Zines, carts, and a doc
Hiya readers, completely happy satisfaction! Whereas none of those highlighted tasks are explicitly queer—save for one, perhaps—always remember that queer folks have all the time been part of online game historical past. As all the time, we now have 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 one of the best of my capacity I’ve not (and by no means will) endorse any marketing campaign constructed round AI property. Additionally, in mild of the continued pandemic, we suggest solely backing crowdfunding campaigns should you really feel comfy with your individual 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 concerning 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 Sport Zine. A busy June!
LED-Interactive Famicom Cartridge Board (ends June 16 estimated reward date Feb 2026)
You would possibly 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 undertaking proposes a Famicom recreation that really makes use of the lights to replicate in-game motion. Since that work remains to be within the prototype section, this marketing campaign will supply totally different video games as a reward for funding the continued improvement of the illuminated Famicom undertaking.
Echoes of the Unread (ends June 18 estimated reward date Feb 2026)
For those who’re in search of 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 “resolve puzzles, battle foes, and uncover secrets and techniques.” A demo is offered for obtain.
Mawthorne 2 (ends June 19 estimated reward date Oct 2025)
In a transparent signal that this column has gone on for a protracted, very long time, here’s a sequel to a crowdfunded recreation I wrote about three years in the past. There’s even a demo if you wish to attempt it for your self. Trying 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 never performed any Jeff Minter video games regardless of trusted friends 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.
