All-In-One Sega FPGA console “SuperSega” in development; shows world’s first Dreamcast FPGA footage

There’s been talk lately of an all-in-one Sega FPGA console in the works called the SuperSega. Lots of people are excited by the reveal of this indie project, while others are skeptical about its chances of fulfilling its promises or even coming out at all. We’ve waited a bit for more concrete info about the SuperSega before reporting, so now we’re ready to talk about it at last.

The SuperSega is an FPGA console currently in development that can play games from every single console Sega has ever released (Except the Game Gear, for some reason, at least for now). We’re talking about SG-1000, Mark III, Master System, Genesis/Mega-Drive, Sega CD, 32X, Saturn, and Dreamcast games. Currently, the only Sega FPGA console ever released commercially was Analogue’s now decommissioned Mega SG, which was designed to play Genesis games, as well as SG-1000, Mark III, Master System, and Game Gear games via separately available cartridge adaptors. The SuperSega, on the other hand, only needs an original 32X unit for 32X cartridges. It has built-in cartridge slots and a disc drive for everything else. 

It sounds impressive so far, but as of this writing, no hardware prototype has yet been produced. Work has been done on the software, and a hardware prototype is planned to be produced this September. The SuperSega team has put together test videos, including one of Dreamcast games running on their targeted hardware. At least this way, we know it’s unlikely to be fake. Stop in past the break to see these videos and to learn more.

Demon Girls homebrew game for Genesis/Mega-Drive demo now available

It’s Genesis/Mega-Drive homebrew time again. Coming to us from developer and artist JuiceLizard, Demon Girls is still in active development for the wonderful 16-bit console, and now a demo is currently available for all to try from his itch.io page. The demo consists of the entire first level of the game and is absolutely free, but if you’re feeling particularly generous, you can also leave JuiceLizard a gracious tip as you download the ROM file. Like any Genesis ROM file, it can be played in your favorite Genesis emulation software, on original hardware with a Mega Everdrive flash cartridge, or on the MiSTer FPGA console.

You’ll find download links beyond the break.

NBA Jam announcer Tim Kitzrow (and Fox) just discovered as hidden players in Saturn version of NBA Jam: TE after 28 years

As reported by SEGA SATURN, SHIRO!, Saturn hacker Malenko, who created Saturn romhacks (For lack of a better word) Drift King ’97 and NBA Jam TE Walrus Edition, discovered two never before seen or reported on secret characters in NBA Jam: Tournament Edition, who seem to be exclusive to the Saturn version for whatever reason. The first, and most exciting, is NBA Jam’s legendary announcer, Mr. BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA himself, Tim Kitzrow. (Who was also featured in other sports titles like NFL Blitz, NBA Showtime, NCAA College Slam, and Frank Thomas Big Hurt Baseball) The other is some guy named Fox. (We’re sure he’s a nice guy)

To anyone’s knowledge, the existence of these characters has never been revealed by anyone after all this time. Who knows if even Tim Kitzrow himself was aware? (UPDATE: He was not.) Malenko discovered this just from perusing the Saturn game’s hex data and finding curious entries within the character data area, which allowed him to figure out the secret codes for both characters.

Check in after the break for the secret codes to play as these two special guests.

Rent-A-Hero No. 1 on Dreamcast gets fan translation, includes bonus content

Rent-A-Hero No.1 on Dreamcast, a remake to Rent-A Hero on the Mega Drive, which both have been exclusive to Japan, has been translated by fans. The crazy part is, its not just a translation that the team has done, but have also added extra exclusive features, making this the definitive release!

