Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
@sharkabytes.bsky.social
Freelance Writer│Magazine Editor│VG & Anime Historian│🦈 fur │UK│Trans woman she/her│AuDHD │❤️ : @kitnibbles.bsky.social │Business Enq: [email protected]
More info in pinned
❤️ : https://ko-fi.com/retrobytes
❤️ : patreon.com/SashasRetroBytes
More info in pinned
❤️ : https://ko-fi.com/retrobytes
❤️ : patreon.com/SashasRetroBytes
Pinned
New pinned post and info sheet!
I'm curious and passionate about a whole bunch of nerdy and cool stuff! I also publish a fortnightly retro gaming and anime 'zine and write on several blogs:
Scanlines zine: betweenthescanlines.itch.io
Main blog: scanlineartifacts.wordpress.com
I'm curious and passionate about a whole bunch of nerdy and cool stuff! I also publish a fortnightly retro gaming and anime 'zine and write on several blogs:
Scanlines zine: betweenthescanlines.itch.io
Main blog: scanlineartifacts.wordpress.com
This is an excellent recent article that adds further nuance to Sega's misfortunes and the reasons why they happened.
It's not TK bashing, so please don't just react to the thumbnail. It's an analysis of SoA and SoJ (and a little SoE) and the market conditions involved and the practices of both.
It's not TK bashing, so please don't just react to the thumbnail. It's an analysis of SoA and SoJ (and a little SoE) and the market conditions involved and the practices of both.
February 7, 2026 at 11:45 AM
This is an excellent recent article that adds further nuance to Sega's misfortunes and the reasons why they happened.
It's not TK bashing, so please don't just react to the thumbnail. It's an analysis of SoA and SoJ (and a little SoE) and the market conditions involved and the practices of both.
It's not TK bashing, so please don't just react to the thumbnail. It's an analysis of SoA and SoJ (and a little SoE) and the market conditions involved and the practices of both.
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
A new issue of our digi-zine, Between the Scanlines, is now out!
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
February 6, 2026 at 4:34 PM
A new issue of our digi-zine, Between the Scanlines, is now out!
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Famicom Hisshoubon - The Fighting Famicom Magazine!
October 1987's cover with artwork from Takehiko Itō, best known for his mechanical designs in a myriad of mecha anime and video game character designs, plus the Outlaw Star manga!
Dragon Quest III, Faxanadu, and Ultima await you, adventurer...
October 1987's cover with artwork from Takehiko Itō, best known for his mechanical designs in a myriad of mecha anime and video game character designs, plus the Outlaw Star manga!
Dragon Quest III, Faxanadu, and Ultima await you, adventurer...
February 6, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Famicom Hisshoubon - The Fighting Famicom Magazine!
October 1987's cover with artwork from Takehiko Itō, best known for his mechanical designs in a myriad of mecha anime and video game character designs, plus the Outlaw Star manga!
Dragon Quest III, Faxanadu, and Ultima await you, adventurer...
October 1987's cover with artwork from Takehiko Itō, best known for his mechanical designs in a myriad of mecha anime and video game character designs, plus the Outlaw Star manga!
Dragon Quest III, Faxanadu, and Ultima await you, adventurer...
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Perhaps, you shouldn't be taking tomes that don't belong to you, adventurer...
📺: Shadowgate, ICOM/Kenzo, 1987/89 (NES version)
📺: Shadowgate, ICOM/Kenzo, 1987/89 (NES version)
July 9, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Perhaps, you shouldn't be taking tomes that don't belong to you, adventurer...
📺: Shadowgate, ICOM/Kenzo, 1987/89 (NES version)
📺: Shadowgate, ICOM/Kenzo, 1987/89 (NES version)
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
When live-action footage meets CGI mecha in Old Tokyo - now the battleground for televised 'Scoot' battles.
📺: Phantom Crash, Genki, 2002 (Xbox)
📺: Phantom Crash, Genki, 2002 (Xbox)
February 6, 2026 at 12:43 PM
When live-action footage meets CGI mecha in Old Tokyo - now the battleground for televised 'Scoot' battles.
