Zines, carts, and a doc
Hiya readers, comfortable pleasure! Whereas none of those highlighted tasks are explicitly queer—save for one, possibly—always remember that queer individuals have at all times been part of online game historical past. As at all times, we have now no insider data or monetary curiosity in any of those tasks, and nobody at Retronauts has been compensated for together with something on this web page. To the perfect of my means I’ve not (and by no means will) endorse any marketing campaign constructed round AI belongings. Additionally, in mild of the continuing pandemic, we advocate solely backing crowdfunding campaigns in the event you really feel snug with your personal safety and stability.
Magic Knight fortieth Anniversary Assortment (ends June 7 estimated reward date Sep 2025)
I’ve by no means even been to the UK so I do know little or no in regards to the ZX Spectrum however this assortment of 4 video games by David Jones appears to be like fairly thorough. Releasing software program on cassette tapes in 2025 exhibits an actual dedication to the trigger.
Beat ‘Em Up Quantity 1 (ends June 9 estimated reward date Sep 2025)
Frequent crowdfunder Darren Hupke returns with what guarantees to be the primary e book in a sequence highlighting the historical past of beat-em-ups. Additionally, Darren contacted me to say he is acquired one other marketing campaign later this month for his Retro Recreation Zine. A busy June!
LED-Interactive Famicom Cartridge Board (ends June 16 estimated reward date Feb 2026)
You may know that, because of the Famicom’s top-loading design and totally different cartridge configuration, some software program in Japan featured lights that switched on when the console turned on. This mission proposes a Famicom sport that truly makes use of the lights to replicate in-game motion. Since that work continues to be within the prototype part, this marketing campaign will provide totally different video games as a reward for funding the continuing growth of the illuminated Famicom mission.
Echoes of the Unread (ends June 18 estimated reward date Feb 2026)
For those who’re on the lookout for new twenty first century NES video games you’ve got acquired loads of choices, however what number of of them revolve round singing? Not precise singing thoughts you, however a personality who produces magical notes to “remedy puzzles, battle foes, and uncover secrets and techniques.” A demo is out there for obtain.
Mawthorne 2 (ends June 19 estimated reward date Oct 2025)
In a transparent signal that this column has gone on for an extended, very long time, here’s a sequel to a crowdfunded sport I wrote about three years in the past. There’s even a demo if you wish to strive it for your self. Wanting ahead to Mawthorne 3: Tokyo Drift in 2029!
THE HEART OF NEON (ends June 21 estimated reward date Aug 2025)
I am grownup sufficient to admit that I have not performed any Jeff Minter video games regardless of trusted buddies Stuart Gipp and Chris Kohler telling me that I actually must play Jeff Minter video games. Maybe this feature-length documentary about Jeff Minter making video video games will lastly persuade me? Solely time will inform.
