MrEUser

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/25011

In the Emperor's name, I recount my engagement within the digital battleground known as Boltgun, a visceral, rapid-fire test of might, reminiscent of the battles of the Great Crusade. It harks back to the early days of warfare simulations, replete with enemies of the Imperium and the might of our Astartes arsenal.

This simulation thrusts me, Brother Malum Caedo of the Ultramarines, into intense scenarios teeming with the heretical and the alien. This engagement spans various arenas reminiscent of our 41st Millennium, rendered in a style befitting of pict-records from a time long past. Amidst the ceaseless battle, a thunderous score echoes, adding weight to each bolter round and chainsword strike. My own battle cry, as relayed through this medium, is carried by the talented Rahul Kohli, a recent adherent of our glorious Warhammer 40,000 cause.

Boltgun honors the grim darkness of our 41st Millennium. The battlegrounds are vast, leading me through ranks of petty cultists and lesser daemons, before ushering me into grand arenas where champions of the Ruinous Powers await. These terrains are monumental, evoking both the majesty and terror of our Imperium, such as a crumbling bastion on the edge of oblivion or an endless maze of gothic arches within a warp portal.

The echoing symphony of war, paired with the visuals, conveys a sensation akin to a grand orchestra held within the Ecclesiarchy's grandest cathedrums, adding depth to the simulation. The heretical forces faced within this battle are diverse, ranging from the recognizable forms of the Traitor Marines and their Terminator elites to lesser-known adversaries like Aspiring Champions and the various daemons of the warp.

In a commendable attempt to mirror the trials of actual combat, Boltgun utilizes a system influenced by our tabletop war games. This "strength vs toughness" approach requires careful weapon selection based on enemy resilience. Although the early stages of this system were daunting, familiarity bred intuition and an instinctive grasp of each weapon's capabilities emerged, despite minor issues.

Our mighty arsenal of Boltgun and Chainsword are faithfully replicated, causing devastating damage against our foes. The Chainsword, in particular, offers a thrilling combat experience as I plunge into the enemy lines with the fury of a thunderbolt.

Though not without its limitations, Boltgun impresses with its accurate representation of our universe. The pace of the battle, the authenticity of the visuals, and the grueling industrial landscapes honor the grim darkness of our 41st Millennium. Boltgun combines intensity with faithful representation, offering an engaging respite from the actual battlefield.

Surprisingly, the simulation injects a touch of levity into our grim universe. Drawing upon the over-the-top essence of early simulations like Duke Nukem, Boltgun delivers a gory, humorous spectacle that both veterans of the 40K lore and novices would appreciate. This unexpected humor does not compromise the intensity of battle but rather introduces a rhythmic cadence of exploration, combat, and light-hearted banter. Emperor protect us, and let us triumph over our enemies.

#boltgun #warhammer40k #ultramarine #journal #boomer_shooter #something_new

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/24117

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is an adrenaline-fueled, blood-soaked, action-packed game now available on various platforms. The game takes inspiration from classic first-person shooter games, offering a fast-paced, intense, and visceral gaming experience. As a player, you take on the role of Malum Caedo, charging through expansive levels teeming with the foes of the Imperium, armed with iconic weapons from the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

Boltgun is set in the 41st Millennium, beautifully rendered with pixel visuals reminiscent of the 90s era games. Your rampage through the levels is accompanied by a heavy soundtrack. The game's lead character, Caedo, is voiced by Rahul Kohli, an actor who has recently embraced the Warhammer 40,000 franchise and hobby. The game stands out as the first exceptional Warhammer 40,000 game since Dawn of War was released almost two decades ago.

Fans of 40K and the boomer shooter genre will appreciate Boltgun's homage to the chaotic 41st millennium. The game includes linear maps filled with lesser daemons and cultists, directing players into larger combat arenas with powerful champions and ascendant daemons waiting. The levels offer an impressive scale, with setpieces such as a collapsing cliffside bastion and a warp portal throwing you into an endlessly looping maze of gothic arch bridges.

