Author: VermillionLUX

IT - Metal - Gaming - 1988 - Luxembourg - Nordic admirer

Discover GameBuster: Antwerp’s Retro Gaming Treasure

If you’re a retro game collector passing through Antwerp, there’s one spot you absolutely shouldn’t miss: GameBuster. Nestled in the Theaterbuurt district at Bervoetstraat 40, this unassuming shop is a hidden gem for anyone with a passion for classic titles and gaming nostalgia. As it wasn’t my first visit there, I wanted to do a small review for the shop.

First Impressions

GameBuster doesn’t rely on flashy marketing or a sleek online presence — in fact, it has no official website or webshop, at least I couldn’t find it. You’ll find it listed on local directories like apen.be and cylex-belgie.be, but the real experience begins when you walk through the door. I leave the google maps adress here: Google Maps

The store has a distinctly retro atmosphere: shelves packed with games, consoles, and accessories from decades past and not only that, it has also a lot of DVDs and music CDs / LPs, with just enough clutter to make browsing feel like a treasure hunt. It’s the kind of place where every corner might hide a rare find. The owner is friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the hobby — and the pricing is refreshingly fair, especially considering the rarities on offer.

What’s in the Collection?

GameBuster’s selection spans multiple generations, from SNES to PS4. During my visit, I picked up five standout games that any collector would be proud to own and they were still missing in my collection:

  • EverQuest – Online Adventures (PS2)
    A pioneering MMORPG for consoles, this title is a fascinating snapshot of early online gaming on the PlayStation 2.
  • Tomb Raider – The Angel of Darkness (PS2)
    A darker, more narrative-driven entry in the Tomb Raider series. Though divisive at launch, it’s a unique chapter in Lara Croft’s legacy.
  • Tales of Eternia (PSP)
    Known as Tales of Destiny II in some regions, this JRPG combines charming anime visuals with a classic action battle system — a must-have for fans of the Tales franchise.
  • Grandia (PSX)
    A beloved PlayStation-era RPG, celebrated for its innovative combat, heartfelt story, and enduring charm.
  • The Legend of Heroes – Trails in the Sky (PSP)
    The beginning of a legendary saga. Deep storytelling, rich world-building, and memorable characters make this a cornerstone of narrative-driven RPGs.

Final Verdict

GameBuster is more than just a retro game store — it’s a nostalgic experience. Whether you’re hunting for a specific title or simply enjoy browsing shelves filled with gaming, movie or music history, this shop delivers. The combination of fair pricing, a welcoming atmosphere, and a well-curated selection makes it a must-visit for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Pros: Great selection, fair prices, friendly owner, authentic retro vibe
Cons: No online shop, limited visibility

If you’re in Antwerp and your heart beats for classic games, movies or music, make sure to stop by GameBuster. You might just walk out with a piece of history under your arm.

GOG.com – The Unsung Hero of Game Preservation

Let’s face it: in gaming, everything moves fast. New consoles, photorealistic graphics, massive online worlds—it’s easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest. But what about the games we grew up with? The ones that shaped us, challenged us, and made us fall in love with gaming in the first place?

Well, while most of the industry charges ahead, there’s one platform quietly doing something incredibly important: GOG.com is saving old games from being forgotten.

🎮 What Is GOG.com?

GOG stands for “Good Old Games,” and that’s exactly what it started out offering—classics from the golden age of PC gaming, all fixed up to run smoothly on modern computers. But over time, GOG became more than just a nostalgia machine. Today, it’s one of the few platforms truly committed to game preservation.

And here’s the kicker: all their games are DRM-free. That means no annoying launchers, no always-online nonsense. You buy it? It’s yours. Forever.

🛠️ Bringing the Dead Back to Life (Digitally Speaking)

A lot of games from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s just… stopped working. Newer operating systems broke them. Publishers vanished. CDs got scratched. But instead of letting those titles disappear into the void, GOG steps in and revives them.

We’re talking about:

  • Restoring compatibility for modern Windows, macOS, and even Linux
  • Using tools like DOSBox and ScummVM to emulate old systems
  • Fixing bugs and adding support for higher resolutions
  • Including cool extras like manuals, soundtracks, and wallpapers

Games like Blade Runner (1997), Diablo, Theme Hospital, Planescape: Torment—they’re all alive again thanks to GOG. It’s like digital archaeology… but way more fun.

🧩 Why Game Preservation Actually Matters

Imagine trying to watch a movie from the ‘80s, but you need a TV from that decade, a VHS player, and a remote that doesn’t exist anymore. That’s gaming without platforms like GOG.

