Welcome back to the Festival of Dread, The Splintering’s month-long celebration of all things dreary and disturbing. Today we’re going to take a look at Jaki Crush (aka Naxat Super Pinball Jaki Crush), a horror-inspired pinball game released on the Nintendo Super Famicom in 1992. Developed by Compile, Jaki Crush is the third game in their “Crush” pinball series (We don’t
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On Thursday, game publisher Digerati announced that Terror of Hemasaurus is coming to PC on 17 October, with console versions to follow in early December. Developed by Loren Lemcke (Super Blood Hockey), Terror of Hemasaurus is inspired by the arcade “smash ‘em ups” of the 1980s, especially that one… the one where you rampage through all those US cities… whatever
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On 4 October, Microids released the console versions of Alfred Hitchcock – Vertigo. Developed by Pendulo Studios, Alfred Hitchcock – Vertigo is a narrative adventure game loosely based on the classic Hitchcock movie. The game is described as “a disturbing investigation inside the human mind.” Keen. Here’s the official breakdown of Alfred Hitchcock – Vertigo from Microids, followed by the
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Game publisher Focus Entertainment is all set to release A Plague Tale: Requiem, the sequel to A Plague Tale: Innocence, for both PC and consoles on 18 October. Developed by Asobo Studio, A Plague Tale: Requiem is a supernatural adventure that follows a young woman and her little brother as they survive the Black Plague in 14th Century France. Here’s
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“NNNNGGGHHHAAA!” Zombies abound, partner! Oh, never mind. I’m not doing “cowboy speak” this entire review. Sure, it’s not nearly as annoying as pirate speak, but most cowboy types seem pretty cool most of the time, so why make fun of them? …aaand we have a game to look at. Specifically, it’s Gunslingers and Zombies, a turn-based strategy game originally developed
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PikPok recently announced that brick-breaking Shatter Remastered Deluxe is coming to Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, SeXbox, Xbone, Windows PC, macOS, and Steam PC on 2 November. Originally released in 2009, this newest version of Shatter features 4K visuals, enhanced visual effects, and an upgraded 5.1 soundtrack. Of course, the celebrated “suck and blow” mechanic also makes its glorious return! (*Snick!*)
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Publisher Big Sugar recently announced that Vulpine adventure Trifox arrives next month on Switch, Xbox, and PC with PlayStation versions to follow. The maiden game by Belgian developer Glowfish Interactive, Trifox is described as a “fun-filled, action-packed adventure” inspired by classic 3D platformers such as Crash Bandicoot and Ratchet & Clank. Players take control of the titular Trifox, who is
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Japanese indie developer Odencat recently announced that their upcoming family-friendly RPG Meg’s Monster has been slightly delayed, and it is now slated for a 2023 release on both Nintendo Switch and Steam. Perhaps to make up for the delay, Odencat has also announced that Meg’s Monster will be taking part in Steam Next Fest starting on 3 October, and that
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Publisher No Gravity Games recently announced that fantasy adventure One True Hero is coming to Nintendo Switch, Playstation, and XBOX consoles on 20 October. Developed by Rat Cliff Games, One True Hero is described as a “quirky, epic action-adventure” starring a very unlikely hero. Here’s the official breakdown of One True Hero from the creators, followed by the latest trailer:
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Publisher 3D Realms recently announced a new first-person shooter Phantom Fury is coming to PS5, SeXbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC sometime in 2023. Developed by Slipgate Ironworks, Phantom Fury is a follow-up to 2020’s Ion Fury, starring that game’s heroine, Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison. This new game is still an “action-packed adventure” in a sci-fi setting, but this time with a
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Developers Repixel8 and CGA Studio Games recently announced that Formula Retro Racing: World Tour is coming to the Xbone, SeXbox Series S | X, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch on 14 December. As the latest entry in the Formula Retro Racing series, World Tour combines classic arcade-style gameplay with a low-polygon visual aesthetic to create a neo-retro, 90s-style racing experience.
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Polish game developer Sonka will release Car Mechanic Pinball for Nintendo Switch on 23 September (that’s Friday). Car Mechanic Pinball blends classic arcade pinball gameplay with a modern voxel art aesthetic, all the while introducing some deeper business management mechanics (urrrr!) to enrich the experience. Here’s the official breakdown of Car Mechanic Pinball from Sonka followed by the latest trailer:
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This week at the Tokyo Game Show, publisher Microids announced that a revival of the classic arcade game Operation Wolf is coming soon to both PC and consoles. Originally released in 1987 by Taito, Operation Wolf is an arcade game shooter complete with a gun (an uzi, if I remember right) mounted to the cabinet. The 80s were awesome. You
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W.R.K.S Games recently announced that Shinobi Rising is coming to PC and Nintendo Switch in 2023. Shinobi Rising is intended to be the first game in the Katana-Ra Universe, which is inspired by both feudal Japanese history and futuristic Cyberpunk. The game is a side-scroller with both stealth and detective/mystery-solving gameplay. Here’s the official breakdown of Shinobi Rising from W.R.K.S
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Publisher RedDeer.Games recently announced that the comic book and Netflix series heroes of Kayko and Kokosh are coming to the Nintendo Switch on Friday, 16 September in the form of Kayko & Kokosh: Coloring Book. With a plot penned by former CD Projekt RED writer Magdalena Kucenty (The Witcher’s Gwent), Kayko & Kokosh: Coloring Book is described as “a unique
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With all of the Zelda, Pikmin and Goldeneye news during Tuesday’s Nintendo Direct, you could perhaps be forgiven if you missed out on some sweet retro shoot ‘em up news… perhaps. The vertical-scrolling 2D classic Radiant Silvergun is now available on the Nintendo Switch eShop. Originally developed by Treasure for the SEGA Saturn, Radiant Silvergun is credited as being one
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Indie publisher Ratalaika Games recently announced that The Dark Prophecy – a new point & click adventure game, is scheduled to release on Friday, 16 September for PS4, PS5, Xbone, SeXbox and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Meridian4, The Dark Prophecy is inspired by the retro adventure games of the 90s, and features a 2D, pixel art visual aesthetic to match.
