J-Chiptunator's recent activity
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: April - September 2026 in ~games
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: April - September 2026 in ~games
J-Chiptunator (edited )LinkWhat a great timing! There's already some sales for the first two future CGA titles. Be sure to grab these quickly! Space Rogue | $1.29 CAD on GOG.com (normally $8.19 CAD) Sid Meier's Pirates!...- Exemplary
What a great timing! There's already some sales for the first two future CGA titles. Be sure to grab these quickly!
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Comment on What are you no longer a fan of? in ~talk
J-Chiptunator LinkVideo games that last over 20 hours Back when I was still in secondary school, I'd get a new game about every three months on average. This was before digital distribution took off on modern...Video games that last over 20 hours
Back when I was still in secondary school, I'd get a new game about every three months on average. This was before digital distribution took off on modern platforms.
Back then, I didn't care how long a game took to finish; I'd happily spend 30-35 hours playing titles like Ocarina of Time, several instalments of Paper Mario, and a few Mario & Luigi games. If someone handed me a massive RPG that stretched past 50 hours, I wouldn't complain either.
My daily routine was simple: school, homework, and a few chores, maybe eight hours in total. That left plenty of free time, most of which went into gaming or tinkering on my PC.
Naturally, long games felt like the best thing ever back then. But now that I have more responsibilities and far less free time, my perspective has changed.
These days, shorter games appeal to me more. They're usually more focused and easier to finish without losing momentum; the perfect balance of fun and manageability.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentDescent needs a s between De and cent.Descent needs a s between De and cent.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentIn the light of strengthened rollover decay, I've adjusted my ballot by removing two titles in favor of Space Rogue. I realized that spreading my votes thin for both StarTropics and Threads of...In the light of strengthened rollover decay, I've adjusted my ballot by removing two titles in favor of Space Rogue. I realized that spreading my votes thin for both StarTropics and Threads of Fate won't help them get out of the bottom 50% this time around.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentI cast my votes based on the original rollover and boost system. That meant I didn’t need to vote for some games, since they already had plenty of points and were likely to be selected anyway.I cast my votes based on the original rollover and boost system. That meant I didn’t need to vote for some games, since they already had plenty of points and were likely to be selected anyway.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentThe Genesis of Treasure In the last nomination thread, I highlighted nearly all of Treasure's high-energy and inventive Genesis/Mega Drive games, the titles that helped the studio break free from...The Genesis of Treasure
In the last nomination thread, I highlighted nearly all of Treasure's high-energy and inventive Genesis/Mega Drive games, the titles that helped the studio break free from Konami's shadow. Now, let's take a closer look at why each of these games deserves your attention.
Gunstar Heroes
Treasure's debut title, Gunstar Heroes, regularly appears on lists of the best Genesis games, and for good reason. While it takes cues from Contra with its run-and-gun gameplay and classic power-ups, it also pushes the genre forward through clever stage design and inventive mechanics rather than relying solely on punishing difficulty.
At the start, you choose between two characters: one can shoot while moving, and the other can aim freely in eight directions. You also select one of four weapon types: rapid-fire, laser, homing, or flamethrower, and later combine them for stronger or hybrid attacks.
The arsenal doesn't stop at guns. You can perform sliding kicks, body slams, and even throw enemies (or your co-op partner!) for explosive damage.
The early game lets you tackle four opening stages in any order, each with its own unique twist. The Strange Fortress, for example, features a creative board-game sequence where dice rolls determine what type of challenge or mini-boss you'll face next.
Despite the Sega Genesis's technical limitations, Treasure found ingenious ways to push its hardware. By stitching sprites together and using rotation effects, they created massive, articulated bosses that felt alive. One of the most famous is the humanoid form of the Seven Force boss, an impressive showcase of both creativity and technical mastery.
If you only have time for one title from The Genesis of Treasure Arcade Special, make it Gunstar Heroes. It perfectly captures the balance of challenge, spectacle, and inventiveness that defines Treasure's best work.
McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure
If you thought Grimace's Birthday, that charming free Game Boy Color game from the 2020s, was the only good McDonald's console title, think again. Back in the early '90s, McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure proved that even a corporate mascot could star in a genuinely fun platformer.
Commissioned by Sega, the project gave Treasure a chance to show off their game design chops under a familiar brand. It was meant to be a safer, attention-grabbing debut, but Gunstar Heroes' huge success quickly made that safety net unnecessary.
What sets this seemingly standard platformer apart is its clever HP system. Throughout the journey, Ronald McDonald can spend some of his health gems to unlock new areas or even damage bosses, adding a light strategic layer to an otherwise straightforward adventure.
While it's much easier than Treasure's usual fare, it still delivers the studio's signature mix of lively setpieces, imaginative stages, and tight mechanics. It's the perfect entry point for players who found Gunstar Heroes a bit too intense, offering a gentler taste of Treasure's creative spark.
Dynamite Headdy
This is Treasure at their most chaotic, colorful, and completely unrestrained. Dynamite Headdy bursts with theater-inspired visuals, hyperactive sound design, and wild gameplay that never lets up.
As the name suggests, Headdy literally fights with his head, tossing it in eight directions to attack enemies or latch onto nodes for platforming tricks. Throughout the adventure, you'll collect more than a dozen alternate heads, each granting unique abilities like the powerful Hammer Head, the Vacuum Head that pulls in enemies and items, or the Invisible Head for stealthy moments.
The real magic, though, lies in its variety. Nearly every stage introduces fresh mechanics or visuals without ever feeling disconnected from the core gameplay. Whether you're in a side-scrolling shooter segment or an offbeat platforming challenge, the game's consistency in physics and control keeps the mayhem manageable.
Take one standout sequence: during a tense fight with Trouble Bruin, Headdy must keep attacking while restrained by his foe's grip, a claustrophobic twist that still feels true to the game's logic. Moments earlier, you were navigating a swaying 3D-like platform section, showcasing Treasure's boundless imagination within Genesis hardware limits.
With its dazzling creativity, strong level design, and dynamic pacing, Dynamite Headdy is a highlight of The Genesis of Treasure Arcade Special lineup. For the best balance of challenge and fun, stick with the Japanese version; it avoids the artificial difficulty spikes added to the Western release to deter rentals.
Alien Soldier
Arguably the toughest game of the bunch, but also one of the most exhilarating. Alien Soldier takes the intense 2D run-and-gun formula of Gunstar Heroes and distills it into a near-endless parade of boss battles. Most stages are just a short prelude before you’re thrown into another showdown against one of 25 strikingly designed foes, ranging from the cool to the downright grotesque.
At the start, you choose four weapons from a set of six for your bird-like super-soldier. Each has different ranges, spreads, and strengths, and taking duplicates increases ammo reserves. You can swap weapons mid-game whenever you find a pickup, and matching icons refill your ammo while boosting capacity.
Survival hinges on mastering two key mechanics: the counter and the teleport. The counter (performed by double-tapping the shoot button) absorbs enemy projectiles and converts them into health pickups, occasionally deflecting attacks back at the boss, a lifesaving move since most bosses fill a third of the screen and can shred your HP bar in seconds. The teleport lets you zip across a quarter of the screen in an instant; when your health is full, crashing into a boss during a teleport deals heavy damage at the cost of some of your life.
For your own sanity, it's worth switching from Superhard to Supereasy mode in the Options menu. You'll get unlimited continues and a password save system. It won't make the fights themselves much easier, but at least you won't have to start all over every time Alien Soldier humbles you.
Light Crusader
Did you know Treasure also made a top-down, isometric dungeon crawler for the Genesis? Light Crusader is the oddball in their otherwise explosive action catalog, and all the more interesting for it.
You play as Sir David, a knight investigating a sprawling underground crypt linked to mysterious disappearances in a nearby town. The sparse storytelling does its job, leaving most of the focus on exploration and gameplay.
Unlike many isometric games of the era (like Landstalker) that restrict movement to four diagonal directions, Light Crusader lets you move freely in all eight. Sir David feels nimble, with snappy walking speed and long, floaty jumps that make navigation smooth and responsive.
