Text Adventure Literacy Jam - Create a TEXT ADVENTURE game suitable for children with no prior experience

Something slightly different for today's retro heads up, as we've just been contacted through Twitter, that as from February 25th, there will be the launch of the Text Adventure Literacy Jam; a brand new creation contest to develop an old-school text adventure game that is suitable for Children with no prior experience. A Jam that encourages text adventure authors to write a fun game such that can guide children (age 8+) so they can play unassisted, or that younger children can play with a parent or trusted adult.

Bearsden Primary School P6 Coding Games for the ZX Spectrum

We feature so many games on this site from all corners of the world, but what we don't usually feature if at all is games made by kids, it's a rare thing nowadays. But thankfully Bearsden Primary School was up to the challenge, as the pupils in P6 (10-11 year olds) at Bearsden Primary, have been learning to code zx Spectrum games using AGD. What you see below is an amazing result of some of the fabulous coding skills they have developed over the year with the games mentioned in this very article!

Elfie the Unicorn Chapter 1 - Amiga Jump and Run for kids due 2018!

Well this is a nice little surprise as generally most homebrew games are developed for the retro gamer in mind, but thanks to a heads up by Per Ola Eriksson, we've learnt of a new game that's coming in 2018 and made especially for kids ' Elfie the Unicorn Chapter 1 '. So for those of you who do have kids or at least want to experience this game, you'll be pleased to know it's being developed by Twin Games Software and is a Amiga Jump and Run for all classic Amigas.

Mysterious Dimensions - Family fun ZX Spectrum 128k platformer from Yerzmyey/Hellboj

Only just last week Yerzmyey with Hellboj released their latest platforming wonder on the ZX Spectrum 128k titled as ' Mysterious Dimensions '. Originally based on AGD, and featuring child like drawings, you are on a quest to collect as many Diamonds as possible scattered throughout each of the vast 4 levels, totalling 44 screens in 11 chambers. But watch out for the static spiders and animated enemies as they really hurt!

AllGen Gaming - Video gaming centre in Rochester was a launch success!

After all these months of shouting about the latest gaming centre to be launching in Rochester,UK for all things retro and modern gaming, last weekend it actually happened. On Sunday 28th August ' AllGen Gaming' had its first launch day with all the gaming systems you could hope to play on under one roof. But that is not all as Indie Retro News was there to support them all the way through to show off just how keen we were to be a part of this incredible experience. ( Lots of Photos to follow )

Heathcliff +DGMF - Lets have fun with spelling on the C64

In 1984 Datasoft and developed by Robert Bobbio released the child friendly game of ' Heathcliff - Fun with Spelling ' for the C64. It was an educational game for kids and based on the brilliant cartoon show of the same name. The aim of the game was to catch the mice that float from the window sill using balloons that have the correct letters to spell the word at the top of the game. So if FUN was missing a U, you'd have to catch the U floating mouse. But be careful one wrong mousy and it's a big oops! Thanks to Hokuto Force, they've released the game again but this time with enhancements like bug fixes, graphics and an option to make it more challenging for adults!

Serpentes - Top quality Snake for a new age!

Snake originally came about in the mid 1970's and over the years has seen many different versions and variations on different systems. The main Goal? To gain a high enough score while controlling a snake like creature, moving around a square screen area collecting food while also avoiding your tail or other obstacles as it grows ever larger with each bite. However each variation of the Snake theme has generally been the same until Benjamin Soulé released 'Serpentes'.

ASDAD : All-Stars Dungeons and Diamonds - Competitive two player fun!

Time to move on from the retro and head towards the latest indie release! And this time it's from GiantEnemyLabs with 'All-Stars Dungeons and Diamonds';  a competitive game where two players face each other in a diamond-collecting race! The main aim of the game.....To collect the largest amount of diamonds against the opposing player! But be warned it won't be easy, as collecting the wrong items along the way can really hinder your progress.

Miika - Way too cute 3D puzzle game gets a Steam Greenlight campaign

For far too long we've had demonic beings, evil creatures and action packed gameplay, so lets look towards Miika which is all about the cute and cuddly. Developed by NoxusLTD and currently going through a Steam Greenlight campaign, Miika is a very creative looking 3D puzzle game based on camera perspectives combined with the use of optical illusions.

Flatman - Unique puzzle solver gets an Indiegogo campaign

Fat Panda Games have just informed us about a new 2.5D platform and puzzle game that is currently going through an Indiegogo campaign, and that game is Flatman. A PC and Mac game in which your character can change into different shapes to solve puzzles and battle strange enemies.

Arcade Ace: Retro gaming within a retro game!

Romeo Mazzei has just sent us word that his new retro inspired game Arcade Ace, is now available to play for free. You play as a gaming enthusiast who has just heard that a new gaming Arcade has opened up in the area, the problem is you have no money to use the machines. But this is where the game really shines, as to acquire extra funding you need to pass certain mini-games which are scattered throughout the town.