The atmosphere and rapid combat in Boltgun are augmented by a powerful soundtrack, reminiscent of the industrial heart of the fascist Imperium of Man. The audio-visual experience conjures up images of a Nine Inch Nails performance at the Vatican, adding another layer of immersion to the gameplay. This intricate detail extends to the enemies you face, from the familiar Chaos Space Marines and Terminators to more unique foes, such as the Aspiring Champion or the daemons of Chaos.

The game implements a unique system inspired by the tabletop Warhammer's "strength vs toughness" mechanic, urging players to choose the right weapon to counter the toughness of the enemy. Remembering the strength of each weapon could be challenging during intense battles. However, after a few levels with each weapon, it becomes second nature, despite minor issues such as poorly conveyed grenade information and ammunition tracking.

The game's arsenal mainly reflects the tabletop game vibes, with weapons like the boltgun and the shotgun causing widespread destruction. The melee system is particularly interesting, allowing you to fly towards the enemy with an outstretched chainsword. The chainsword can be used in mid-air, allowing for some impressive in-flight slashing, which adds a lot to the simple shoot-and-slash loop.

Despite some flaws, Boltgun wins over gamers with its impressive gameplay and attention to detail. The game pays homage to the Warhammer 40,000 universe with its low-poly models, immersive gameplay, and grim-dark industrial zones. Boltgun's intensity and pace combined with its faithful representation of the Warhammer universe make it an enjoyable gaming experience.

Lastly, Boltgun manages to add humor to the otherwise grim universe of Warhammer 40,000. The game pays tribute to classic FPS games such as Duke Nukem, creating an over-the-top, gory romp that's both a delightful jest for Warhammer 40,000 fans and a thrill ride for new players. Despite the humorous approach, the gameplay doesn't lose its charm, maintaining a rhythmic balance between exploration and combat, and offering tiered difficulty options for players of different skill levels.

#boomer_shooter #boltgun #retroFPS #video_game

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/24117

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is an adrenaline-fueled, blood-soaked, action-packed game now available on various platforms. The game takes inspiration from classic first-person shooter games, offering a fast-paced, intense, and visceral gaming experience. As a player, you take on the role of Malum Caedo, charging through expansive levels teeming with the foes of the Imperium, armed with iconic weapons from the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

Boltgun is set in the 41st Millennium, beautifully rendered with pixel visuals reminiscent of the 90s era games. Your rampage through the levels is accompanied by a heavy soundtrack. The game's lead character, Caedo, is voiced by Rahul Kohli, an actor who has recently embraced the Warhammer 40,000 franchise and hobby. The game stands out as the first exceptional Warhammer 40,000 game since Dawn of War was released almost two decades ago.

Fans of 40K and the boomer shooter genre will appreciate Boltgun's homage to the chaotic 41st millennium. The game includes linear maps filled with lesser daemons and cultists, directing players into larger combat arenas with powerful champions and ascendant daemons waiting. The levels offer an impressive scale, with setpieces such as a collapsing cliffside bastion and a warp portal throwing you into an endlessly looping maze of gothic arch bridges.

The atmosphere and rapid combat in Boltgun are augmented by a powerful soundtrack, reminiscent of the industrial heart of the fascist Imperium of Man. The audio-visual experience conjures up images of a Nine Inch Nails performance at the Vatican, adding another layer of immersion to the gameplay. This intricate detail extends to the enemies you face, from the familiar Chaos Space Marines and Terminators to more unique foes, such as the Aspiring Champion or the daemons of Chaos.

The game implements a unique system inspired by the tabletop Warhammer's "strength vs toughness" mechanic, urging players to choose the right weapon to counter the toughness of the enemy. Remembering the strength of each weapon could be challenging during intense battles. However, after a few levels with each weapon, it becomes second nature, despite minor issues such as poorly conveyed grenade information and ammunition tracking.

