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How I Play Retro Video Games These Days! MiSTer with RGB to a CRT & Emudeck!

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Lon.Tv shares what he uses to play retro video games, from the original Atari and NES to Sega Saturn, PS2 and even Xbox 360. Lots of good info and solutions from the MiSter project, to emulation on the Steam Deck and connecting to a CRT with a lightgun. Good stuff!

Here are some of the most beloved methods for diving back into the retro video game classics:

1. The Raspberry Pi Shrine

Imagine a small, raspberry-sized computer you can worship for all its retro gaming glory. People pour their heart and soul into decorating their Raspberry Pi cases with LED lights, custom decals, and little totems of Mario or Sonic. You might think it’s overkill for a device that could fit in your pocket, but retro gamers know the joy of transforming a $40 gadget into a virtual time machine. Just don’t forget to bring a magnifying glass to actually play anything.

2. The “Totally Legit” Desktop Emulator

This setup requires downloading highly legitimate copies of Super Mario World, meticulously organizing every ROM, and downloading the fanciest emulator to get that authentic “my computer is on fire” experience. Between tweaking settings to get the frame rate perfect and dodging ads on those sketchy ROM websites, this is a labor of love that teaches patience. Bonus points if you manage to find one that doesn’t crash every time Mario jumps.

3. The Franken-console Build

There’s an entire subculture of folks who would rather hack old consoles themselves than use a plug-and-play emulator. Dust off an old NES, unscrew some plastic, add a Pi Zero or some hidden SD slot, and voilà – you’ve got a barely-working Frankenstein console that plays everything from Pong to EarthBound. Sometimes it even works. Other times it sparks. Either way, that soldering iron burn on your hand is proof you’re hardcore.

4. The Flash Drive of Mystery

This one’s for the committed and resourceful: they carry a flash drive loaded with emulators and ROMs everywhere. Plug it into any unsuspecting device – your grandma’s old Windows 7 laptop, a friend’s smart fridge, the work computer during a lunch break – and boom, they’re deep in a game of Zelda II before you can say “IT support.” The trick is having a thumb drive so suspiciously loaded with games, you’re ready for any retro gaming challenge that comes your way.

5. The All-in-One Retro Handheld – aka “The Portable Time Machine”

Why settle for modern graphics on the go when you can have a handheld that fits in your hand, overheats, and drains battery in mere minutes? With brands like Anbernic and Retroid pumping out nostalgia-packed handhelds, you’re basically carrying an entire arcade in your pocket. Be prepared to explain to people why you’re “playing Game Boy in the 2020s.” (Just flash a picture of Tetris and say, “Because it’s Tetris!”)

6. The Couch Potato Box – aka the Mini Consoles

Remember the NES and SNES Classic consoles? Gamers rushed to buy these little pre-loaded cuties, sat them next to the TV like trophies, and proceeded to play them once before they became collectors’ items. They’re adorable, they’re simple, and they deliver retro bliss straight to your living room without frying your PC – just try not to cry when that non-expandable game list starts feeling a little stale.

These retro emulation methods prove one universal truth: there’s no wrong way to travel back in time to save a princess or collect a ring – as long as you’re almost breaking your device in the process.

PC Games, Metal Jesus Likes

A look back at Wing Commander (1990 PC Game)

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Modern Vintage Gamer takes us back to what made the original Wing Commander PC game so special.

Wing Commander is like jumping into a soap opera… in space! Imagine you’re a hotshot pilot battling evil feline overlords called the Kilrathi (think if your cat grew up on bad vibes and space lasers). Your job? To protect the galaxy while bantering with crew members who have enough drama to fill a few seasons of Days of Our Lives. Between missions, you wander the ship like it’s a floating high school, bonding with friends and frenemies alike, where everyone’s perpetually one botched mission away from a total meltdown. It’s basically Top Gun meets The Lion King—if Simba had claws and wanted to vaporize you.

Then there’s the gameplay, which serves up a blend of dogfighting chaos and cinematic tension. One moment, you’re blasting through Kilrathi fighters with a grin, the next you’re facing a mission briefing that sounds suspiciously like an episode recap from Battlestar Galactica. Sometimes you’re sent on reconnaissance (a.k.a. “please don’t die, we need intel”), but more often you’re thrown into the galactic version of a food fight—except the food is lasers, and the lunchroom is filled with explosions. It’s frantic, cheesy, and gloriously over-the-top, making it the perfect interstellar drama for anyone who ever wanted to fight space cats while managing their crewmates’ emotional baggage.