The exclusive features include:

  • Unlockable content
  • 3D models / animations
  • VMU graphics / animations
  • Opening/Ending subs
  • Interface controls
  • Debug menus
  • Secret modes ( One-Punch man fans rejoice! )
  • Developers message board with original team + Rent-A-Modders dev comments
  • Skip logos sequence with START button
  • Bug fixes

Rent-A-Hero No.1 has been one of the games that a lot of Western Dreamcast gamers wanted a translation for. The game even got a port for the Xbox and was revealed via a leaked English prototype in 2017 that there was plans to bring the game West. Now, fans have translated the SEGA Mega Drive original and have translated the Dreamcast version. What a time to be a SEGA retro gaming fan. j

[Via: Romhacking]

Samba de Amigo ver. 2000 English fan conversion now available

 

While you wait for the release of Samba de Amigo: Party Central for Nintendo Switch, here’s a new development for what is probably the next best Samba de Amigo game. 

Samba de Amigo ver. 2000, which originally released on Sega Dreamcast exclusively in Japan in the year 2000, has gotten a new English conversion by Dukeblooders. While the game originally didn’t have much Japanese text in it, and didn’t strictly require a mastery of Japanese to play anyway, Dukeblooders went the extra mile and converted as much of the game’s text as possible, mostly using audio or graphics from the Wii version of Samba de Amigo from 2007, which had most of ver. 2000’s features anyway. It may not seem like too much of a change, but it should help the game feel like a more complete English release that never was.

Currently, you can download the patch from Dukeblooders’s Github page. According to this page, patching your copy of the game requires the Universal Dreamcast Patcher software by Derek Pascarella, which you can get from his own Github page. Playing the patched game currently requires a Dreamcast ODE (Optical Drive Emulator) such as a MODE or a GDEMU, as it cannot run from a burnt CD-ROM at this time. It should run perfectly fine in a Dreamcast emulator, theoretically. 

If you’re able to try this out, let us know what you think in the comments below.

Final pre-order run of Analogue Mega SG coming on Oct. 28th

In a brand new announcement from Analogue, the creators of FPGA consoles like the Mega SG and the Analogue Pocket, their last ever pre-order run of the Mega SG will take place on October 28th. After this, there will be no more. This will also be your last chance to order a Super NT from Analogue, which is their FPGA Super Nintendo clone. Both will be available for $199, excluding shipping, and will ship in “Q4 2023”. 

Phantasy Star II soundtrack getting vinyl release, pre-orders up now!

SEGA soundtracks have been pouring in on vinyl for the last few years, this time we are getting Phantasy Star II from Ship to Shore. This is a limited time release, coming in a “Rolf & Nei” blue and magenta swirl vinyl. While having a big, physical copy of the Phantasy Star II soundtrack is awesome, this release also features all the original Japanese artwork by Hitoshi Yoneda. Its beautiful.

While pre-orders are open now, the vinyl won’t ship until Q4 2022.

Shenmue: The Animation to premiere February 5 on Crunchyroll & Adult Swim

The upcoming Shenmue Th Animation is set to premiere next month! February 5th, it has been announced by Adult Swim and Crunchyroll. The series will run for 13 episodes that follows our hero Ryo Hazuki through the story of the first game and part of the sequel.

The new trailer also seems to show that the anime will be fleshing out more of Ryo’s regular life before the tragic events that set him on his new path. Should be a interesting show.

SEGA Mega Drive Shoot ’em up Gleylancer coming to all current consoles on October 15

The classic shoot ’em up for SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive, Gleylancer (I swear it was Gley Lancer?) is coming to all modern consoles on October 15, 2021. This includes PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Sadly looks like PC gamers have been left out.

Originally the game was a Japanese exclusive but got a world wide release for the first time in 2008 via Wii’s Virtual Console. This version of the game will have even more improvements, according to the company it will feature:

  • Improved modes available with accessibility features and modern controls.
  • Classic and deep space shoot ’em up gameplay.
  • Epic space opera with anime cutscenes.
  • Option to customize the ship’s attacking power.
  • Iconic retro console graphics and sound.
  • Legacy 16-bit title from the 1990s!

Shadow Man: Remastered coming to PC on April 15th

Do you guys remember the game Shadow Man? This action-adventure game by Acclaim launched on almost all platforms back in the day including Windows PC, Nintendo 64, PlayStation and of course the SEGA Dreamcast.