The game's arsenal mainly reflects the tabletop game vibes, with weapons like the boltgun and the shotgun causing widespread destruction. The melee system is particularly interesting, allowing you to fly towards the enemy with an outstretched chainsword. The chainsword can be used in mid-air, allowing for some impressive in-flight slashing, which adds a lot to the simple shoot-and-slash loop.

Despite some flaws, Boltgun wins over gamers with its impressive gameplay and attention to detail. The game pays homage to the Warhammer 40,000 universe with its low-poly models, immersive gameplay, and grim-dark industrial zones. Boltgun's intensity and pace combined with its faithful representation of the Warhammer universe make it an enjoyable gaming experience.

Lastly, Boltgun manages to add humor to the otherwise grim universe of Warhammer 40,000. The game pays tribute to classic FPS games such as Duke Nukem, creating an over-the-top, gory romp that's both a delightful jest for Warhammer 40,000 fans and a thrill ride for new players. Despite the humorous approach, the gameplay doesn't lose its charm, maintaining a rhythmic balance between exploration and combat, and offering tiered difficulty options for players of different skill levels.

#boomer_shooter #boltgun #retroFPS #video_game

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/14972

First-person shooter (FPS) games originated from iD Software's Castle Wolfenstein (1992), introducing concepts like weapon usage and complex exploration. However, it was Doom (1993) that solidified the FPS genre with its immersive 3D graphics, multiplayer capabilities, and captivating design. A "boomer shooter" emulates 1990s FPS games like Doom, characterized by fast-paced action, skill-based movement, pixelated graphics, and a plethora of weapons.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/24108

Click on the image above June 27th to see it streamed

Amid Evil is a boomer shooter that breathes new life into the genre with an intriguing mix of weaponry, including a staff that fires homing blobs and a sword that slings waves of green energy. While the game pays homage to classics such as Heretic and Hexen, it differentiates itself through its disregard for some established FPS conventions, making the gameplay experience smoother and more enjoyable. Notably, the game eschews fall damage and hazards like crushing elevators, and instead emphasizes the thrill of the combat.

However, the game is not without its flaws. For instance, moving out of water can be frustratingly difficult, and certain platforming sections of the game can be infuriating. While the lack of fall damage is generally beneficial, it can sometimes serve as a curse in these precise platforming sections. The constant quick-saving feature somewhat alleviates this issue by letting you retry a failed jump without having to climb back up.

Furthermore, the game’s level designs, while intriguing and full of secrets, can sometimes slow down the pace due to their reliance on pressing buttons to activate changes in the environment. Despite the occasional tedium of retracing steps, the thrill of the combat, particularly with the Star of Torment, a weapon that pins enemies to walls, adds a fun element to the gameplay.

The game's balance of challenge and reward is noteworthy. The Hard Mode is tough but manageable, and the game gives you tools such as the quicksaving feature and secret areas with health boosts to aid in your battles. Additionally, the game features Soul Mode, which significantly enhances your weapons' destructive power, turning them into "fire hoses of death". However, some players may find that they don't need to use this powerful feature often.

Despite these minor complaints, Amid Evil still delivers a memorable gaming experience with its unique weaponry, compelling level design, and intense combat. Its beautiful visual design and fascinating enemies create a captivating world that keeps players intrigued to see what lies around the next corner. Whether it is fighting off space serpents in the astral plane or shredding through evil knights with your green energy-slinging sword, Amid Evil remains an engaging tribute to classic FPS games while introducing refreshing twists to the genre.

#boomer_shooter #amid_evil #retroFPS #video_game

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/24108

Click on the image above June 27th to see it streamed

Amid Evil is a boomer shooter that breathes new life into the genre with an intriguing mix of weaponry, including a staff that fires homing blobs and a sword that slings waves of green energy. While the game pays homage to classics such as Heretic and Hexen, it differentiates itself through its disregard for some established FPS conventions, making the gameplay experience smoother and more enjoyable. Notably, the game eschews fall damage and hazards like crushing elevators, and instead emphasizes the thrill of the combat.

