Tom @thepixelempire.net · 03/10/20263 was very enjoyable, and made me chuckle quite a bit. A very good sandbox, and completely bonkers, with some genuinely good parodies and decent, OTT gameplay 😊 110
Reposted by TomShane @ The Pixel Empire @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social · 03/10/2026After finding great success with Doom's 2016 revival and Eternal, ID Software returned in 2025 with The Dark Ages. Seeing more reinvention the series is known for, does the gamble pay off? VIDEO REVIEW👉 youtu.be/zJKnaS4PFvE #gaming #doomthedarkages #xboxyoutu.beDoom: The Dark Ages (XBOX SERIES X) - ReviewYouTube video by SteadySphere - Pixel Empire Video Reviews 043
Reposted by TomMy Abandonware @myabandonware.com · 02/10/2026Bounty Train is currently free on GOG for the next 3 days, go grab it! 0104
Reposted by TomIain Mew @superchartisland.com · 02/10/2026ICYMI, this week I wrote about 8-bit beat-'em-up sequel Target: Renegade. Read about hypothetical outraged vicars, FFVII lift animations, its melancholic music, and its inspiration from Dirty Harry, Joe Lewis and of course Double Dragon www.superchartisland.com/target-renegadesuperchartisland.comTarget: Renegade – “The skin-heads, the Beastie Boys, the bouncers”Yoshihisa Kishimoto and Technos set some key standards in early beat-’em-ups with 熱血硬派くにおくん, Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun or, as it was known in the West, Renegade. Having launched Kunio-kun as the main… 0125
Reposted by TomTheGameLlama @thegamellama.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Don’t forget to preorder Playdate Season 3 before October 8! Otherwise you’ll have to regular order it: play.date/games/season...play.dateSeason Three for PlaydateComing October 8: Another bundle of the best games on Playdate, available only here. Discover them each week along with the rest of the Playdate community. 281
Reposted by TomSayewonn @sayewonn.bsky.social · 30/09/2026The Revenge of Shinobi review is up classic-gamers.com/sega-genesis... #segaclassic-gamers.comRevenge of Shinobi review - Classic-GamersThe Revenge of Shinobi is easily one of the best early Genesis games and a perfect example of Sega’s arcade-style philosophy. 096
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 30/09/2026🟡 Rhythm Paradise Groove (2026, Switch) 🟢 REVIEW: Nintendo ensure the Switch's impressive software legacy extends with this recent exclusive - a return for the series after a decade on the sidelines. Read or watch @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social's review 😊👇 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/rhythm-parad...thepixelempire.netRhythm Paradise Groove (SWI) review | SwitchRhythm Paradise Groove Switch review: Nintendo's rhythm title returned in 2026, with an eclectic range of scenarios. 023
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 25/09/2026🟡 Metal Slug X (1999, Neo Geo) 🟢 REVIEW: SNK revitalised Metal Slug 2, fixing crippling slow-down issues whilst introducing new weapons, new enemies and a host of tweaks. I recap Metal Slug's finest hour, and arguably the Neo Geo's best game. 😊👇 #gaming #snk 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/metal-slug-x...thepixelempire.netMetal Slug X (NEO) review | Neo GeoMetal Slug X Neo Geo review: A reworking of MS2, SNK made good on their excellent run 'n' gun's promise, resulting in one of the shooters of the nineties. Frantic, cartoon arcade gaming across 6 missions. 062
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 23/09/2026🟢 Quake 4 (Xbox 360) www.thepixelempire.net/quake-4-x360... 🟣 Huntdown (PC) www.thepixelempire.net/huntdown-pc-...thepixelempire.netQuake 4 (X360) review | Xbox 360Quake 4 Xbox 360 review: Raven Software ported the goliath PC FPS to Microsoft's system in 2005, complete with multiplayer and a return of the single-player campaign. 121
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 23/09/2026🟡 Naughty Bear (2010, PlayStation 3) 🟢 REVIEW: An action game that sees a homicidal teddy bear taking his revenge on the populace of Perfection Island. A fun, provocative title, or was its edginess all bluster? Read @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social's review 😊👇 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/naughty-bear...thepixelempire.netNaughty Bear (PS3) review | PlayStation 3Naughty Bear PlayStation 3 review: 2010 saw a controversial action game seeing a homicidal bear exacting his revenge on the populace of Perfection Island. It packs lots of action and stealth gameplay. 022
