X=Y=Z - A homebrew Puzzler for the ZX Spectrum

Developed by Bob for the ZX Spectrum, X=Y=Z is a fun based puzzler in which you need to roll, slide, twist and teleport your cube around the levels in order to reach the exit. According to Bob, X=Y=Z is the spiritual successor to W*H*B but uses a different game mechanic that is both complex and difficult to master. 

Life of Pixel - A great retro inspired Arcade Platformer goes C64

In June of last year we preview featured a brilliant retro inspired game that had all of my childhood wrapped up into one neat little platformer, and that game was Life of Pixel by the developer Super Icon. Dedicated to the classic gaming machines of our time, Life of Pixel had you playing as a blocked pixel, traversing through 72 levels of retro gaming fun spread over 9 historic machines. It was so so much fun, probably one of the best retro inspired games I've played this year. So it was great news today from the developers that they have released a fully featured demo browser version with eight Commodore 64 levels.

The Amstrad CPC 464 - Celebrating 30 Years, new feature!

On the 16th of June we featured a big article relating to the celebration of the Amstrad's 30 year birthday, and with great success it got many people talking about one of the best systems of the 1980's! Although it didn't stand up to the C64 or the Speccy, it was still regarded as a great 8-bit system that had 64 KB Ram, internal tape deck and either a green screen or the more expensive colour monitor. But today we have something special to show you, as Xyphoe has done a special video for the The Amstrad CPC 464. Celebrating 30 Years! (featuring Darran Jones, Larry Bundy Jr, Steve Benway). So check it out and relive the golden era of the 8-bit systems!

Speccy Jam - A new game development jam inspired by the ZX Spectrum!

Dave from RetroYak has just informed me about a new game jam that is about to begin on the 29th of August. This jam has my full interest as it's going to be a Speccy Jam, in which indie developers from around the world will come together to create brand new retro inspired games in the flavour of that great 8-bit system, the ZX Spectrum.

Cyber-Chicken - Arcade shooter for the CPC - Disk and Tape available!

TFM of cpcwiki has just sent me a message to check out the 2013 Amstrad CPC game Cyber-Chicken, that looks to be a fine arcade shooter filled with space chickens! Developed by Marco Sowa, you play as a defender of Earth in a mission to stop the cyber chickens which are once again threatening our home planet. 

GunWorld - An action love letter to the 8-bit era gets a Kickstarter & Steam Greenlight Campaign

The era of the 8-bit certainly isn't dead as another game has just taken center stage, and that game is "GunWorld" that's currently going through a Kickstarter and Steam Greenlight campaign. Developed by M07games, Gunworld is an action packed game, full of platforming, diverse weaponry, enemies and big bosses as you complete a series of levels in any order you so wish.

Terrahawks - Videopac homebrew release for the ZX Spectrum

Originally developed for the Odyssey2 (Videopac), Terrahawks is a Shoot 'em up style game that feels like Space Invaders but far more action packed, especially as enemies can move around the screen at a rapid rate while trying to take you out. This more recent version is a homebrew ZX Spectrum port, developed by gazj82 that should work on just about any Spectrum. In Terrahawk you play the member of an elite group of trained specialists and it's your duty to defend Earth against the dangers from space.

Reckpunk - A weird and wonderful platform runner from Damien(dlan)

If there's one thing that stands out for me other than curious gameplay is an unusual artstyle, and when it comes to Reckpunk by Damien(dlan), a strange artistic design is certainly one of them. With a release date of September 2014 for the PC, Reckpunk features 8-bit graphics with the game play of that of a platform runner. Throughout this game your reaction counts, you must avoid obstacles and move platforms with the use of your mouse and with this design it really works. Not only is Reckpunk a great looking 8-bit styled game, which would probably look good on a Spectrum it also features fun and challenging game play.

Castlevania. Spectral Interlude - New High Quality ZX Spectrum game announced!

Have I got a retro gaming treat for you today, as Sanchez has announced that Castlevania : Spectral Interlude, which is based on Castlevania but a new standalone story is 95% ready. Originally developed in 1986 for the NES, Castlevania was an incredible action platformer that had you tasked with the defeating of the vampire Dracula. Thus with today's news you'll soon be able to play a brilliant Castlevania game on your ZX Spectrum!

Newly featured ZX Spectrum games from Retroworks!

Retroworks are a group of very talented European programmers who make some excellent games for some of our favourite retro computers, including Spectrum, Msx and Amstrad cpc. Cray 5 is no exception, a very colourful , sprawling adventure which sees you jet packing your way through 9 levels and turning off switches to a rather nasty computer. Armed with a pulse rifle you must also destroy the many denizens guarding their mothership. It is amazing what the team have pulled off with this one, anyone who knows their speccy will appreciate the incredible and vibrant colours used in this game. Well worth downloading or buying on tape format.

