “Call of Duty 2” and “Project Gotham Racing 3,” showcasing the console’s graphical capabilities and immersive gameplay.

One of the Xbox 360’s most significant advancements was its Xbox Live service, which allowed players to connect with friends, compete in multiplayer matches, and download additional content. This online platform transformed gaming, fostering a vibrant community where players could interact and share experiences. Furthermore, the Xbox 360 introduced features such as Achievements, which rewarded players for completing specific challenges within games, adding a layer of depth and replay value. Despite facing competition from other consoles, the Xbox 360 remained a dominant force in the gaming industry throughout its lifecycle, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most influential gaming platforms of its time.

Featured, Mobile & Handhelds

Nintendo GBA or 3DS? Which is BEST?

Video Leave a comment

Which is best: the Nintendo GBA or 3DS!? Tough choice, right? To help me answer I asked my friends to weigh in with their opinion! WATCH >> https://youtu.be/SkIFrw_D5Zw

Kelsey: https://twitter.com/kelslewin
Gemma: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGebs24
Reggie: https://www.youtube.com/@The_RadicalOne
Macho Nacho: https://www.youtube.com/@MachoNachoProductions
Kinsey: https://twitter.com/KinsZilla

The Nintendo Game Boy Advance (GBA) and the Nintendo 3DS represent two distinct eras in handheld gaming, each offering unique experiences to gamers. Released in 2001, the Game Boy Advance was a groundbreaking handheld console that introduced vibrant 2D graphics and a vast library of games to players. With its compact size and long battery life, the GBA became a beloved companion for gaming on the go. Its library boasted iconic titles such as “Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen,” “The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap,” and “Advance Wars,” captivating players with engaging gameplay and nostalgic charm. The GBA’s simplicity and affordability made it accessible to gamers of all ages, solidifying its place as one of Nintendo’s most successful handheld consoles.

In contrast, the Nintendo 3DS, released in 2011, pushed the boundaries of handheld gaming with its innovative glasses-free 3D display and enhanced graphical capabilities. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Nintendo DS, the 3DS offered backward compatibility with DS games while introducing new features such as StreetPass and SpotPass, fostering social interaction among players. With its extensive library of games spanning diverse genres and its robust online functionality, including the Nintendo eShop, the 3DS provided gamers with a rich and immersive gaming experience. Titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D,” “Fire Emblem: Awakening,” and “Animal Crossing: New Leaf” showcased the system’s capabilities, captivating players with compelling narratives and innovative gameplay mechanics. Overall, while the GBA and 3DS catered to different gaming preferences and technological advancements, both left an indelible mark on the handheld gaming landscape, shaping the way we play and experience games on the go.

Featured, Recent Pickups

GAME PICKUPS “WOO-HOO!” (PS5, Xbox, Switch, NES, PSP, Game Boy, PS4)

Video Leave a comment

We just can’t seem to help ourselves! 😂 More game pickups for 2024 from Metal Jesus and Radical Reggie.
Reggie’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@the_ radical_one

GAMES SHOWN:
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Virtua Fighter 5 Press Kit
Resident Evil Movie Collection
Warhammer 40K Boltgun
The Tartarus Key
Formula Retro Racing World Tour
Nyghtmare The Ninth King
Space Invaders Forever
Space Blaze
Boulder Dash 30th Anniversary
Remothered
Modded PSP
Wing Warriors
Espgaluda II
ReCore
Air Twister
Cotton 100%
Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo
Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Controller
Happy Game
Enchanted Portals
Super Mario RPG
Guns n Runs
School Girl Zombie Hunter
Rhapsody
Guilty Gear Soundtrack (LP)
Bobby Six Seven
Call of Duty: Vanguard
Call of Duty: World at War
Fate Unlimited Codes Portable
Gear Club 2 Unlimited
Star Renegades
PC Powerplay Magazines
Battletoads
Crystalis
Blood: Fresh Supply
Demoniaca

