Happy January! Are you stuck not knowing what game to play on your retro handheld? Well, let’s look at our list of GotX games that you could choose from! For the start of the month here, we have 3 new GotM games, 1 new GotW, 1 new RPG of the Quarter, and a whole collection of GotY winners that will be discussed in a later article. Let’s start with the GotM candidates. Which ones will you play?
GotM Games:
The theme for this month is Japanuary, meaning any game only released in Japan. These titles will require an English patch, which I will include with each of them. You have until the first of February (one of Rocket’s favorite days) to complete them! Included is an estimate of how long it takes to beat each one (HLTB).
Pre-1996
Cave Noire
Console: Game Boy
Release:1991
Genre: Rogue-like
HLTB: 5 hours
English Patch: https://www.romhacking.net/translations/1707/
Indeed, you’ve read it right! Cave Noire is a remarkable Rogue-like designed for the DMG! This game offers procedurally generated dungeons awaiting your exploration. There’s an assortment of four distinct dungeon types for you to delve into, each one presenting a unique challenge: from slaying a specific number of monsters in one dungeon, to collecting a set amount of gold in another. The third type requires gathering a certain number of orbs, while the fourth involves collecting keys and freeing a specific count of fairies. Cave Noire is great for quick pick-up-and-play sessions that become incredibly engrossing! Success in this game appears to hinge on playing strategically and flawlessly managing your inventory.
‘96-’99
Medarot: Kabuto Version
Console: Game Boy
Release:1997
Genre: RPG
HLTB: 12 hours
English Patch: https://www.romhacking.net/translations/6479/
Medarot, a Game Boy game known as Medabots in the United States, draws its inspiration from the anime series of the same name. In this game, you assume the role of a young protagonist navigating the world of crafting and battling with Medabots. Comparable to the Pokemon series in a way, Medarot allows you to obtain new parts for your Medabots through victories and purchases. These parts can then be utilized to tailor and personalize your bot extensively, catering to your preferences and play style. Experimenting and tinkering to discover the perfect combination that suits your personality is the crux of the experience.
2000+
Densetsu no Stafy
Console: Game Boy Advance
Release: 2002
Genre: Platformer
HLTB: 4 hours
English Patch: https://www.romhacking.net/translations/7057/
Assume control of the lovable Star Fish, Stafy! In a mishap at Pufftop Palace, Stafy accidentally drops a magical jar into the ocean, setting free a creature named Ogura. To rectify this mistake, Stafy embarks on a journey to forge new friendships and aid fellow sea creatures, aiming to contain an emerging evil once more. This adventure encompasses both underwater and above-water platforming, sprinkled with light puzzles to solve along the way.
RPG of the Quarter
Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
Console: Super Famicom, Nintendo DS, PS2
Release: 1992
Genre: RPG
HLTB: 30 hours
Dragon Quest stands tall as one of the world’s most beloved RPG series, and Dragon Quest V emerges as a standout within its ranks. Without delving into spoilers, it follows the journey of a young boy traveling alongside his father, embarking on an extraordinary adventure that spans a lifetime.
This installment broke new ground during its release period by introducing ambitious features like partnering with tamed monsters. With its signature turn-based combat and artistry crafted by the renowned Akira Toriyama, this game is an absolute must-play for any RPG enthusiast! You have until April 1st to complete this game, so get questing, people.
We hope some of these seem like the kind of games you’d like to dip your toes into. If you have a void in your gaming agenda, or just want a break from the everlasting backlog, feel free to pop one of these gems on and give it a chance. Come join us for GotX this month and have a great time doing it!
If you would like to discuss these games, GotM, or anything else retro gaming related, be sure to stop by our Discord or check out some RH YouTube videos. As always, thanks for dropping in!