Movies

Top 5 HORROR MOVIE Hidden Gems 💀

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Here are five lesser-known horror movie “hidden gems” that have flown under the radar for many but offer unique, chilling, and thought-provoking experiences:

1. Lake Mungo (2008) – Directed by Joel Anderson

An Australian found-footage horror film that blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, Lake Mungo is presented as a mockumentary about a family grieving their daughter’s drowning. It’s eerie and unsettling, relying on atmosphere and emotional depth rather than jump scares. The film’s slow build of dread makes it a standout in the found-footage subgenre.

2. The Invitation (2015) – Directed by Karyn Kusama

This slow-burn psychological thriller follows a man invited to a dinner party at his ex-wife’s house, where the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense and bizarre. The Invitation excels in creating a claustrophobic feeling of paranoia and unease. It’s a masterclass in tension, with a shocking and satisfying climax.

3. Session 9 (2001) – Directed by Brad Anderson

Set in an abandoned mental asylum, Session 9 is an unsettling psychological horror film that follows a crew of asbestos cleaners who begin to experience strange occurrences while working in the decrepit building. The film expertly uses its location to create a haunting atmosphere, with a sense of dread that builds throughout, culminating in a chilling finale.

4. Pontypool (2008) – Directed by Bruce McDonald

A Canadian indie horror, Pontypool offers a unique twist on the zombie/infection genre. Set almost entirely in a radio station, the film follows a shock-jock DJ and his crew as they receive reports of a strange virus spreading across their town. What makes this film distinct is the idea that the virus is spread through language, making for a cerebral and tense experience.

5. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) – Directed by André Øvredal

This chilling supernatural horror centers around a father-son team of coroners who are tasked with performing an autopsy on an unidentified woman. As they begin their work, they uncover increasingly bizarre and terrifying secrets about the body. The confined setting and excellent pacing make The Autopsy of Jane Doe a hidden gem with a terrifying atmosphere.

These films offer fresh takes on various horror subgenres and deserve a wider audience due to their innovative storytelling, atmosphere, and psychological depth.

Movies

WARNING: These are the SCARIEST Movies on Netflix!

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The horror genre has evolved significantly over the years, with several films shaping its direction and leaving a lasting impact on both the industry and popular culture. Here are five of the most influential horror movies of all time:

1. Psycho (1960) – Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Often credited as a game-changer in the genre, Psycho redefined horror by bringing psychological horror into mainstream cinema. The infamous shower scene, along with its intense score, and Norman Bates’ character, left a lasting impact on how fear was depicted onscreen. It also helped to lay the groundwork for the slasher subgenre.

2. The Exorcist (1973) – Directed by William Friedkin

A landmark in horror history, The Exorcist is considered one of the scariest films ever made. Its portrayal of demonic possession and exorcism, coupled with disturbing special effects, shocked audiences and paved the way for supernatural horror films. The film was also one of the first horror films to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

3. Night of the Living Dead (1968) – Directed by George A. Romero

This independent film introduced the modern concept of the zombie to popular culture. Night of the Living Dead revolutionized horror with its raw portrayal of societal collapse and civil unrest, blending political commentary with grotesque horror. It’s the foundation for the zombie subgenre that remains hugely popular today.

4. Halloween (1978) – Directed by John Carpenter

John Carpenter’s Halloween solidified the slasher subgenre, inspiring a wave of imitators. The film’s low-budget success and its use of a masked, unstoppable killer set a formula that many slasher films followed. It also introduced Michael Myers, one of horror’s most iconic characters.

5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) – Directed by Tobe Hooper

A gritty, terrifying experience, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre shocked audiences with its visceral brutality and realistic atmosphere. It played a pivotal role in the rise of exploitation horror and inspired countless films that pushed boundaries in terms of gore, fear, and realism.

These films have left indelible marks on the genre, influencing countless directors and subgenres, and remain essential to the history of horror cinema.

Metal Jesus Likes

‘ATARI 50’ DLC 1ST Impressions & Thoughts! All 19 Games! More Nov DLC + ‪@MetalJesusRocks‬ Vid Response

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Ballistik Coffee Boy >> On this #AtariNewsline special, I discuss the newly announced #Atari50 #TheWiderworldofAtari #DLC Collection #1! This includes 19 #classic #Atari #arcade, #atari2600 & #searstelegames …#games! I discuss my #thoughts & #opinions about these.. are they #wow! or #wow? Plus, more #DLC in Nov! And an Expanded #Atari50 Edition coming soon! Plus: My thoughts about @metaljesusrocks & the undue hate slung at #vintagegaming #contentcreators.