Mobfish Hunter - An endless fishing-action game announced by Appxplore for Android & iOS

Love fishing? Love using in game weaponry? Then you are in for a treat with Mobfish Hunter, which is an endless fishing-action game, featuring customizable fishing lure weapons and cartoon visuals. Developed by Appxplore the studio behind Alien Hive, Sporos and Lightopus will be available for Android and iOS this upcoming Thursday.  The story goes that in the year 2020 after the greedy Autocracy has stripped the world of rare Earth elements, disastrous pollution has wreaked havoc on our once-beautiful oceans. Now the world's fish have mutated into dangerous new species known as Mobfish. To combat these vicious critters, a new class of Mobfish Hunters emerged – and it's up to you to rise through their ranks. Trick-out your fishing lures with a variety of projectile and melee weapons to rid the seas of Mobfish and become a champion Hunter.

RAM! Yup, it's a Puzzle Game! - Family fun through a fast paced Puzzler

RAM! Yup, It's a Puzzle Game! Is a fast paced family puzzle game starring RAM, a plucky piece of computer memory, who is fighting to keep his old PC running, and keep his job, his home and his memories alive. Each RAM level tasks the player with guiding RAM around his digital world, as he tries to keep programs running by placing Power Cores into the correct sockets. RAM must avoid all manner of Viruses and pitfalls to succeed!
Developer : XD Studios
Release : Q2 2014 (Free)
Systems : PC, iOS, Android

Subdog Underwater Adventure - The pixeled submarine adventure that's just a little too difficult, but still fun!

Subdog Underwater Adventure from the newly founded indie game developer Dark pixel & Osky Studios is a rather difficult game with pixelated graphics and fun game play for android devices with flash and PC coming soon. Your little doggy has launched himself into the sea in search for his bone stolen by a marine creature. But be warned as this isn't an easy game, as not only do you have the sharp edges to contend with, but many deadly enemies and traps. If you touch one, your snorkel will not save you. This is a free game, with plenty of things to do, but the only down side are the ads, but don't let that put you off, this is a neat game!

Litil Divil - The Amiga classic available on Steam

Game Type : Action, Adventure
Game Info Quote : Welcome to the Underworld, where you guide Mutt, the bad luck Litil Divil, through the Labyrinth of Chaos to retrieve the Mystical Pizza of Plenty. Our “hero” takes a fateful step through the Mortal Portal to prowl five hellish levels of treacherous tunnels with more than 50 raucous rooms of gameplay. Beware of killer spiders, bottomless swamps, ferocious furnaces... and crazed bartenders. And watch out! If you can't get Mutt to the Overlord, The Entity and The Servant will drag him to the Torture Room for a little fiendish fun.
Release : Now, Save 50%!
Systems : PC

PooM - Arcade fun for all the family and it's FREE

Game Type : Arcade, Platformer
Developer : W84Death
Game Info Quote  : PooM is a simple and fast platform game for up to four players. Challenge Your friends! Age 4+, no violence. You control one of the four characters: blue, green, orange and pink. The goal is to collect as many block that match color of the character. There are many power-ups that affect the game play. Each player can place a bomb that can destroy opponents and some items on maps (like wooden bridges).
Release : Now, Free
Systems : Any, Browser based

Promised Lands - Free epic quest full of Zelda RPG qoodness

Game Type : Action, Adventure, JRPG, RPG
Developer : Jamian
Game Info : I was recently informed by Jamian, developer of the previous Zelda quest which was Linked To The Past, that a new Zelda quest has been released. Although it doesn't feature the high quality graphics of his previous work, don't let that put you off, as this is one large quest. Featuring 8 large dungeons, fully scripted bosses, mini bosses, several mini games, custom caves, and a story slightly more elaborate than the usual. So load it up, battle your way through with sword and shield in hand and enjoy the story, of which I wont spoil.
Release : Now, Free
Systems : PC, Mac, Linux

Lost Galaxy - Fun Indie Puzzle game for your browser

Game Type : Puzzle
Developer : Braingine
Game Info Quote : Lost somewhere in the galaxy, you have to push blocks to make your stand against an alien world to find a way home. Timing is everything when you have to avoid alien lifeforms, laser turrets and deadly robots while seeking your way home.
Release : Today, Free
Systems : Any, Browser Based

Gene - Run and jump Platformer with a cute character (Steam Greenlight)

Game Type : Platformer
Developer : Vital Games
Game Info Quote : Gene is a space themed platformer where you play the alien Gene, a squishy mutant who must RUN, JUMP and BLAST his way across levels to collect coins, find gems and repair his ship. Gene must collect genetic mutations along the way. Each mutation offers a different skill identified through his colour changing outfits. Part of the challenge is in knowing the right mutation for a specific job.You must frequently change between them during the levels to find your way through.
Release : January 2014
Systems : PC, Mac, Linux

North and South - North meets South in an Action Strategy game of all out family fun! (PC playable)

Game Type : Action, Strategy
Amiga Launcher Developer : The Company.pl 
Original Publisher: Data East
Game Info : I have very fond memories of this game, as it's one of those style of games that has different types of genres all put into one, and then adds just a smidgen of comedy. The game features a strategic map of the USA separated into states and territories, and it's down to you to win this Civil war, what ever side you control. From top down war like situations to fighting across the top of trains, this is a game you'll not want to miss out on. Thanks to The Company.pl, the Amiga version has been released/updated to version 2.6  so you can now play this on your PC with higher graphical filters.
Release : Available now
Systems : PC