Games are art, they’re culture, and they’re history. But unlike books or films, games are deeply tied to specific hardware, software, and protections. If no one preserves them, they’re gone. Forever.

GOG is one of the few places that takes that responsibility seriously. They make sure future generations can experience the same magic we did—with less hassle and more heart.

🔓 You Own It. Really.

We live in a world where you “buy” a game, but still need an internet connection, a launcher, or someone else’s permission to play it. GOG said: nah.

Everything on GOG is DRM-free. You download it, you back it up, and you play it wherever and whenever you want. Even offline. Even in 10 years. It’s gaming on your terms.

🌟 Not Just Old Games

Yes, GOG is best known for retro gems—but they also have modern indie hits, a carefully curated selection of newer titles, and even some AAA games. What makes GOG different is that it doesn’t try to be a giant digital warehouse. It feels more like a handpicked collection, where every game has earned its spot.

🌍 A Passionate Community

The GOG community is part of what makes it special. People share fixes, patches, mods, and recommendations. They help each other get old games running or find hidden gems. It feels less like a store and more like a digital club of game lovers who care about preserving something special.

🚀 Why GOG Matters More Than Ever

Today, physical game copies are vanishing, online requirements are everywhere, and platforms are shutting down left and right. If no one takes care of older games, they disappear. And once they’re gone, they’re really gone.

GOG is one of the few holding the line—restoring what’s been lost, preserving what’s at risk, and reminding us that some games never go out of style.

So the next time you’re feeling nostalgic, or just want to support something meaningful in the gaming world, check out GOG. You might just find an old favorite—or discover something new with a soul.

My Top 5 Retro Games

Retro gaming isn’t just a nostalgic hobby for me—it’s a core part of how I enjoy games today. These are the five titles I try to keep coming back to on an yearly basis, each one offering something unique that continues to resonate years after their original release.

1. World of Warcraft Classic (PC)

Actually I wasn’t sure to pull this game here in this list up because it is still too modern to call it as a retro game, right? But still this game full fills every aspect of a love-hate relationship. There’s nothing like logging into World of Warcraft Classic and reliving the magic of 2004. I love how it dials everything back to the basics: no hand-holding, no shortcuts—just pure adventure. The slow grind, the need for real teamwork, and the simple graphics (even with todays improved graphics) take me back to the early days of online gaming. It’s one of the few MMOs that still feels like a world, not just a game. A huge downside for me, it takes so much time to progress, like there are class quests which are more like a walking simulator than real gameplay. Although I still prefer this quest system then the one in the retail version.

2. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (NDS)

These remakes are pure gold (or silver)—literally and are based on the original Pokémon Gold and Silver from the Game Boy Color. Until this day I think it has been the best version, not only with having one of the best Pokémon generation but also that you can travel two regions – Johto and Kanto, well known from the previous generation. Also they bring back the classic Pokémon journey with just the right amount of upgrades like the graphic and of course the origin Suicune story line. Also it brings a very nice difficulty with it. Who doesn’t remember the gym leader Bianca?

3. Final Fantasy VII (PSX)

The second Final Fantasy I played as a kid and I couldn’t believe it first when I realized that one of the main characters was gone forever. Even with newer versions and remakes out there, I always find myself returning to the original Final Fantasy VII. It’s not just the story—though that’s still one of the best—but also the charm of those blocky characters, the haunting music, and the raw emotion behind every scene. It’s a perfect snapshot of late ’90s RPG design, and for me, it never gets old.

4. Final Fantasy X (PS2)

Final Fantasy X – my most loved Final Fantasy ever. In my opinion it has the best of everything. The turn based action combat, the soundtrack, the first voice acting in a FF, the emotional story, the skill system, of course the graphics, which got everything out of the PS2, last but not least Blitzball. With hidden areas and optional hard bosses to mess with, makes the grind to be overpowered really satisfying. Every time I return to Spira, it feels like catching up with an old friend, except when it comes to avoiding lightnings or Chocobo racing.

5. Super Mario World (SNES)

Super Mario World was my second Mario game and till to this day, it is the best out there. You have a whole world map with secrets and hidden areas to discover and to master, which was really new and innovative for just a Jump & Run game. Jumping with Yoshi through this very well designed levels makes it an unique experience. Even with today’s Mario game standards, this one was ahead of its time.

Final Thoughts

These aren’t just games—they’re part of my gaming DNA, I remain still a big RPG gamer to this day. Whether it’s adventuring in Azeroth, collecting badges in Johto, swinging swords with Cloud and Tidus, or jumping with Mario and Yoshi, these titles keep me grounded in what I love most about gaming. If you’re into retro titles too, I can’t recommend them enough. As final words I need to add, there are many more games I really like, so I might put a second list with other many beloved and nostalgic retro games.

