Retro Reviews

What if Super Mario Kart got the sequel we always dreamed of on the SNES? Horizons delivers 20 new tracks, new music, and pure nostalgia. From grassy plains to abandoned mines, Super Mario Kart – Horizons takes the SNES classic to new places. It feels like Mario Kart 2.0… and you can play it today! Super Mario Kart – Horizons: The Romhack That Feels Like a True Sequel. Watch the …

The Super Mario World hacking community has produced everything from sprawling cinematic adventures to bite sized experimental projects. Smoked Fish and Cabbage, created by LetsTalkGames and the coder known as xMANGRAVYx, stands out as a compact yet polished introduction to the Kaizo style. Released in July 2023, the hack is short by design with seven carefully crafted levels, but within that small footprint it manages to deliver challenge, variety, and …

The Super Mario World hacking scene has always thrived on experimentation, but few projects push the envelope as boldly as Castlemania II, created by LetsTalkGames and coder xMANGRAVYx. Released in July 2025, this sequel builds upon last year’s Castlemania with even more ambition, blending Super Mario World’s platforming with Castlevania’s gothic spirit. The result is a hack that feels familiar in its controls but completely fresh in its tone and …

When it comes to ambitious ROM hacks, few projects can match the scale and polish of Super Mario Bros. 3Mix, created by the talented developer Southbird. Released more than a decade ago (2014), 3Mix is not simply a reworking of Super Mario Bros. 3 but a complete overhaul that pays tribute to Mario’s past, present, and even future. The hack introduces new mechanics, new worlds, and a staggering amount of …

Pacnsac Games, the prolific ROM hacker known as pacnsacdave, has built a name for transforming beloved NES titles into something wholly new while staying true to the spirit of retro gaming. In March 2020 he released The Crow, a complete hack of Sunsoft’s Batman: The Video Game. Rather than a simple cosmetic swap, this project reimagines the 1994 cult film starring Brandon Lee as if it had received its own …

When you talk about hidden treasures on the Nintendo Entertainment System, few games are as respected and mysterious as Mr. Gimmick. Released in 1992 by Sunsoft, this platformer was known for its stunning physics, demanding level design, and a soundtrack that pushed the NES sound chip to its limits. While it never reached wide audiences outside Japan and Scandinavia, it has become a cult favorite among retro enthusiasts. Fans have …

A Tribute to Mario’s Origins with a Twist Super Mario Bros. For Lost Players is a standout ROM hack of Super Mario World that reimagines the platforming roots of Nintendo’s mascot while injecting fresh ideas, unexpected mechanics, and nostalgic homages. Developed by Adam, Truxton, beasteye89, lolyoshi, and rextep, the project debuted in 2021 as part of the SMW Central Hackjam contest. What started as a so-called “terrible experiment,” according to …

Kishin Douji Zenki FX: A Lost PCFX Gem From Japan’s Gaming Golden Age Introduction In the mid-1990s, when the console wars between Sega, Sony, and Nintendo dominated the headlines, NEC’s PC-FX quietly entered the market with an unconventional approach and a library of only a few dozen titles. While it failed to compete commercially, it left behind several forgotten treasures that have since become highly sought after by collectors. Among …

A 30-Year Battle with One of the First Great Fantasy Strategy Games Introduction In the early 1990s, when most players were still enjoying straightforward platformers and action games, Dark Wizard for the Sega CD emerged as one of the earliest large-scale strategy and fantasy epics ever released on a home console. Combining an expansive world map, deep tactical gameplay, and a rich storyline with memorable characters, it stood apart from …

Altered Beast: A Timeless Sega Genesis Classic That Defined an Era Introduction In the golden age of 16-bit gaming, few titles embodied Sega’s bold push into the home console market quite like Altered Beast. Originally released as an arcade cabinet in 1988, it stormed onto the Sega Genesis in 1989 as a launch title, instantly becoming a symbol of the system’s identity. The opening command — “Rise from your grave!” …

Rayman PlayStation Review and Longplay – A Timeless 1995 Classic Introduction In the mid-90s, the platforming genre was thriving, but few titles captured the magic of the era quite like Rayman on the PlayStation. Released in 1995 by Ubisoft, this 2D platforming masterpiece introduced players to a limbless hero whose charm, fluid animation, and breathtaking worlds helped define the system’s early library. The vibrant art style, precise gameplay, and unforgettable …

In the twilight years of the Nintendo Entertainment System, when most developers had already shifted their focus to the next generation of consoles, Sunsoft delivered a surprising masterpiece that pushed the aging hardware to its limits. Mr. Gimmick, released in 1992, is a testament to the untapped potential of the 8-bit era and a shining example of innovation in game design. This charming platformer, featuring a small green star-shaped protagonist …

Welcome, retro gaming enthusiasts and Metroid fans! Today, we’re diving deep into the underground world of ROM hacks to explore a true gem: Metroid: Rogue Dawn. Released in 2017, this ambitious fan-made creation serves as an unofficial prequel to Nintendo’s classic 1986 NES game, Metroid. But don’t let its unofficial status fool you – Rogue Dawn is far more than just a simple mod. With entirely new graphics, music, and …