However, the game is not without its flaws. For instance, moving out of water can be frustratingly difficult, and certain platforming sections of the game can be infuriating. While the lack of fall damage is generally beneficial, it can sometimes serve as a curse in these precise platforming sections. The constant quick-saving feature somewhat alleviates this issue by letting you retry a failed jump without having to climb back up.

Furthermore, the game’s level designs, while intriguing and full of secrets, can sometimes slow down the pace due to their reliance on pressing buttons to activate changes in the environment. Despite the occasional tedium of retracing steps, the thrill of the combat, particularly with the Star of Torment, a weapon that pins enemies to walls, adds a fun element to the gameplay.

The game's balance of challenge and reward is noteworthy. The Hard Mode is tough but manageable, and the game gives you tools such as the quicksaving feature and secret areas with health boosts to aid in your battles. Additionally, the game features Soul Mode, which significantly enhances your weapons' destructive power, turning them into "fire hoses of death". However, some players may find that they don't need to use this powerful feature often.

Despite these minor complaints, Amid Evil still delivers a memorable gaming experience with its unique weaponry, compelling level design, and intense combat. Its beautiful visual design and fascinating enemies create a captivating world that keeps players intrigued to see what lies around the next corner. Whether it is fighting off space serpents in the astral plane or shredding through evil knights with your green energy-slinging sword, Amid Evil remains an engaging tribute to classic FPS games while introducing refreshing twists to the genre.

#boomer_shooter #amid_evil #retroFPS #video_game

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/22114

I get it. You hate “boomer shooter.” Why have people spent years using the term without checking with you, the consumer? Maybe you just hate the idea of remakes. Maybe you prefer to play the standards that boomer shooters are built on. Buying old hardware can get expensive so I offer a way to go retro without breaking the bank.

PCem, a vintage PC emulator, while no longer maintained by its original creator, remains highly usable. As the author is open to delegating maintenance to a new individual, it's possible that updates may occur in the future. For Windows users, backwards compatibility support is robust, suggesting that existing Windows versions of PCem should operate smoothly for the foreseeable future. Despite a lack of recent enhancements, PCem's existing binaries are reliable and accessible, offering an excellent option for those interested in PC emulation.

UniPCemu, another full PC emulator, originally developed for PSP but now available on multiple platforms including Windows, is also an active project. It provides near cycle-accurate emulation of 8086/8088 chips, with only a 4% discrepancy, according to the UniPCemu wiki. This makes it a promising choice for those seeking an accurate emulation experience.

DOSBox, another popular emulator focused on DOS-based games, is still actively maintained, with a significant number of changes accumulating in its development repository. However, new releases have been sparse, as the development team emphasizes ensuring minimal regressions before rolling out new versions. The existing releases, referred to as 0.74-x, are primarily focused on bug fixes and don't incorporate any new features from the development branch. Nonetheless, the developers have plans for a new release in the future.

Contrastingly, DOSBox-X has a distinct focus and is subject to frequent updates. Originally aimed at enhancing fidelity for running demoscene productions, DOSBox-X has now expanded its focus to improving fidelity in general. This active maintenance and the unique value proposition makes DOSBox-X a worthy emulator for those interested in high fidelity PC emulation.

Moreover, MAME is worth exploring for PC emulation. Its developers prioritize accuracy in their emulation, making it another strong choice for enthusiasts. Other options such as WeeCee, an actual miniature PC, could provide an authentic experience within a modern PC environment. Despite its size, WeeCee is capable of running a wide array of speed-sensitive games proficiently, making it another viable option for those interested in vintage PC gaming.

