For England, James? No, For the Fans: The GoldenEye Remake You Can Play Right Now

Fun Fact: Spyro’s Brutal Anti-Piracy If you played an illegal copy of Spyro: Year of the Dragon, the game would seemingly play normally at first. However, as you progressed, gems would disappear, eggs would vanish, and eventually, the game would crash and delete your save file entirely.

In today’s email:

• For England, James? No, For the Fans: The GoldenEye Remake You Can Play Right Now

• Super Mario 64: Rebuilt, Remastered, and Radiant – Is This the Ultimate Way to Revisit a Masterpiece?

• Chill Out: The Snow Bros. Are Back to Reclaim Their Retro Throne!

For England, James? No, For the Fans: The GoldenEye Remake You Can Play Right Now

If you grew up in the late '90s, your childhood likely smells like dusty plastic cartridges and sounds like the muffled "thwack" of a silenced PP7. We’ve all been waiting decades for a proper GoldenEye 007 facelift, and while the official Xbox/Switch ports scratched an itch, they weren’t exactly the "next-gen" overhaul we dreamed of. Enter the "Golden Cry" project—a mind-blowing, fan-made labor of love that painstakingly recreates the entire N64 classic inside the Far Cry 5 engine. This isn't just a map; it's a full-blown tactical reimagining that proves the Bond community is more resilient than a Boris Grishenko password.

A Spy’s Journey: From Hope County to the Dam

What makes this remake truly special is the sheer audacity of its scale. Creator Krollywood spent over 1,400 hours and three years hand-crafting all 18 original story levels using nothing but Far Cry 5’s Arcade editor. Because it utilizes the Far Cry engine, the gameplay shifts from the stiff, tank-like movement of 1997 to a fluid, modern tactical shooter experience.

You aren't just looking at better textures; you’re engaging with verticality, modern AI, and the environmental physics of the Dunia engine. Creeping through the Facility vents feels claustrophobic in high definition, and the legendary Dam jump has never looked more terrifyingly beautiful. While the assets (weapons, textures, and models) are pulled from Ubisoft’s library, the level design is a 1:1 architectural tribute that hits every nostalgic beat with surgical precision.

How to Play (The "Undercover" Guide)

In 2021, the project faced a brief "License to Kill" when Ubisoft removed the maps following a copyright claim from MGM. However, like any good double agent, the project went underground and returned under the alias "Golden Cry."

To get your hands on it today, you’ll need a legal copy of Far Cry 5 and access to the Arcade Mode. Here is the intel on where to find it:

• PC: Search for the creator "Graslu00" or the map name "Golden Cry." *

• PlayStation: Search for maps by creator "Perfect-Dark1982" or "KROOD."

• Xbox: Search for "GoldenEye" and filter by the oldest uploads to find the original legacy recreations.

Quick Intelligence Brief

• Developer: Created solo by YouTuber/Map-maker Krollywood.

• The "Bond" Fix: To avoid further legal heat, references to "James Bond" and "Natalya" were swapped for generic terms, but the layouts remain untouched.

• Easter Eggs: Look for hidden objects in the Bunker and Statue Park—Krollywood tucked away several nods to the original N64 development team.

• The Sound of 007: Fans recommend playing with the "GoldenEye 25" soundtrack (composed by Yannick Zenhäusern) in the background for the ultimate experience.

• Multiplayer: While the focus is the campaign, several classic maps like Complex and Library are available for PvP via the same creator.

THE VERDICT:

Whether you're a historian looking to see how 1997 design holds up in 2026, or just a fan who wants to karate chop a guard in 4K, this is a must-play. It’s a testament to what a community can do when they refuse to let a classic die.

Super Mario 64: Rebuilt, Remastered, and Radiant – Is This the Ultimate Way to Revisit a Masterpiece?

Hold onto your power-ups, because what was once a pixelated dream is now a stunning, ray-traced reality. We’re talking about Super Mario 64, not as you remember it, but as you always wished it could be. Forget emulators; we’re diving into the legendary PC port, supercharged with Render96, HD Textures, the Odyssey Mario Moveset (OMM), and – wait for it – real-time Ray Tracing. This isn't just a fan project; it's a monumental achievement that resurrects a 1996 masterpiece with 2026 visual fidelity and gameplay polish.