Combat, however, can be awkward. His short sword forces you to get uncomfortably close to enemies, relying on hit-and-run tactics unless you use your limited stock of magic. Fortunately, the spell system adds some depth; you can combine up to four elemental spells for unique effects, like mixing fire and earthquake to create a devastating meteor strike.
The game's physics engine also adds charm and personality. Pushable blocks follow gravity and can fall off ledges, and yes, you can cheekily shove around townsfolk too.
While Light Crusader doesn't rank among Treasure's best-known titles, it's a fascinating experiment that proves the studio's willingness to step outside their comfort zone. It's a solid, imaginative dungeon crawler that shows even Treasure's lesser-known works were brimming with creative curiosity.
The Grue That Binds
What better way to celebrate the Colossal Game Adventure event, inspired by the original text adventure, than with a buffet of games built around heavy reading and thoughtful decision-making? Now we're talking.
Mother 3
Ever since its 2006 release on Game Boy Advance, Mother 3 has built a reputation as an even more powerful experience than EarthBound, thanks to its emotional storytelling and commentary on modern life. Rather than just riffing on Western culture, it dives into heavier, more relevant themes that still resonate today.
A strong pick for CGA, since its narrative depth and subject matter are guaranteed to spark plenty of discussion.
Sid Meier's Pirates!
In an era where roguelites are everywhere, the structure of Sid Meier's Pirates! feels refreshingly different. Your career doesn't end with a random death; instead, time and age are your real limits, and your pirate ultimately retires as their body gives out. Each career plays out differently, with shifting political alliances, opportunities, and world conditions that keep every run feeling distinct.
That sense of evolving possibility nails the adventurous spirit that fits Colossal Game Adventure perfectly.
Crystalis
Crystalis is a snappy, top-down 8-bit action RPG where you can move freely in eight directions and slash your way through enemies with style, all backed by energetic music. Its mix of brisk pacing, accessible combat, and strong atmosphere gives it a timeless quality that still feels easy to get into today.
Space Rogue
vili's write-up really sells Space Rogue as something special. Its seemingly clunky quirks by modern standards actually help the game feel more like managing a "real" ship, capturing the fiddly, systems-heavy charm of classic sci-fi spacefaring. The result is an experience that feels closer to wrestling with an actual spacecraft than piloting a slick modern UI abstraction.
StarTropics
I already knew StarTropics from dabbling in its sequel, but revisiting the original makes its identity clearer. It plays like a more action-focused, Americanized twist on the original Legend of Zelda, with a stronger emphasis on jumping and plenty of contemporary, US-flavored visual touches.
The fact that Nintendo itself developed this oddball, more Western-feeling adventure just makes it all the more intriguing.
Threads of Fate
Here's another of Squaresoft's experimental late-PS1 projects. Threads of Fate offers a simpler, breezier take on the action RPG formula, somewhat reminiscent of Brave Fencer Musashi but with a more streamlined approach.
You choose between two protagonists, each with their own storyline: Rue, who can transform into defeated monsters, and Mint, who fights with ring-shaped blades and mixes different types of magic. That combo of dual perspectives and lighthearted tone makes it an easy one to want to try.
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentBeyond remembering nearly all the hiragana and katakana and a handful of words, I haven't made much progress in actually learning the language yet. I can get by navigating menus where reading...You mentioned that you learnt some Japanese for Animal Crossing. Do you have plans to continue, and did you know that someone has made a full Anki vocabulary deck for Kaeru no tame ni kane wa naru?
Beyond remembering nearly all the hiragana and katakana and a handful of words, I haven't made much progress in actually learning the language yet. I can get by navigating menus where reading isn't too important, but I'm still far from being conversational.
Since I'm planning a month-long trip to Japan this year, I really should start watching more Japanese-only content without subtitles and focus on grasping how the grammar works. My brain seems to naturally pick up patterns and vocabulary over time when I immerse myself, even passively, so I'm hoping that consistent exposure will help, much like how a child learns their first language.
