- Retro Swap
- Posts
- How ModRetro's Chromatic Is Reigniting the Flames of Handheld Gaming Nostalgia
How ModRetro's Chromatic Is Reigniting the Flames of Handheld Gaming Nostalgia
PLUS: The 10 Grooviest Video Games That Defined the 1970s
In partnership with
Put your best face forward with Tiege Hanley
Fellas. We've all been guilty of neglecting our skin. But your skin is your body's largest organ and its first line of defense, so it’s important to show it the care it deserves.
Introducing Tiege Hanley's Bare Minimum Routine – a simple yet powerful solution to keep your skin clear with minimal effort. For just $9, first-time customers receive a revitalizing face wash and an AM moisturizer infused with SPF protection. This duo is meticulously crafted to shield and revitalize your skin, ensuring you always put your best face forward.
Fun Fact: The original Donkey Kong arcade game was supposed to be a Popeye game, not a game starring Mario (then called Jumpman) and Donkey Kong. Nintendo was unable to secure the rights to use Popeye characters, so they created their own original characters instead. Jumpman became Mario, Bluto became Donkey Kong, and Olive Oyl became the damsel in distress (later named Pauline).
This last-minute change led to the creation of two of Nintendo's most iconic characters - Mario and Donkey Kong. The game went on to be a massive hit and launched the Mario franchise, which has since become one of the most successful video game series of all time. So Nintendo's inability to license Popeye inadvertently resulted in the birth of their most famous mascot and rival.
In today’s email:
HANDHELD
How ModRetro's Chromatic Is Reigniting the Flames of Handheld Gaming Nostalgia
Remember the satisfying click of sliding in a fresh game cartridge? The anticipation as you flicked that power switch? Get ready to relive those golden moments. ModRetro's Chromatic is here, and it's about to make your inner child do backflips.
Not Your Average Throwback
Forget those cheap knock-offs flooding the market. The Chromatic isn't just another nostalgia cash-grab. This bad boy is packing some serious heat under its retro exterior.
Sunlight-readable display: Finally, you can game outdoors without squinting like you're trying to decipher ancient hieroglyphs.
Sapphire crystal screen: Tougher than your childhood memories. Scratch it? Good luck.
Magnesium alloy body: This thing could survive a fall from the top bunk (not that we're suggesting you test that).
But here's where it gets wild: The Chromatic isn't just compatible with your dusty Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges. It's got its own line of modern games cooked up specifically for this beast.
From Tetris to Tomorrow
Speaking of games, ModRetro isn't messing around. They're bundling the Chromatic with a brand-spanking-new version of Tetris. Yeah, that Tetris. The OG block-dropper that probably caused more missed homework assignments than actual illness.
But don't think this is just a rehash. The Chromatic uses FPGA-based emulation, ensuring those classic games play exactly as the developers intended. It's like a time machine for your thumbs.
Not Just a Pretty Face
Sure, the Chromatic looks slick. But it's got brains to match its beauty:
USB-C video out: Show off your high scores on the big screen.
Backwards compatible link cable: Trade Pokémon like it's 1999.
Custom ultra-loud speaker: Annoy your siblings/roommates/entire train car with those sweet, sweet chiptunes.
The Future is Flexible
Here's where ModRetro gets clever. The Chromatic runs on good ol' AA batteries. Why? Because sometimes you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, and the corner store doesn't stock USB-C cables. But for the tech-savvy, there's also a custom rechargeable lithium-ion pack option.
More Than Just a Gaming Device
The Chromatic isn't just about playing games. It's about rekindling that spark of joy you felt as a kid. It's about introducing a new generation to the simple pleasures of pick-up-and-play gaming. And let's be honest, it's about finally beating that one level that haunted your dreams for decades.
The Bottom Line
ModRetro's Chromatic is more than just a handheld console. It's a time machine, a conversation starter, and a middle finger to planned obsolescence. At €186,95, it's not cheap – but can you really put a price on pure, distilled nostalgia?
