The recent PlayStation video about the "simulated" technology in development, discussed between AMD and Sony engineers that will power the PlayStation 6 was interesting from a geek point of view. But from a gameplay perspective, there is - IMO - no need for a PlayStation 6 for another few years. Especially with the limp Xbox is-it-isn't-it launch . June 2026 Update : The latest snippet of gossip for Sony's next-gen systems is a modular/external drive that will connect to both devices. Allowing installation on the portable of physical games, and reducing the cost of the PS6 by making the Blu-ray an accessory (like the PS5 Slim). I prefer the idea of a dedicated dock on the PS6 that connects the next Portable to your entire PSN library, and they'd better make it work as an extra controller, but I'm sure there are practical benefits to the extra drive. That should also boost sales of PS4 and PS5 physical games, especially on the second-hand market, as folk...
Jeff Minter is back with Akka Arrh on Switch
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Having recently enjoyed Tempest 2000 on the Jaguar via the Atari 50 Collection and always loving a burst of TxK on the Vita, it is always good to hear from Jeff Minter. The part-Yak, part-hippy, still based in deepest darkest Wales with his biscuit-fed sheep, is ready to drop his vision of one of Atari's legendary prototype arcade machines that never got a full release.
Due for release on 21st February for £17.99 on the eShop, it takes the things we love Minter for, hypnotic music, trippy visuals and fast-and-furious gameplay mixed into the original trackball-controlled wave shooter that was too tough for test audiences back in the day. Akka Arrh made a showing in the 50 Collection, you can see that version in action here, but it clearly was ripe for a revamp.
The Minter update is coming to Switch and other consoles. It follows on from other jazzed-up "Reimagined" Atari revisitations like VCTR-SCTR, Breakout and others. I must have missed this launch trailer (below) a month ago, but some new screens are part of Atari's CES trade show activities.
Their show-floor presence includes some new portable retro hardware and other gizmos. Not sure if those will include Akka Arrh in its original or new form.
From the blurb: "A cascade of words, colour, shapes and sound flows around your turret as you desperately fight off swarms of inbound attackers. If enemies penetrate your perimeter you need to zoom into close range combat and beat them back, adjusting to a completely different perspective in the blink of an eye. Welcome to Jeff Minter’s Akka Arrh.
Akka Arrh is the name of your star cannon, which you control from a fixed turret called the Sentinel. Your mission is to keep enemies from penetrating the Sentinel’s perimeter. If any of them slip through, you zoom into the lower field and take them out. Once cleared, zoom back out and continue defending."
Akka Arrh comes hot on the heels of a physical release for Tempest 4000 by LRG. pre-orders closed on January 1st, so bad luck if you missed out (sob!). You can still buy that game for £16 on the eShop.
Can't wait for Akka Arrh to arrive on the eShop - see you on the high score table! Have to say it'll be hard to match the view from his own screen!