Retrogaming in 2025: More than a Nostalgic Journey

Retrogaming in 2025: A Timeless Passion in a Digital Age

In a world driven by hyper-realistic graphics, virtual reality, and online multiplayer ecosystems, retrogaming in 2025 continues to stand strong as a beloved and respected part of gaming culture. What began as a nostalgic hobby for older gamers has evolved into a cultural phenomenon embraced by all generations. From the crackle of CRT-style shaders to the satisfying click of a Game Boy button, retrogaming reminds us where it all began — and how far we’ve come.

Evolution: From Cartridges to Cloud Storage

Over the decades, the face of retrogaming has changed dramatically. What once required dusty cartridges and aging consoles now lives on through emulators, ROM libraries, and FPGA-based systems that mimic original hardware with incredible accuracy. Platforms like RetroArch and MiSTer have allowed enthusiasts to access vast libraries of classic games on modern devices. Legal access has also improved, with companies like Nintendo, Sega, and Sony re-releasing classic titles on their online stores or through subscription services like Nintendo Switch Online.

New Releases and the Power of Emulation

Interestingly, the retro scene isn’t just about playing old games — it’s also about creating new ones. Indie developers are releasing brand-new titles for old consoles, such as the NES, SNES, and Sega Mega Drive. These games are made with the limitations of original hardware in mind but benefit from decades of design refinement. Platforms like itch.io host a growing library of “new-retro” games that feel authentic and innovative at once.

Emulation continues to be a game-changer in 2025. Powerful mobile phones and handheld PCs like the Steam Deck or Ayaneo can emulate systems up to the PS2 and GameCube eras effortlessly. This has made retro gaming highly portable and more accessible than ever. Even cloud gaming services are experimenting with streaming retro titles, bringing them to audiences with just a few clicks — no setup required.

The Rise of Modern Retro Handhelds

Handheld consoles have experienced a renaissance. Devices like the Analogue Pocket, Anbernic RG556, and Retroid Pocket 4 have bridged the gap between old and new. These sleek, portable consoles support a wide range of emulators and often come pre-installed with user-friendly launchers and customizable UI. Their high-resolution screens and long battery life allow players to experience retro games like never before — crisp, mobile, and on demand.

A Cross-Generational Love

What’s remarkable in 2025 is how retrogaming brings people together across age groups. Older gamers enjoy reconnecting with their youth, while younger players discover a different era of game design — one that emphasized creativity, simplicity and challenge. Twitch and YouTube are filled with Gen Z content creators exploring retro libraries, speedrunning classics like Super Metroid or Castlevania, and reacting to iconic titles for the first time.

For older gamers, retrogaming is both comfort and connection — a way to share experiences with their children or revisit games that once defined their lives. It’s common to see multi-generational households gathering around an SNES Mini or competing in Mario Kart 64 on a modern TV.

Why Retrogaming Matters

Retrogaming in 2025 is more than nostalgia — it’s a statement. It tells us that great game design doesn’t age, that simplicity can still offer depth, and that the past has enduring value. As the industry evolves, the retro scene serves as a grounding force, reminding us of gaming’s roots and the joy that comes from pixels, sprites, and unforgettable soundtracks. It proves that in a world of constant innovation, there will always be space to honor and enjoy where we came from.

The AI phenomenon

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field that has revolutionized the way we interact with technology. From voice assistants to self-driving cars, AI is making its presence felt in nearly every aspect of our lives. This transformative technology is driven by complex algorithms and massive data, enabling machines to mimic human-like tasks with remarkable precision and efficiency.

At its core, AI is about creating systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes learning from experience (machine learning), understanding natural language (natural language processing), recognizing patterns (computer vision), and making decisions. The foundation of AI lies in the concept of algorithms—step-by-step instructions that allow machines to solve problems or make predictions based on data. Over time, these algorithms have become more advanced, enabling machines to “learn” from vast datasets, improving their accuracy and capabilities without needing direct human intervention.

Looking ahead, the future of AI holds immense promise across various industries. In healthcare, AI can assist doctors with early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans by analyzing medical data. In business, it can optimize operations, improve customer service with chatbots, and even predict market trends. AI is also paving the way for more autonomous systems, such as drones, robots, and self-driving vehicles, which could revolutionize transportation and logistics. Furthermore, as AI continues to evolve, we are likely to see even more profound changes in fields like education, entertainment, and environmental sustainability. However, as AI becomes increasingly integrated into society, it will also raise ethical considerations around privacy, security, and the impact on jobs. The key will be finding a balance between technological innovation and the responsible use of AI.

