The GF1 Neptune – An Unofficial FPGA Sega Neptune Launching in December

Fun Fact: Did you know that Rare’s GoldenEye 007 for N64 was built by a small team of new devs—many had never worked on a game before. Against all odds, it became one of the most influential console FPS games ever.

In today’s email:

• Reviving the Dream – The GF1 Neptune Brings the Sega “Myth” to Life This December

• Sweet Roguelike Delight: Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons Pops Its Way to Nintendo Switch This Winter

• Cleared Hot: Rekindling Childhood Firepower with the Strike Series

Reviving the Dream – The GF1 Neptune Brings the Sega “Myth” to Life This December

The Backstory: A Lost Piece of Sega History

Back in the mid-1990s, Sega had plans for a console that could have changed its trajectory—the Sega Neptune. This was intended to be a hybrid system housing both the Genesis/Mega Drive and the 32X in a unified shell. Though mock-ups were unveiled, Sega ultimately canceled the Neptune to focus on the Saturn, leaving the concept unfinished—until now.

What Is the GF1 Neptune?

Developed by Brazilian hardware enthusiasts GamesCare, the GF1 Neptune is a modern FPGA recreation of that what-if console:

• Accurate hardware emulation of Genesis/Mega Drive and 32X

• Supports all cart formats across NTSC/PAL regions, plus Master System carts via adapter

• Outputs digitally over HDMI at up to 1080p, with legacy analog options

• Built-in microSD slot for homebrew and real cartridge support

• Wireless connectivity and an exclusive digital storefront for indie retro games

• Designed to support Sega CD via expansion port—though CD play via microSD may arrive post-launch

Last summer, GamesCare demonstrated a prototype playing a pre‑alpha build of Sword of the Apocalypse, marking it as the GF1's first exclusive title.

Launch Plans: December 2025

At Gamecom Latam, GamesCare confirmed the GF1 Neptune will launch in December 2025, without relying on pre-orders or crowdfunding. Interested buyers are encouraged to sign up for their newsletter for updates and pricing.

Why It Matters

1. A piece of gaming history reborn – The Neptune was a curious footnote; this revives it in full FPGA glory.

2. Retro meets innovation – With HDMI, wireless, and a digital store, the GF1 brings sleek convenience to classic hardware.

3. Game support & compatibility – Covers Genesis/Mega Drive + 32X carts in one shell—plus expansion possibilities for Sega CD.

4. Brazilian ingenuity – Developed locally, it’s accessible, budget‑conscious, and designed for fans who couldn't access pricier imports.

What We’re Still Waiting On

• Final pricing — GamesCare promises it’ll be in line with other FPGA-based retro consoles, but exact numbers are pending.

• Retail partners & shipping — How widespread will availability be? Will North America and Europe have easy access?

• Launch library — Beyond Sword of the Apocalypse, will there be indie exclusives or expansions?

In Summary

The GF1 Neptune is a beautifully conceived blend of Sega nostalgia and modern gaming convenience. Launching December 2025, it offers a way to play Genesis/32X cartridges in a single, sleek FPGA shell—complete with HDMI, wireless, and more. It’s an exciting realization of a console that never was, now reborn for retro fans worldwide.

Mark Your Calendar!

• Prototype revealed: July 2024

• Launch window confirmed: December 2025 (by GamesCare)

Sweet Roguelike Delight: Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons Pops Its Way to Nintendo Switch This Winter

Taito’s beloved bubble-blowing dragon, Bub, is making a delicious comeback in Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons. Revealed at the recent Arc System Works Showcase, this fresh entry blends the charm of the original series with roguelike flair—complete with procedurally generated dungeons, collectible upgrades, and whimsical sweet-themed enemies—and lands on Nintendo Switch (as well as PS5 and PC) this winter in the West.

What’s New and Sweet

• Ever-Changing “Sugar” Dungeons: Every run throws a new layout at you—platforms, enemies, treasure placement—all randomly generated to keep Bub’s adventure unpredictable.

• Bubble-Based Combat and Movement: Bub uses his iconic bubbles to trap foes—but you won’t need to clear entire rooms. Instead, head to donut-shaped exits for the next stage. Bubbles also double as floaty platforms for vertical traversal.

• Collect Ingredients & Level Up: Scour dungeons for ingredients (a.k.a treasure) that enhance abilities, unlock new bubble types like fire and water, and empower deeper exploration .