It’s hard to overstate the magic here. Imagine Peach's Castle bathed in realistic sunlight, casting soft, global-illuminated shadows. Water levels reflect their surroundings with pristine accuracy. Every single coin, block, and Goomba pops with a vibrancy that defies its decades-old origins. This isn't just upscaling; it's a complete visual overhaul that respects the original art direction while pushing it into an entirely new generation. For anyone who grew up with Mario’s polygonal debut, this experience is nothing short of breathtaking.

How do I use it?

Simply download at the top of this page and extract the sm64pcBuilder2 exe into whatever folder you'd like
(sm64pcBuilder2 is a recommended folder name, but not required).
Ensure you have everything listed in the Requirements section.
It is recommended that you click Yes when prompted to update MSYS2.
Wait for dependencies to install/update, select repo and branch, setup Savable Options to your liking, hit the Download button (select your ROM if prompted), make your desired selections, and click the Compile button.

Once you've done all of the above you are ready to compile as normal. If you encounter problems with dependencies,
try clicking Update MSYS2 (or if that doesn't help Reinstall Dependencies).

The Perfect Trio: Render96, Ray Tracing, and OMM

At the heart of this technological marvel are three key components that elevate the experience far beyond a simple port.

Render96 is the visual cornerstone, a project dedicated to restoring character and environmental models to their pre-release, high-fidelity glory, based on original SGI workstation renders. This means Mario, Bowser, and the entire cast look closer to their official artwork than ever before, complete with more detailed geometry and smoother curves. Gone are some of the blockier edges, replaced with models that feel far more intentional and expressive.

Adding an entirely new dimension to this visual feast is Ray Tracing. Powered by the ingenious RT64 wrapper, this isn't just faked global illumination; it's true path tracing. Every light source, from the sun in Bob-omb Battlefield to the ambient glow of lava in Bowser in the Fire Sea, contributes to a hyper-realistic lighting model. Expect stunning reflections, accurate refractions, and shadows that behave precisely as they would in the real world. This transforms familiar levels, offering new perspectives and making exploration feel fresh again.

But it’s not just about looks. The Odyssey Mario Moveset (OMM) injects modern gameplay sensibilities directly into the N64 classic. Imagine executing Mario Odyssey’s iconic dive-roll or even using Cappy-like throws to interact with the environment in ways the original never allowed. This isn't just a cosmetic change; it opens up new strategies for collecting stars, tackling bosses, and traversing the game's intricate levels. It’s like discovering hidden mechanics in a game you thought you knew inside and out.

Building Your Dream: Accessing the Ultimate SM64

So, how do you get your hands on this marvel? This is where the "DIY" spirit of the PC gaming community shines. The Super Mario 64 PC port is a testament to dedicated fan effort, originating from the monumental community-driven decompilation project. This means you won’t find it on Steam or any traditional storefront.

To embark on this journey, you'll need to legally own a copy of Super Mario 64 (yes, your old N64 cartridge or a digital copy from an official Nintendo release still counts!). The community has developed incredible tools, like the "sm64pcbuilder2," which guides you through the process of compiling the port using your legally sourced ROM. While we can't provide direct links, a quick search for "Super Mario 64 PC port builder" will put you on the right path. It’s a rewarding experience that gives you a deeper appreciation for the technical wizardry involved.

Power-Up Notes & Quick Hits

• The Decompilation Project: The entire PC port exists thanks to a decade-long community effort to reverse-engineer the original N64 ROM, translating its assembly code back into readable C.

• Regional Differences: The original Japanese "Shindou Pak Taiou" version of SM64 included rumble support and patched a few glitches found in the initial Western release. Some port builds allow you to choose which regional base you want to use!

• Hardware Check: To run Ray Tracing smoothly, you'll want a modern GPU (NVIDIA RTX 20/30/40 series or AMD RX 6000/7000 series). A powerful CPU also helps with the high framerates and complex physics.

