Sega's Digital Farewell: Over 60 Classics Set to Vanish from Online Stores on December 6th

Fun Fact: Left 4 Dead 2's enduring popularity led to the release of "The Last Stand" update on September 24, 2020, nearly 11 years after the game's original launch. This community-driven expansion, developed in collaboration with Valve, introduced a new campaign, over 20 survival maps, additional scavenge arenas, new melee weapons, and numerous bug fixes, revitalizing the classic zombie shooter for both veteran players and newcomers.

In today’s email:

• Donkey Kong Land III Swings Onto Nintendo Switch Online

• Hop Along, Lil' Froggie: 'Kero Kero Cowboy' Spurs a Retro Revival

• Sega's Digital Farewell: Over 60 Classics Set to Vanish from Online Stores on December 6th

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Donkey Kong Land III Swings Onto Nintendo Switch Online

Retro gaming enthusiasts, rejoice! The classic Game Boy title Donkey Kong Land III has just been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library, bringing a beloved piece of gaming history to modern consoles.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Originally released in 1997, Donkey Kong Land III follows Dixie Kong and her cousin Kiddy Kong on a quest to find the fabled Lost World. This portable adventure mirrors the themes of its SNES counterpart, Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, but offers unique level designs and challenges tailored for the Game Boy platform.

Enhanced for the Modern Gamer

The Nintendo Switch Online version of Donkey Kong Land III retains the charm of the original while providing modern enhancements. Players can now enjoy features like save states and the ability to rewind gameplay, making it easier to navigate the game's intricate levels and formidable foes.

A Growing Retro Library

With the addition of Donkey Kong Land III, Nintendo continues to expand its Switch Online Game Boy library, offering subscribers access to a growing collection of classic titles. This move not only preserves gaming history but also introduces a new generation to the adventures of Dixie and Kiddy Kong.

Join the Adventure

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, now is the perfect time to experience Donkey Kong Land III. Dive into the action, explore diverse environments, and challenge yourself to uncover the secrets of the Lost World.

What's Your Take?

How do you feel about the addition of Donkey Kong Land III to the Nintendo Switch Online library? Which other classic titles are you hoping to see in future updates? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!

Hop Along, Lil' Froggie: 'Kero Kero Cowboy' Spurs a Retro Revival

In an era dominated by ultra-realistic graphics and sprawling open worlds, a charming amphibian gunslinger is set to leap back into the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts. Enter Kero Kero Cowboy, a western-themed platformer crafted for the classic Game Boy Color and the modern Analogue Pocket, aiming to deliver a nostalgic yet fresh gaming experience.

A Leap Back in Time

Developed by indie creator Mike Bedsole, known in the gaming community as MetagameMike, Kero Kero Cowboy transports players to a pixelated Wild West. Here, they control Kero Kero, a hat-donning frog on a mission to capture notorious outlaws and restore peace to the untamed frontier. The game draws inspiration from beloved titles like Super Mario and Kirby, blending platforming challenges with unique mechanics that set it apart.

Gameplay Mechanics: Tongue and Trigger

Kero Kero isn't your average cowboy. Armed with a versatile tongue and a trusty six-shooter, players can gobble up enemies or blast obstacles out of the way. The tongue mechanic allows Kero Kero to consume foes, reminiscent of Kirby's signature move, while the firearm adds a distinctive Wild West flair. Power-ups, such as spicy peppers enabling fire-spitting abilities, and mine cart rides through treacherous terrains, enhance the adventurous spirit of the game.

Visuals and Sound: Pixelated Perfection

Staying true to its Game Boy Color roots, Kero Kero Cowboy boasts vibrant pixel art that captures the essence of retro gaming. The soundtrack, composed by Scott Semanski, complements the visual style with catchy tunes that immerse players in the western setting. Semanski's previous collaborations with Bedsole on titles like Sushi Gun and Birdie Bartender have been well-received, and his work on Kero Kero Cowboy continues this trend.

Community Engagement and Feedback

Since the release of its demo, Kero Kero Cowboy has garnered positive feedback from the gaming community. Players have praised its intuitive controls, engaging visuals, and nostalgic appeal. Comments on platforms like Itch.io highlight the game's successful blend of classic platforming elements with innovative mechanics, creating a delightful experience for both new and seasoned gamers.