Have you ever heard of The Legend of Zelda: BS Edition? If not, you’re not alone. This enigmatic entry in the beloved Zelda franchise remains one of gaming’s best-kept secrets, a lost treasure from the early days of satellite gaming. Originally broadcast exclusively in Japan through Nintendo’s Satellaview service in 1995, BS Zelda, as it’s commonly known, offered a unique reimagining of the classic NES game that started it all. …

Super Mario Unlimited – Deluxe is an outstanding ROM hack of the original Super Mario Bros. for NES, masterfully crafted by frantik. This thrilling modification delivers 41 brand-new levels, introduces exciting power-ups, enhances game mechanics, and adds a much-welcome save system, all while staying true to the beloved core gameplay that made the classic Mario experience so iconic. This hack transforms the original game into a completely new adventure, offering …

Rockman 4 Minus Infinity: A Masterful NES ROM Hack ROM hacks have become a beloved way for fans to breathe new life into classic titles. Among these, Rockman 4 Minus Infinity stands out as a shining example of what dedicated fans can achieve. This impressive modification of the original Mega Man 4 (known as Rockman 4 in Japan) for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) takes the familiar blue bomber on …

ROM hacks often provide a fresh take on classic titles, breathing new life into beloved games. The Deadpool NES ROM Hack is a prime example, taking the foundation of the iconic Ninja Gaiden and transforming it into a unique experience centered around Marvel’s popular anti-hero, Deadpool. Developer and Background Developed by Techmoon, this unauthorized ROM hack was released in 2019. It uses the original Ninja Gaiden as a base, modifying …

Retro Review: Gate of Thunder – A TurboGrafx-16 Hidden Gem Introduction Few titles shine as brightly as Gate of Thunder for the TurboGrafx-16. Released in 1992 by Hudson Soft and Red Company, this horizontal shooter has stood the test of time, offering a gaming experience that remains impressive even by today’s standards. Let’s dive deep into what makes this game a true classic. Developer Background Red Company, the primary developer behind …

Sonic the Hedgehog Vol. 2: The Blue Blur Races onto the NES Introduction In the realm of retro gaming, few ROM hacks have generated as much buzz as Sonic the Hedgehog Vol. 2 for the NES. This impressive modification, based on the notorious Somari the Adventurer, replaces the Mario-Sonic hybrid protagonist with Sega’s true Blue Blur. Released in 2023, this hack breathes new life into a curious piece of gaming history, offering a …

Bonk’s Revenge: A Timeless TurboGrafx-16 Classic Introduction Certain titles stand out as timeless classics that continue to captivate players decades after their release. Bonk’s Revenge, the 1991 sequel to Bonk’s Adventure for the TurboGrafx-16, is undoubtedly one such game. Developed by Red Company and Atlus, and published by Hudson Soft, this prehistoric platformer has aged remarkably well, offering a delightful blend of quirky humor, challenging gameplay, and charming visuals that …

Retro Review: Bonk’s Adventure for the TurboGrafx-16 Bonk’s Adventure for the TurboGrafx-16 is a 2D side-scrolling platformer that has cemented its place in gaming history. Developed by Red Company and published by Hudson Soft, this game was a standout title for the TurboGrafx-16, a console that struggled against the dominance of the NES and later the SNES and Sega Genesis. It was released in Japan as PC Genjin in 1989 and came to North America in …

Retro Review: Guerrilla War for the NES Introduction Released in 1987, Guerrilla War (known as Guevara in Japan) is a top-down run-and-gun arcade game developed and published by SNK. The game quickly found its way to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), where it became a beloved title among action game enthusiasts. Set against the backdrop of a revolutionary struggle, Guerrilla War offered intense gameplay, cooperative multiplayer action, and a captivating story that resonated with many players. In this …

Retro Review: Spider-Man: Web of Fire for the Sega 32X Spider-Man: Web of Fire, released for the Sega 32X in 1996, stands as one of the last titles for this ill-fated add-on to the Sega Genesis. Developed by BlueSky Software, the game attempted to leverage the enhanced graphical capabilities of the 32X to deliver a more immersive Spider-Man experience. Despite the developers’ efforts and the anticipation surrounding the game, my …

Introduction to a Cult Classic “Keio Flying Squadron” emerged on the Sega CD in 1993 to the delight of gamers looking for a fresh, vibrant take on the shoot ’em up genre. At a time when the gaming market was saturated with titles, this game managed to stand out with its stunning anime-style graphics, captivating music, and a storyline that was as charming as it was quirky. Developed by Victor …

Part 7: Chapters 13 & 14 played through by DashingDerek. I had to reupload this. They copyrighted both the audio and video for the the credits. That part has now been removed. Part 1: https://youtu.be/9Lyy9HGzrMw Part 2: https://youtu.be/5so8AEPlriE Part 3: https://youtu.be/vpc3rrggF-I Part 4: https://youtu.be/zNzuGwYDOso Part 5: https://youtu.be/wyt04hQWTPE Part 6: https://youtu.be/IGklBzo0hqI Part 7: https://youtu.be/tEGDwPa0rm0 Written tutorial/walkthrough: https://retro-replay.com/guides/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-walkthrough/ Review here: Chapter Synopsis Chapter 13 In Chapter 13 of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, …