Retro games, abandonware, freeware and classic games for PC and Mac
Author: Adam - Published: 27 January 2025, 8:10 pm
Life Force is a Shoot ‘em Up created by Konami for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986. It was later ported to MSX, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and other platforms.
Life Force (also known as Salamander outside North America) was developed by Konami as a spin-off of their successful Gradius series. Designed to be a companion game, Life Force took inspiration from its predecessor while adding unique elements, such as alternating perspectives and a new biological theme. The game's concept was heavily influenced by the idea of journeying into an organic, almost sci-fi-inspired world, where players would fight through surreal biological landscapes and face grotesque creatures inside a massive alien organism. This design decision added a horror-fantasy feel. Those were the years of H.R. Giger's influence on video games. Let's not forget R-Type, still released in 1987.
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Author: GN Team - Published: 2 January 2025, 6:34 pm
Uninvited is a graphic adventure created by ICOM Simulations in 1986 for Macintosh, using the MacVenture engine.
This eerie adventure showcased the studio’s knack for atmospheric storytelling, distinguishing itself from other ICOM titles like Deja Vu: A Nightmare Comes True!! and Shadowgate.
In Uninvited, players awaken outside a decrepit mansion after a car crash, searching for their missing sibling. The game’s focus on horror was a stark departure from the hardboiled noir of Deja Vu and the high-fantasy peril of Shadowgate. Instead of gangsters or goblins, Uninvited immersed players in a supernatural setting filled with ghostly apparitions, cursed artifacts, and cryptic puzzles. The mansion felt alive—every room carried its own chilling story, from a ghostly piano to menacing specters that could instantly end your game.
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Author: GN Team - Published: 28 October 2024, 2:28 pm
Beyond Dark Castle is an action-adventure platformer created by Silicon Beach Software for Macintosh. It was initially released in 1988 for Mac and later ported to Amiga and Commodore 64.
Beyond Dark Castle is a sequel to the original Dark Castle, building on the action-adventure platforming formula with expanded gameplay, new levels, and a greater emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. Players once again step into the shoes of Prince Duncan as he braves the dangers of the dark castle, aiming to defeat the evil Black Knight and escape the treacherous labyrinth within.
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Author: GN Team - Published: 15 October 2024, 11:54 am
Humans 3: Evolution - Lost in Time is the third installment in the Humans series, created by Imagitec Design. It’s a puzzle-strategy game where you guide a tribe of cavemen through different time periods. Developed by Imagitec and published by GameTek in 1995 for MS-DOS, it was later released in 1996 for Amiga CD32 and other Amiga models with the AGA chipset.
The game combines elements of logic, puzzle-solving, and time management. You must lead humans through complex environments, acquire new tools, and survive in hostile worlds. In Lost in Time, the plot twists, sending the tribe through various epochs beyond the prehistoric period. Players travel through time, from ancient Egypt to futuristic landscapes, tackling puzzles tied to the technological advancements of each era. From using simple spears and wheels to advanced gadgets, you must guide the tribe with creativity and teamwork.
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Author: Adam - Published: 7 October 2024, 6:03 pm
Dragon Power is a classic NES game released by Bandai in 1986 and developed by Tose. Originally based on the Japanese manga and anime series Dragon Ball, the game underwent significant changes during its localization for the North American market, resulting in a unique and somewhat quirky experience.
The game follows the adventures of a young boy and his friends as they search for the mystical balls, which have been renamed “Crystal Balls” in this version. The localization changes also include renaming characters and altering some visual elements, which can make the story a bit confusing for those familiar with the original series.
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Author: GN Team - Published: 10 September 2024, 2:37 pm
Sexy Droids is a puzzle/strategy game with an erotic theme, created by Magic Bytes for Amiga and released for both DOS and Amiga in 1992. The concept is similar to Strip Poker, where, if you win, a girl removes an item of clothing, revealing part of her body. However, as the title suggests, the protagonists are sensual, female-shaped cyborgs in this case. The droids' design comes from renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama, famous for his drawings of female robots, characterized by two "antennas" protruding from the sides of their heads and a horizontal line (in a RoboCop style) instead of eyes. While not everyone may appreciate this sensual style, it's clear that this is not just simple erotica but artistic work and masterful illustrations.
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