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 22/09/2026🟡 Geometry Wars: Galaxies (2008, Wii) 🟢 REVIEW: Between the first and second games, Kuju developed an expanded, motion-controlled version of the excellent XBLA shooter. Offering more than 60 levels and a bunch of new enemies, would this shooter prove a hit? 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/geometry-war...thepixelempire.netGeometry Wars: Galaxies (WII) review | Nintendo WiiGeometry Wars: Galaxies Wii review: Bizarre Creations' arcade blaster made it's way from XBLA to Wii in 2007/08. A raft of new game modes and motion controls combined for an exciting shooter. 011
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 22/09/2026Happy Birthday Shane!!! 🥳 The man who has likely forgotten more games than I knew existed in the first place. Please give his marvellous YouTube a whirl: if you like in-depth game reviews, you'll be in heaven. 👉 www.youtube.com/@Steadysphereyoutube.comSteadySphere - Pixel Empire Video ReviewsHey there, welcome to The Pixel Empire Video Reviews! Run by Shane with help from site manager Tom, I aim to cover a new game weekly from a variety of platforms which eventually end up on our website ... 121
Reposted by TomShane @ The Pixel Empire @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social · 21/09/2026What is your favourite Grandia game? #gaming 031
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 21/09/2026Wonder Boy in Monster World, on the Mega Drive. The idea that a game could support an ongoing story, a world of characters, and you could save to return later was new to me as a kid. A kind of escapism I'd never experienced before, I absolutely loved it ☺️🙂 000
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 19/09/2026🟡 Huntdown (2020, PC) 🟢 REVIEW: Run 'n' guns don't get much better than this! Easy Trigger's ode to action movies & 80s cyberpunk combines precise, satisfying gameplay with gorgeous visuals, and a raft of incredible boss fights. #gaming #review #pc 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/huntdown-pc-...thepixelempire.netHuntdown (PC) review | WindowsHuntdown PC review: Easy Trigger's run 'n' gun throwback is a dizzying tribute to eighties action films and cyberpunk, packed with explosive action and brilliant boss fights. 122
Reposted by TomShane @ The Pixel Empire @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social · 19/09/2026After Grandia proved one of the standout JRPGs of it's time, Game Arts would return with a sequel for Dreamcast. Was it a worthy successor? VIDEO REVIEW👉 youtu.be/n3dZZImEwsA #gaming #dreamcast #grandiaIIyoutu.beGrandia II (DC) - ReviewYouTube video by SteadySphere - Pixel Empire Video Reviews 173
Reposted by TomDan Marshall @danthat.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Stop being scared of gamers, imo. One of the best things about XCOM is the understanding that you can be half way through and just... fail. Game over. Start again. It's thrilling! Give people new things. Challenge them. Stop being soft, it's turning games to homogenised mush. 4438
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 16/09/2026🟣 Psyvariar 3 (PC) www.thepixelempire.net/psyvariar-3-... 🟡 Metal Black (Saturn) www.thepixelempire.net/metal-black-...thepixelempire.netPsyvariar 3 (PC) review | WindowsPsyvariar 3 Windows PC review: 23 years on from the second game, the vertical-scrolling shmup with the quirky Buzz system made a return, with new game modes, pilots, and challenging levels. 111
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 16/09/2026🟡 Dragon Quest Treasures (2022, Switch) 🟢 REVIEW: A spin-off charting the early lives of DQXI siblings Mia and Erik. @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social sees whether this Tose-developed RPG is up to the series' usual high standards 😊👇 #gaming #nintendo #review 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/dragon-quest...thepixelempire.netDragon Quest Treasures (SWI) review | SwitchDragon Quest Treasures Switch review: A spin-off from DQXI, this game charts the early life of Erik and Mia in a Tose-developed action role-playing game. Beautiful Akira Toriyama artwork and enjoyable... 053
Reposted by TomShane @ The Pixel Empire @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social · 12/09/2026Acclaim and Probe Entertainment would deliver a scrolling beat em' up based on Marvel's First Family in 1997. But was Fantastic Four good? VIDEO REVIEW👉 youtu.be/i1V_BWayjp4 #gaming #ps1 #marvel #fantasticfouryoutu.beFantastic Four (PS1) - ReviewYouTube video by SteadySphere - Pixel Empire Video Reviews 186