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Dozens of Apple computers rescued! #BarnFind

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Tales of Weird Stuff takes a long road trip through Washington State to Spokane to rescue a truck load of classic Apple computers. This is wild!

Apple computers are not only known for their sleek designs and cutting-edge technology, but some models have become rare, highly collectible, and seriously expensive. Here are 5 of the rarest or most expensive Apple computers:

1. Apple I (1976)

The holy grail of vintage computing! Only about 200 of these were ever made, and even fewer exist today. Hand-built by Steve Wozniak in Steve Jobs’ garage, this computer came as a motherboard kit, no case or keyboard included (DIY vibes, right?). One of these relics sold for $905,000 in 2014, making it the equivalent of owning a tech museum in your living room.

2. Apple Lisa 1 (1983)

The Apple Lisa was like the overachieving older sibling to the Macintosh. It was the first personal computer with a graphical user interface, which is why it cost as much as a decent car back then—about $10,000. Nowadays, a working Lisa 1 can go for $50,000–$100,000 depending on condition. It’s basically the computer equivalent of saying, “I bought Bitcoin in 2009.”

3. Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh (1997)

When Apple hit the 20-year mark, they decided to throw themselves a party and released this luxury limited-edition Mac. It came with a Bose sound system and a price tag of $7,500. Now, they’re collector’s items worth $10,000–$15,000. Owning one is like saying, “I appreciated the finer things in life… even in 1997.”

4. Macintosh 128K (1984)

The OG Mac, the one that started it all. It was the first Mac with a graphical interface and mouse, making it the apple of every tech geek’s eye (pun intended). While they originally sold for $2,495, a mint-condition one in the original packaging can fetch upwards of $5,000–$10,000 today. Think of it as vintage, but make it tech chic.

5. Apple II (1977)

This one was a big deal—it basically brought personal computing to the masses. With its sleek (for the time) design, color graphics, and a whopping 4 KB of RAM, it was the height of ‘70s tech sophistication. Depending on condition and whether it’s a first-gen model, it can go for anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000 now. The computer that once ran “Oregon Trail” is now worth more than your actual trail-running shoes.

Owning one of these machines isn’t just about having a rare piece of tech history—it’s about flaunting that you’re an Apple superfan with a time-traveling wallet!

Featured, Atari (Hidden Gems), Vintage

Atari 50th: Wider World of Atari DLC (Review)

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Atari and Digital Eclipse are back with a new DLC to their excellent Atari 50th the Anniversary Celebration! They are adding 19 playable games, as well as 8 video interviews into a brand new timeline to the main game. More info: https://atari.com

A second DLC entitled The First Console War will be released globally on November 8, in addition to a physical release of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 for $39.99. The physical release contains the original game and both DLCs.

A Steelbook version for Nintendo Switch, which will include Atari 2600 art cards, miniature arcade marquee signs, an Al Alcorn Replica Syzygy Co. business card, will retail for $49.99 USD.

Games Included in DLC #1:
Atari Video Cube (2600)
Avalanche (800)
Avalanche (arcade)
Berzerk (2600 Voice Enhanced)
Berzerk (2600)
Berzerk (5200)
Berzerk (arcade)
Desert Falcon (2600)
Destroyer (arcade)
Football (arcade)
Frenzy (arcade)
Off the Wall (2600)
Red Baron (arcade)
Sky Diver (2600)
Sky Diver (arcade)
Steeplechase (2600)
Stellar Track (2600)
Submarine Commander (2600)
Super Bug (arcade)

Music, Metal Jesus Likes

Skid Row – Live In London – New Album Review

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Brendon Snyder – This is a review for the brand new Skid Row album Live In London. Record in 2023, it’s the band’s first full length live album from their 38 year career! Join me as I break it all down doing an in depth review.

Alright, let’s take a ride through the top 5 Skid Row songs!

1. “18 and Life”

Ah, teenage rebellion at its finest! This song is about Ricky, a guy who thought firing a gun was as harmless as firing off a witty comeback. Spoiler: it wasn’t. With its dramatic tale of mischief gone wrong, it’s basically the ‘80s hard rock version of every “Hold my beer” story you’ve ever heard, but with fewer mullets (barely).

2. “I Remember You”

This is Skid Row’s love ballad, so sappy it could glue your broken heart back together. Sebastian Bach belts out feelings so deep that even your ex might text you at 3 a.m. just to say, “I remember you too.” It’s a love song that’s basically the musical equivalent of sending 100 emoji hearts in a row.

