Retro Gamers Hub TV

TRON HITS 42 TODAY! — Tron hit theaters on July 9th, 1982. Can you believe that was 42 years ago today?

This groundbreaking movie not only gave us a peek into the digital world but also revolutionized the way we think about computer graphics and special effects. It was way ahead of its time, with its unique blend of live-action and computer animation.

For those of us who grew up watching it, Tron holds a special place in our hearts as one of the classics that defined an era. Let's celebrate this milestone and appreciate how far we've come in the world of digital entertainment!

■ REMEMBERING THE TRON LEGENDS

Sadly, we've lost some key members of the Tron cast over the years.

— Bernard Hughes, who played Dr. Walter Gibbs/Dumont, passed away on July 11, 2006. — David Warner, who brought to life the characters of Ed Dillinger/Sark/Master Control Program, passed away on July 24, 2022. And, most recently, we lost — Cindy Morgan, who played Lora/Yori, in December 2023.

Their contributions to this iconic film and their legacies in the entertainment industry are fondly remembered.

MAME ROMs Must-Plays: The Definitive Guide to the Best Arcade Games — Arcade Games That Stole Our Hearts (and Quarters)

As a die-hard fan of classic arcade machines, I've been intermittently compiling a comprehensive list that not only features all-time favorite arcade games but also includes those nostalgic gems we all remember playing at one time or other, even if they weren't our top picks but still tossed some quarters into them just for the sheer fun of it, which they also deserve to be celebrated today purely for their nostalgic value. I'm making sure to cover all the classics, second-tiers fun games, while also highlighting underrated and hidden gems.

I've categorized the rich history of arcade gaming into distinct periods. Each era not only reflects technological advancements but also the evolution of gaming culture and player preferences.

■ 19xx-1977 — JURASSIC — Era dominated by monochrome games
This early era is characterized by simple yet captivating monochrome games that laid the foundation for what was to come in arcade gaming.

■ 1978-1983 — CLASSIC — Golden Age of arcade gaming
Widely regarded as the Golden Age, this period saw the emergence of iconic games like Space Invaders, Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Arcade gaming became a cultural phenomenon, with vibrant, pixelated graphics and addictive gameplay captivating players worldwide.

■ 1984-1989 — EVOLUTIONARY — The rise of beat 'em ups and platformers
This era witnessed significant advancements in game design and technology. Beat 'em ups like Double Dragon and platformers such as Super Mario Bros. dominated arcades, pushing boundaries in gameplay and storytelling.

■ 1990-1995 — RENAISSANCE — The surge of fighting games
Fighting games took center stage during this period, with titles like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat captivating audiences with their competitive gameplay and intricate combos. The era also saw the rise of 3D graphics and immersive experiences.

■ 1996-2000 — SHOOTERS / DRIVING — Focused on shoot 'em ups and racing games
With the advent of advanced graphics and gameplay mechanics, shoot 'em ups like Raiden and racing games such as Daytona USA provided adrenaline-pumping experiences. Arcade cabinets became more sophisticated, offering realistic simulations and multiplayer capabilities.

■ 2001-2010 — TRANSITION — Digital new age

The Ultimate Best Arcade Games List — Currently, this list is housed in a spreadsheet format, but my ultimate goal is to transform it into a digital book with some visuals.

I've begun with the early iconic arcade games from the mid-1970s and am progressing through to 2010. Currently, I've reached the year 1985 and have already listed over 400 games. To ensure I haven't overlooked any and to uncover hidden gems, I've tested each Arcade ROM using MAME.

Here's an example of the information I've included so far in the columns for this list. I'm also thinking about adding a "Tips & Tricks" column.

If you have any other details that you think should be included, or if there's something else you'd like to see added, please feel free to comment below!

BATTLEFIELD: BAD COMPANY 2 — Reliving the Glory Days!

Hey everyone! Today, I want to take a trip down memory lane and talk about one of my all-time favorite gaming experiences: playing Battlefield: Bad Company 2 on the Xbox 360. If you were a gamer back in 2010, you probably know exactly what I'm talking about. This game wasn't just a blast; it was a revolution in the FPS world. And for me, playing it on my 52" Samsung TV was the ultimate combo.

Hey everyone! Today, let's dive into one of those gaming gems that left a permanent mark on my gaming experience history: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 on the Xbox 360. If you were rocking out with games back in 2010, you know exactly what I mean. This game wasn't just a good time; it was a revolution in FPS gaming. And man, oh man, playing it on my 52" Samsung TV? It was like having a front-row seat to explosive mayhem in high definition!