📺: Phantom Crash, Genki, 2002 (Xbox)
📺: Phantom Crash, Genki, 2002 (Xbox)
"I have never been to Europe but our game will soon arrive, please enjoy it."
Ace Combat 4's Art Director Kazutoki Kono makes a heartfelt plea on a Namco promo disc in October 2001. We also get a snazzy bit of concept sketches for one of the animated cutscenes in the game.
Ace Combat 4's Art Director Kazutoki Kono makes a heartfelt plea on a Namco promo disc in October 2001. We also get a snazzy bit of concept sketches for one of the animated cutscenes in the game.
February 7, 2026 at 12:24 AM
"I have never been to Europe but our game will soon arrive, please enjoy it."
Ace Combat 4's Art Director Kazutoki Kono makes a heartfelt plea on a Namco promo disc in October 2001. We also get a snazzy bit of concept sketches for one of the animated cutscenes in the game.
Ace Combat 4's Art Director Kazutoki Kono makes a heartfelt plea on a Namco promo disc in October 2001. We also get a snazzy bit of concept sketches for one of the animated cutscenes in the game.
DREAM... DREAM... DREAMCAST (E:)
Where the E stands for Excellent. 💙
A lovely hi-res image (especially for the time) of a VMU from a Sega promo disc.
Where the E stands for Excellent. 💙
A lovely hi-res image (especially for the time) of a VMU from a Sega promo disc.
February 7, 2026 at 12:03 AM
DREAM... DREAM... DREAMCAST (E:)
Where the E stands for Excellent. 💙
A lovely hi-res image (especially for the time) of a VMU from a Sega promo disc.
Where the E stands for Excellent. 💙
A lovely hi-res image (especially for the time) of a VMU from a Sega promo disc.
Godzilla? Pah, we had our own Kaiju with their own dapper sense of style and a sweet sponsorship deal under their arm.
February 6, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Godzilla? Pah, we had our own Kaiju with their own dapper sense of style and a sweet sponsorship deal under their arm.
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
The 2026 zine annual comes
bundled free with the latest issue of Forgotten Worlds. It showcases independent video game magazines from around the world - each one introduced by the editor. More details 👇
@sharkabytes.bsky.social @pixelsandpolygons.net @mathewkumar.com @devilsblush.bsky.social
bundled free with the latest issue of Forgotten Worlds. It showcases independent video game magazines from around the world - each one introduced by the editor. More details 👇
@sharkabytes.bsky.social @pixelsandpolygons.net @mathewkumar.com @devilsblush.bsky.social
February 6, 2026 at 10:41 PM
The 2026 zine annual comes
bundled free with the latest issue of Forgotten Worlds. It showcases independent video game magazines from around the world - each one introduced by the editor. More details 👇
@sharkabytes.bsky.social @pixelsandpolygons.net @mathewkumar.com @devilsblush.bsky.social
bundled free with the latest issue of Forgotten Worlds. It showcases independent video game magazines from around the world - each one introduced by the editor. More details 👇
@sharkabytes.bsky.social @pixelsandpolygons.net @mathewkumar.com @devilsblush.bsky.social
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
It was likely a galaxy-scale inevitability that at least one Gundam Wing AMV with 3 Doors Down's My Kryptonite would be produced once that song dropped in Jan 2000.
The Toonami Arsenal web address watermark is a nice little timepiece in itself.
The Toonami Arsenal web address watermark is a nice little timepiece in itself.
February 5, 2026 at 10:03 PM
It was likely a galaxy-scale inevitability that at least one Gundam Wing AMV with 3 Doors Down's My Kryptonite would be produced once that song dropped in Jan 2000.
The Toonami Arsenal web address watermark is a nice little timepiece in itself.
The Toonami Arsenal web address watermark is a nice little timepiece in itself.