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentWhoops! I indeed copy-pasted the wrong CGA Announcement comment template, which came from the CGA voting thread since it contained the most up-to-date Notification List thus far, hence the ballot...Whoops! I indeed copy-pasted the wrong CGA Announcement comment template, which came from the CGA voting thread since it contained the most up-to-date Notification List thus far, hence the ballot mention. I should've relied on the one you've provided to me.
Retro gaming are probably the best source for finding frogs who occupy a prominent aspect of a game. I distinctly remember Frogger for being one of the most prolific IPs with a frog protagonist in it. In the 2010s and beyond, they seem to be much harder to find.
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator (edited )Link ParentThe START + SELECT + B + A button combination is one way to perform a soft reset back to the title screen, which is relevant while playing on a hardware that doesn't have easy access to the reset...The START + SELECT + B + A button combination is one way to perform a soft reset back to the title screen, which is relevant while playing on a hardware that doesn't have easy access to the reset button and command.
In-game, you can't load a save file, but you can read a quick recap of any chapter you went through.
To actually return to the main menu, you either have to perform the aforementioned button command or overwrite the save and then pick No. From there, you can reload a save file. -
Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentSince the Game Boy Pocket (1996) came out four years after Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru, the game was clearly designed with the original, unlit green-screen Game Boy in mind. You can see this in...Since the Game Boy Pocket (1996) came out four years after Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru, the game was clearly designed with the original, unlit green-screen Game Boy in mind.
You can see this in the art direction: the main character's body is mostly white, while his head is a darker shade, similar to Mario's design in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. This contrast helps the character stand out clearly on the low-contrast screen, which is crucial in a game centered around movement and exploration.
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator LinkNeed some pointers for Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls)? Here are a few gameplay tips and tricks to help you up your game! Tips and tricks Keep an eye out for...Need some pointers for Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls)?
Here are a few gameplay tips and tricks to help you up your game!Tips and tricks
- Keep an eye out for stat-boosting items (star, heart, and moon), plus sword and shield upgrades. These are necessary in order to progress the story.
- Shop prices are low; about 15 minutes of grinding is enough to fund what you need for the whole game.
- You keep all your Nuts (yes, that's the actual currency) even after dying, so there's no need to run back to town while grinding.
- Don't overstock on Fruits and Spring Eggs. A dozen of each is plenty; the game often gives them out when needed anyway.
- Once you cut down trees, they stay gone for the rest of the game. Two packs of 16 saws will be enough to access everything.
- Saws are powerful against one enemy type early on but become less useful later. Consider switching back to your sword when that happens.
- Under certain circumstances, bug enemies can be eaten to restore a bit of health.
- Crystal Balls fully restore your HP for free. Use them before tough fights.
- Some Geronian soldiers can give you an endless supply of bugs if you meet specific conditions.
- The Diary's write function not only saves your progress but also your exact position. Use it strategically to avoid long trips back from hospitals after tough deaths.
- You can return to the title screen instantly by holding START + SELECT + B + A.
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Comment on CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls) in ~games
J-Chiptunator (edited )LinkCGA Announcement: We have officially inserted the cartridge for Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls). Use this topic to get set up for the month, help other people get...CGA Announcement: We have officially inserted the cartridge for Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls). Use this topic to get set up for the month, help other people get set up for the month, and start playing!
Notification List
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@zod000If you would like to be added or removed from the Notification List, please PM u/kfwyre.
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CGA-2026-03 🕹️🐸🕌🔔 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls)
Introduction switches to a dramatic music Once upon a time, aboard a humble and perpetually cursed train, you unraveled its hidden mysteries and stumbled upon a battered yet magnificent vessel,...
Introduction
Once upon a time, aboard a humble and perpetually cursed train, you unraveled its hidden mysteries and stumbled upon a battered yet magnificent vessel, the fabled Epoch, known to drift through the rivers of time.
With courage and a bit of chaos, you wrestled with its failing gears, tumbling through one strange era after another, from glittering ages of kings and heroes to worlds of shaky shapes and flickering lights. When at last the poor machine gave out, it left you stranded upon a world that shimmered with hope, one where humans could live once more.
