What is Retro Gameforce?

Retro Gameforce is an independent retro gaming publication, platform encyclopedia, and modern cassette publisher covering classic video games, original vintage computer and console hardware, cycle-accurate FPGA implementations (such as MiSTer), homebrew software, and physical release verification for legacy systems.

What platforms and classic computers does Retro Gameforce cover?

Retro Gameforce documents 209 vintage systems across the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, specializing in 8-bit and 16-bit home computers and consoles including the Commodore 64, Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, NES, SNES, Sega Mega Drive, Game Boy, MSX, PC DOS, and MiSTer FPGA cores.

How does Retro Gameforce score retro game reviews?

Every game review features a 100-point composite scorecard evaluating Graphics, Sound, Gameplay, and Fun Factor on authentic hardware or cycle-accurate FPGA chips, providing honest critiques without nostalgia bias.

Where can I find modern physical cassette editions for Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum?

Fire Dragon Interactive publishes brand new physical cassette tape releases and digital packages (PRG, D64, D81, TAP) verified on authentic Datasettes and hardware, available in the Retro Gameforce Store.

Which languages are supported on Retro Gameforce?

Retro Gameforce supports 13 major languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Korean, Dutch, Polish, and Arabic (with right-to-left layout support).

Super Mario and the Rainbow Stars Releases Chapter Two With a Haunted New Adventure

Developer Starshi releases Chapter Two of fan platformer Super Mario & The Rainbow Stars on SMBX2, featuring a haunted kingdom and new lantern companion Ralle.

Mario's unofficial adventures continue with the release of the second chapter of Super Mario & The Rainbow Stars, a substantial fan-developed platform game for Windows. Developer Starshi confirmed the new chapter's availability on November 2, following an extended development period involving multiple engine revisions and public previews. The project combines traditional Mario platforming with narrative and character elements inspired by the Mario & Luigi and Paper Mario role-playing games. Its first chapter introduced a colourful adventure featuring beach environments, aquatic challenges and an original companion named Starry. Chapter Two moves the action into a considerably more supernatural setting. Mario arrives by boat in a mysterious land populated by ghosts, spirits and other creatures that appear determined to extend the Halloween celebrations indefinitely. During the adventure, he joins forces with Ralle, a new original character whose abilities help illuminate lanterns and reveal previously inaccessible passages. The new environments emphasise exploration and environmental puzzles alongside familiar jumping challenges. According to the developers, the project originated from level concepts created in 2018. An early public demonstration appeared in 2023 using the SMBX38a engine, before the team rebuilt the game using the more advanced SMBX2 platform. The revised first chapter arrived in 2024, establishing the foundation for the current release. Players can begin directly with Chapter Two or experience the earlier adventure first. Each chapter is intended to function as a largely self-contained experience with its own setting and theme. Downloads are available through the project's official website, including options with or without the required SMBX engine. The game remains an unofficial fan production and is not endorsed by Nintendo. Nevertheless, it demonstrates the remarkable ambition of modern fan developers. Mario has spent decades rescuing princesses, defeating turtles and exploring strange kingdoms. Apparently he now needs to add ghostly lantern maintenance to his increasingly complicated job description.