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 13/09/2026🟡 Quake 4 (2005, Xbox 360) 🟢 REVIEW: Would Raven Software's 360 port of the legendary shooter continue Quake's strong run of console ports, or would it struggle to make good on the hardware? @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social reveals all 😊👇 #gaming #xbox #review 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/quake-4-x360...thepixelempire.netQuake 4 (X360) review | Xbox 360Quake 4 Xbox 360 review: Raven Software ported the goliath PC FPS to Microsoft's system in 2005, complete with multiplayer and a return of the single-player campaign. 043
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 10/09/2026🟡 Metal Black (1996, Saturn) 🇯🇵 🟢 REVIEW: Taito's Darius-alike hit the arcades back in 1991, but fans had to wait an age for a home version. How would Ving's import-only Saturn iteration fare amid a crowd of competition? 😊👇 #gaming #sega #review 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/metal-black-...thepixelempire.netMetal Black (SAT) review | SaturnMetal Black Saturn review: Taito's Darius off-shoot would receive a port more than 4 years on from it's arcade release, where it debuted the beam weapon system. 084
Reposted by TomShane @ The Pixel Empire @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social · 05/09/2026Artificial Mind and Movement would deliver something rather different in 2010. Naughty Bear was indeed unique - but was it good? VIDEO REVIEW👉 youtu.be/cG3fA9Hs8V0 #gaming #naughtybear #ps3youtu.beNaughty Bear (PS3) - ReviewYouTube video by SteadySphere - Pixel Empire Video Reviews 093
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 05/09/2026A completely mad Mega Duck shooter. Sachen did some interesting stuff, even if only about 4 people will have played it at time 😊 011
Reposted by TomPlaystation Datacenter @psxdatacenter.bsky.social · 05/09/2026PS1 Suzuki Bakuhatsu An english patch has been released by dothacktranslate for the SLPM-86513. Patch: www.romhacking.net/translations... Info: psxdatacenter.com/games/J/S/SL... #ps1 #psx #retrogames #playstation #SuzukiBakuhatsu #Translation #SLPM-86513 #Enix #Action #Puzzle #鈴木爆発 120894
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 03/09/2026🟡 Undercover: Dual Motives (2008, DS) 🟢 REVIEW: A spin-off from Operation Wintersun, Sproing's point and click adventure traded the desktop for Nintendo's handheld and stylus. Read or watch @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social's verdict at the link 👇 #gaming #review 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/undercover-d...thepixelempire.netUndercover: Dual Motives (DS) review | Nintendo DSUndercover: Dual Motives Nintendo DS review: a point and click adventure game set in the 1930s, as a scientist fights to clear his name. Expect mini-games, logic puzzles and spy intrigue. 052
Reposted by TomDoes it play? @doesitplay.org · 02/09/2026This is what we mean when we say killing physical media will cost developers discoverability. PSN, eShop and Co. are less than ideal interfaces. When you have to fight hundreds of slop releases every week for people to discover your game, you are screwed:gamesindustry.bizOver 700 games launched on Steam in one week for the first time, though 74% had fewer than 10 reviews530 titles had zero to nine reviews, while 190 had ten or more reviews, according to data from ICO Partners 05913
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 01/09/2026🟡 Psyvariar 3 (2026, PC) 🟢 REVIEW: A first new outing in 23 years for the cult classic shoot 'em up, Psyvariar 3 adds new pilots and modes to its risk-and-reward gameplay. How does Red Art's game square up against the current crop? #gaming #windows #pc 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/psyvariar-3-...thepixelempire.netPsyvariar 3 (PC) review | WindowsPsyvariar 3 Windows PC review: 23 years on from the second game, the vertical-scrolling shmup with the quirky Buzz system made a return, with new game modes, pilots, and challenging levels. 062
Reposted by TomShane @ The Pixel Empire @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social · 29/08/2026After over a decade of absence, Rhythm Paradise returned with a new entry in 2026. Groove would arrive on Nintendo Switch, but was it worth the wait? VIDEO REVIEW👉 youtu.be/DrxNFn6kpHA #gaming #switch #rhythmparadiseyoutu.beRhythm Paradise Groove (SWITCH) - ReviewYouTube video by SteadySphere - Pixel Empire Video Reviews 033
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 27/08/2026🟡 Maken X (2000, Dreamcast) 🟢 REVIEW: @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social covers a rare, non-RPG from Atlus. How did this unusual hack 'n' slash adventure fare when it released on the Dreamcast? Read or watch his review to learn more! 😊👇 #gaming #sega #atlus 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/maken-x-dc-r...thepixelempire.netMaken X (DC) review | DreamcastMaken X Dreamcast review: 042