Featured, System Reviews

Top Racer (Top Gear) Mini Arcade & Collection REVIEW

Video Leave a comment

My review of the Top Racer (Top Gear) Mini Arcade & game Collection. These are classic 90s arcade racing games being released as a mini arcade and 4 game collection on modern platforms like PC, Switch, PS4/5 and Xbox. More info: https://www.pikointeractive.com

Gremlin Interactive was a prominent British video game developer and publisher that made its mark during the 1980s and 1990s. Founded in Sheffield, England, in 1984 by Ian Stewart and Kevin Norburn, the studio gained recognition for its innovative and diverse range of games across various platforms, including home computers and consoles. Gremlin’s portfolio spanned multiple genres, from platformers like “Zool” to racing games like “Lotus Turbo Challenge” and “Top Gear.” One of its standout successes was the iconic “Premier Manager” series, which established Gremlin as a leader in sports management simulations.

Throughout its existence, Gremlin Interactive demonstrated a commitment to pushing boundaries in game development, often incorporating cutting-edge technology and creative gameplay mechanics into its titles. The studio was known for fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment that encouraged experimentation and risk-taking. Despite facing financial challenges in the late 1990s, Gremlin continued to produce memorable games until its eventual closure in 2003, after being acquired by Infogrames Entertainment. Despite its closure, Gremlin’s legacy lives on through the fond memories of gamers who grew up playing its innovative and entertaining titles.

Featured

Metal Jesus here and I’m back again.

Video Leave a comment

In the bizarrely brilliant film titled Metal Jesus: The Movie, we’re thrust into a world where the line between reality and absurdity is as blurry as a melted Rubik’s Cube. Metal Jesus, sporting a shiny metallic mullet, plays the titular character, a renegade time-traveling rockstar from the future who zips through dimensions in a spaceship shaped like a giant Gibson Les Paul.

Metal Jesus, armed with an Ace Frehley signature electric guitar that shoots laser beams and a wardrobe straight out of a 1970s Rush concert, embarks on a quest to save the universe from a malevolent army of sentient disco balls led by the nefarious EDM Emperor.

But things take a turn when Metal Jesus crash-lands on a planet inhabited by sentient Nintendo Amiibos and must confront his greatest challenge yet: convincing them to join his intergalactic battle against the EDM Empire. To make matters worse the population is divided between the Amiibos and the Disney Infinity characters. They are at war. And as Hellboy once said “War never changes”.

Along the way, Metal Jesus forms an unlikely alliance with a group of rebellious talking llamas, learns the secrets of time travel from a wise old toaster oven, and engages in epic guitar battles with the EDM Emperor’s minions, who groove so hard they threaten to tear a hole in the fabric of spacetime itself. Daft Punk and Joe Satriani provide the epic movie soundtrack.

Filled with psychedelic visuals, absurd humor, and enough neon to make a cyberpunk rave blush, Metal Jesus: The Movie is a mind-bending journey through the weirdest corners of the cosmos that will leave you questioning reality, existence, and whether or not cheeseburgers can really talk.

“día de los Inocentes” – Zardoz

Featured, System Reviews, Atari (Hidden Gems), Vintage

The ATARI 400 mini review – Is it worth $120?!

Video Leave a comment

The 400 Mini is a small version of the classic Atari 8bit computer and includes support for 400/800, XL and XE computer series, and the 5200 home console. It comes pre-installed with 25+ classic Atari games, the ability to play your own games and a new THECXSTICK joystick. Check out my review! More info: https://retrogames.biz/products/the400-mini/

The Atari line of 8-bit computers, introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, played a crucial role in shaping the personal computing landscape. The series began with the Atari 400 and Atari 800 in 1979, featuring a custom-made 6502-based chipset designed by Jay Miner. These machines boasted impressive graphics and sound capabilities for their time, making them popular for both gaming and productivity tasks. The computers were renowned for their distinctive industrial design, featuring a sleek, wedge-shaped casing with a membrane keyboard. Additionally, the Atari 400 and 800 were among the first home computers to include custom hardware for graphics and sound, which allowed for more advanced gaming experiences compared to other contemporary systems.