Pre-orders are open now, with shipping in time for the holidays. So go ahead, treat yourself (or that gamer in your life) to a slice of gaming history, reimagined for the modern age. Your inner child will thank you.
70’s TOP TEN
The 10 Grooviest Video Games That Defined the 1970s
The 1970s. A decade of disco, bell-bottoms, and the birth of a cultural phenomenon that would change entertainment forever: video games. From dimly lit arcades to living rooms across America, these pixelated wonders captivated a generation and laid the groundwork for a multi-billion dollar industry. Let's take a nostalgic journey back to where it all began with the 10 greatest video games of the 70s.
1. Space Invaders (1978): The Alien Invasion That Conquered Earth
Beep. Beep. Beep. The rhythmic sound of approaching extraterrestrials still echoes in the minds of gamers who experienced this arcade sensation. Space Invaders wasn't just a game; it was a cultural touchstone that had players furiously defending Earth one quarter at a time.
With its simple yet addictive gameplay, Space Invaders sparked a craze that emptied the pockets of teenagers and adults alike. In Japan, the game's popularity led to a shortage of 100-yen coins. Now that's what we call an out-of-this-world impact!
2. Pong (1972): The Ping Heard 'Round the World
Two paddles. One ball. Endless fun. Pong may seem quaint by today's standards, but in 1972, it was nothing short of revolutionary. This digital table tennis simulator proved that video games could be simple, accessible, and wildly entertaining.
Pong's success wasn't just in the arcades. It paved the way for home consoles, bringing digital entertainment into living rooms across America. Who knew that a few moving squares could change the world?
3. Asteroids (1979): Rocketing to Success
Asteroids blasted onto the scene in 1979, and gamers couldn't get enough of its vector graphics and intense gameplay. Piloting a triangular spaceship through a field of tumbling space rocks was an adrenaline rush like no other.
The game's popularity was astronomical. It became Atari's best-selling arcade game of all time, with over 70,000 cabinets sold. Talk about a smashing success!
4. The Oregon Trail (1971): Dysentery Never Looked So Good
Before Minecraft taught kids about resource management, there was The Oregon Trail. This educational game turned the arduous journey of 19th-century pioneers into a thrilling (and often deadly) adventure.
From fording rivers to hunting buffalo, The Oregon Trail made history class exciting. And let's be honest, who didn't feel a twinge of morbid excitement when a party member succumbed to dysentery?
5. Breakout (1976): Breaking Barriers (and Bricks)
Imagine Pong, but vertical and single-player. That's Breakout in a nutshell, and it was an instant hit. Players used a paddle to bounce a ball and break through layers of colorful bricks, creating a satisfying blend of strategy and reflexes.
Fun fact: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the future founders of Apple, worked on the game for Atari. Talk about a dynamic duo!
6. Gun Fight (1975): The Dawn of the Digital Duel
Step right up, pardner! Gun Fight brought the Wild West to the arcade, pitting two cowboys against each other in a pixelated shootout. It was one of the first games to feature human-on-human combat, setting the stage for countless duels to come.
With its innovative use of a microprocessor, Gun Fight was a technical marvel that pushed the boundaries of what arcade games could do.
7. Night Driver (1976): A Midnight Ride to Remember
Buckle up! Night Driver put players behind the wheel in one of the first first-person racing games. With nothing but white dots representing the road ahead, it created a sense of speed and danger that was thrilling for its time.
The game's unique cabinet design, complete with a steering wheel and gas pedal, made players feel like they were really cruising down a dark highway. Talk about immersion!
8. Sea Wolf (1976): Dive Into Action
Ahoy, matey! Sea Wolf brought submarine warfare to the arcade, complete with a periscope-shaped viewer that players looked through to aim their torpedoes. It was an early example of how unique hardware could enhance the gaming experience.
