Tag Archives: GOG

Breaking, Featured, Games, Gaming, News, PC

Breath of Fire IV Joins the GOG Preservation Program

More than two decades after its original release, Breath of Fire IV has returned to PC as part of the GOG Preservation Program. This initiative, spearheaded by GOG, aims to restore and maintain classic games, ensuring they remain accessible to modern audiences without the constraints of DRM or outdated compatibility issues.

The Legacy of Breath of Fire IV

Originally launched in 2000 (and 2003 for Europe and Japan), Breath of Fire IV is a beloved JRPG from Capcom that continues the franchise’s tradition of turn-based combat, deep storytelling, and a rich fantasy world. The game follows Ryu, a mysterious warrior with the ability to transform into a dragon, and Princess Nina, who embarks on a quest to find her missing sister, Elena. Their journey takes them across two continents, embroiled in political intrigue and ancient conflicts.

Despite its cult status, the original PC port of Breath of Fire IV was notoriously flawed, suffering from low-resolution graphics and compatibility issues. However, thanks to GOG’s restoration efforts, the game has been modernized with bug fixes, improved rendering options, restored environmental sounds, and full controller support. While some players note that upscaling still requires tweaking, the new version is widely regarded as the best way to experience the game on PC today.

The GOG Preservation Program: Keeping Classics Alive

The GOG Preservation Program is dedicated to reviving classic games, ensuring they remain playable on modern systems while maintaining their original charm. Unlike other digital platforms, GOG prioritizes DRM-free gaming, meaning players can own and play their games without restrictions.

Breath of Fire IV was selected for preservation after more than 23,000 votes from fans on the GOG Dreamlist, a community-driven initiative where players nominate titles they want to see restored. This underscores the game’s enduring popularity and the demand for classic JRPGs in today’s gaming landscape.

For fans of retro gaming, the inclusion of Breath of Fire IV in the GOG Preservation Program is a significant milestone. It not only revives a beloved classic but also highlights the importance of preserving gaming history. With modern gaming often dominated by live-service models and digital-only releases, initiatives like GOG’s ensure that older titles remain accessible for future generations.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this is the perfect opportunity to experience one of Capcom’s most cherished RPGs in its best possible form. You can find Breath of Fire IV on GOG and immerse yourself in its epic tale of dragons, war, and destiny.

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Breath of Fire IV
Developer: Unknown
Price: 9.99
Games, Gaming, News, PC

GOG’s Preservation Program Welcomes 27 Classic PC Games

The gaming community has long cherished its classics, and GOG has taken the mantle to ensure these treasures remain accessible. The GOG Preservation Program, launched with the aim of keeping gaming history alive, has recently expanded with the addition of 27 iconic PC titles.

This includes Silent Hill 4: The Room, a beloved gem in the horror genre, now restored and optimized for modern systems.

One of the standout features of this program is its dedication to enhancing older games without compromising their original charm. GOG’s team works diligently to add modern controller support, restore missing content, and improve compatibility with current operating systems. The preservation isn’t merely about keeping games playable; it’s about ensuring they’re experienced as intended, perhaps even improved.

Spotlight on Silent Hill 4
For fans of the Silent Hill series, the inclusion of Silent Hill 4: The Room is thrilling. GOG’s updates to this game include the reintroduction of “missing hauntings,” eerie encounters that were absent in previous PC versions. This restoration elevates the creepy atmosphere that made Silent Hill 4 a standout in its series. Players can now enjoy the full spine-chilling experience that was intended by its original creators.

Other Additions to the Program
The expansion isn’t limited to horror titles. Players can now delve into a variety of genres with classics such as F.E.A.R. Platinum, a blend of action and psychological horror; Deus Ex GOTY Edition, a cyberpunk RPG masterpiece; and Fallout 2, an RPG legend that shaped the post-apocalyptic genre. Each game has been meticulously updated to offer the best experience on contemporary systems.

Preserving Gaming History
The GOG Preservation Program is more than an initiative; it’s a celebration of gaming history. As technology advances, countless games risk being lost to obsolescence. This program seeks to bridge the gap between nostalgic memories and modern playability, making sure the charm of classic gaming continues to inspire generations of gamers.

For those interested, the updated games can be explored directly on GOG’s website. Whether you’re a veteran gamer revisiting old favorites or a newcomer curious about the roots of gaming, there’s something for everyone in this program.