#hardware #emulation #retrofps #boomer_shooter

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/19628

Trepang^2 is an exhilarating first-person shooter that channels the high-octane gameplay of mid-2000s classics, that launched on Steam on June 21. The game offers players the chance to embody a super soldier, utilizing a variety of superhuman abilities and weaponry while navigating a world teeming with dangerous foes. Through the campaign, players will uncover a deadly supernatural conspiracy, master game-changing abilities, and fight relentless waves of spec-ops forces.

In Trepang^2 players are thrust into a world of over-the-top action where combat skills are pushed to their limits. Amid explosive campaigns and horde modes, the game calls on players to navigate a bullet-filled world, fighting thousands of highly trained operatives and otherworldly foes. Unfolding against the backdrop of a devastating heavy metal soundtrack, the game combines brutal melee combat with rapid fire gunfights, enhancing the fast-paced FPS gameplay.

The game's mechanics also showcase a variety of innovative features reminiscent of Monolith's F.E.A.R, such as the ability to dual-wield weapons, use enemies as shields, and toss enemies around the battlefield. Furthermore, its liberal use of bullet-time ability lends an extra dimension to the gameplay, allowing players to visualize the shockwaves of explosions and other effects. Trepang^2’s graphical brilliance and superb execution make the combat seem not only realistic but also exceptionally thrilling.

However, the cornerstone of Trepang^2's gameplay, like F.E.A.R., is its enemy AI. The game aims to deliver opponents that match the intelligence and cunning of F.E.A.R.'s weaponized clones. The ability of Trepang^2's foes to communicate and strategize will significantly determine its success in replicating the immersive FPS experience of its predecessor.

Despite being an indie game developed by a small team, Trepang^2 successfully incorporates many elements from F.E.A.R., cementing its status as a spiritual successor. Its gameplay keeps the focus squarely on high-octane combat, ensuring a fast-paced and gory first-person military-style experience. Even though the game might appeal more to players untroubled by excessive in-game violence, its narrow focus on bloody first-person combat does justice to the genre. Borrowing elements from F.E.A.R. and other classic shooters, Trepang^2 offers an experience that is both familiar and refreshingly novel.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/18150

In yesterdays article (that wouldn’t cross-post no matter what I tried) I provided some current releases and identified a retroFPS they most closely associated with. I did this because several people asked if there was “anything current like what they used to play.” The answer that article shows is… Yes.

Now I’m going to provide a list of six upcoming titles that are due to be released over the next six months. In some cases the developers have identified a quarter this year that they will release. In some cases they provided a month. If all I have is a quarter, I organize them alphabetically. I have done my best to provide a release schedule so you can know what to save for. As always I will provide a Steam link if you want to add it to your wishlist. For a YouTube demo click the image provided under each title (except for Verge World).

Demonic Supremacy

Quarter 3 2023

"Demonic Supremacy" is a retro-styled 3D shooter from Chillidog Interactive providing intense, old-school FPS gameplay paired with a heavy metal soundtrack. The game's narrative follows the Chosen One, the protagonist Zexus, tasked with combating demonic forces appearing every 3481 years. Zexus battles through a randomly manifested infernal tower, taking down monstrous enemies floor by floor, culminating in a showdown with the Lord of Hell. With 90's inspired graphics and formidable bosses, this game delivers a nostalgically thrilling experience.

Verge World

Quarter 3 2023

Verge World from Badbones is an engaging game that combines racing and shoot'em up dynamics, originally developed for the Amiga computer. The game leverages Voxel technology to create a unique 3D environment, bringing an innovative visual experience to players. The game offers a demo for potential users on its official site. Additionally, adaptations are planned for Atari ST, Macintosh, and Neo-Geo. The PC version offers a demo on the Steam site of a post-apocalyptic racing roguelite experience, mixing intense action, airship customization, retro 3D visuals, and synthwave music.

Sprawl

August 2023

SPRAWL from MAETH corporation is a retro-style FPS game set in a limitless cyberpunk cityscape. Players can utilize the "Icarus" cybernetic implant for gravity-defying acrobatics. The implant is powered by the blood of defeated militarized police, enabling enhanced reaction times and bullet-time capabilities. Despite being a work in progress, the game merges modern and retro features, making it highly anticipated. Hannah Crawford, one of the developers, confirmed plans for Windows and Linux releases, with evidence of the game already running on Linux (Pop!_OS).