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Today is also Bandcamp Friday, and I should note that quite a few of the Magica Riot songs are songs originally written by my band and I. You can find our output so far at crystalfurs.bandcamp.com 🥰
February 6, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Today is also Bandcamp Friday, and I should note that quite a few of the Magica Riot songs are songs originally written by my band and I. You can find our output so far at crystalfurs.bandcamp.com 🥰
Famicom Hisshoubon - The Fighting Famicom Magazine!
October 1987's cover with artwork from Takehiko Itō, best known for his mechanical designs in a myriad of mecha anime and video game character designs, plus the Outlaw Star manga!
Dragon Quest III, Faxanadu, and Ultima await you, adventurer...
October 1987's cover with artwork from Takehiko Itō, best known for his mechanical designs in a myriad of mecha anime and video game character designs, plus the Outlaw Star manga!
Dragon Quest III, Faxanadu, and Ultima await you, adventurer...
February 6, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Famicom Hisshoubon - The Fighting Famicom Magazine!
October 1987's cover with artwork from Takehiko Itō, best known for his mechanical designs in a myriad of mecha anime and video game character designs, plus the Outlaw Star manga!
Dragon Quest III, Faxanadu, and Ultima await you, adventurer...
October 1987's cover with artwork from Takehiko Itō, best known for his mechanical designs in a myriad of mecha anime and video game character designs, plus the Outlaw Star manga!
Dragon Quest III, Faxanadu, and Ultima await you, adventurer...
Always loved this kind of immersive music choice interface in arcade racers. <3 Lotus III: The Ultimate Challenge remains my favourite one.
February 6, 2026 at 7:04 PM
Always loved this kind of immersive music choice interface in arcade racers. <3 Lotus III: The Ultimate Challenge remains my favourite one.
A new issue of our digi-zine, Between the Scanlines, is now out!
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
February 6, 2026 at 4:34 PM
A new issue of our digi-zine, Between the Scanlines, is now out!
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
This issue: features on Jerry Lawson, 2000AD games on microcomputer, and the early days of id!
betweenthescanlines.itch.io/issue-thirty...
As much as we can spare from sales will be donated to the Black History Foundation.
When live-action footage meets CGI mecha in Old Tokyo - now the battleground for televised 'Scoot' battles.
📺: Phantom Crash, Genki, 2002 (Xbox)
📺: Phantom Crash, Genki, 2002 (Xbox)
February 6, 2026 at 12:43 PM
When live-action footage meets CGI mecha in Old Tokyo - now the battleground for televised 'Scoot' battles.
📺: Phantom Crash, Genki, 2002 (Xbox)
📺: Phantom Crash, Genki, 2002 (Xbox)
Speeding along to deliver good morning and afternoon greets to y'all 💜
February 6, 2026 at 11:56 AM
Speeding along to deliver good morning and afternoon greets to y'all 💜
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Video game intros and voice acting peaked in this moment
February 6, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Video game intros and voice acting peaked in this moment
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
ICYMI, my post this week was on U.S. Gold's World Cup Carnival. Read about:
- How they ended up with the World Cup licence but no game, and decided the only answer was to pull a con and call it "to the good of the software market"
- How two years was a very long time in 80s Spectrum football games
- How they ended up with the World Cup licence but no game, and decided the only answer was to pull a con and call it "to the good of the software market"
- How two years was a very long time in 80s Spectrum football games
February 6, 2026 at 10:02 AM
ICYMI, my post this week was on U.S. Gold's World Cup Carnival. Read about:
- How they ended up with the World Cup licence but no game, and decided the only answer was to pull a con and call it "to the good of the software market"
- How two years was a very long time in 80s Spectrum football games
- How they ended up with the World Cup licence but no game, and decided the only answer was to pull a con and call it "to the good of the software market"
- How two years was a very long time in 80s Spectrum football games
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Tune in next week for part two of "Chancellor Gowron's Glorious Guide to Dating Like a Klingon."
September 14, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Tune in next week for part two of "Chancellor Gowron's Glorious Guide to Dating Like a Klingon."
