In a partnership that bridges the past with the present, Konami has joined forces with Limited Run Games to reintroduce two of its classic game franchises, Felix the Cat and Rocket Knight Adventures. These iconic titles from the 1990s are being resurrected for contemporary audiences, with both physical and digital editions in the works to delight old-school gamers and new explorers of retro treasures alike.
The Felix the Cat collection will feature the beloved 1992 NES title along with its 1993 Game Boy companion, allowing players to once again dive into the whimsical platforming world crafted around the charismatic cartoon feline. Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked brings together a trio of games, including the original Rocket Knight Adventures, its sequel Sparkster: Rocket Knight Adventures 2, and the SNES-exclusive Sparkster. Though no specific release date has been set yet, Nintendo Switch owners can look forward to adding these collections to their libraries.
Further enhancing the appeal of these re-releases, both collections will be packed with additional features designed to improve the gaming experience. Fans can expect to find convenient save states, quality-of-life improvements, and for Rocket Knight, a new boss rush mode. Moreover, Limited Run Games will be handling the physical distribution, ensuring that collectors can obtain tangible editions to showcase on their shelves. At the same time, the digital versions will be available for purchase via the eShop, ensuring ease of access for gamers who prefer their libraries in virtual form.
Behind the nostalgic curtain of Felix the Cat lies the notable involvement of Hudson Soft, a video game company that merged with Konami in 2012. The NES and Game Boy games, based on the classic cartoon character, represent a high point in 2D side-scrolling platformers, full of charm and captivating gameplay that has stood the test of time.
Rocket Knight Adventures made its mark on the Sega Genesis in the '90s, helmed by the creative mind behind Contra, Nobuya Nakazato. The series was influential enough to elevate its protagonist, Sparkster, to mascot status with Konami during that decade. While the franchise took a hiatus, it briefly returned in 2010 with Rocket Knight on Xbox Live and PSN. This resurgence of interest paved the way for the comprehensive collection that fans can look forward to today.
Anticipation can start building as pre-order dates loom on the horizon. The physical versions of Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked will be up for grabs from January 19th to February 18th, 2024. Interested players can peek at the offerings on the Limited Run Games website to plan their purchases. As for Felix the Cat enthusiasts, they'll need to mark their calendars for February 9th, when pre-orders commence, wrapping up on March 10th, 2024. These editions aren't just about the games themselves, as various merchandise options will also be available, allowing fans to fully embrace their retro gaming passion.
Konami's journey through its archives doesn't stop with these collections. The gaming giant has slated several more revivals and remasters for the year 2024. Action-packed titles such as Contra: Operation Galuga and the remasters of the beloved PS1 JRPGs Suikoden I & II are also in the pipeline. These are joined by eagerly awaited remakes of Metal Gear Solid 3 and Silent Hill 2, signaling a year rife with nostalgia and excitement from the revered developer.
The resurgence of Felix the Cat and Rocket Knight Adventures stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of retro gaming. Bringing together the simplicity and charm of the classics with the conveniences of modern gaming, these collections invite players to bask in the glory of yesteryear while experiencing the quality-of-life enhancements that have become staples in today's gaming landscape. Whether securing a physical copy for collection purposes or downloading digitally for immediate play, these re-releases cater to all preferences, ensuring that the legacy of Felix and Sparkster shines brightly for a new generation.
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