• Single-Player Roguelike Focus: Departing from the classic two-player formula, Sugar Dungeons embraces a solo-run structure—perfect for players who enjoy self-contained progression.

Release Date Sweet Spot

Mark your calendars: Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons arrives on November 27, 2025, in the US and Europe for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. PS5 shares the release window, while Japan fans will get it in early 2026 under Taito’s direct publication.

Why It Matters

• Nostalgia Meets Innovation: The core bubble-popping gameplay remains intact, but the roguelike twist brings fresh strategy and replayability.

• Depth & Replayability: Procedural dungeons and progression systems offer strong Dead Cells-style value, tapping into modern roguelike appetites .

• Accessible & Charming: With Bub’s timeless cuteness and bubble-platform mechanics, it’s appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers.

Final Word

Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons offers an enchanting twist on a classic franchise—combining the joy of bubble-wrapping baddies and lighthearted platforming with the satisfying loop of roguelike growth. Its winter 2025 release on Switch is perfectly timed for cozy sessions during the holidays. Whether you're chasing nostalgia or curious about roguelikes, Bub’s solo bubble-blowing journey promises plenty of sugary surprises.

Cleared Hot: Rekindling Childhood Firepower with the Strike Series

The Strike series—Desert Strike, Jungle Strike, Urban Strike, Soviet Strike, and Nuclear Strike—etched itself into the golden era of 16‑bit gaming with its iconic isometric helicopter combat (en.wikipedia.org). Combining adrenaline-pumping missions, dynamic objectives, and a surprising tactical depth, these games were beloved by a generation. A Reddit enthusiast perfectly sums it up:

Fast forward to 2025, and the indie darling Cleared Hot arrives, harnessing that unmistakable Strike DNA with physics-driven dogfights, squad maneuvers, and creative combat. Let’s look at how this homage bridges past and present.

What Made the Strike Series So Memorable

• Isometric freedom: Early titles featured open-world missions—destroy launchers, rescue POWs, juggle fuel—that kept players engaged.

• Tactical flair: Objective-driven gameplay required players to plan sorties rather than just shoot everything.

• Evolving scope: Sequels expanded with new vehicles, nocturnal missions, 3D visuals, and cinematic briefings .

• Emotional tone: Familiar tropes of military conflict were amplified with strong audio-visual identity.

Cleared Hot: A Nostalgia-Foil with Modern Firepower

Built by Cfinger Games and published by MicroProse, Cleared Hot channels that classic flame while offering a contemporary twist:

• Physics-centered chaos: Sling enemies with rope, ragdoll foes sky-high—this is physics fused with firepower .

• Tactical squad control: Position troops, insert them, orchestrate your battlefield plays—just like the Strike roots.

• Day‑night gameplay: Night vision and thermal goggles let players stage stealthy insertions amid dark missions.

• Arcade intensity: Fast-paced strafing, dodging, and onslaughts evoke old-school thrill with clear modern polish.

PC Gamer notes it “revives the spirit” of the Strike series and blends it with a Doom‑style intensity. Steam Next Fest showcases the free demo, already turning heads: “Desert Strike fans, rejoice… it’s glorious”.

Childhood Memories, Reignited

1. That first chopper takeoff: Remember the thrill of ascending into pixelated wilderness? Cleared Hot drops you back into that heady cockpit.

2. Balancing act: Managing fuel, ammo, and mission targets again upped the tension with nostalgia-fuelled immersion.

3. Creative carnage: Hurling boulders with helicopter-mounted ropes or physics-caused havoc recalls endless backyard fantasies.

4. Modern polish: Crisp lighting, responsive controls, and high-impact audio accentuate the classic formula—without turning it into a simulator.

Final Airstrike: Why You Should Fly Again

Cleared Hot is more than a nostalgia trip—it’s a fresh take. It honors Desert Strike and its sequels by preserving tactical gameplay and helicopter thrill, while amping things up with ragdoll physics and squad-based nuance. Whether you're a veteran Strike pilot or discovering the series anew, this title lands with a satisfying thwump.

Keeps it engaging by blending retro objectives with modern gameplay elements, and encapsulates the feeling of childhood afternoons commandeering pixel‑choppers and executing daring rescues.

Verdict: Cleared Hot doesn’t just remind you of childhood bomber runs and rescue ops—it sends you back into that cockpit, prompting nostalgia with every rocket blast. It’s a triumphant love letter to the Strike legacy with new thrills in tow.

Demo available now on Steam—clear the decks and load up for a nostalgia-fueled sortie.

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