■ The Perfect Blend of Graphics and Gameplay

First off, let's talk about the graphics. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 was a visual treat for its time. The Frostbite 1.5 engine brought destructible environments and realistic weather effects that were mind-blowing. Playing on my Samsung TV, with its crisp 1080p resolution and smooth 120Hz refresh rate, made the game look phenomenal. Explosions were vibrant, the landscapes were detailed, and every map felt alive and immersive.

First off, let's talk about the graphics. Bad Company 2 was a visual feast. Thanks to the Frostbite 1.5 engine, we got jaw-dropping destructible environments and weather effects that made us feel like Mother Nature was having a field day. And on my new Samsung TV set, its 1080p resolution and silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate made every explosion pop and every map feel alive and kicking.

■ Gameplay that Defined a Generation

But it wasn't just about looking good. The gameplay was where Bad Company 2 truly flexed its muscles. The single-player campaign had enough humor and drama to rival a Hollywood blockbuster, but the real party was in its multiplayer. It had huge maps, tanks rumbling, and squads coordinating like a well-oiled machine in modes like Rush and Conquest. It was truly heart-pounding stuff!

■ Five Great Things About Battlefield: Bad Company 2

- Simplicity: One of the best things about Bad Company 2 was its simplicity. The game focused on delivering a solid FPS experience without the clutter of modern gaming. And most importantly, no constant updates or microtransactions, just pure, unadulterated fun.

- Map Design: The maps in Bad Company 2 were legendary. Each one was meticulously crafted, offering a variety of environments from dense jungles to sprawling deserts, every map was crafted with love and a knack for tactical gameplay.

- Destruction: The destructible environments were a game-changer. Buildings crumbled under artillery fire, and no cover was ever truly safe. This added a strategic depth that kept every match fresh and exciting.

- Rush Mode: Rush mode was a standout feature. The mode’s objective-based gameplay required teams to attack or defend M-COM stations, promoting teamwork and strategic planning. It was intense, fast-paced, and incredibly fun.

- Sound Design: The sound design in Bad Company 2 was also top-notch. The roar of gunfire, the rumble of tanks, and the distant explosions created an immersive audio experience that made you feel right in the middle of the battlefield.

■ The Peak of My Gaming Journey

Looking back, I realize just how much fun I had during those days. The combination of Battlefield: Bad Company 2, my trusty Xbox 360, and that beautiful 52" Samsung TV created some of my best gaming memories. It was a time when everything clicked—technology, game design, and social interaction.

■ Gaming Back Then vs. Now

There's something about the Xbox 360 era and even the original Xbox that just felt a lot more fun. Probably the simplicity of it all, the focus on gameplay over graphics, or the lack of constant updates and microtransactions. Games felt complete and satisfying, and the joy of unlocking achievements and discovering hidden secrets was unmatched. Plus, everyone was still relatively new to multiplayer gaming. The sense of wonder and excitement as we all figured out online strategies, formed clans, and battled it out with players from around the world was something special. There was a genuine thrill in every match, a sense of exploration as we navigated this new online frontier together.

■ A Fond Farewell

As much as I enjoyed the original Xbox and the Xbox 360 era, something changed with the release of the Xbox One. The magic wasn't the same. Maybe it was the shift in game design philosophies, the increased focus on in-game stores, or just the nostalgia of those simpler times.

While gaming has continued to evolve, I often find myself reminiscing about those days spent with Battlefield: Bad Company 2. It was a golden era, one that captured the essence of what made gaming great. If you were there, you know the feeling. If not, I hope this gives you a glimpse into why this game, and that time, meant so much to many of us.

For anyone who still has their Xbox 360 and a copy of Bad Company 2, I highly recommend firing it up again. Relive the glory days, if only for a few hours. You won't regret it. It should still be backward compatible on the Xbox One but unfortunately not available anymore on Steam.

I really miss those days. Maybe I should give Battlefield 2042 a try; I've been following 'GrandpaGaming', a veteran live streamer on YouTube, and it looks like a fun one to play.

Happy gaming!

CLASSIC 1980 ARCADE GAME REVIEW

STRATOVOS (known as Speak & Rescue in Japan) — A New Defender Gameplay — Protect and defend the humans from below at all cost!

Stratovox is a 1980 arcade game by Taito, offers a unique twist on the classic defender concept. Forget spaceships blasting aliens; here, you're the last line of defense for a group of men on a strange blue moon-like world.

One of the first things that struck me back in the day was its vibrant color palette. But the true innovation came with the use of its digitized speech, besides Berzerk there weren't many in arcade games "speaking" back in 1980.