Games, Gaming, News

LEGO classics and F.E.A.R. joins the GOG Preservation Program

In the ever-evolving world of video games, preserving the classics is a mission that resonates deeply with gamers and historians alike. The GOG Preservation Program, launched in November 2024, is a testament to this commitment. This initiative ensures that iconic games remain playable on modern systems, even after their developers have ceased support. Let’s dive into the latest additions to this program and explore the backstory of this noble endeavor.

Latest Additions: LEGO Games and F.E.A.R.

The GOG Preservation Program recently welcomed a slew of classic LEGO games and the horror shooter F.E.A.R. into its fold. These additions are not just about nostalgia; they are about ensuring that these beloved titles remain accessible and enjoyable for future generations.

LEGO Games: GOG has added 11 classic LEGO games to its Preservation Program. This includes fan favorites like LEGO Batman: The Video Game, LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, and LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game. These games have been updated to ensure compatibility with modern PCs, running at a default 1080p resolution with V-Sync enabled and a locked 60Hz frame rate.

F.E.A.R.: In a move to honor the contributions of the now-shuttered developer Monolith Productions, GOG has added F.E.A.R. Platinum to its Preservation Program ahead of schedule. This collection includes the base game and its expansions, ensuring that the legacy of Monolith’s work lives on.

The GOG Preservation Program is more than just a collection of old games; it’s a commitment to preserving gaming history. The idea was born out of a recognition that many classic games were becoming unplayable due to technological advancements and the discontinuation of support from developers.

The GOG Preservation Program aims to ensure that classic games remain playable on modern and future systems. This involves updating games to be compatible with current operating systems, fixing bugs, and sometimes even enhancing the graphics and gameplay. The program also includes dedicated tech support and offline installers, ensuring that players can enjoy these classics without any hassle.

Community Involvement

GOG actively involves the gaming community in its preservation efforts. Players can vote for their favorite classic games to be added to the program, ensuring that the most beloved titles are preserved. This community-driven approach helps GOG prioritize which games to update and maintain.

The GOG Preservation Program is a beacon of hope for gamers who cherish the classics. By ensuring that these games remain accessible and playable, GOG is preserving a vital part of gaming history. Whether you’re a fan of LEGO adventures or the spine-chilling thrills of F.E.A.R., the GOG Preservation Program has something for everyone. So, let’s celebrate these timeless classics and the efforts to keep them alive for generations to come.

Featured, Games, Gaming, News

GOG wants you to help them deciding their next game to land the GOG Preservation Program

GOG, the renowned digital storefront known for its commitment to DRM-free gaming, has recently unveiled an exciting update to its platform: the Dreamlist. This revamped feature, previously known as the Community Wishlist, is designed to empower gamers to influence which classic games are brought back to life.

The Dreamlist serves as a community-driven tool where gamers can vote for their favorite games that they want to see available on GOG. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about preserving gaming history and making beloved titles accessible to new generations. Each game on the Dreamlist has its own dedicated page, complete with detailed descriptions, screenshots, and trailers. Gamers can also share their personal stories and memories associated with these games, adding a heartfelt touch to their votes.

How Does it Work?

GOG has made it incredibly easy for gamers to participate in the Dreamlist. The interface has been overhauled to provide enhanced browsing and filtering options, making it simple to find and vote for games. The Dreamlist also features a “Staff Picks” section, where GOG highlights games that they believe deserve attention.

This not only helps guide the community but also showcases GOG’s dedication to bringing quality games to its platform.

The Dreamlist has already proven its worth. One notable success story is the revival of Dino Crisis 1 and 2, which were brought back to life thanks to the overwhelming community support on the Dreamlist. These games were remastered to ensure compatibility with modern systems, preserving their original content while enhancing their playability.

Looking ahead, GOG has ambitious plans for the Dreamlist. Games like Freelancer, Resident Evil Code: Veronica X, and the original Final Fantasy VII are among the titles that GOG and its community are eager to see revived. The Dreamlist is not just a wishlist; it’s a powerful tool for gamers to influence the gaming industry and ensure that their favorite titles are not forgotten.

In an industry where many classic games are no longer available, GOG’s Dreamlist is a beacon of hope for game preservation. According to GOG, 87% of games released prior to 2010 are no longer accessible, making the Dreamlist an essential initiative for keeping gaming history alive. By voting on the Dreamlist, gamers are not only expressing their preferences but also contributing to the preservation of gaming culture.

GOG invites all gamers to explore the Dreamlist, cast their votes, and share their memories. Whether it’s a childhood favorite or a game you’ve always wanted to play DRM-free, your vote matters. Together, we can ensure that these classic games find a new home on GOG and continue to be enjoyed by gamers around the world.

