I’ve been buying games off of eBay before I’ve ever owned a credit card, and its web page could render on a PSP. Over the years I’ve purchased consoles, rare games, and common guff for my game library with virtually no issues.

Obviously eBay is full of scams and I’ve purchased my fair share of crap from china which either didn’t work, or never arrived, and grew to look at local sellers with returns or a good reputation. I’ve always saw the eBay Buyer Protection and thought it was neat, and that I’d never use it. Oh boy was a wrong.

Last month I found a console going for an insane price, not too low that it would’ve been an immediate red flag, but good though that I didn’t worry about the sellers non existent returns. The system looked good in the photos and the seller feedback looked legit. The only weird thing was the description was written by AI (eBay is pushing it and it’s as useless as you can imagine), but the condition was used, so I got it.

When it arrive the console was dirty as it was in photos. But nothing that a bit of elbow grease can’t fix. Then I noticed the ports were a bit dirty, and there was signs that it was opened by an ape before I got it. So I got my new cables, purchased separately since it wasn’t coming with any, plugged her in and… nothing.

No light, no life.

Took the system apart myself and the insides of the console was a complete mess. Rust and corrosion everywhere, so much I thought it was used as a boat anchor at some point. Or the side of the road in the rain.

So I contacted the seller and asked them for a refund. They offered to exchange it, and thought to play ball… 2 days later the other system was missing. Suuurreee.

I gave them an offer for a partial refund. Saying hey, this is so broken it’s not with the return shipping. Why don’t we compromise and you give me a return minus the amount it would cost me to return it and we’ll call it even. I paid $92 and I offered $67. They then offered me $27.

Nope going full refund. Then they went silent with no messages or instructions.

I escalated it with eBay, who gave them 3 option, pay for return shipping and refund me when it arrives, I pay for shipping and they reimburse me, then I got the rest of the money back, or we figure something else out.

They opted for the first option. I printed the label and I waited for their currier to pick it up. The seller also gave no instructions but thankfully tracking had enough info from the tracking label I knew what was happening.

Then the day arrived for the parcel picked up, and the currier was a no show. I checked the label and the address was wrong. Despite it showing up. Informed the seller, and they canceled the label. But ghosted me again.

EBay got back to me and told me the case will default in 3 day if it was not picked up. Then 3 days passed and I had to reach out to eBay again, who tried to restart the process. At this point I was frustrated and told them it’s been 3 weeks since I started this return claim, please either refund me or escalate this.

I got my refund that afternoon.

What I learned about eBay buyer protection is this. It works, but it’s work too. It’s quite fair to the seller, but its resolution is heavily in the buyers favor. My only advice is for buyers who’ve been scammed like I was, is to keep on top of your eBay rep, as replies are handed in a shared pool, and the support agent is not going to look back on the case history.

TL:DR got scammed on eBay, got money back from eBay buyer protection, however it took 3 weeks and keeping on top of eBay support.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/19005703

> Artist Links > - Tumblr > - Official Website

recent leak from San Diego Comic-Con suggests that the upcoming revival of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, initially announced as a graphic novel prequel, may include a remastered collection of Soul Reaver I & II.

Hopefully we get a remaster.

Hamster's Latest Arcade Archives Release: VS. Valkyrie’s Adventure

Hamster is set to release the classic arcade game, Valkyrie’s Adventure: Legend of the Key of Time, as the newest addition to their Arcade Archives collection on Nintendo Switch. Scheduled for availability worldwide from July 25th, this eagerly anticipated retro title is priced at $7.99 / €6.99 / £6.29 in digital format.

First introduced by Namco in 1986, this action RPG transports players into the legendary Marvel Land as the valiant Valkyrie on her quest to collect the mystical Key of Time and defeat the tyrant Zouna.

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Have you played the original? Do you think it will catch on with a new audience?

A mod created by @Pablomf6 (PabloMK7) significantly enhances the gaming experience of Luigi's Mansion 2 when played on the Citra 3DS emulator. This is a fantastic solution for players looking to enjoy this classic game with improved performance.

• 🤔 Implementing the Fix by u/PabloMK7

PabloMK7 also maintains a current fork of Citra.

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Have you experienced the performance issues described in the Reddit post? Are you planning to try out the mod?

Chrono Trigger: Fighting Game Potential

Imagine a world where the classic RPG Chrono Trigger had its own fighting game series! Thanks to an interview with Seiichi Ishii, designer of Tekken, we learn about the possibility of Chrono Trigger characters being featured in a fighting game.

Tobal No. 1 released alongside a demo of FF7, and still holds its own today, but it nearly took its characters straight from Chrono Trigger. If it had, it might have cemented the series as a household name like Tekken and Street Fighter. Read more in the interview.