But strength alone could not carry you through. Words held the power to wound anyone, and with a talking boat as your guide, you braved vast and endless seas. Along your travels, you witnessed wonders beyond counting: dazzling sunsets, curious creatures, and riddles that twisted like waves upon the ocean breeze.
One day, your voyage brought you to an island grander than imagination, crowned with towers of steel and roads that roared with life. Here, you discovered a new kind of magic: a gleaming machine called a car, and a city that pulsed with speed, shining light and the ability to snatch vehicle parts. Against all odds, you mastered the art of racing, earning cheers from strangers and respect from rivals.
And how did such triumph end? With celebration, of course! A raucous party full of laughter, music, and friends who toasted your name. Yet among the clinking cups and glowing lamps, one curious drink caught your eye; warm, green, and gleaming like liquid emerald. "Nothing to worry about!" you said with a grin, before the world began to swirl and fade...
When next you opened your eyes, you awoke in a quiet hospital filled with echoes of distant wars. Your reflection showed smooth, unblemished hands, your face untouched by time. Days passed before truth finally dawned, the doctor's wild tale was no fantasy.
"WHAAT?!"
You had been reborn as the Prince of Sablé, bound for the Millefeuille Kingdom in search of the boastful Prince Richard and the princess who vanished by his side. Ahead lay a land of talking frogs, slithering foes, glittering treasures, and tests of both heart and wit. So begins your tale, of friendship, rivalry, and a destiny spun from courage and wealth.
Welcome, noble traveler, to the world of wonder and whimsy of...
Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls)
IN GAME BOYS 2026.03.01
switches to a much, much less dramatic music
Aaaaaand that's enough wacky storytelling for now. Time to jump into my personal experiences!
My first brush with Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru came back in 2008, when I randomly pulled a Sabure Prince sticker in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. As years went by (and thanks to our good old broadband Internet), I started connecting the dots, especially after noticing all the interesting nods to this mysterious game hidden in Link's Awakening.
Remember that suave guy surrounded by frogs in a villa in the middle of nowhere? Yep, that's Prince Richard, and his appearance in Link's Awakening isn't just some random cameo.
In fact, Link's Awakening actually runs on a modified version of Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru's game engine. You can even see the connection in the way both games handle screen transitions between areas.
Fast-forward to October 2012: I imported a Japanese 3DS to get around the region lock and play Japan-only titles. The first thing I did? Jump onto the eShop and grab the original Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru.
I fumbled my way through the story with almost zero Japanese knowledge, relying on a GameFAQs guide to make sense of what was happening. It was charming and funny even then, though the language barrier definitely made me appreciate the idea of a second playthrough with a fan translation someday.
Around that time, I was also forcing myself to learn hiragana and katakana, mainly to understand what Gulliver (aka Johnny) was rambling about in the Japanese version of Animal Crossing: New Leaf. Reading the low-res Japanese text on a tiny screen was another story, though, it made telling certain characters apart a real challenge.
Jumping ahead to 2025, one of my two CGA suggestions for the voting thread surprisingly made it through in a three-way tie! Naturally, I fired up the English patch using the bgb emulator and revisited the game, doing some extra reading online along the way.
I even gave Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls a try to see what inspired the title. Honestly, though, I couldn't stick with it; the dense descriptions and grim themes of war stories just drained me. Two hours of reading for ten pages and remembering nothing? Not the best time. Still, it helped me appreciate how The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls borrows the title, then hops off in a totally different, more lighthearted direction.
This month, I'm planning another playthrough, this time the old-school way. A genuine DMG-CPU-07 Game Boy, pea-green screen, four fresh AA batteries, and a good light source. A full run only takes about six hours, so battery life won't be an issue.
With that, it's time to ribbit our way into Millefeuille Kingdom!
Game Information
Year of the release: 1992
Platforms: Game Boy
Genre(s): Action role-playing
Where to find the game:
- eBay (Original Release): Prices fluctuate due to the game's uncommon status. A loose cartridge is usually much cheaper than a Complete-in-Box copy (which includes the game, manual, and box).
- Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Classics: Game Boy App: The Japanese version of the app currently includes this title. You can access it by setting your Nintendo account region to Japan and having an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- Nintendo 3DS - Virtual Console: The game used to be available here, but since the 3DS eShop shut down in March 2023, it’s no longer accessible. Still worth mentioning for the sake of completeness.
- Sailing the Seven Seas: If you're comfortable navigating the more questionable parts of the internet (and the legal risks that come with it), this is another way people have found the game, though obviously not the recommended route.
Patching the Game in English
If you manage to acquire the game's ROM file, make sure its CRC32 checksum matches with C18CD57A before applying any translation patch. Then, apply them in that order:
- ryanbgstl's English translation patch for the ROM
- Hamikon's Addendum if you want a more faithful title logo
Can't get any ROM-patching program running? Feel free to use Marc Robledo's Rom Patcher JS website!
Game Setup
The main purpose of this topic is to get people up and running with the game. As such, it's recommended that you:
- Share what hardware you're playing it on
- Share if there are any tools/mods that you recommend
- Share anything you think is important for people to know before they start the game
- Ask questions if you need help
Another purpose of this topic is to revisit the game and its time period:
- Do you have any memories or associations with this game itself?
- What about its system or era?
- What aspects of retro gaming were common at the time?
- What other games from the same time period are you familiar with?
- What are you expecting from this game in particular?
Finally, this topic is the beginning discussion for people starting to play it:
- Post updates sharing your thoughts as you play.
- Ask for help if you get stuck.
- Offer help to others.
It is recommended that you reply to your own posts if you are making consecutive updates so that they are in the same thread.
IMPORTANT: Any links to the game should be legal distributions of the game only. Please do NOT link to any unauthorized copies.
IMPORTANT: Put any spoilers in a dropdown block. Copy/paste the block below if needed.
<details> <summary>Spoilers</summary> Spoiler text goes here. </details>
FAQ
What is CGA?
Colossal Game Adventure (CGA) is Tildes' retro video game club.
Each month we will play a different retro game/games, discuss our thoughts, and bask in the glorious digital experiences of yesteryear!
Colossal Game Adventure is a reference to Colossal Cave Adventure. It's one of the most influential games of all time, one of the first text-based interactive games, and one of the first games to be shared online.
What do we want to do with this group? Play influential games; interact with each other through text; and share the love for retro games online!
It also abbreviates to CGA (because we love chunky pixel art), and its name communicates the Colossal amount of fun and excitement that we have with retro video Games in our shared Adventure of playing them together.
Do I have to sign up?
No. Participation is open to all.
There is a Notification List that will get pinged each time a new topic goes up. If you would like to join that list, please PM u/kfwyre.
Are there restrictions on what/how to play?
Each month will have a focus game or games that will guide our discussions. Beyond that, there are no restrictions. The philosophy of CGA is to play in a way that works for you!
This means:
- Choose whichever version of the game you want.
- You can use cheats, save states, mods, etc.
- You can watch a streamer or longplay instead of playing it.
If you have already played a game and want a different experience:
- Play a different version of it.
- Play a related game (sequel, spiritual successor, something inspired by it, etc.)
There is no wrong way to participate in CGA, and every different way someone participates will make for more interesting discussions.
What is the schedule?
Each month the Insert Cartidge topic will be posted on the 1st, while the Remove Cartridge topic will be posted on the 20th.
Nomination and voting topics will happen in March and September (every 6 months).
Schedules are also posted then.
All CGA topics are available using the
colossal game adventuretag.What do Insert and Remove Cartridge mean?
Inserting and removing cartridges are our retro metaphor for starting and stopping a given game or games.
The Insert Cartridge topic happens at the beginning of the month and is primarily about getting the game up and running.
The Remove Cartridge topic happens toward the end of the month and is primarily about people reflecting on the game now that they've played it.
There are no hard restrictions on what has to go in either topic, and each can be used to discuss the game, post updates, ask questions, etc.
Without further ado, let's all pop the cartridge in, and power that chunky brick on!
> CONTINUE
(Credit to @Boojum for the splash screen. Can't dive deep into pixelated adventures without this masterpiece!)
