Classic Gaming News Highlights: Week of January 25, 2026
Classic gaming news has been buzzing with exciting updates as of January 25, 2026. Significant developments touch various franchises, resonating with gamers across the globe.
Lara Croft’s Anime Makeover Proposal
In a recent revelation, Paul Douglas, a former staff member of Core Design, disclosed that Japanese publisher Victor suggested an anime-inspired aesthetic for Lara Croft in *Tomb Raider*. This proposal aimed to better connect the iconic character with Japanese audiences. Fortunately, Core Design declined the request. However, a more stylized version of Lara did appear in the Japanese PS1 and Saturn manuals.
New Sonic Audio Drama Coming Soon
Sega has announced an engaging new audio drama titled *The Chaotix Detective Agency*. Scheduled for release on January 27, 2026, the series features beloved characters from *Sonic the Hedgehog*, including Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, and Charmy Bee. This hard-boiled detective story promises to deliver a unique take on the Sonic universe, intertwined with excitement and intrigue.
Framework for Sonic Fan Games in Development
Fans of the *Sonic the Hedgehog* series have much to anticipate, as a new framework for creating fan-made games is on the horizon. Developer Axanery, known for the 1993 Sega CD remake titled *Sonic CDX*, announced this project will faithfully replicate the physics and environment from *Sonic Mania*. The framework aims to enhance fangame development, with a planned release within 2026.
Feature of the Week: The Legacy of the 2DS
The 2DS is often seen as a minor player within the Nintendo handheld market. However, it exemplifies the late Gunpei Yokoi’s principle of “Lateral Thinking with Withered Technology.” This unique device played a crucial role in helping Nintendo recover from the 3DS launch issues. Impressively, the 2DS has achieved over 75 million units sold worldwide.
Conclusion
As classic gaming continues to evolve, these updates emphasize the relevance of past titles while introducing innovative ideas. Fans eagerly await the upcoming projects and features that promise to enhance their gaming experience.