Well the game is coming back as Shadow Man Remastered, while we know its coming to PC on April 15th, its also coming to Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 (no dates set yet). Also did you know the game had a sequel called Shadow Man: 2econd Coming on PlayStation 2? Wow.

Check out the press release and screenshots:

Guilty Gear Isuka and Rumble Fish 2 have now been ported to SEGA Dreamcast


It looks like those SNK Atomiswave arcade ports continue to pour in for the SEGA Dreamcast. It seemed I even missed a few, but I had to come do a post for the release of both Guilty Gear Isuka and Rumble Fish 2! I have seriously been waiting for Rumble Fish 2 since this whole port thing got started.

Guilty Gear Isuka GDI Download | Rumble Fish 2 GDI Download

Its also cool to see other people in the community start porting some of these arcade titles over, even adding little short cuts to get into Time Attack and other options. Is the Atomiswave ports the best thing to happen to the Dreamcast in 2020?

Knights of Valour: The Seven Spirits is the latest Arcade port to Dreamcast

If you guys missed the news post about the latest SNK/Sammy Atomiswave arcade ports to Dreamcast, Dreamcast-Talk user Megavolt85 has been porting the titles over. According to him its rather easy and only needs a few lines of code changed to get them working on the SEGA Dreamcast. He has ported over Metal Slug 6, King of Fighters XI, Samurai Shodown VI, and NeoGeo Battle Coliseum. Now, for his fifth title he choose… Knights of Valour: The Seven Spirits? I actually never played the franchise, so I’m interested in trying it.

I do know that the franchise has a ton of entries and this title actually is the fifth release in the franchises history.

You can download the GDI file for the Dreamcast via the Dreamcast-Talk thread. I do know a few of the last few GDI games have gotten CDI (to burn on disc) images as well.

Wingman SD Review: Use Modern Controllers & Arcade Sticks on SEGA Dreamcast & Saturn

There has been quite a surge in retro gaming devices that offering ways to modernize your SEGA consoles, one of these new interesting devices we have seen online is the Wingman SD Converter for the SEGA Dreamcast and Saturn, which I found out about online because it allows you to use modern USB fight sticks on both retro consoles. Let’s take a deep dive into what the Wingman SD Converter offers and if it fulfills all the promises it makes. According to the site the device offers the ability to use modern game pads and fightsticks along with rumble support and a full memory card for the Dreamcast. Let’s get into the review.

Arcade1up’s Golden Axe cabinet up to order featuring Golden Axe, The Revenge of Death Adder, Shinobi, Altered Beast, and Wrestle War

If you guys always wanted a almost full size arcade of SEGA games including some never released in home classics like Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder, you can now get it via Arcade1up’s Golden Axe themed arcade which will set you back a cool $399.99 (who needs a next gen console, when you can play Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder at home?).

This arcade will feature the following titles:

  • Golden Axe™
  • Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder™
  • Shinobi™
  • Altered Beast™
  • Wrestle War™

You can order via 1up Arcade’s website which also contains more pictures of the cabinet that are using Golden Axe 1 cabinet style.

CBS All-Access’ “Console Wars” documentary about SEGA and Nintendo’s 16-bit rivalry gets a trailer, release date

If you guys have been keeping up with this blog, you’d know that we have covered the Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo and the Battle that Defined a Generation book when it came out back in 2014,was a book written by Blake J. Harris, who we had on our podcasts before. (We also had great podcasts with Console Wars stars Ex-SEGA America President Tom Kalinske and Ex-SEGA Director of Marketing Al Nilsen). Blake J. Harris talked about how he was working a documentary and it seems that documentary is coming to CBS All Access by September 23rd. Considered we have been waiting personally since 2014, waiting a few more weeks is easy.

This project is being produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, which was gonna debut via the Southwest Film Festival but considering whats happening in the world, its going to debut on CBS All Access instead.

Check out the trailer above and watch it on September 23rd, I think having these retro gaming documentary is great for the industry.

[Via: ETOnline]