Kickstarter Campaign: Bringing Kero Kero to Life

To fund the game's development and physical cartridge production, MetagameMike launched a Kickstarter campaign on November 25, 2024, with a goal of $10,000. The campaign offers various backer rewards, including digital copies, physical cartridges, and exclusive merchandise. Supporters have the opportunity to contribute to the game's creation and secure their own piece of retro gaming history.

Release and Availability

Kero Kero Cowboy is slated for release in the first quarter of 2025. It will be available as a physical cartridge compatible with the Game Boy Color and Analogue Pocket, as well as in digital formats for emulators and web browsers. This multi-platform approach ensures that both retro hardware enthusiasts and modern gamers can enjoy Kero Kero's adventures.

Join the Adventure

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Kero Kero Cowboy serves as a reminder of the enduring charm of retro gaming. Its combination of classic platforming action, unique mechanics, and nostalgic aesthetics offers a refreshing experience for players of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned gamer longing for the past or a newcomer eager to explore retro titles, Kero Kero's journey through the Wild West promises to be an adventure worth embarking on.

Ready to saddle up with Kero Kero? Visit the Kickstarter page to support the project and stay updated on its development.

What excites you most about the resurgence of retro-style games like Kero Kero Cowboy*?*

Sega's Digital Farewell: Over 60 Classics Set to Vanish from Online Stores on December 6th

Retro gaming aficionados, brace yourselves: Sega is preparing to pull a significant number of its classic titles from digital storefronts on December 6, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST. This move affects platforms including Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo eShop, with over 60 games slated for removal.

The Delisting Breakdown

• Steam: The most substantial impact will be here, with 62 titles set to disappear. Iconic games such as Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, NiGHTS into Dreams, and Sonic 3D Blast are on the chopping block.

• Xbox Store: A dozen titles, including Altered Beast, Golden Axe, and Virtua Fighter 2, will be removed.

• Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store: The SEGA Genesis Classics collection, encompassing over 50 Genesis games, will no longer be available.

Why the Sudden Vanishing Act?

Sega hasn't provided a detailed explanation for this mass delisting. However, it's worth noting that the company has previously removed classic titles ahead of launching revamped collections. For instance, prior to the release of Sonic Origins, several standalone Sonic games were delisted.

Moreover, Sega has announced plans to reboot franchises like Jet Set Radio, Shinobi, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and Crazy Taxi. While these revivals aren't expected imminently, the delisting could be a strategic move in preparation for these reboots.

What This Means for Gamers

If you've already purchased any of the affected games, there's no need to panic. Sega assures that previously bought titles will remain in your library, available for download and play at any time.

However, if you've been eyeing any of these classics but haven't made the leap, now is the time. Once delisted, these games won't be available for new purchases, potentially leaving a void in your retro gaming collection.

A Glimmer of Hope

For Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, select individual classic titles will still be playable, even after the delisting. This offers a silver lining for those eager to revisit Sega's golden era.

The Bigger Picture

This isn't the first time Sega has orchestrated such a delisting. The company previously removed classic Sonic games ahead of launching new collections, a strategy that seems to be repeating.

While the exact reasons remain under wraps, it's plausible that Sega is streamlining its digital offerings in anticipation of upcoming reboots and collections. This approach could pave the way for enhanced versions of these classics, optimized for modern platforms.

Final Thoughts

The impending delisting serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of digital media. For retro gaming enthusiasts, it's a call to action: seize the opportunity to own these classics before they potentially fade into obscurity.

Which Sega classic holds a special place in your heart? Share your memories and let us know which titles you'll be grabbing before they're gone.

What's Next in Retro Gaming?

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered Release

Scheduled for release on December 10, 2024, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered brings back two iconic action-adventure titles with enhanced graphics and modernized gameplay features. Developed by Aspyr, this remastered collection aims to introduce the classic series to a new generation while providing longtime fans with a refreshed experience.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind Launch

Also set for December 10, 2024, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game developed by Digital Eclipse. Players can relive the nostalgia of the 90s as they battle against a robotic reincarnation of Rita Repulsa, who has traveled back in time to team up with her past self. The game will be available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

The Game Awards 2024

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, The Game Awards 2024 is slated for December 12, 2024. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, the event will honor the best video games of the year and feature announcements of upcoming titles. Top nominees include games like Astro Bot, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, all vying for the Game of the Year award. The ceremony will be streamed live across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook, starting at 7:30 p.m. EST.

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