3. “Youth Gone Wild”

This anthem is what happens when you mix teenage angst, loud guitars, and hair spray by the gallon. It’s like they took the energy of a sugar-fueled 5-year-old and slapped it onto the rebellious soul of a 1989 teenager. If you weren’t already wild, this song was an invitation to buy leather pants and misbehave immediately.

4. “Monkey Business”

No, it’s not about your annoying coworker. “Monkey Business” is Skid Row’s rock ‘n’ roll jungle where things get a little weird and wild. With riffs heavier than your morning regrets after Taco Tuesday, it’s a song that’ll make you want to swing from the ceiling fan—though not advised without proper safety gear.

5. “Slave to the Grind”

This song is like your Monday morning alarm, but with killer guitar solos and less snooze-button smashing. It’s the anthem for anyone who feels like life has them running on a hamster wheel made of iron chains and paperwork. Heavy, fast, and with more attitude than a teenager denied concert tickets, this track could make even the most laid-back person throw down some air punches.

Let’s face it—Skid Row’s top tracks are a blend of teenage chaos, love gone wrong, and riffs sharp enough to shred your soul (and maybe your hair). Enjoy responsibly!

 

Featured, Metal Jesus Likes

Top 10 BOOMER SHOOTERS to Play Now!

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Here’s a list of 10 popular new boomer shooters that pay homage to classic 90s FPS games while bringing modern gameplay improvements:

1. DUSK (2018)

  • Why: A love letter to classic shooters like DOOM and Quake, DUSK features retro graphics, fast movement, and satisfying gunplay with creepy, rural horror aesthetics.
  • Notable Feature: Smooth movement mechanics and fantastic level design.

2. Ion Fury (2019)

  • Why: Developed on the Build engine (used in Duke Nukem 3D), Ion Fury nails the retro aesthetic with chaotic action, large explorable levels, and a charismatic protagonist.
  • Notable Feature: Classic, 90s-style level design with secret areas and nonlinear progression.

3. Amid Evil (2019)

  • Why: A fantasy-based FPS that takes cues from games like Heretic and Hexen. Amid Evil is fast-paced, with gorgeous environments and magical weapons that feel impactful.
  • Notable Feature: Weapon variety with magical powers and large, intricate worlds to explore.

4. Prodeus (2022)

  • Why: Blending old-school sensibilities with modern visuals, Prodeus has a unique “retro-modern” art style. It offers bloody action, classic shooting mechanics, and a built-in level editor.
  • Notable Feature: Dynamic lighting and particle effects with a retro aesthetic.

5. Wrath: Aeon of Ruin (Early Access)

  • Why: Built on the Quake engine, Wrath is a dark, gothic boomer shooter with fluid combat, intricate level design, and grotesque enemies.
  • Notable Feature: True 90s FPS feel with detailed, non-linear maps.

6. Ultrakill (Early Access)

  • Why: A hyper-fast FPS that combines DOOM-style shooting with Devil May Cry mechanics. Ultrakill is pure adrenaline, with fluid movement, over-the-top weapons, and a scoring system that rewards stylish play.
  • Notable Feature: A combo-based combat system and insane speed.

7. Project Warlock (2018)

  • Why: Inspired by DOOM, Hexen, and Wolfenstein 3D, Project Warlock blends pixelated graphics with modern design, offering varied levels, multiple weapons, and magic.
  • Notable Feature: RPG-like elements such as skill upgrades and a vast arsenal of weapons.

8. Hellbound (2020)

  • Why: Described as a “1990s FPS, 30 years later,” Hellbound delivers brutal, fast-paced action with gore-heavy visuals and a focus on nonstop combat.
  • Notable Feature: Extremely violent combat and large hordes of enemies.

9. HROT (Early Access)

  • Why: A Soviet-style FPS set in the 1980s, HROT embraces its Eastern European roots with unique environments, old-school graphics, and gritty combat.
  • Notable Feature: Dark atmosphere and bizarre weaponry that reflect the Soviet-era vibe.

10. Forgive Me Father (2021)

  • Why: A Lovecraftian shooter with a comic-book aesthetic, Forgive Me Father mixes eldritch horror with classic FPS mechanics, offering atmospheric levels and creepy enemies.
  • Notable Feature: Comic-style visuals and a unique sanity mechanic that affects gameplay.

These modern boomer shooters capture the spirit of classic FPS games while incorporating new features and updated visuals for today’s gamers.

Retro Gaming with a Heavy Metal Soundtrack