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 27/08/2026🟢 Geometry Wars 2: Retro Evolved (Xbox 360) www.thepixelempire.net/geometry-war... 🟣 The Hong Kong Massacre (PC) www.thepixelempire.net/the-hong-kon...thepixelempire.netGeometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 (X360) review | Xbox 360Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 Xbox 360 review: Xbox Live Arcade's best game? One of the greatest twin-stick shooters ever, Bizarre Creations' sequel is a timeless, mesmerically addictive game. 111
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 27/08/2026🟣 Nation Red (PC) www.thepixelempire.net/nation-red-p... 🔵 Infinos (Switch) www.thepixelempire.net/infinos-swi-...thepixelempire.netNation Red (PC) review | WindowsNation Red PC Windows review: A co-op shooting game from DiezelPower that sees plays mowing down zombies, surviving waves and upgrading through a cool perk system. 111
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 27/08/2026...and here are the shooters we've covered. We shall keep the thread updated 😊👇 🔵 Crimzon Clover: World EXplosion (Switch) www.thepixelempire.net/crimzon-clov... 🔵 Super Hydorah (Switch) www.thepixelempire.net/super-hydora...thepixelempire.netCrimzon Clover: Word EXplosion (SWI) review | SwitchCrimzon Clover: World EXplosion Switch review: The second revision of Yosubane's vertical-scrolling shmup remains a memorably intense, super-playable example of the genre. 111
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 25/08/2026🟡 The Hong Kong Massacre (2019, PC) 🟢 REVIEW: Vreski smashed together Hotline Miami, Max Payne and a Hong Kong setting for this gritty, adrenalin-soaked shooter. It demands quick reactions: expect lots of deaths and lots of fun 😊 #gaming #windows #review 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/the-hong-kon...thepixelempire.netThe Hong Kong Massacre (PC) review | WindowsThe Hong Kong Massacre Windows PC review: This is what happens when you mix Hotline Miami, Max Payne and a hard-boiled action movie setting. A furious, adrenalin-soaked top-down shoot 'em up game from... 011
Reposted by TomSasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️ @sharkabytes.bsky.social · 23/08/2026It's my partner Kit's birthday today, so one of the things we're doing is playing one of the Pegasus famiclone multicarts she grew up with. The amazing names of hacked versions of NES/Fami games. 1412514
Reposted by TomShane @ The Pixel Empire @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social · 22/08/2026In 2008, Sproing would bring point-and-click adventure to the Nintendo DS with Undercover: Dual Motives. Unfortunately, there's a reason it's not as well remembered as the likes of Ace Attorney or Hotel Dusk... VIDEO REVIEW👉 youtu.be/OPw6OF_ou-w #gaming #nintendods #pointandclickyoutu.beUndercover: Dual Motives (DS) - ReviewYouTube video by SteadySphere - Pixel Empire Video Reviews 064
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 22/08/2026🟡 Watch_Dogs (2014, PS4) 🟢 REVIEW: Ubisoft's dystopian open world adventure features a near-future Chicago where exploiting networks and infrastructure helps players stay ahead of the law. Read or watch @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social's coverage 👇 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/watch_dogs-p...thepixelempire.netWatch_Dogs (PS4) review | PlayStation 4Watch Dogs PS4 review: Ubisoft Montreal crafted an open world dystopia set in a surveillance-led near-future, where connected devices can be used to the player's advantage. 043
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 21/08/2026Xbox 360 becomes our first system to reach 100 feature reviews (and it only took 14 years)! Safe bet to say the next to do so will have "PlayStation" in its name... but which one? 😊🤔 All our 360 reviews in one place: www.thepixelempire.net/xbox-360-rev... 011
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 20/08/2026ONE AND ONE-HUNDRED: Bookending 14 years of rating 360 games, here's our first, and our most recent, Xbox 360 reviews. Doesn't time fly! 😬😁 🟢 SPACE MARINE www.thepixelempire.net/space-marine... 🟢 GEOMETRY WARS: RETRO EVOLVED 2 www.thepixelempire.net/geometry-war...thepixelempire.netSpace Marine (X360) review | Xbox 360Space Marine Xbox 360 review: A brutal third‑person shooter based on Warhammer 40K, with visceral chainsword combat and squad tactics. 000
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 20/08/2026MOVING PICTURES: Shane's coverages have evolved to include video reviews. Here's a sample from his excellent channel. 🟢 F.E.A.R. www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNul... 🟢 MASS EFFECT www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTk0... 🟢 DARKSIDERS www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgyY...youtube.comF.E.A.R. (XBOX 360) - ReviewYouTube video by SteadySphere - Pixel Empire Video Reviews 100