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
One of the most recognisable bosses of the arcade era: Dobkeratops.
I always enjoy seeing how each port handles portraying this iconic enemy. And this one was a system seller, a stellar arcade conversion.
📺: R-Type, Irem, 1987 (1988 PC Engine port shown)
I always enjoy seeing how each port handles portraying this iconic enemy. And this one was a system seller, a stellar arcade conversion.
📺: R-Type, Irem, 1987 (1988 PC Engine port shown)
May 26, 2024 at 10:32 PM
One of the most recognisable bosses of the arcade era: Dobkeratops.
I always enjoy seeing how each port handles portraying this iconic enemy. And this one was a system seller, a stellar arcade conversion.
📺: R-Type, Irem, 1987 (1988 PC Engine port shown)
I always enjoy seeing how each port handles portraying this iconic enemy. And this one was a system seller, a stellar arcade conversion.
📺: R-Type, Irem, 1987 (1988 PC Engine port shown)
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Okay so I did cut this out when I was younger. Tried taping two of them to make different sides.
…. It did not work as intended.
…. It did not work as intended.
"Free Demo."
Always worth seeing again, especially on Paper Mario's 25th NA release birthday. Still one of my favourite game ads.
Always worth seeing again, especially on Paper Mario's 25th NA release birthday. Still one of my favourite game ads.
February 5, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Okay so I did cut this out when I was younger. Tried taping two of them to make different sides.
…. It did not work as intended.
…. It did not work as intended.
It was likely a galaxy-scale inevitability that at least one Gundam Wing AMV with 3 Doors Down's My Kryptonite would be produced once that song dropped in Jan 2000.
The Toonami Arsenal web address watermark is a nice little timepiece in itself.
The Toonami Arsenal web address watermark is a nice little timepiece in itself.
February 5, 2026 at 10:03 PM
It was likely a galaxy-scale inevitability that at least one Gundam Wing AMV with 3 Doors Down's My Kryptonite would be produced once that song dropped in Jan 2000.
The Toonami Arsenal web address watermark is a nice little timepiece in itself.
The Toonami Arsenal web address watermark is a nice little timepiece in itself.
Digging around in DOKAN discs again tonight and came across some prime early gaming meme x anime from 2000/2001 with Zero Wing x Gundam Wing.
Now I'll be on the hunt for 0079 and All Your (White) Base Belongs to Us...
Now I'll be on the hunt for 0079 and All Your (White) Base Belongs to Us...
February 5, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Digging around in DOKAN discs again tonight and came across some prime early gaming meme x anime from 2000/2001 with Zero Wing x Gundam Wing.
Now I'll be on the hunt for 0079 and All Your (White) Base Belongs to Us...
Now I'll be on the hunt for 0079 and All Your (White) Base Belongs to Us...
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
GOG did an AMA and they all but confirmed that they will continue using Gen AI.
"AI tools are one of many technologies we test and try out, and in some contexts it genuinely helps us push the company (and the mission) forward".
I mean, no way they could pay an artist like before, right?
"AI tools are one of many technologies we test and try out, and in some contexts it genuinely helps us push the company (and the mission) forward".
I mean, no way they could pay an artist like before, right?
February 5, 2026 at 7:09 PM
GOG did an AMA and they all but confirmed that they will continue using Gen AI.
"AI tools are one of many technologies we test and try out, and in some contexts it genuinely helps us push the company (and the mission) forward".
I mean, no way they could pay an artist like before, right?
"AI tools are one of many technologies we test and try out, and in some contexts it genuinely helps us push the company (and the mission) forward".
I mean, no way they could pay an artist like before, right?
Reposted by Sasha's Retrobytes 🏳️⚧️
Holy cow! Kyoto Xanadu actually has a reference to Computer Land Tachikawa, the PC store that Falcom operated when they were first established in the 80s. They even look the similar.
February 5, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Holy cow! Kyoto Xanadu actually has a reference to Computer Land Tachikawa, the PC store that Falcom operated when they were first established in the 80s. They even look the similar.