1001 Spikes - More spikes more fun and 4 player mode!

Are you a fan of retro-tastic games like Rick Dangerous with a hint of more modern titles such as VVVVVV or La Mulana HD, then you've got to play 1001 spikes by Nicalis, Inc. Discover the lost treasures of Ukampa in South America as Aban Hawkins searches for his estranged father, world-famous archeaologist, Jim Hawkins. Play through multiple levels of deviously designed challenges and deadly traps in single player, or test your skills with or against 4 other players in multi-player. A game that's just so much fun and also features a pretty damn fine 8-bit soundtrack and multiple player character unlocks, each with their own game play personalities and abilities. Available for both PC, Mac and Linux on Steam for only £9.99

Jetforce - 8-Bit action at it's best, now available on Desura!

Are you ready for a kick ass 2D action platform game that pays tribute to some of the great 8-bit NES titles of the past? Well you should be, as Jetforce by SinclairStrange is full of action, power blasting weaponry, big bosses and all out chaos, a game that should be in your collection. Jetforce is now available to buy through Desura for only £1.49 and up for votes through Steam Greenlight. Can you handle all this action?

Spectaculator v2.0 & Speccy v3.0.6 - Two great Spectrum emulators updated for Android!

If you have an Android device and love retro, then you'll really enjoy using these top quality Spectrum emulators to relive those 80's game days. These are the emulators Spectaculator & Speccy, which have both been updated for your hand held device. These emulators enable games and other programs to run just like on a real ZX Spectrum. Not just that, but the Spectaculator release contains Factory Breakout, Firelord, Laser Snaker, Starquake and Wizard’s Lair. See change log for both releases below!

Game Music : Remixes and Indie, from Indie Retro News personal playist of over 100 of the best remixes!

You are in for a treat as I'm going to share my personal playlist of some of the greatest remixes that I have come across, from the 8bit to the 16bit. These tunes have been gathered up over the last few years and the list is still growing. So if you're bored and nothing to do, then turn up the speakers and enjoy from this link :)

Sunday Remix! - Ladies and Gentlemen it's the turn of the 3hr+ Amstrad CPC mix (16/03/2014)

I mentioned during the week on Facebook that a special treat was coming for Amstrad CPC owners, especially as I myself now own a CPC 6128. That treat is over 3hrs of Amstrad CPC music, more than enough for a Sunday. I've listened to this myself and damn is it good, with classics such as Arkanoïd 2 and Delta and many more, well worth turning the speakers up for. If Amstrad isn't your thing then next Sunday I have a bigger treat for C64 owners. Turn up and enjoy retro gamers!

Happy Christmas to all!

I would just like to wish everyone that comes to Indie Retro News a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. I hope you all have a great time of playing some fantastic games either Retro or Indie and continue to visit my little home. I'll still be posting on and off, however much of my time will be spent with family and giving out the presents. So to sign off just for now, don't panic! Here's some Christmas 8-bit remixes :)

SpeccyJam - Loved the Spectrum? Check out these Spectrum inspired games

Game Type : Multi Genre!

Info Quote : Speccy Jam is a regular world wide 1 week game jam, where indie game developers come together to create games with the flavour of the legendary 8-bit personal home computer, the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.

Further Info : If you loved the Spectrum, then you'll really enjoy playing these games, there is a good mix of titles from Arcade games, to Platformers and Shooters! So what are you waiting for, check out the retro goodness and relive the good old days.

Systems : PC

Continue? Philly Under Fire - Free retro inspired Contra style shooter

Game Type : Retro inspired shooter

Developer : Lazy Brain Games

Game Info Quote : Play as Paul, Nick, or Josh in this 8-bit Contra style shooter based on the web show 'Continue?'! A joystick is recommended, but keyboard support is offered as well. Also according to the developer a lot of love went into this one, so enjoy!

Release : Now (FREE)
Systems : PC

Rush to Adventure - Zelda & Mario inspired Action Adventure! (Pre-Alpha)

Game Type : Action Adventure Platformer
Developer : Digital Awakening
Game Info Quote : This a Pre-Alpha version of the game Rush to Adventure. It is an action adventure heavily inspired by old 8-bit NES games like Zelda, Mario, Mega Man and Kid Icarus. It has a non-linear world map system where you explore the island, talk to people, buy stuff etc. The levels are sidescrolling platform action. Kill the monsters and collect the coins. Level up and buy stuff. At the end of each level you will be scored and ranked for your performance.
Release : Final 2014, Pre-Alpha Now (Free)
Systems : PC, Ouya, Android

Odallus: The Dark Call - An 8bit Action Exploration Platformer in a nes style! (Indiegogo+demo)

Game Type : 8bit Action Exploration Platformer
Developer/Project By :JoyMasher  (From the makers of Oniken)
Indiegogo Goal : $5,000 goal
Developer Quote :  From the makers of Oniken: A 8bit Action Exploration Platformer that takes place in a Dark Fantasy world.
Game Info Quote : In search for the Ultimate Power, a Dark Lord and his wretched army are ravaging a once peaceful land, destroying villages and leaving no good soul alive. To put a stop to this carnage, the warrior named Haggis must wield again his already bloodstained blade and chase down the Dark Lord. Odallus is the story of Haggis’ pursue in the format of a dark fantasy classic game. Odallus is a NES inspired exploration game with lots of action. It will be divided in stages, but there is no one-way-only in Odallus and levels have many paths, including to other levels. However, all paths in Odallus are infested by dangers and demons to which Haggis must be always watchful.
Release : mid 2014
Systems : PC