The game's success inspired a wave of similar titles, proving that gamers were hungry for more than just space-themed shooters.
9. Death Race (1976): Controversy on Wheels
Sometimes, it's good to be bad. Death Race caused a stir with its macabre premise of running over "gremlins" (which looked suspiciously human-like). It was one of the first games to spark a debate about violence in video games, a conversation that continues to this day.
Despite (or perhaps because of) the controversy, Death Race found its audience and secured its place in gaming history.
10. Computer Space (1971): The Game That Started It All
Last but certainly not least, we have Computer Space, the first commercially available arcade video game. While it wasn't a huge commercial success, its importance can't be overstated. It laid the groundwork for the entire video game industry.
Designed by Nolan Bushnell, who would go on to found Atari, Computer Space was a glimpse into the future of entertainment. Its sleek, futuristic cabinet design even earned it a cameo in the sci-fi film "Soylent Green."
And there you have it, folks! These 10 games aren't just relics of the past; they're the foundation upon which an entire industry was built. From simple beeps and boops to immersive virtual worlds, video games have come a long way. But it all started here, in the groovy decade of the 1970s. Game on!
N64
How Banjo-Kazooie's Unexpected Crossover is Captivating Gamers
In an era where remakes and remasters dominate the gaming landscape, one mod has emerged to capture the hearts of retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Banjo-Kazooie: The Bear Waker Deluxe, a labor of love from modder Mark Kurko, is breathing new life into the beloved N64 classic by merging it with the whimsical world of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.
A Fusion of Iconic Worlds
Picture this: Banjo and Kazooie, the dynamic duo of 90s platforming, set sail on the vast ocean of Wind Waker's Hyrule. It's a crossover that nobody asked for, yet everyone seems to need. The Bear Waker Deluxe takes the charm of Rare's original masterpiece and infuses it with the cel-shaded beauty of Link's seafaring adventure.
This isn't just a simple reskin. Kurko has meticulously crafted a gaming experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Players find themselves exploring Outset Island, reimagined with the colorful polygons and quirky characters that made Banjo-Kazooie a household name.
Puzzles, Platforming, and Pure Nostalgia
The mod's genius lies in its ability to blend the best of both worlds. Banjo's iconic moves and Kazooie's egg-shooting antics are put to the test in puzzles inspired by Wind Waker's intricate dungeons. The result? A gameplay loop that keeps players on their toes, constantly surprised by clever nods to both franchises.
Challenging Yet Accessible
While the puzzles may require some creative thinking, the game remains true to Banjo-Kazooie's approachable nature. Expect to spend around two hours exploring every nook and cranny to achieve 100% completion – a perfect bite-sized adventure for busy gamers craving a nostalgia fix.
A Community Phenomenon
The Bear Waker Deluxe isn't just turning heads; it's creating waves in the modding community. As word spreads through social media and gaming forums, players are flocking to experience this unique mashup. The mod's early access release has only fueled the excitement, with gamers eagerly anticipating each update and expansion.
The Man Behind the Magic
Mark Kurko, known online as Kurko Mods, has become something of a legend in the Banjo-Kazooie modding scene. His attention to detail and respect for the source material shine through in every aspect of The Bear Waker Deluxe.
What's Next for Bear and Bird?
As The Bear Waker Deluxe continues to evolve, fans are left wondering: what other iconic Nintendo worlds could Banjo and Kazooie explore? The success of this mod opens up a world of possibilities for creative crossovers and reimaginings.
For now, gamers can dive into this delightful mashup, reliving the golden age of 3D platformers with a fresh twist. Banjo-Kazooie: The Bear Waker Deluxe isn't just a mod; it's a love letter to an era of gaming that continues to captivate players across generations.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of the originals or a curious newcomer, this unexpected fusion promises an adventure that's as charming as it is challenging. So grab your backpack, polish your feathers, and set sail for a journey that proves sometimes, the best gaming experiences come from the most unlikely combinations.
Reply