December 23, 2021 — As much as everyone loves retro gaming and touts the good times had at arcades around the world, we just don’t see an abundance of exciting industry announcements rolling across our news desk. Of course, sometimes we strike it hot, as evidenced in this Yestermade roundup and the bounty of standout announcements we can’t wait to share.
From 16-bit dream machines to exciting partnerships, the arcade scene has seen quite a bit of action as of late. Hopefully, your wallets aren’t feeling too light after the holiday season because you’ll have a hard time passing up on some of what we have to share below.
Retro Games Announces Reimagining of Amiga 500
If you feel like you were born in the wrong age of gaming, don’t worry. Developers and publishers like Retro Games have you covered with re-releases of hardware like the Amiga 500. Commodore International released the Amiga 500 in 1987, and Retro Games is celebrating the unit’s 35th anniversary with a reimagining of the 16-bit computer.
THEA500 Mini is a condensed iteration of the late-20th century computer, designed to play a list of 25 titles pulled straight from the Amiga’s history. The full list of playable games includes Alien Breed 3D, ATR: All Terrain Racing, The Chaos Engine, Kick Off 2, The Lost Patrol, Project-X: Special Edition, Stunt Car Racer, and Worms: The Director’s Cut.
Tech-savvy players will also be able to upload additional games using a USB flash drive. THEA500 Mini will ship with the home computer’s two-button mouse and a retooled eight-button precision gamepad. Bringing the console into the 21st century, Retro Games also updated the unit to feature a save function, up to 60Hz refresh rate, and a variety of scaling options.
Expected for a March 25th, 2022 release, THEA500 will retail for a modest $139.99.
Gremlin Joins Growing Evercade Library
Earlier this year, we took a look at the Evercade VS retro arcade console, which launched on November 3rd. Just over a month after the console’s launch, the team behind the unit, Blaze Entertainment, announced Gremlin Collection 1, a new cartridge launching in 2022 with six 8, 16, and 32-bit games.
Gremlin Interactive shuttered in 2003, but not before impacting the gaming industry with titles like Actua Soccer, Utopia: The Creation of a Nation, Hardcore 4×4, and Brain Bender. Each of these titles and more will be playable on the Evercade VS and Evercade Handheld when the cartridge launches in March.
Blaze Entertainment opened pre-orders for Gremlin Collection 1 on December 15. There is currently no word on the second collection of Gremlin’s greatest hits, but if the cartridge sells well, it’s certainly likely.
Arcade Simulator, ‘Arcade Legend,’ Primed for Steam and Oculus Quest
Ever wonder what it would be like to own and run your own arcade? LAI Games has you covered with Arcade Legend, a quirky simulator that puts players in charge of their own house of games. LAI Games recently announced that the upcoming release will land on both the Oculus Quest Store and Steam in 2022.
Restore an old and decrepit arcade back to its heyday in this unique spin on simulation gaming. Arcade Legend gives players the tools needed to revitalize the arcade scene by refreshing the old space. A collection of officially licensed arcade games will bring your entertainment haven to life. Why scope out what seems to be a dying industry when you can build a functional arcade from the comfort of your home?
Arcade Legend lets you go head-to-head with your friends and track your progress over a global leaderboard. Especially in an age where some are still skittish about going outside, a game like Arcade Legend could be a real game-changer (pun intended).
Stern Pinball Welcomes Jack Danger to the Game Design Studio
Hot off the heels of his work on the Jurassic Park Home Edition from Stern, Twitch streamer and Stern Brand Ambassador Jack Danger has joined the pinball developer as a Game Designer. “Jack brings a unique and diverse game design perspective to Stern Pinball,” Stern’s press release states.
Jack’s design skills have been in the public eye for some time, even before launching his design studio. After immersing himself in the world of pinball, Jack launched his Twitch channel, where he posted pinball sessions seven days a week. His booming audience on Twitch put him in Stern’s eye, earning him a spot as an official Stern Brand Ambassador.
Jack will take what he’s learned during his time on Twitch and, as an ambassador to create all-new pinball experiences for Stern to distribute to its masses. There’s no word on what Jack’s first project will be, but his contribution to Jurassic Park Home Edition helped deliver a wonderful unit.