Fortunes Run

September 2023

Fortune's Run from Team Fortune is an upcoming shooter game that combines high-speed gameplay and immersive sim elements. The developers recently shared a preview of a large, fully simulated space station level set against the void of space, offering a departure from the initial demo. Gameplay on this level involves navigating hydroponic labs, maintenance shafts, and enemy-infested quarters. Other teasers reveal a fireball-triggering mission, hand-cutting bulkheads to unveil hidden paths, and the creation of 2D sprites from 3D models for a retro aesthetic.

Ad Infernum

2023

Ad Infernum is an upcoming survival-horror immersive sim, developed by Glass Knuckle Games the creators of "Heliophobia". Set in a deserted gas station, it features demonic entities, dark rituals, and a plethora of exploration options. Players can interact with almost any object, avoid or confront demons using an array of weapons, and follow a non-linear story at their own pace. The game introduces an arcane transmutation system for crafting new items and encourages discovery of hidden loot, lore, and secrets. Both main story objectives and optional tasks are available.

Gunhead

2023

Alientrap's "GUNHEAD", a sequel to "CRYPTARK", is a 3D rogue-like FPS slated for a 2023 release. Players assume the role of a space pirate, strategizing entry into alien ships for scavenging. The game employs procedural generation for constructing internal ship structures. The objective is to disable the ship’s shield system before targeting the core system. Enemy generation automation systems can be destroyed too. The game climaxes with a powerful boss fight that also serves as a core system.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/22114

I get it. You hate “boomer shooter.” Why have people spent years using the term without checking with you, the consumer? Maybe you just hate the idea of remakes. Maybe you prefer to play the standards that boomer shooters are built on. Buying old hardware can get expensive so I offer a way to go retro without breaking the bank.

PCem, a vintage PC emulator, while no longer maintained by its original creator, remains highly usable. As the author is open to delegating maintenance to a new individual, it's possible that updates may occur in the future. For Windows users, backwards compatibility support is robust, suggesting that existing Windows versions of PCem should operate smoothly for the foreseeable future. Despite a lack of recent enhancements, PCem's existing binaries are reliable and accessible, offering an excellent option for those interested in PC emulation.

UniPCemu, another full PC emulator, originally developed for PSP but now available on multiple platforms including Windows, is also an active project. It provides near cycle-accurate emulation of 8086/8088 chips, with only a 4% discrepancy, according to the UniPCemu wiki. This makes it a promising choice for those seeking an accurate emulation experience.

DOSBox, another popular emulator focused on DOS-based games, is still actively maintained, with a significant number of changes accumulating in its development repository. However, new releases have been sparse, as the development team emphasizes ensuring minimal regressions before rolling out new versions. The existing releases, referred to as 0.74-x, are primarily focused on bug fixes and don't incorporate any new features from the development branch. Nonetheless, the developers have plans for a new release in the future.

Contrastingly, DOSBox-X has a distinct focus and is subject to frequent updates. Originally aimed at enhancing fidelity for running demoscene productions, DOSBox-X has now expanded its focus to improving fidelity in general. This active maintenance and the unique value proposition makes DOSBox-X a worthy emulator for those interested in high fidelity PC emulation.

Moreover, MAME is worth exploring for PC emulation. Its developers prioritize accuracy in their emulation, making it another strong choice for enthusiasts. Other options such as WeeCee, an actual miniature PC, could provide an authentic experience within a modern PC environment. Despite its size, WeeCee is capable of running a wide array of speed-sensitive games proficiently, making it another viable option for those interested in vintage PC gaming.