As alien ships swoop down to capture your men, you'll hear their desperate pleas of "Help Me! - Help Me!". And, a successful rescue is met with a satisfying "Very Good," while the aliens taunt you with a chilling monotone "We'll be back!". There's even a playful "Lucky!" for each man who escapes abduction.

While the visuals and speech were groundbreaking, the core gameplay was fairly straightforward. You control a missile launcher at the bottom of the screen, which can only move left and right. Your mission: blast the alien ships before they sn**ch your men. Spaceships add an extra layer of challenge, trying to destroy your launcher as they shoot out fire missiles.

The alien attacks follows a set pattern that repeated after each wave. This will allow any skilled players to develop a 'fire by rote' strategy, relying simply on good timing instead of lightning-fast reflexes but it is still not easy to figure its patterns at first.

While Stratovox might seem simple by today's standards, it truly represents the perfect blend of pure 80s arcade magic gameplay, it is still challenging to master and fun in trying to get a major high-score.

While the "cheap-sounding" voice samples might elicit a chuckle today, they were a glimpse into the future of interactive audio in games. I recommend you to give it a try with MAME and try to get 10,000 pts!

MUST PLAY BEFORE YOU DIE GAME REVIEW — It's been a while since I've written a full game review, so I thought it's high time to share my passion for one of the best classic Xbox games: Enclave!

Welcome to the enchanting realm of Celenheim, where the eternal struggle between light and darkness unfolds. Enclave isn't the run-of-the-mill Xbox game; it is truly a gem from the golden age of the classic Xbox game console. This was developed by Starbreeze Studios and released back in 2002, this dark fantasy adventure has a way of pulling us into its world of mystery and peril. So, a must-play game to any RPG fans, grab your controller and embark on an epic journey to uncover the secrets of Enclave.

And guess what? If you have never experience this one, you can get this magic gem today on Steam for just $5 (at 50% off)! There is also an Enclave HD version available on the Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox One, so there's no excuse not to dive in and explore this captivating world and adventure.

■ QUICK OVERVIEW
Enclave, was brought to us by Starbreeze Studios, the same team who brought us also another excellent game: "The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay".

Enclave will plunge you into the depths of Celenheim, a kingdom teetering on the edge of chaos. With its super captivating storyline and immersive gameplay, this action-adventure game is truly a standout title from the original Xbox era. If you plan to play it, prepare yourself to be spellbound as you traverse through a land fraught with danger and intrigue.

■ STORYLINE
Thousands of years ago, Celenheim faced the wrath of the Evil Overlord Vatar and his Horde. But fear not, for the heroic Arch Mage Zale intervened, sealing the kingdom within a magical Rift to ward off the darkness. Peace prevailed for centuries until the Rift began to close, unleashing a wave of evil upon Celenheim once more. Now, it's up to you to decide the fate of the kingdom as you embark on a quest to vanquish evil or embrace its darkness.

■ PLOT
The fate of Celenheim hangs in the balance, and the choice is yours to make. Will you step forward as the savior of a desperate people, guiding them away from the brink of destruction? Or will you embrace the darkness, forging alliances with the sinister hordes of the Outlands to reclaim what you believe is rightfully yours? Whatever path you choose, prepare yourself for an immersive journey filled with atmospheric medieval combat and intense battles that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

■ GAMEPLAY
Enclave flips the script with its dual campaigns, allowing us to experience the story from both the light and dark perspectives; something I really appreciate. Whether you're fighting as a valiant hero or a malevolent minion, each campaign offers a good chunk of unique missions, characters, and challenges to overcome. And with the ability to recruit other fantasy characters to aid us on our journey, it is a lot of fun, offering also great replay value and no two playthroughs are ever the same!

■ KEY FEATURES
- DUAL CAMPAIGNS: Choose your path and embark on a journey of heroism or villainy.
- CHR CLASSES: From knights to wizards, each character class brings its own set of skills to the table.
- RPG ELEMENTS: Collect gold to upgrade your gear and become a force to be reckoned with.
- SECRET CHARACTERS: Unlock special characters by uncovering hidden treasures and mastering your skills.

■ TROPES/THEMES
Enclave is brimming with classic fantasy tropes and themes, from alignment-based endings to the eternal struggle between light and darkness. And let's not forget the challenges of aiming in third-person view, which adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to the whole gameplay experience.

Enclave is an adventure that's simply unforgettable. While I lean towards the charm of the classic graphics, available in the Steam version, the HD remake offers a sleek experience for Next-Gen console players on the Switch, PS5, and Xbox One.