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Developer and publisher Gravity Game Arise recently announced that Grid Force: Mask of the Goddess from UK developer will release on 15 September 2022 for Steam PC. Developed by Dreamnauts Studio, Grid Force combines elements of bullet-hell shooters and tactical RPGs for a unique genre mishmash for up to four players. Here’s the official breakdown breakdown of Grid Force: Mask
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Publisher Hamster has announced that Champion Wrestler is now available on Nintendo Switch and PS4 as part of the digital Arcade Archives series. Originally released in arcades by Taito in 1989, Champion Wrestler is a one or two player game that puts players in the boots of a professional wrestler. You can choose from eight different wrestlers, each with their
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In 1994, a couple of years after words like “radical”, “gnarly” and “tubular” had gone out of vogue, Activision unwisely released an action platformer under the title Radical Rex for Super Nintendo, SEGA Genesis and SEGA CD. Fast-forward a few decades, and QUByte Interactive and PIKO Interactive have announced that Radical Rex is back – available today (8 September) for
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GS2 Games has released Mozart Requiem for Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Steam PC. Developed by HR Games, Mozart Requiem is described as a “baroque murder mystery” that weaves a fictional adventure into historical events. Here’s the official breakdown of Mozart Requiem from GS2 Games: Mozart Requiem is available now for PlayStation 4, Switch physical and digital, and digitally on PC.
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Strictly Limited Games has announced plans for limited physical editions of the point-and-click adventures in The Journey Down Trilogy for PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Skygoblin, The Journey Down Trilogy features varied environments, mysterious puzzles, and an “Afro-Caribbean vibe.” Here’s the official breakdown of The Journey Down Trilogy from Strictly Limited: The physical copies of The Journey Down Trilogy
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Earlier this week, NIS America released Prinny Presents NIS Classics Vol. 3 for the Nintendo Switch and Steam PC. This new compilation includes two NIS strategy RPGs: La Pucelle: Ragnarok and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure. This is the first time that La Pucelle: Ragnarok is available in the West, as the original release was exclusively for the PSP in Japan.
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On Thursday, publisher Curve Games released Chenso Club, a new 2-D, rouguelike brawler for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbone and Steam PC. Developed by Swedish studio Pixadome, Chenso Club is inspired by the side-scrolling arcade brawlers of yesteryear. Up to four players can choose from a team of super-powered ladies and defend humanity from a horde of invading aliens. Here’s the
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On Thursday, Japanese publisher Waku Waku Games announced that the retro-inspired competitive puzzle game Puzzle Battler! Mirai is now available for pre-order on the Nintendo Switch eShop. Featuring a throwback 8-bit style graphics, Puzzle Battler! Mirai promises a “variety of engaging battle tactics” and a fun, casual story a to tie it all together. Here’s the official breakdown of Puzzle
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Like Paper Mario – but everyone is dead. Publisher Digerati recently announced that the new “paper RPG” The Outbound Ghost will be released on 21 September for Steam and other PC storefronts for $19.99. A digital console release for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbone, and SeXbox is expected later in 2022. Developed by Conradical Games, The Outbound Ghost is described
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Microids recently pulled back the curtain on New Joe & Mac: Caveman Ninja by releasing the very first gameplay trailer. Originally developed by Data East, New Joe & Mac is a remastered version of the 1991 arcade game. This revamped release will include updated visuals, additional modes, and an extended story mode. Here’s the official breakdown of New Joe &
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Over the weekend, homebrew game publisher Mega Cat Studios announced that an all-new retro-styled puzzle game Roniu’s Tale is now available for the original Nintendo Entertainment System. Developed by Kunjee Studio, Roniu’s Tale is inspired by adventure/puzzlers of the 1980s such as Solomon’s Key and The Adventures of Lolo. Here’s the official breakdown of Roniu’s Tale from Mega Cat Studios:
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Publisher Hamster has announced that Super Volleyball is now available on Nintendo Switch and PS4 as part of the digital Arcade Archives series. Originally released in arcades by Video Systems in 1989, Super Volleyball is a multiplayer sports game that does not feature any fetching beach babes in bikinis. Instead, it recreates the indoor volleyball experience with an approachable arcade
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RedDeer.Games recently announced that their retro-inspired adventure game UnderDungeon is coming to Nintendo Switch, Xbox and Steam PC sometime in 2022. Aside from the minimalist visual aesthetics, RedDeer also promises that one of the main selling points of UnderDungeon is its “good humor.” Pfeh! We’ll be the judge of that, thanks! Here’s the official breakdown of UnderDungeon from RedDeer.Games, followed
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