The fan-made SNES port of Kid Icarus is set to receive a significant update that promises to enhance the gaming experience further. Originally developed by the ROM hacker Rumbleminze, this unofficial port has already optimized the classic NES game to run on the Super Nintendo‘s FastROM mode, offering improved performance and potential for additional features.
The last few backgrounds for my SNES port of Kid Icarus are in place (worlds 3 and 4), time for a lot of testing. You can thank #ufo50 for the delay 😀 pic.twitter.com/kUeuNvyaON
— rumbleminze (@rumbleminze) October 13, 2024
Upcoming Enhancements
- Background Graphics Update: The new update will incorporate backgrounds from the 3D Classics version of Kid Icarus, originally released on the Nintendo 3DS. These backgrounds will be adapted for the SNES, using 16 colors and 4bpp graphics to fit the older hardware’s capabilities. This enhancement replaces the original black vortexes with more detailed and diverse backgrounds, such as lava-filled rooms and overgrown trees, adding depth and vibrancy to the game.
- Randomizer Features: Alongside the graphical updates, a new version of the randomizer created for the SNES release will be included. This feature adds replayability by altering game elements in each playthrough.
- Current Status: The updated version is currently in testing, with plans for release as a separate revision once finalized. Rumbleminze has been actively sharing progress and “proof of concept” experiments on social media.
Community Involvement
The project has garnered attention within the retro gaming community, highlighting the dedication of fans to preserve and enhance classic games. While there are some known issues with the current port, such as graphical glitches and occasional freezing, players are encouraged to report any problems they encounter to assist in refining the update.
