In the last two months, Blaze has been busy with several updates, including the announcement of two new cartridges and some significant news that came through in the last couple of days.
New Cartridge Releases
Bitmap Brothers Collection 2
On July 30th, Blaze announced the release of The Bitmap Brothers Collection 2 (Home Computer Cartridge #8), the 58th cartridge in their impressive line of retro classics. This collection features six Amiga games developed by the British-based Bitmap Brothers, known for their iconic titles. The games included in this set are:
- Gods
- Magic Pockets
- Cadaver
- Cadaver: The Payoff
- The Chaos Engine 2
- Z
Among these six titles, three stood out to me either because I had never played them or because I was eager to experience the Amiga versions. Gods, which I played extensively on the North American Sega Genesis in the mid-1990s, The Chaos Engine 2, a sequel I wasn’t aware of (despite my extensive gaming experience spanning 40 years), and Z, a real-time strategy game recommended to me when I first acquired a European Sony PlayStation 1 in 2012, and which I’ve dabbled with occasionally since then.
Legacy of Kain Collection
The second cartridge announcement came on August 15th with The Legacy of Kain Collection (Home Console Cartridge #41), the 59th cartridge and only the second to feature the Giga Cart insignia (following Tomb Raider Collection 1). This collection includes Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain and Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, both of which became classics on the Sony PlayStation 1. These titles were re-released in North America in late 2000 as part of a three-pack Collector’s Edition alongside Fighting Force (which we might cover in 2025… Foreshadowing). For fans of vampires, action, and redemption, this collection is a must-have. These are two favorites from the PlayStation 1 era that I highly recommend.
Both cartridges are scheduled for release on September 30th, a somewhat unusual timing since the previous two cartridges announced months earlier are not slated for release until November 28th. However, this staggered release schedule shouldn’t create any significant gaps in any of the three gaming sections of Evercade, though. The Bitmap Brothers Collection 2 will retail for $19.99/€19.99, while The Legacy of Kain Collection, part of the Giga-Cart series, will be priced at $24.99/€24.99.
Updates on Evercade EXP-R and TATE-R
More recently, on August 16th, Blaze announced a significant issue affecting the upcoming Evercade EXP-R Handheld and TATE-R Accessory. During final inspections, a major fault was found in approximately 20% of the inspected units. Although Blaze did not specify the exact nature of the issue, they described it as a ‘faulty component’. Given that both the EXP-R and TATE-R are affected, it’s likely related to the moldings, as these components must fit together perfectly to ensure safety. Since the EXP-R shares the same moldings as the original EXP, this seems to be the root cause.
Despite this setback, the VS-R home console, Tomb Raider Collection 1, and The Thalamus Collection 1 are still on track for release on or around August 30th. Inventory is already arriving at dealers across Europe and North America, and pre-orders should begin shipping soon, if not already.
Blaze Evercade Alpha and Upcoming Releases
The Blaze Evercade Alpha remains unaffected by delays and is set to release alongside Toaplan Arcade 3 (Arcade Cartridge #11) and Data East Arcade 2 (Arcade Cartridge #12) on November 28th. Pre-orders are still available for $229.99/€229.99, but the price will increase to $249.99/€249.99 after November 28th. Keep in mind that shipping costs might raise the price slightly, as this is a heavy arcade bartop, and some retailers have already factored this into the final price.
Hyper Mega Tech! Announcements
Blaze’s subsidiary, Hyper Mega Tech!, also announced their plans for 2024, including two new Super Pockets: the Atari Edition and the Technos Edition. The Atari Super Pocket Edition will pay homage to their rich arcade and console history, featuring 50 built-in games from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, including titles from Atari Arcade, 2600, 5200, 7800, and Lynx, with classics like Asteroids, Night Driver, and Yars’ Revenge. The Technos Super Pocket Edition will include 15 titles, blending arcade, 8-bit, and 16-bit games like Double Dragon, Renegade, and River City Ransom. Both Super Pockets will retail for $59/€59, a slight discount from last year’s releases, at least in North America. Pre-orders will open on October 22nd.
Final Announcements for 2024
Only two more games remain to be announced for 2024, likely scheduled for a December release. It’s worth noting that last year, the December releases were pushed forward and launched alongside the November 2023 items, much to the delight of those hoping to receive them for the holiday season. While it remains to be seen if Blaze will follow a similar strategy this year, history suggests that the best is often saved for last. The 60th and 61st cartridges will be announced soon, so stay tuned for more updates.
Until the next announcement from Evercade, bye for now!
