Nintendo is finally going to let us play as Zelda

In today’s email:

• Xenogears HD-2D Fan Remake in Unreal Engine 5: A Stunning Tribute to a Classic

• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom - A New Dawn for Princess Zelda

• Steel Legion: A New Metroidvania Adventure for the NES

FAN REMAKE

Xenogears HD-2D Fan Remake in Unreal Engine 5: A Stunning Tribute to a Classic

A Blast from the Past

Hello fellow Retro Swappers, Remember Xenogears, that epic JRPG from 1998 by Square Enix? It’s been a fan favorite for its deep story, complex characters, and innovative gameplay. Despite its enduring popularity, we’ve never seen an official remaster or remake—until now, sort of. A recent fan project has breathed new life into this classic, showing off what a modern HD-2D remake could look like using Unreal Engine 5. And let me tell you, it’s jaw-dropping.

The Vision Behind the Remake

Meet Vitor Maccari, a 3D artist with a passion for Xenogears. He’s taken it upon himself to reimagine the game in stunning HD-2D, a style that blends high-def 2D sprites with lush 3D environments. Think Octopath Traveler or Triangle Strategy, but with the Xenogears world we all love. Maccari’s unofficial project has been turning heads for its impressive visuals and faithful recreation of the original game’s vibe.

Technical Wizardry

To pull off this magic, Maccari used some serious tools: Maya, Zbrush, Houdini, Substance Painter, Megascan Textures, and SpeedTree. The entire scene was rendered in Unreal Engine 5, leveraging its powerful capabilities to bring the world of Xenogears to life. The project features the original 2D sprites, beautifully integrated into richly detailed 3D environments.

The Concept Video

The concept video is a feast for the eyes, showcasing the main protagonist exploring various environments from the game. It’s mostly a visual treat, focusing on the scenery rather than combat or NPC interactions. But wow, does it give us a tantalizing glimpse of what a full HD-2D remake could look like! The environments are vibrant and lush, capturing the essence of the original game while giving it a modern makeover.

Community Buzz

The fan community is buzzing with excitement. People are loving this project and flooding platforms like Reddit with praise. Many are reminiscing about the emotional impact Xenogears had on them and expressing their hopes for an official remake from Square Enix. It’s clear that Maccari’s work has struck a chord with fans.

The Future of Xenogears

As much as we’d love to see Square Enix jump on board with an official remake, there’s no sign of that happening yet. Maccari’s project is a labor of love, showcasing the potential for what could be. Sadly, he doesn’t plan to release it to the public, so for now, we’ll have to be content with the concept video and dream about what could be.

Wrapping It Up

Vitor Maccari’s HD-2D fan remake of Xenogears in Unreal Engine 5 is a stunning tribute to a beloved classic. It shows off the potential of modern tech to revive old favorites, even if it’s just a fan project. While an official remake might not be on the horizon, this project is a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact of Xenogears and the passion of its fans.

Curious to see more? Check out the concept video and other fan projects online to get a glimpse of what’s possible when creativity meets technology. Stay tuned, because you never know—maybe one day, we’ll see Xenogears officially reborn in glorious HD-2D.

SWITCH

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom - A New Dawn for Princess Zelda

Zelda Takes the Lead!

Hey, Zelda fans! The moment some of us have been dreaming about is finally here. Princess Zelda is stepping out from behind the scenes and taking center stage in the newly announced The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Revealed during the recent June Nintendo Direct, this game is set to shake up the franchise by making Zelda the protagonist. Say goodbye to the traditional sword-and-shield combat of Link and hello to a fresh, innovative gameplay experience.

Zelda's New Role

In Echoes of Wisdom, you’ll be guiding Princess Zelda on her quest to save Hyrule and rescue Link, who’s fallen into a mysterious void. This isn’t just a superficial swap—it’s a total gameplay overhaul. Zelda’s wielding the Tri Rod, a magical staff that lets her create "echoes" of objects and enemies for combat, puzzles, and traversal.

Gameplay Mechanics

The Tri Rod is a game-changer. Unlike Link, who’s all about direct combat with his sword, Zelda’s approach is more strategic and creative. She can summon echoes of various objects—rocks, tables, even enemies—to help in battle and overcome obstacles. This means you’ll need to think critically about how to use your echoes effectively. Need to cross a gap? Summon a table echo to build a bridge. Got enemies on your tail? Throw a rock echo at them. The possibilities are endless and each encounter feels like a fresh challenge.