This three blocks of text were written by ChatGPT and gives a very nice demonstration of what it is capable of. It includes everything what I wanted to say to make this articles, even the header is AI created.
As last year AI skyrocketed through the roof, I had many thoughts about it. Also yesterday, a quite unknown Chinese startup shadow dropped their “better” version of OpenAI’s, called DeepSeek. Developed in only two months and with a very low budget of ca. 6 millions. I think this is just the beginning of a battle “Who can develop the best algorithm”. And it is great because if more people are dedicated to develop such products, people will have more possibilities to use such technology to simplify their life.

What is your opinion about AI ?

Games from yesterday are todays Games

A translated repost of a German article on this blog I did in 2019. Even after almost 6 years, I think this takes even more value, as even more Remakes and Remasters are on the horizon.

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Remakes of older games have always been very popular, regardless of whether they have been completely redesigned or just given a little facelift. A number of remasters and remakes have already been released and many more will follow.

And in my opinion: And rightly so!
Back then, Nintendo or PlayStation games were way ahead of their time. Even if the controls weren’t always the best at the time and were often very jerky, the gameplay was still a lot of fun.
Nowadays, when a dull Call of Duty or FIFA comes out every year, many people don’t even know what the beginnings of 3D gaming were like. It’s good that today’s young people are also being presented with a piece of gaming culture that they simply couldn’t experience back then, or that we, the slightly older generation, can indulge in nostalgia.

Just take Spyro, a jump & run adventure game that was released as a remake not so long ago. The game is virtually the same as the 1998 version, with the difference of improved controls and graphics.

Personally, I’m still looking forward to the remake of Final Fantasy 7. It will be different to the original, but I’m still keen to save the world from Sephiroth with Cloud and his troupe. Other upcoming titles that have piqued my interest are

Trials of Mana
Medieval
Zelda: Link’s Awakening

If you’re keen, take a look at the following list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_game_remakes_and_remastered_ports

Maybe you’ll find a game that has been re-released without you even knowing it!

Review: Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition

Das Spiel wurde am 7. April auf Nintendo Switch, PS4/5, Xbox One & Steam vom Publisher Square Enix veröffentlicht. Derzeit ist es nur digital verfügbar, allerdings auf Seiten wie play-asia.com kann man es als Retailversion für die Switch ergattern.
Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition ist ein Remaster des 1999 erschienenen Chrono Cross für die PlayStation. Allerdings beinhaltet diese Version noch das zusätzliche Spiel Radical Dreamers, welches auch eine Neuauflage der textbasierten Version aus dem Jahre 1996 für das SNES-System. In diesem Artikel gehe ich aber näher auf das Hauptspiel ein, da ich dieses jetzt schon sehr viele Stunden gespielt habe und einiges zu berichten habe.

Grafik & Musik:

Eins Vorab weg, man hat die Möglichkeit zwischen der PS-Version und der Remasterversion zu wechseln was die Grafik und Musik angeht. Musikalisch gesehen, ist es wieder ein Ohrenschmaus was Square Enix uns da abgeliefert hat. Alle Stücke wurden extra neu aufgenommen. Grafisch gesehen, hätte es aber eine Schippe mehr sein können. Die bessere Modelle und Effekte sind eine Sache, allerdings sind die gerenderten Filmsequenzen doch sehr im 99er Stile hängen geblieben und auch die Kämpfe sind teilweise sehr laggy da die Framerate nicht stabil bleibt. Hier hätte es trotzdem ein wenig mehr sein dürfen. Die Remaster der Final Fantasy-Teile haben das durchaus besser hinbekommen.

Story:

Die Story handelt von unserem Protagonisten Serge der in einer Karibischen Region names El Nido lebt. Durch merkwürdige Umstände wird dieser durch einen Zeitstrudel in eine Parallelwelt seiner Welt gebracht. Auf der Reise zur Aufklärung dieser Zeitereignisse und was das Schicksal für ihn bereit behält, reist man durch den Archipel und quer durch die Zeit in der man auch eine Menge an spielbaren Charakteren freischalten kann. Ohne zu viel zu spoilern, wie der Name des Titels schon verrät, man schlägt auch Story technisch eine Brücke zum SNES-Vorgänger Chrono Trigger und das nicht nur durch unzählige Easter Eggs.