With its immersive lore, captivating gameplay, and memorable characters, it's no surprise that Enclave has remained one of the best beloved title I've played over the years. I urge anyone to jump into this captivating world and experience its magic firsthand!

VIDEOGAMING ILLUSTRATED ISSUE #1 — Currently, I'm working on restoring the inaugural edition of Videogaming Illustrated magazine, which sadly met its end after just 14 issues due to the infamous video game crash. It's a shame because it was a stellar publication. They even tried to pivot and rebranded it as Videogaming and Compugaming Illustrated, but by then, the damage was done.

The first issue holds some intriguing gems, like featuring the original TRON in bold red, a detail changed to blue in the final movie. It's packed with fantastic content that still resonates with retro gaming enthusiasts today, offering a delightful trip back to the '80s.

Perhaps it's time to not only restore the cover but the entire issue itself. The current online PDF versions with low-quality scans are lackluster in quality and fail to capture the essence of flipping through the pages of the magazine. By revitalizing it online with dynamic features like flip-pages and a lively, animated cover, I could breathe new life into this cool relic. A complete restoration would be a boon for both present and future retro gamers, offering them an immersive experience worthy of the magazine's legacy.

Even cooler, with only 14 issues, envisioning the entire collection revitalized in full HD and dynamically accessible online would undoubtedly be a sight to behold, in my opinion.

A nice review for Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen, truly a hidden gem worth exploring in 2024! — You've got about 24 hours left to snag this game for a steal at just $4.75 on Steam!

This Action-RPG packs a punch with its thrilling battles, immersive quests, and many characters to experience the game with. With its awesome combat and boss battles mechanics, vast open-world to explore, it's no surprise this game still shines years after its debut.

Given its dedicated fan base, upgrading the graphics and textures was as straightforward as dropping the mod files into its main directory.

So, whether you're new to this genre or a seasoned player, this is one game that guarantees hours of captivating fun gameplay that surprisingly has keep me coming back for more every time I have a chance!

Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen - 10 Year Late Review probably one of the best rpgs ever made.instructions to remove green haze- download reshade (google it) and install it to DD's location with the first few fi...

♦ SUPER REBATE ♦ ONLY 20$ USD ♦ with Free Shipping! — Dive into the retro gaming world hassle-free! Simply plug the cool retro-style drive that looks like an audio tape into any PC or Mac, boot it up, and start playing all your favorite classics. You can always add or remove games as you please!

The promo is available at this good reputation store here: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmS1lrJ

♦ KINHANK Super Drive with HDD 500Gb worth of retrogaming of video games. Includes 70 Emulators with the MAME arcade emulator for all the many classic retrogaming consoles up to PS2, it's a Plug and Play with Batocera OS, already set up for you to enjoy!

I have the 2TB version, and it works great!

MASTER CHIEF COLLECTION — There's a sweet deal on Halo's Master Chief Collection – for less than $10! With its 75% discount on Steam (and likely even cheaper on G2A), it's the perfect time for me to relive the glory days of Halo, now available in stunning 4K resolution on your 21:9 screen with enhanced soundtracks.

The bundle includes:
■ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
■ Halo 2: Anniversary
■ Halo: Reach
■ Halo 3
■ Halo 3: ODST
■ Halo 4

At just $1.67 per game, it was a no-brainer addition to add them to my Steam library. I have this Halo collection for my Xbox One but nice to be able to play it now on my gaming PC.

Looks great on my Ultrawide monitor! They truly outdone themselves with its high-resolution restoration and revamped soundtracks, breathing new life into these beloved classics. I most say I started to replay Halo: CE and the campaign is as gripping as ever. Listening to the soundtrack is as exelarating than listening at Star Wars by the legendary John Williams.

Reflecting on over two decades of Halo, it's incredible how these games have become a part of our lives. I still remember introducing my son to the series when he was just six years old – it was also a blast playing Halo 2 and Halo 3 together as he grew older. This is probably why he works in the industry at Ubisoft Montreal today!

Back in the days, these campaigns were great and this new Multiplayer way of gaming was also a blast to experiment; this was truly a new way to play video games. I miss those days when it was awesome to play video games.

8-BIT C64 GRAPHIC — I've transformed this awesome C64 graphic into a fully-fledged 4K box cover style artwork using a bit of AI magic and some post-editing wizardry.