• Modding Extravaganza: Beyond Render96 and OMM, the SM64 PC port has spawned an incredible modding scene, offering custom levels, character skins, and even entirely new game modes. The rabbit hole goes deep!

• Not an Emulation: This is crucial. The PC port is a native application, not an emulator running a ROM. This allows for far greater control over resolution, framerate, and modern rendering techniques like ray tracing.

The Castle Awaits!

Super Mario 64 with Ray Tracing, Render96, and OMM isn't just a visual upgrade; it's a transformative experience that breathes new life into a beloved classic. It’s a testament to the passion of a community that refuses to let gaming history fade. If you’ve ever wanted to see Peach's Castle in a whole new light, literally, then now is the time to gather your courage (and your legal ROM!) and jump into this incredible adventure.

Go forth and reclaim those stars, in glorious, ray-traced splendor!

Chill Out: The Snow Bros. Are Back to Reclaim Their Retro Throne!

If you spent any time in a smoke-filled arcade in the early '90s, or huddled around a NES on a Saturday morning, you know the vibe. Snow Bros. wasn’t just another Bubble Bobble clone; it was a frantic, snowball-slinging masterpiece that turned "chilling out" into a high-stakes contact sport. For years, finding a physical copy of this Toaplan classic meant selling a kidney on eBay. But thanks to the preservationists at Limited Run Games, Nick and Tom are finally coming in from the cold.

A Winter Wonderland of Ports

The Snow Bros. Classic Collection isn't just a simple ROM dump. It’s a curated digital museum of how this arcade legend evolved across home consoles. For the first time on modern hardware, you’re getting a triple-threat of retro goodness: the iconic NES version, the rare Sega Genesis/Mega Drive port (featuring those exclusive cutscenes and extra levels), and the portable Game Boy classic, Snow Bros. Jr.

What makes this release special is seeing how each platform handled the "snowball" mechanic. Whether you’re playing the 8-bit NES version or the more beefed-up Genesis port, the core gameplay remains addictive: pelt enemies with snow until they’re a giant boulder, then kick them to clear the screen in a satisfying chain reaction of frozen destruction. It’s simple, it’s sweaty-palms intense, and it’s arguably the best local co-op fun you can have with a friend.

Modern Comforts, Classic Soul

Powered by the Carbon Engine, these ports run buttery smooth on the Nintendo Switch and PS5. While the collection leans heavily on nostalgia, it doesn't skimp on the modern necessities. We’re talking save states, rewind features (because let’s be real, those Stage 50 bosses are brutal), and various display filters to give you that CRT glow without the 50-pound television.

How to Snag Your Copy

If you missed the initial pre-order window, don't panic—but do move fast. While the Standard Edition brings the heat (err, cold?) at a friendly price point, the Classic Edition is the real star for collectors. It comes housed in a retro-style box that looks like it stepped right out of a 1991 toy store, complete with a physical soundtrack and a commemorative poster.

• Region Info: These physical releases are Region Free, meaning your Switch or PS5 will run them no matter where you are in the world.

• Availability: While digital versions hit stores on February 6, 2026, the physical carts and discs are shipping out to pre-order fans throughout the spring. Keep an eye on the LRG "Blowout Sales" if you missed the December deadline!

Quick Notes & Chilly Trivia ❄️

• Developer Pedigree: Originally developed by Toaplan, the same legendary studio behind shmups like Truxton and Zero Wing (yes, the "All Your Base" guys!).

• The "Special" Difference: Don't confuse this with Snow Bros. Nick & Tom Special (the 3D-ish remake). This collection is all about that authentic, pixel-perfect 2D history.

• Hidden Levels: The Genesis version included in this set features 20 exclusive levels where you actually play as the princesses, Puripuri and Puchipuchi, to rescue the boys!

• Status: Currently shipping/preparing for delivery as of early 2026.

Are you ready to save the Kingdom of Hottoda one snowball at a time? Let us know in the comments if you're a Nick or a Tom, and stay tuned for more retro deep dives!

Keep it frosty, gamers!

We hope you tune back in for our next issue, where we'll dive deep into more retro gaming news!