The Atari 8-bit line continued to evolve with subsequent models such as the Atari 600XL, 800XL, and 130XE, offering improvements in memory capacity, peripheral support, and compatibility with software and hardware expansions. These machines gained a dedicated following among hobbyists, educators, and gamers, with a wide range of software titles available, including popular games like “Pac-Man,” “Donkey Kong,” and “Star Raiders.” Despite facing stiff competition from other home computer manufacturers such as Commodore and Apple, the Atari 8-bit line remained relevant well into the mid-1980s, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of personal computing.

Featured, Q & A

What we really think about Physical vs Digital Games.

Video Leave a comment

If new games stop being printed physically and publishers go all digital, will you stop buying and playing new games, or continue to buy them even though you can’t get a physical copy?

Lazy Game Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/@LGR
Classic Game Room: https://www.youtube.com/@classicgameroom
Happy Console Gamer: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyConsoleGamer
Radical Reggie: https://www.youtube.com/@The_RadicalOne
Ircha Gaming: https://www.youtube.com/@ircha
TheGebs24: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGebs24
Macho Nacho Productions: https://www.youtube.com/@MachoNachoProductions
Gaming off the Grid: https://www.youtube.com/@GamingOffTheGrid

Buying Guides, Featured, Sony (Hidden Gems)

Sony PS2 Buying Guide + Great Games & Hidden Gems!

Video Leave a comment

Radical Reggie is back w/ a brand new Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) BUYING GUIDE for 2024: Main Consoles, HDMI video solutions, Accessories + Best Games & HIDDEN GEMS! Do you still play or collect for the mighty PS2?!

As of my last update in January 2022, the top 10 best-selling PlayStation 2 games were:

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – This open-world action-adventure game from Rockstar Games became a cultural phenomenon, offering players a vast sandbox to explore and causing a stir with its mature themes and gameplay mechanics.

2. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec – Developed by Polyphony Digital, this racing simulator set a new standard for realism in console racing games, featuring a wide range of cars and tracks for players to master.

3. Gran Turismo 4 – The sequel to Gran Turismo 3, this installment further refined the series’ realistic racing experience, boasting even more cars, tracks, and improved graphics.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – Another entry in Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto series, Vice City took players to a fictionalized version of Miami in the 1980s, featuring a captivating storyline and memorable characters.

5. Grand Theft Auto III – Often credited with popularizing the open-world genre, GTA III allowed players unprecedented freedom in a sprawling, crime-ridden city, setting the stage for the series’ future success.

6. Final Fantasy X – This critically acclaimed RPG from Square Enix combined stunning visuals, a compelling story, and strategic turn-based combat, cementing its place as one of the most beloved entries in the Final Fantasy series.

7. Tekken 5 – The fifth installment in Namco’s long-running fighting game franchise, Tekken 5 introduced new characters, improved graphics, and refined gameplay mechanics, attracting both casual and competitive players.

8. Kingdom Hearts – A collaboration between Square Enix and Disney, Kingdom Hearts blended action RPG gameplay with beloved Disney characters and worlds, creating a unique and charming experience that resonated with players of all ages.

9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Hideo Kojima’s cinematic stealth-action masterpiece pushed the boundaries of storytelling in video games, offering complex narrative themes, innovative gameplay mechanics, and stunning graphics.

10. Final Fantasy XII – Another standout RPG from Square Enix, Final Fantasy XII featured a vast and immersive world, a complex political storyline, and a revamped real-time battle system that garnered praise from fans and critics alike.

Please note that sales figures may have changed, but these titles were among the best-selling games on the PlayStation 2 during its lifespan.