David Kudrev
(Edited by Jen Shadski)
There have been many historical successes and highs in video game history since their creation in the 1950s, and there are unfortunately many iconic people who have helped shape gaming today who have passed. In 2016 alone we so far have lost Akira Saito and David Needle, and only a few days ago Fergus McGovern has passed away at the age of 50.
Fergus was one of the founders Probe Entertainment; best known for their ports of Arcade games in the 90s, along with an enormous list of original and film-licensed titles. Probe was later acquired by Acclaim, and became Acclaim Studios London (and then Acclaim Cheltenham) who were responsible for titles like Re-Volt and the GameCube and PlayStation 2 ports of Crazy Taxi.
Notable Probe Entertainment titles that you may have played include Mortal Kombat 1 and 2 on SEGA consoles, Alien Trilogy, Alien 3 (Mega Drive, Master System and Game Gear), the Die Hard Trilogy, Stargate (SNES), and Forsaken (PC).
Incidentally, the Mega Drive port of Mortal Kombat 2 features an easter egg that allows you to perform a Fergality – which turns an enemy in to Fergus with a large head. This can only be achieved in the Armoury stage as Raiden and with ‘Oooh Nasty’ turned on in the test menu via options. To perform the Fergality, simply press back 3 times and then block during ‘Finish Him/Her’.
Rest in peace Fergus
source: retrogamer
Anyone who has owned or played a Nintendo 64 will know that those thumb sticks break fairly easily – whether from rage or wear and tear. I bring you good news if you have a few controllers with broken sticks; there is a new Kickstarter campaign (which commenced only a week ago) for replacement sticks. ENKKO is a company that is looking for funding to get repair kits made, with intention of having more durable replacements than the 3rd party replacements currently in the market.
Backing a replacement stick will set you back a minimum of US$17.00 (with shipping outside the US), and should the campaign succeed, will be available from May this year. Head to the Kickstarter page for more information.
The Master of Orion series is well known to PC gamers and has gained cult-like status since it’s debut in 1993. If you’re not familiar with it, the game is a turn-based strategy set in space where you play as one of 10 alien races, building your empire to rule the galaxy. You accomplish this by developing new technology, trading with or attacking neighbouring planets. A reboot is in currently in development based on the first Master of Orion, which is great news if you are a fan of the original.
Good old Games and Steam are selling the collector’s edition – which not only includes access to the beta of the 2016 reboot (and final release of course), but also Master of Orion 1-3 redesigned to work on modern Windows PCs. In addition to access to the original games and beta of the reboot, the collector’s edition will soon include the soundtrack, digital art book and an additional race to the original 10 alien races in the game. Masters of Orion: Collector’s Edition is available now at gog.com and Steam with the original games also available separately.
Finally, if you are a fan of the Postal games, you will be glad to know the original 1997 shooter is being remade. Running with Scissors has announced Postal Redux, which will be making its way to Steam in (US) Spring this year and PlayStation 4 later in the year. The 2016 release of this game will not only feature refreshed graphics and sound, but also includes a new game mode (called Rampage Mode), which involves killing as many armed enemies as you can with the highest score possible with the encouragement and use of multipliers.
Both Postal and Postal 2 have been banned in Australia for release in brick and mortar stores, so time will tell if Postal Redux will make it through here.