Stumbled upon this 8-bit graphic gem in the C64.COM group over at https://www.facebook.com/groups/c64com/ — I'm guessing it's a playful nod to "The Last Ninja," a classic game from 1987 for the Commodore 64 – an absolute legend in the realm of 8-bit gaming! 🚀

THE LOST ATARI JINGLE — Here's a tribute to Suzanne Ciani, an electronic music pioneer, and also to the Atari nostalgia from the late 70s and 80s.

🚀 Introducing:
The Unreleased 80s Atari Ad Jingle Demo in Mesmerizing 3D Animation!

The moment I caught wind of Suzanne Ciani's hidden Atari jingle, it sparked a burst of creativity in me. The visuals for the song immediately played out in my mind, and that was it – I had to bring it to life.

So, I took the reins of this entire project fueled by this newfound inspiration. Two months of sheer dedication later, I present to you the culmination of that creative journey.

It wasn't just about the music; it was about crafting an experience. Day in and day out, I poured my heart into refining every detail, from concept to ex*****on. It's more than a video; it's a piece of my passion, perseverance, and a burning desire to create something extraordinary.

The Lost Unreleased 80s Atari Ad Jingle Demo in 3D Animation! Ever since I first heard the unpublished Atari jingle created by Suzanne Chiani, it ignited a creative spark within me, and I immediately envisioned the visu...

📣 RGH NEWS :: IT'S OFFICIAL!! ~
FRIDAY JUNE 4TH, 9PM EST
Retro Gamers Hub on YouTube!
Wish me the best of luck! Cheers!!

ATARI FANS :: Howard Scott Warshaw is currently organizing a Fanzoomo virtual live session on Friday, April 23rd at 8PM (EST) to chat and answer any questions you guys might have for him.

Reserve your place now by getting yourself a ticket using the link below. Here’s your chance also in getting some autographed merchandise from him at the same time!

Pssst! Use the code ETFOREVER during checkout for a cool 25% discount (valid this weekend only!)

LIVE VIRTUAL EVENT - Howard Scott Warshaw Join Howard Scott Warshaw for this virtual chat about his new book "Once Upon Atari, How I made history by killing an industry." and learn what it was like behind the scenes at Atari in the 80s. Learn why Howard Scott Warshaw is considered an industry pioneer and one of the key figures in Atari’s ...

BEAT MY HIGH-SCORE! ~ WIN AN ATARI BADGE!

Run Die Run Again (RDRA) :: This looks totally awesome, I’m looking forward to trying this out!

First-person race parkour courses; run, dash, double-jump, and stop on a dime with upwards of a hundred deadly obstacles.

And, guess what!? ~ this will be Tony Barne’s first game for his new video game development company.

I wish he would have kept this in 8-bit glory for this game, but I can’t deny how beautiful this new game is using today’s graphics. Planned for PC, Mac, and Xbox One.

If you don’t know who Tony Barnes is (we’re you hiding under a rock?) he is the guy behind games such as The Strike Series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Fallen, Medal of Honor 2010, Strider 2014 (to name my favorites) and so many other great games.

Check out this 4K video game trailer below!

Run Die Run Again (RDRA) - Announce Trailer Run Die Run Again (RDRA) is a fast-paced first-person precision-platformer, where every inch of the environment is out to kill you! A speed-running, trial an...

Join the Retro Gamers Hub Discord Server! Check out the Retro Gamers Hub community on Discord - hang out with 2 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.

Robotron 2084 soon playable on the Atari 2600 with two-joysticks. How cool is this? Watch the demo of the game along with a good interview with the developer.

ZeroPage Homebrew with James Earl O'Brien!! RGB Atari 2600 @ 60FPS! ZeroPageHomebrew - Retro - Twitch

100 Bullets (Vertigo) ~ 100 Issues Comic Book Covers Preview 100 Bullets is an American comic book published by DC Comics under its Vertigo imprint. Written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Eduardo Risso, the comi...

Retro Gamers Hub website is currently under construction!

RGH Community Network website is currently under construction. It is time for us to expand beyond the restrictive and limited walls of Facebook groups while spreading our wings to a much brighter future with exciting new possibilities for all of us part of our ever-growing retrogaming community.

Our new website will provide us with the proper place to include our new features and our large retrogaming interest groups community part of our Retro Gamers Hub.

Here's a quick preview of the landing portal page for our upcoming website!

FINALLY :: It is not obvious to deal with Facebook, but with perseverance, I was finally able to change the name of our new retrogaming video streaming page.

Facebook offered me to create a new video stream gaming page and transfer my personal friends and followers to this page but it used my personal name for this new page without the option during its creation. After many attempts, I finally made my case and I was able to change it to:

Retro Gamers Hub TV (abrv: RGH TV)