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Do you think Chrono Trigger would have fared differently in a fighting genre, or would it not have matched the success of established franchises like Tekken and Street Fighter?

As I get older, I find I have no interest in playing the cutesy/silly games that are everywhere on retro consoles (obviously, they were targeted towards kids). But I also don't have the patience for survival horror games like the resident evil or silent hill series. I'm just looking for a fun spooky game that I can jump into and start playing.

So what are your favorite action-oriented games featuring skeletons and bats and horror movie monsters that aren't actually trying to scare you? Any platform, any year. I'm looking for games whose entire theme is spooky, not just a single haunted house or graveyard level.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/19746110

> it took me a while to find this, i figured i'd post it on 196 so that maybe it'd pop up in search results for people who want to play this in german. I don't know who to all worked on this, but it seems like this person did most of the work on it.

Jewel Master, a unique action platformer from 1991 on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, has been given an unexpected boost with new patches developed by modder BillyTime!Games. The game, known for its intriguing ring-combination gameplay and captivating soundtrack by Motoaki Takenouchi, who included nods to the band Yes,** has struggled with a mixed reception. Notably, it garnered an 88% score from Sega Pro but only managed a 55% rating from Megatech.

The game’s overlooked status is set to change now that BillyTime!Games has shared updates on their development process and goals for the upcoming patches. Key details include:

• Fire Rings can be stacked for increased damage, adding an exciting strategic element to combat scenarios.
• Wind Rings, when combined, offer enhanced speed and high-jump abilities, making level traversal more dynamic.
• Earth Rings are currently being worked on and will likely provide health restoration; however, they might require balancing due to their potential power.

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How do you see the new updates transforming Jewel Master, potentially elevating its status from an overlooked gem to a sought-after classic?

Katamari Damacy's Mobile Adventure

An exciting discovery has emerged in the realm of retro gaming, as a group of preservation enthusiasts managed to extract and partially restore Katamari Damacy Mobile. This milestone comes from the preservationist RockmanCosmo, who recently announced on Twitter that they've been able to unearth files for both Katamari Damacy-Kun and its sequel on feature phones.

The focus this time is on Katamari Damacy Mobile, an impressive port of the PlayStation 2 to feature phones in 2007, specifically for the i-mode compatible DoCoMo devices. This version of the game was lauded for its innovative control schemes and unique use of camera technology on P904i models that could detect screen movements for intuitive gameplay.

Not only has this significant piece of gaming history been preserved, but it also served as a foundation for the smartphone port Katamari Damacy Mobile Plus released in 2011 for iOS and Android. Unfortunately, both versions were limited to the Japanese market, adding another layer of exclusivity.

RockmanCosmo's efforts have led to the recovery of the preloaded version on the P904i device, unfortunately only featuring one level from the complete game. However, they've managed to bring back a piece of Katamari magic that had been trapped within feature phones for years.

While only one stage is playable for now, the preservationist's journey doesn't end there. The quest continues for uncovering and restoring the remaining levels. This achievement showcases not just their dedication but also the ongoing fight in the retro gaming community to rescue these titles from potential oblivion.

To access this game and learn how to get it working on your PC via emulator, visit the Keitai Wiki Discord. You can also connect with other enthusiasts passionate about preserving gaming history.

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Given the limited context and single level available so far, will this partial restoration inspire fans to re-experience Katamari Damacy in new ways on modern platforms?

A new ROM hack called Castlemania from LetsTalkGames blends the platforming style of Super Mario with the aesthetics and challenging gameplay of early Castlevania titles. The developer aims to evoke nostalgia through features like instant-death blocks, hidden secrets, and familiar enemies, while maintaining the NES difficulty.

This looks fun.

"Leading up to the launch of the Sega Dreamcast, in 1998 Microsoft and Sega announced that the up-and-coming Dreamcast would use Windows CE - an embedded version of the Windows Operating system for smaller portable devices. However, when the Dreamcast launched, all 18 titles did not use Windows CE at all. This was a very strange pivot, and many wondered what had occurred. In today's episode we take a closer look at Windows CE on the Dreamcast and what ultimately led to its decision to make it available only as a secondary option for developers to use..."

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Do you remember the promise of Windows CE on the Dreamcast? Were you disappointed when it didn't become a reality?

Archive.today link.

Archive.today link.

A port of the classic dungeon crawler Diablo is being developed for the Sega Dreamcast by @azi_hassan, using the Devilutin platform.

More Dreamcast goodies.

Archive.today link.

From the article: "There's a download link to the ROM in the YouTube video description, but at the time of writing, it appears to be struggling with demand."

