Almost every day, we see waves of online users replying to game reveals with something along the lines of "yeah, but is it coming to Switch", desperate for another game on their platform of choice. Isn't it about time we started asking new questions instead of simply port-begging for more games on Nintendo's newest machine? How about, "yeah, but is it coming to NES" instead? Much better.
That's right, Soko Banana is a new game currently in development for the trusty Nintendo Entertainment System - a console which was discontinued almost 25 years ago. The game is a puzzler said to "bring hours of fun and challenge" as you make your way through dozens of levels. You visit banana warehouses on different islands, aiming to get all the banana crates to the exit using the environment to your advantage. Traps and enemies are also there to hinder your progress.
We've got a feature list for you below.
Features
- A brand new game for the NES, playable on real hardware
- Fun and challenging gameplay mechanics
- 4 different islands - each one will have its own distinct feel, with unique graphics, music and environments
- 10 regular and 2 bonus levels for each island (for a total of 48+ levels)
- A bonus island
The team behind the game are generating funds on Kickstarter as we speak, aiming to make around £4,000. Anyone backing 300 SEK (approx. £24) or higher will receive a physical NES cartridge, with tiers below that getting a digital copy instead.
The project has already generated more than half of the total it's hoping to raise with 20 days still to go. If you're interested in learning more or pledging your support, make sure to head over to the Kickstarter page here.
Before you go, though, make sure to leave us a comment letting us know what you think? Do you like the sound of picking up a brand new NES game in 2019?
[source kickstarter.com]
Comments 41
You're not a true hipster until you develop a new game for the Mega Duck.
The only thing I have to say is just...why? Are they at least going to release it on current-gen hardware? It seems pointless to put time and effort into creating an entirely new game and only putting it on a console that almost nobody but the most serious collectors play anymore.
I am interested in getting some of the new NES games that come along, but I dont think i'm going to shell out for a sokoban game. It looks nice, it just doesnt seem like something for me.
That monkey character is creepy.
@ilikeike To each their own for sure! However, you are likely underestimating the vast numbers of people who currently still play NES and even older consoles. Collecting and retro gaming have never been more popular.
@ilikeike
Why not !
Already funded...
Box art could better.
This article is frankly, patronizing.
Making new physical cartridges for the NES is no longer a surprise, it's been done several times with the likes of GALF, Eskimo Bob games, 8 Bit Music Power / Final (for the Famicom/Famiclones), and some more.
As much as I appreciate how hard it must be to develop a game for the NES, I don't see the point of creating a new NES game today.
@ilikeike why? Because it's fun to create a game for the NES. These are creative people. It's like asking why people like to paint when they could just use their smartphone cam
this is tempting
@SenseiDje well got 3k out of 5k but looks like it will be funded yeah, although not by a huge margin
I'm always happy to see the system that started it all get a brand new game. This is great for modern Gamers and retro enthusiasts alike.
@ilikeike Because they want to. Retro game creation is passion for some people. And why do you care? No one is making you buy it.
@Rhaoulos No one is making you buy it. This is not for you.
Love the NES, it’s great to see new games being developed for these timeless systems. Just goes to show the long lasting legacy of the 8 and 16 bit era.
See!? This shows justification for the NES online app on Switch!
It's worth mentioning that this game was created with the NES Maker program, I remember seeing this game featured on one of NES Maker's Twitch streams recently.
@ilikeike homebrews make good money on the NES. Don't think you realize how big the community is. True, it's not huge but it's sizable enough that these guys make profits
@RupeeClock I thought the same thing. I have a few homebrews on NES including Final Fantasy 7. This is nothing new
Next up: Fortnite on NES!!
So tired of NES games, why are no one liking the SMS? We need more homebrew on the Master System too.
I am so tired of these nes homebrews
So it's a home brew game that is getting a physical copy?
Actually @Dpullam the Ataria 2600 started it all and then almost ended it all when it got saturated with terrible games.
@RupeeClock Yeah I was going to say how this whole "new game on an old console" thing has been done before many times by now.
....Okay seriously....WHY?! Why stop at NES, make one for one of the old Atari systems? Make a game for the MS DOS while we're at it.
@RupeeClock
My thoughts exactly. There are tons of homebrew games that have been developed for (or been released on) original carts complete with box, manual, etc.; not sure why this article is acting like this is a new, novel thing.
@ilikeike most homebrew physical games are for old systems. I’ve bought over 20 Jaguar homebrew carts in the last year and a half. Bought quite a few 2600 and 7800 ones too.
@Rhaoulos because some of us really really enjoy collecting homebrew carts. All the Atari ones I’ve bought are superb and the community of developers and fans is great. I’ve gotten to know quite few of the guys who make them and they are really passionate and dedicated dudes. Sometimes they make a cart run of only 40 games.
Wow I'm really not understanding the hateful comments... Oh yeah internet forum...
It's great that nes collectors and anyone who still owns a nes can play this if they grab hold of a copy. I love that people are still making awesome games for this system and othwrs. Tobu tobu girl for game boy is another good one recently.
I always enjoyed the Sokoban style puzzles, and this seems like it mixes up the formula just enough to feel fresh.
Newsflash there are approximately 30 new NES titles being developed right now that i know of. This one looks poor in comparison to most and the box art is bland.
@darthstuey I imagine they have a passion for old hardware. It must be such a challenge to create a proper game on 30 year old hardware. I didn't know if there actually was a market for this, and if they sell very little and are still doing it, then this is even more admirable. Come to think of it, I would definitely buy an SNES game from a recent IP.
@napabar now now, no need for animosity. I didn't say it was stupid, I said I didn't understand and darthstuey gave me a great answer.
There will be a lot more NES games now that it's easier to get this sort of thing going with advances in software development kits and companies eager to mass produce cartridges.
@retro_player_22 True, we do, but there's just increased production time with making better art. There are still a few out there making new SNES games.
It looks totally wrong but somehow feels so right, like it has always been this way.
So will Soko Banana be added to the Switch Online NES library?
Digital...on the original NES? Does that make sense?
**Head explodes**
Oh a rom, never mind.
@ryancraddock You might want to update this...they have reached their goal! 🎉
Sokoban...I see what they did there...
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