And from my part… I made some votes already and I want to highlight this one:

DO NOT CHANGE MY MIND!!!

Breaking, Featured, Games, Gaming, News, PC, Xbox

Anima Flux now available at GOG & Xbox

Anima Flux, a highly anticipated couch co-op Metroidvania game, has made its welcomed arrival at both GOG and Xbox as respectively the second and third gaming storefronts after its early release via Steam this year. Developed by a dedicated team from Eastern Europe, the game has been in the making since January 2017 and was developed by a dedicated team of 12 people from Eastern Europe and has been on a grind for all gaming fans looking for the next original video game.

Game Overview

Anima Flux is set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world where players control two genetically enhanced soldiers. These elite agents must navigate through a desolate space city, fighting off swarms of mutants to save humanity’s last stronghold. The game features stunning hand-drawn cutscenes and sharp, ironic dialogue that immerses players in its rich narrative.

Development Journey

The development team’s journey began with a desire to create an interactive retro sci-fi comic inspired by the 80s and 90s. Over time, the project evolved into a Metroidvania game, blending nostalgic elements with modern gameplay mechanics. The team’s passion for retro games and their love for the genre drove them to create a unique and engaging experience.

Key Features

  • Couch Co-Op: Players can team up with a friend for local co-op gameplay or play solo with an AI-controlled partner.
  • Dynamic World: The game features a procedurally generated world with diverse biomes and interactive systems.
  • Character Progression: Each character develops differently as the game progresses, encouraging collaboration and strategy.
  • Retro Aesthetic: Inspired by classic games like The Lost Vikings and Contra, Anima Flux delivers a visually stunning 2D art style.
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Anima Flux
Developer: Avantaj Prim
Price: $ 19.99
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Anima Flux
Developer: Unknown
Price: 19.99
Download QR-Code
Anima Flux
Developer: JollyCo
Price: Free
Games, Gaming, PC

GOG Steps Up to Preserve Warcraft 1 and 2 Amidst Blizzard’s Delisting

In a bold move to ensure the longevity of classic games, GOG has announced its commitment to preserving Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft II despite Blizzard’s surprising and UNFORTUNATE decision to delist them from its storefront.

This decision comes just a month after Blizzard released remastered versions of these iconic games on its Battle.net marketplace.

Starting December 13, 2024, the original Warcraft games will no longer be available for purchase on GOG. However, GOG has reassured its customers that the games will remain accessible to those who have already purchased them.

This is part of GOG’s newly launched Preservation Program, which aims to keep classic games compatible with modern systems indefinitely.

We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve done on Warcraft I and Warcraft II, bringing them back to life after decades of unavailability.

Through our efforts, we’ve introduced several new features to both titles, including multiplayer support over LAN and enhanced graphical options like antialiasing and anisotropic filtering.

-GOG via their official blog.

The company has introduced several enhancements to the games, including multiplayer support over LAN and improved graphical options like antialiasing and anisotropic filtering.

GOG’s Preservation Program ensures that even if a game is delisted, it will continue to receive updates and tech support to maintain compatibility with future systems. This means that fans of the original Warcraft games can rest easy knowing they will still be able to enjoy these classics without any issues.

We want to reveal a new feature to our recently announced Preservation Program. Once a game joins the Program, we pledge to maintain its compatibility even if it gets delisted from the store.

This means that owners of those titles can still expect a seamless experience and tech support for those titles. This also considers potential changes in Windows OS that may impact games’ playability.

For those who haven’t yet snagged the Warcraft I & II Bundle, GOG is offering a discount code MakeWarcraftLiveForever to knock $2 off the regular price of $14.99. This is a fantastic opportunity to own these timeless classics DRM-free and ensure they remain playable for years to come.

I want to personally add that this move by Blizzard Entertainment is as anti-consumer AF as it gets. It’s emblematic of the entire Activision Blizzard mindset where profit is prioritized over genuine gaming experiences and preservation efforts. It’s frustrating to see companies deploying tactics like “compromised” FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) as a convenient marketing ploy rather than addressing the needs and concerns of the gaming community.

This begs the question: why are gamers increasingly skeptical about remasters and remakes? It’s because these efforts often come at the expense of the original versions, eroding the authentic experiences that the gaming community cherishes. Companies should realize that preserving the source material while introducing new versions shows respect for the legacy of these games and the loyalty of their players.

From my part… I was looking for the physical version as part of my retro gaming spending for next year, but if my discount purchase allows me to both contribute and spite Blizzard at the same time, I’m all game!