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentOh shoot, I didn't mean that to come off as rude! I was just trying to make a funny comment about the mistake. 😅 Hope it didn't sound harsh.Oh shoot, I didn't mean that to come off as rude! I was just trying to make a funny comment about the mistake. 😅 Hope it didn't sound harsh.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentWhat a lucky number for Lufia II! Too bad that doesn't work in the CGA voting threads, because each game/Arcade Special can receive up to 5 votes per user.What a lucky number for Lufia II! Too bad that doesn't work in the CGA voting threads, because each game/Arcade Special can receive up to 5 votes per user.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentIf Red Dead Redemption, a 2010 game managed to be nominated for CGA in 2026, then surely the very first Dark Souls released in 2011 can make its way to the next CGA voting topic too.If Red Dead Redemption, a 2010 game managed to be nominated for CGA in 2026, then surely the very first Dark Souls released in 2011 can make its way to the next CGA voting topic too.
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Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Voting Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator (edited )LinkThe Genesis of Treasure (5) Space Rogue (4) The Grue That Binds (3) Mother 3 (3) Sid Meier's Pirates! (3) Crystalis (2)The Genesis of Treasure (5)
Space Rogue (4)
The Grue That Binds (3)
Mother 3 (3)
Sid Meier's Pirates! (3)
Crystalis (2) -
Comment on Colossal Game Adventure: February 2026 Nominations Topic in ~games
J-Chiptunator LinkNomination: The Genesis of Treasure Gunstar Heroes McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure Dynamite Headdy Alien Soldier Light Crusader My pick for the nomination thread would be the strong lineup of...Nomination: The Genesis of Treasure
Gunstar Heroes
McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure
Dynamite Headdy
Alien Soldier
Light CrusaderMy pick for the nomination thread would be the strong lineup of Sega Genesis/Mega Drive games developed by Treasure, a studio formed by ex-Konami staff who left to escape the company's creative restrictions. Their early work set a new standard for inventive, high-energy gameplay that still feels fresh and challenging today. Honestly, it's easy to imagine PlatinumGames following a similar path if they'd existed in the 90s or early 00s.
Getting into Treasure's early catalog isn't hard at all. Every one of their international releases is on a single platform, and running them doesn't take much effort or hardware. If you've got the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack or the (now-delisted) Sega Mega Drive & Genesis Classics collection, you can access almost their entire lineup, except for McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure and the Japan-only Yu Yu Hakusho Makyou Touitsusen.
That's the origin story of Treasure in a nutshell. I'll be posting previews for each of their five Genesis titles in the lobbying thread soon!
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Comment on CGA-2026-02 🕹️🚗 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Racing Lagoon in ~games
J-Chiptunator Link ParentThe Easy Mode save file is distributed in several formats. To get it working in RetroArch, replace the suffix either the DuckStation (.mcd) or ePSXe/PSEmu-Pro (.mcr) file into a .srm one. Then,...The Easy Mode save file is distributed in several formats.
To get it working in RetroArch, replace the suffix either the DuckStation (.mcd) or ePSXe/PSEmu-Pro (.mcr) file into a .srm one. Then, put it in root:/retroarch/cores/savefiles/PCSX-ReARMed.
That's because the files (or rather standard virtual PS1 Memory Cards) are structured the same way across multiple file types, except for .vmp (PSP/Vita), .gme (DexDrive Memory Card), .mem and .vgs (VGS Memory Card).
There also exists Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, which also includes skaters and parks from Tony's Hawk Pro Skater 2 alongside its predecessor. Having never played anything before 3 and after American Wasteland, I'm not sure how similar the gameplay experience would be in there compared to the original 2 beyond the content itself.
The Nintendo Switch version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is also currently on sale at Nintendo eShop for $23.99 CAD instead of its usual $59.99 price tag.
According to Pricecharting, you can also easily get a used physical version of the game at under $20 for PS4, Xbox One and Xbox Series. PS5, however, is a tad more expensive, especially with the Complete-In-Box variant being only slightly less than a new copy found in any major retailer.