Fun Fact: In Donkey Kong, Mario wasn’t a plumber—he was a carpenter. The career change came later when pipes became part of the gameplay.

In today’s email:

• Ridge Racer Returns: Arcade Classics Drift onto Modern Consoles

• Nightmare Busters Rebirth: The SNES Cult Classic Returns in Glorious HD

• Fortified Zone 2 Breaks Cover: Jaleco’s Game Boy Sequel Finally Gets a Western Cartridge Release

Ridge Racer Returns: Arcade Classics Drift onto Modern Consoles

Start your engines, retro racing fans—Ridge Racer and Ridge Racer 2 are making a triumphant return! Hamster Corporation is revving up the nostalgia with these classics launching on June 5, 2025, coinciding with the debut of the Nintendo Switch 2. But that's not all—these iconic titles are also sliding onto PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and their predecessors.

Platforms & Pricing

Whether you're on the latest hardware or sticking with your trusty console, there's a version for you:

• Arcade Archives Ridge Racer:

  • Nintendo Switch & PS4

  • Price: $14.99

• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer:

  • Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

  • Price: $16.99

Already own the game on Switch or PS4? Upgrade to the next-gen version for just $2.99. Note: Save data isn't transferable between versions.

What's New in Arcade Archives 2

The Arcade Archives 2 series isn't just a rehash—it brings enhancements to elevate your racing experience:

• Time Attack Mode: Race against the clock to set your best time.

• Multiple Save Slots: Keep various progress points.

• Rewind Feature: Easily correct mistakes and perfect your run.

• Quick Start: Jump straight into the action without delay.

• VRR Support: Enjoy smoother visuals with Variable Refresh Rate compatibility.

A Glimpse into the Classics

Ridge Racer (1993):
Originally released by Namco, this title introduced players to high-speed arcade racing with the innovative System 22 hardware. It featured multiple difficulty levels and a Time Trial mode, setting the standard for future racing games.

Ridge Racer 2 (1994):
Building upon its predecessor, Ridge Racer 2 allowed up to eight players to race simultaneously by linking cabinets. It also introduced new music tracks and dynamic day-to-night transitions during races.

Why This Matters

The return of Ridge Racer and its sequel isn't just about nostalgia; it's a celebration of gaming history. These titles laid the groundwork for modern racing games, and their re-release ensures that both longtime fans and new players can experience the thrill of classic arcade racing.

Mark Your Calendar

June 5, 2025, is more than just the launch date for the Nintendo Switch 2—it's the day you can relive (or discover) the adrenaline-pumping excitement of Ridge Racer and Ridge Racer 2. Whether you're drifting through memory lane or taking your first lap, these classics are ready to race into your gaming library.

Get ready to drift, boost, and race your way to victory!

Nightmare Busters Rebirth: The SNES Cult Classic Returns in Glorious HD

The long-lost run 'n gun gem Nightmare Busters is back—and it’s already smashing expectations. The Kickstarter for Nightmare Busters Rebirth launched on May 20, 2025, and hit its €60,000 goal within 24 hours. This modern reimagining, developed by Aurora Game Studio and published by Pix’n Love Games, breathes new life into the unreleased SNES title from the '90s.

From Canceled SNES Game to Cult Legend

Originally developed in 1994 by Arcade Zone, Nightmare Busters was shelved before its release. It wasn’t until 2013 that Super Fighter Team finally brought it to life on the SNES, making it one of the last officially released games for the console. The game follows twin leprechaun brothers, Flynn and Floyd, as they battle the evil Tyrant invading children's dreams.

What's New in Nightmare Busters Rebirth?

Nightmare Busters Rebirth isn't just a simple port; it's a complete overhaul with:

• Hand-drawn HD graphics blending traditional and modern techniques

• Re-orchestrated soundtrack that enhances the game's atmosphere

• Revamped level design for a more engaging experience

• New game modes, including Speedrun and Museum

• Local co-op support for shared gameplay

A free demo is available on Steam, offering a glimpse into the updated visuals and gameplay.

Backer Rewards: Digital, Physical, and Collector's Editions

The Kickstarter campaign offers various tiers:

• €30 Digital Deluxe Edition: Includes the game on your chosen platform (Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series), digital OST, your name in the credits, access to a special Discord channel, and digital wallpapers.

• €45 Physical Edition: Available for Nintendo Switch, PS4, or PS5, featuring all the Digital Deluxe rewards plus a keyring featuring Flynn.

• €70 Collector's Edition: Adds a CD soundtrack, acrylic standees, a 32-page art book, and more.

Additionally, there's a €70 SNES Ultimate Edition, an updated version of the original game on a cartridge with bug fixes and new game modes. A complete edition, including the new game and merchandise, is available for €200.

Release Timeline

• Steam Demo: Available now

• SNES Ultimate Edition: Expected to ship by the end of 2025

• Nightmare Busters Rebirth: Scheduled for release in 2026

Join the Revival

Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast or new to the genre, Nightmare Busters Rebirth offers a fresh take on a classic. Support the project and secure your edition by visiting the Kickstarter campaign.

Fortified Zone 2 Breaks Cover: Jaleco’s Game Boy Sequel Finally Gets a Western Cartridge Release

33 Years Later, It’s Finally Happening

Fortified Zone 2—originally released in Japan in 1992 as Ikari no Yōsai 2—is officially coming to the West on a physical Game Boy cartridge for the very first time. Thanks to Broke Studio’s new Homebrew Factory initiative, this long-lost sequel will be available starting June 3, 2025.

The original Fortified Zone hit Western shelves in 1991, but its sequel never made it out of Japan—until now.

What’s Inside the Cartridge?

This isn’t just a straight port. The Homebrew Factory release includes:

• 2 playable characters: Masato Kanzaki and Mizuki Makimura, each with unique abilities.

• 2-player mode: Link two Game Boys for simultaneous co-op action.

• Password system: Save your progress the old-school way.

• 3 weapon types: Offering varied gameplay strategies.

It’s a faithful reissue with enhancements designed for collectors and purists alike.

A New Era for Retro Collectors

This marks the second release in Broke Studio’s collaboration with City Connection and Omake Books, following the NES reissue of Pizza Pop! earlier this year . The Homebrew Factory initiative is all about bringing Japan-only classics to Western audiences in physical form.

Priced at €50, Fortified Zone 2 is available through Broke Studio’s Homebrew Factory. It’s a must-have for Game Boy enthusiasts and retro collectors.

Why This Matters

For years, Fortified Zone 2 was a hidden gem, playable only via import or emulation. Now, it’s getting the full cartridge treatment—with packaging, manual, and all. This release is a win for game preservation and a nod to fans who’ve waited decades.

If you’re a collector, a Game Boy aficionado, or someone who missed out the first time, don’t sleep on this. June 3 is your chance to own a piece of gaming history.

Ready to add this classic to your collection? Visit Broke Studio’s Homebrew Factory on June 3 to secure your copy.

Until next time, keep gaming!