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 20/08/2026EXCLUSIVES GALORE: One of the system's best facets was its sheer wealth of console exclusives. Here are just a few: 🟢 PERFECT DARK ZERO www.thepixelempire.net/perfect-dark... 🟢 LOST ODYSSEY www.thepixelempire.net/lost-odyssey... 🟢 HALO: REACH www.thepixelempire.net/halo-reach-x...thepixelempire.netLost Odyssey (X360) review | Xbox 360Lost Odyssey Xbox 360 review: A classic turn‑based JRPG by the Final Fantasy team, rich with immortal lore, sweeping score and deep characters. 100
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 20/08/2026THE WORST: This was easier to narrow down, as only one Xbox 360 game has so far scored lower than a 3/10, and Rogue Warrior has the infamy of being branded with a 1/10. Shane loves it, really 😉 🟢 ROGUE WARRIOR www.thepixelempire.net/rogue-warrio...thepixelempire.netRogue Warrior (X360) review | Xbox 360Rogue Warrior Xbox 360 review: A gritty special‑ops FPS led by real‑life Navy SEAL Richard “Demo Dick” Marcinko—brutal but lacking. 100
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 20/08/2026THE BEST: 3 360 games have received a 10/10: a stealth adventure, a racer, and a shooter. Take your pick, they're all ace! 🟢 MARK OF THE NINJA www.thepixelempire.net/mark-of-the-... 🟢 FORZA MOTORSPORT 3 www.thepixelempire.net/forza-motors... 🟢 GEARS OF WAR 2 www.thepixelempire.net/gears-of-war...thepixelempire.netGears of War 2 (X360) review | Xbox 360Gears of War 2 Xbox 360 review: A visceral cover‑based shooter refining the series with larger encounters and cinematic war zones. 110
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 20/08/2026We've reached 100 Xbox 360 reviews. It's the first system where we've broken 3 figures. @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social deserves the credit, having written more than 80 of them! You can find them all here: www.thepixelempire.net/xbox-360-rev... ...plus a few highlights from along the way 😊👇🧵 143
Tom @thepixelempire.net · 20/08/2026🟡 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 (2008, Xbox 360) 🟢 REVIEW: Starting life as a mini-game, GW2 would blossom into one of Xbox Live Arcade's finest exclusives. I cover Bizarre Creations' mesmerising twin-stick shooter, for my latest review 😊👇 #gaming #xbox360 🔴 www.thepixelempire.net/geometry-war...thepixelempire.netGeometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 (X360) review | Xbox 360Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 Xbox 360 review: Xbox Live Arcade's best game? One of the greatest twin-stick shooters ever, Bizarre Creations' sequel is a timeless, mesmerically addictive game. 053
Reposted by TomShane @ The Pixel Empire @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social · 16/08/2026It's time for another vote! This time, the focus is on Playstation 3 titles, and it's a weird quartet. Your options are... 🐉 Dragon's Dogma 🐻 Naughty Bear 🍈 Papo & Yo 💥 Quantum Theory Vote here: youtube.com/post/Ugkxl1i... #gaming #ps3 132
Reposted by TomShane @ The Pixel Empire @steadyspheretpe.bsky.social · 15/08/2026In 2002, Acquire would move from Ninja to Samurai and from stealth to adventure with Way of the Samurai. But does the branching storyline and sword combat deliver? VIDEO REVIEW👉 youtu.be/W80tG1EzgUM #gaming #ps2 #wayofthesamuraiyoutu.beWay of the Samurai (PS2) - ReviewYouTube video by SteadySphere - Pixel Empire Video Reviews 144
Reposted by TomTimmy the Madfox @madfoxtimmy.bsky.social · 17/08/2026Hi everyone! 👋 I just wanted to say a quick "thank you" to all my friends, followers, moots & people I follow for being yourselves & sharing what you do. Be it your art, passion for video games, or even just an encouraging message. 💖👍 Recently, & it's entirely my own fault, I've been feeling...1/5 131
Reposted by TomStephanie Flynn @stephanieflynn.bsky.social · 13/08/2026What a nightmare PBS broadcaster loses access to 50TB of data comprising 70 years of TV history after contracted cloud storage vendor goes defunct — public TV channel sues Iron Mountain data center, which hosts archival materials, to ensure preservation | Tom's Hardware share.google/ExvNkuiN1bIl...share.googlePBS broadcaster loses access to 50TB of data comprising 70 years of TV history after contracted cloud storage vendor goes defunct — public TV channel sues Iron Mountain data center, which hosts archiv...This wouldn't have been an issue if the organization bought a $1,000 NAS and populated it with a few hard drives. 12223791129