Gameplay:

Das Gameplay zeichnet sich hauptsächlich aus den rundenbasierten Kämpfen. Die Gegner laufen selbst herum und wenn man sie berührt, beginnt der Kampf, sprich man hat keine Zufallskämpfe und diese können auch vermieden werden. Mittels den Elementen die man findet oder kaufen kann werden hier Items und Zauber zu einem Elementen-System verbunden. Diese kann man den Charakteren anlegen um später im Kampf zu nutzen. Das Levelsystem ist allerdings ein wenig sonderbar. Es ist so gestaltet dass man eigentlich nie underleveled oder overleveled ist. Ausserdem gibt es noch ein paar Features dass man das Spieltempo höher/niedriger stellen kann, Autokämpfe oder gar Kampfboosts einschalten kann.

Fazit:

Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition ist ein tolles Remaster. Da ich leider nicht das Glück hatte, es damals schon zu spielen, kann ich hier auch keinen Vergleich ziehen, allerdings sei gesagt, den Charme der damaligen RPGs ist trotzdem erhalten geblieben. Fans der Final Fantasy-Reihe werden sich hier sofort zu Recht finden. Im großen Ganzen ist es ein sehr umfangreiches Spiel mit einer interessanten Geschichte und es gibt eine Menge in der Welt zu entdecken. Auch ist das Spiel darauf ausgelegt mehrfach durchgespielt zu werden da es mehrere Enden gibt. Ich kann das Spiel jedem Rollenspielfan nur ans Herz legen auch wenn es das Spielprinzip einer älteren Spielegeneration vertritt. Was ich mir allerdings persönlich gewünscht hätte, wären flüssigere Kämpfe und auch bessere skalierte Filmsequenzen.

Review: Ghost of Tsushima (PS4)

The game Ghost of Tsushima got released on the 17th July 2020 for the PS4 by Sucker Punch Productions.

At first, I didn’t know much about the game but I have read many good things about it. After watching a few videos about the game play I thought: ” Wow, an Assassins Creed in a Samurai Dress”. As I like Japan and also its culture I gave the game a chance. I bought it eventually on the release day.

Now, more or less two weeks later and a Platin trophy more in my collection, I want to give a small review about the game.

The story itself takes place on the Japanese island Tsushima which is located in the sea between the main land Japan and Corea. At the time of the samurai, Mongols tries to conquer Japan and here is where the tragic story of our protagonist and hero Jin Sakai begins.

One of the game major features is the Kurosawa Mode, a Cinema mode which should remind on old samurai movies from the movie producer Akira Kurosawa. This mode gives the game a black & white color filter, which I actually haven’t used once and I don’t really know why, lol!
Another feature is the photo mode, in which you can actually take astonishing pictures, which I actually only used once for a trophy.

Speaking of taking pictures, the Island is really beautiful and well designed. Many times, when I climbed on top of a mountain, I really enjoyed the panorama view. I think the graphics are not 100% on that level which we got promised but nevertheless they are still awesome!

Game play wise, I keep it short. As I said before, the game is quite Assassins Creed oriented. Dodging, parrying and counter attacking against a horde of Mongols is the main part of the fights. Or if you like to sneak, you can also do it ninja style, killing the enemy silently. The duels are actually nice, in which you have to study your enemy to take the right actions against him.
The leveling system in its core idea is nice but in the end you get your experiences as usual through battles and quests.

Conclusion

In the end I can say that Sucker Punch did a great job with this game, I had a lot of fun. But there were a few things which could have been improved. For example, the story. The story hasn’t really a depth and is quite straight forward and also the development of Jin’s allies is quite questioning.
Exploring the whole island was a pleasure. There are many spots to discover but not to many to get overwhelmed and the size of the island is also acceptable. It doesn’t feel like an endless world map.
Some battles can be sometimes painful, specially when the camera angle is on the wrong spot. The general difficulty for this game on normal mode is ok and shouldn’t be too frustrating for casual players.
Beside the few weak spots the games has, I still really enjoyed it. The beauty of the nature and the great OST are harmonious. And as a Japanese producer said: If you don’t know from where the game come from you will think it comes from an Japanese developer.
I can only agree with that!

How did you like the game? Have you already tried it out? Let me know!

Trailer:

Pokemon Direct

Today Nintendo presented new Pokemon Games! Mostly they are for mobile devices, specially for Android and iOS.

Pokemon Smile

A mobile for parents and their kids. It’s a simple game to motivate little kids to brush their teeth and also their parents! 😉

Pokemon Café Mix

Also a mobile app in which you have a Café and solving puzzles progresses you in the game. Expanding your Café and new Pokemon wants to enjoy your delicious coffee.

New Pokemon Snap

The most exciting reveal for is me is New Pokemon Snap for the Nintendo Switch! I loved it when I was a kid playing the Pokemon Snap on N64 and be honest, who wasn’t?

Oh and btw, the expansion The Isle of Armor is available since today for Pokemon Sword & Shield.

For more information, check out the Nintendo Direct!