Book4Games, a French company renowned for creating precision game storage solutions, has released Wave 3 of its line. The collection includes products tailored to NES, SNES, PC Engine, and Game Gear consoles.

These storage solutions are designed with attention to detail, featuring branded NES-style cases that could've been part of the original console's release. They accommodate various numbers of cartridges: NES holds 4 games per case, while SNES options can store up to 6. PC Engine and Game Gear cases each hold 12 cartridges.

The campaign has already surpassed its initial goal of €5,000 with 12 days left. Additional tiers include a reprint of the best sellers from Wave 2 at €7,000, another full reprint at €10,000, and a surprise reveal at €12,000.

You can purchase their storage solutions via Kickstarter here.

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Would you consider investing in this kind of game storage for your collection? Is the outlay worth the value they add to protecting and displaying vintage games?

Bandai Namco has revealed that Heihachi Mishima, the notorious leader of Mishima Zaibatsu, will be joining the roster as a downloadable content (DLC) character in Tekken 8. The DLC is set to release this Autumn.

This confirms that the long-running franchise continues to evolve and maintain its fan base with new content while honouring its legacy.

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Have you played Tekken 8? Do you plan to get hold of this DLC?

Nintendo has paid tribute to the classic Nintendo World Championships with a new Switch game that draws inspiration from the short-burst challenges of the NES era. The 1990 championships started in March, touring nearly 30 North American cities and concluding in December, utilizing special competition cartridges featuring modified versions of Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris to determine the top players.

This rare cartridge is up for grabs.

Capcom's Ambitions for More Marvel Crossovers

Capcom, known for its iconic franchises like Street Fighter and Resident Evil, recently expressed its desire to develop more games that integrate with the beloved Marvel Universe. Protagonist Shuhei Matsumoto, in an interview, highlighted the potential of reintroducing classic Marvel crossover games to a new audience. This move aims to showcase the legacy of these series and potentially open up avenues for future, larger-scale projects.

> “The development team at Capcom has big dreams…if that were to happen, that would take some time and effort in order create and release those kinds of games.

> “…What we can at least do now is to show that, hey, these series exist. We love these games. We hope that you do too, and maybe in the future, if people get to familiarize themselves with these series, then there may be future opportunities to make bigger games.”

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What are your expectations for potential future game developments stemming from this partnership?

Tiny Wonder Studio, led by key members from the development team behind Chibi-Robo! has revealed their latest project: koROBO, an upcoming robot action-adventure game. Scheduled to launch via Kickstarter and Campfire crowdfunding platforms soon, the game aims for release on modern consoles and PC.

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What unique features do you believe koROBO should incorporate to stand out in today's crowded action-adventure game market?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/18177525

> Artist Links > - Cara > - Etsy

Yuzo Koshiro, the talented composer behind iconic titles, has unveiled new footage of his upcoming shoot 'em up game Earthion. He will present the new game at Bit Summit in Kyoto this weekend. The video showcases new stages from the game and introduces a new logo sound with his YKGGG (Yuzo Koshiro Golden Game Generation) tag.

To catch this sneak peek, you can check out the video that has been shared on Twitter/X.

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Have you been following development of Earthion? What are your memories of Yuzo Koshiro's other work?

Hideki Kamiya’s Dream of Okami & Viewtiful Joe Sequels

Despite the mixed reception, Hideki Kamiya's visionary games Okami and Viewtiful Joe have a dedicated fanbase. The director himself has recently expressed his longing for the continuation of these iconic franchises in an interview.

> 'I still feel like I haven't fulfilled my duty.'

Kamiya is keenly aware that the onus now lies with Capcom, the developers of both games, to bring a new chapter to their beloved series. This quote from Kamiya highlights the passion and commitment he has for his creations.

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Do you think Capcom should consider reviving Okami and Viewtiful Joe?

The LEGO Ideas PlayStation 2 console, designed by RippleDrive, is a 1:1 scale model comprising 2,114 pieces, but it requires approximately 9,370 votes for consideration for official release.

This looks cool, hope it gets released.

Alternative Youtube Link

Simpson's Hit & Run on PS Vita: The Most Impressive Port of the Year?

A dedicated gamer has been working tirelessly to port the iconic game 'Hit and Run' onto the PlayStation Vita, aiming for an impressive result. After months of effort, the latest update looks mind-blowing, with crisp graphics and silky-smooth cutscenes, offering a full gameplay experience that can be 100% completed.

Check out Zealous Chuck's release announcement video on YouTube. The source code can be found on Github.

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Are you going to dust off your PS Vita to play this port?