#hardware #emulation #retrofps #boomer_shooter

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/22114

I get it. You hate “boomer shooter.” Why have people spent years using the term without checking with you, the consumer? Maybe you just hate the idea of remakes. Maybe you prefer to play the standards that boomer shooters are built on. Buying old hardware can get expensive so I offer a way to go retro without breaking the bank.

PCem, a vintage PC emulator, while no longer maintained by its original creator, remains highly usable. As the author is open to delegating maintenance to a new individual, it's possible that updates may occur in the future. For Windows users, backwards compatibility support is robust, suggesting that existing Windows versions of PCem should operate smoothly for the foreseeable future. Despite a lack of recent enhancements, PCem's existing binaries are reliable and accessible, offering an excellent option for those interested in PC emulation.

UniPCemu, another full PC emulator, originally developed for PSP but now available on multiple platforms including Windows, is also an active project. It provides near cycle-accurate emulation of 8086/8088 chips, with only a 4% discrepancy, according to the UniPCemu wiki. This makes it a promising choice for those seeking an accurate emulation experience.

DOSBox, another popular emulator focused on DOS-based games, is still actively maintained, with a significant number of changes accumulating in its development repository. However, new releases have been sparse, as the development team emphasizes ensuring minimal regressions before rolling out new versions. The existing releases, referred to as 0.74-x, are primarily focused on bug fixes and don't incorporate any new features from the development branch. Nonetheless, the developers have plans for a new release in the future.

Contrastingly, DOSBox-X has a distinct focus and is subject to frequent updates. Originally aimed at enhancing fidelity for running demoscene productions, DOSBox-X has now expanded its focus to improving fidelity in general. This active maintenance and the unique value proposition makes DOSBox-X a worthy emulator for those interested in high fidelity PC emulation.

Moreover, MAME is worth exploring for PC emulation. Its developers prioritize accuracy in their emulation, making it another strong choice for enthusiasts. Other options such as WeeCee, an actual miniature PC, could provide an authentic experience within a modern PC environment. Despite its size, WeeCee is capable of running a wide array of speed-sensitive games proficiently, making it another viable option for those interested in vintage PC gaming.

#hardware #emulation #retrofps #boomer_shooter

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/22013

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/22012

BattleBit Remastered, a 254-player FPS game, is currently stealing the limelight on Steam despite being launched in the already crowded market of first-person shooters. Developed by a team of only four people, the $15 indie game quickly became a top seller on the platform. Its success is especially notable since it competes against numerous free, well-supported shooters, yet still manages to outperform even popular titles like Call of Duty.

What's particularly appealing about BattleBit, however, isn't just its gameplay, but its pricing model. Instead of following a free-to-play model, BattleBit costs $15 upfront. But this purchase comes with the assurance that players will receive a fully-featured game with no extra hidden costs. The game currently includes six classes, 39 unlockable guns, dozens of class-specific gadgets, 17 destructible maps, and community server support, among other things, making it a great value for its price.

This model stands in stark contrast to the typical free-to-play games that tend to start with a modest offering and then add more content over time. These games often feel like they are always looking at the player as a potential target for further monetization, with constant reminders about battle pass buy-ins and overpriced skin bundles. This approach can lead to players feeling like they're being asked to invest financially and emotionally in the game's future potential, rather than simply enjoying what the game offers in the present.

BattleBit, with its upfront price and a promise of no further monetary strings, is refreshingly different. It's fun, well-balanced, and surprisingly intense for a game with blocky characters and low-detail environments. The robust proximity chat feature also adds an additional layer of immersion and social interaction, with players often role-playing and communicating with genuine conviction during the game.

Despite its minor shortcomings, like the lackluster sound effects for its guns, BattleBit's previous anonymity has worked in its favor, much like Eric Barone's Stardew Valley. Gamers come in with zero expectations and are often pleasantly surprised by the depth and quality of the game. Even if future updates don't materialize, many players feel they have already received their money's worth from the initial purchase. The game's focus on present value, rather than speculative future updates, appears to be a winning strategy in the eyes of its growing fanbase.