A Fresh Perspective on Combat

One of the coolest things about Echoes of Wisdom is how it redefines combat. Without a sword, Zelda relies on her wits and the versatile Tri Rod. This change pushes players to adopt a more thoughtful approach to battles, using echoes to outsmart rather than overpower enemies. Summoning echoes of defeated foes to fight for her? That’s a tactical twist that feels totally fresh and different from Link’s usual style.

Visual and Artistic Style

Echoes of Wisdom is rocking an art style similar to the 2019 remake of Link's Awakening, with a charming, diorama-like look. This visual style not only pays homage to the series’ roots but also amps up the game's magical and whimsical vibe. The top-down perspective and vibrant, detailed environments make for a visually stunning adventure that’s both nostalgic and new.

Community and Fan Reactions

Fans are losing their minds over this announcement. The Zelda community has been buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm. Many have been waiting for a game where Zelda takes the lead, and the reveal has exceeded all expectations. The innovative gameplay mechanics and focus on Zelda’s unique abilities have been particularly well-received. It’s clear this game is hitting all the right notes with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Looking Ahead

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is shaping up to be a bold and exciting new direction for the series. By putting Princess Zelda in the spotlight and giving her the versatile Tri Rod, the game promises a fresh and innovative take on the beloved franchise. Mark your calendars for September 26, 2024, because that’s when you’ll get to explore Hyrule through Zelda’s eyes and experience an adventure that celebrates her wisdom and strength.

This game isn’t just a milestone for the series; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal and potential for innovation within the world of Zelda. For the first time, you’ll get to save Hyrule as Princess Zelda, and that alone is worth the wait. Get ready to embark on a new kind of adventure—one that puts Zelda’s power and intelligence front and center.

NES

Steel Legion: A New Metroidvania Adventure for the NES

We’ve got another new game for the classic NES. This new Kickstarter project is here to shake things up. Say hello to "Steel Legion," a Metroidvania-style game from Aeon & Star Interactive and Broke Studio. This project is all set to bring a fresh yet nostalgically thrilling experience to our beloved NES consoles.

A Dystopian Cyberpunk Universe

"Steel Legion" throws you into a dystopian future set in the far-off year of 2004. Yep, you read that right. The world is under the iron grip of a malevolent AI, and androids, once mankind's helpers, now enforce its brutal rule. You play as a cyborg commando with a human heart, on a mission to save humanity. Armed and dangerous, you navigate neon-lit streets turned battlegrounds, fighting the AI's enforcers in a bid to reclaim freedom.

Gameplay and Features

This isn’t just another 2D platformer; "Steel Legion" takes heavy cues from the Metroid series. You’ll explore a sprawling, interconnected world, uncovering secrets, meeting quirky NPCs, and unlocking new abilities to progress. The game is split into four non-linear stages, each with unique bosses and quests, ensuring plenty of exploration and replayability—the true essence of Metroidvania.

The game’s fully functional on real NES hardware, and the Kickstarter, which kicked off on June 17, 2024, is all about funding the physical editions. The goal? $26,844. And with a month to go, they've already raked in $23,053. Not too shabby!

Backing Options and Rewards

Want to get in on the action? The standard pack, priced at £50, or $54, (or £39 for early birds), gets you a black cartridge, a box, a game booklet, and a digital copy of the OST. For the collectors out there, the limited edition at €80, about $86, includes a shiny silver cartridge and extra goodies like stickers, coasters, and posters. Prefer digital? There’s a £10, about $11 USD, option just for you.

Community and Reception

The retro gaming community is buzzing with excitement over "Steel Legion." The Kickstarter page features a demo and trailer, giving potential backers a sneak peek. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising its authentic NES gameplay and aesthetics.

Final Thoughts

"Steel Legion" is blending the best of old and new, bringing a fresh experience to the classic NES. With its engaging storyline, challenging gameplay, and nostalgic charm, it’s set to become a standout in the homebrew NES scene. Retro fans and new players alike have until July 17, 2024, to back this exciting project and snag their copy.

Want to dive into this dystopian cyberpunk adventure? Head over to the "Steel Legion" Kickstarter page for more info and to support the project. This is one retro ride you won’t want to miss!