Snow Bros. 2 Special: Retro Action Returns in 2024

The classic arcade gem, Snow Bros. 2 is set to make a return on both Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam next year with the release of Snow Bros. 2 Special! Developed by Gravity Game Arise and CRT Games, this remake promises an updated experience while staying true to the original charm.

• 4 Player Multiplayer
• Updated Graphics and Design: A fresh coat of paint that enhances detail in the game.
• New Features & Modes: Various modes, from original to survival, time attack, sky run, and a brand-new "Monster Challenge" mode.

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Did you play the original Snow Bros. or Snow Bros. 2 at the arcade?

Nintendo has announced the availability of official Famicom controllers for the Nintendo Switch. Originally exclusive to Switch Online subscribers, these controllers are now accessible to everyone at a price point of approximately $42 USD each, but only through the official Japanese store.

These nostalgic controllers allow players to experience the essence of the classic Family Computer system while playing Famicom Nintendo Switch Online app games on their Nintendo Switch. They can be connected and charged just like standard Joy-Con controllers, offering an authentic retro gaming experience.

Limited to four per person for purchase in Japan with a delivery timeline estimated between two to six days, there is currently no confirmation of a global release.

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Do you think these controllers would add to the nostalgia of playing games in the Famicom Nintendo Switch Online app? Would you consider buying them if they became available in your country?

Super-Camp Shmup Series 'Cho Aniki' Is Making A Comeback

The iconic series Cho Aniki, known for its campy and homoerotic aesthetics in the realm of shmups, is set to make a comeback. According to 4Gamer and Makuake, a crowdfunding campaign has been announced with plans to bring together both PC Engine games Cho Aniki (1992) and Ai Cho Aniki (1995). These titles will be tailored for the Nintendo Switch, promising fans new opportunities to engage with the series in an updated format.

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What are your thoughts on Cho Aniki's return?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/10712866

> Artist's Website

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/18868233

> The GunCon (also known as G-Con-45) is an official controller released by Namco. It is the first GunCon model, followed by GunCon 2 and GunCon 3. The controller was bundled with the 1997 console port of Time Crisis.

Mega Cat Studios has announced that the highly anticipated Genesis / Mega Drive shmup ZPF will be released on Steam, providing PC gamers with a chance to experience the game without owning an original console.

For backers of the Kickstarter campaign, there's a new digital tier called "Digital Revelry" for $15. This tier includes a Steam key, digital soundtrack, artbook, and poster. It can also be added to previous pledges if you've already supported the project previously. The Steam release is expected in February 2025.

Kickstarter supporters at the "Digital Revelry" tier also get to see their name in the game's credits.

Time Extension also has an interview with Perry "Gryzor" Sessions about the development of the game.

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Are you looking forward to this game? Do you think the Kickstarter tiers represent good value?

'G Warrior', a new indie action game from Liao Kai, the developer of 2023's hit GanaBlade. G Warrior is described as a retro, hardcore shooting game, taking players on an epic mission to defeat an army of robots and aliens in a colorful pixelated world reminiscent of classic NES games.

With a variety of environments such as icy landscapes, underground caves, and futuristic ships, the game offers visual diversity. It features cool weapons like shotguns, lasers, and shields, along with an upbeat, nostalgic chiptune soundtrack. The game is available now on Steam for £4.29, or you can download the demo to try it out first.

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Have you played GanaBlade? What are your hopes for G Warrior?

Delta Emulator for iPad: Full Screen Support Added!

Delta, a popular iPhone emulator, has finally made its way to the iPad with full-screen support in its latest update! After much anticipation and waiting, Delta fans can now experience their favorite games on Apple's tablet in all its glory.

While previously available but lacking impressive display quality, the new update revamps the iPad version for an enhanced user experience. Now, with Delta supporting full iPad screens, gamers can enjoy a seamless transition from phone to tablet without sacrificing visual fidelity or control simplicity.

Highlights include improved performance on DS emulators and a handy feature enabling GBA games playability within the DS environment. Moreover, you can now switch effortlessly between iPhone and iPad modes for gaming convenience at home and on-the-go. Additionally, Airplay integration allows you to enjoy large-screen experiences.

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Have you been waiting for Delta iPad support? Are you going to try it out?

> Halo 2 is a video game released in 2004. It is the sequel to Halo 1, a game made by Bungie and released in 2001. Halo follows the story of John Halo (master chief to his friends) as he and his pal arbiter do something, I dont know. There are many shadows such as Stencil shadows and Baked shadows. The Covenant want to steal the Oven John Halo uses to Bake his shadows and it is up to the UNSC to stop them. Halo Spartans Didact 343 industries Halo Infinite Halo 7 Playstation Xbox and other things that may help this video get seen

2004 was 20 years ago, that counts as retro, right?