Developer Alekmaul has released an improved version of the xRick homebrew game originally developed by GPF. This new build will carrying some bug fixes, although the developer had to disable its load/save state feature. The changelog is available over in the full article.


Download:xRick v2.0

If you thought that homebrew developer alekmaul has forgotten about ColecoDS, his own take on the ColecoVision emulator for the Nintendo DS, then think again - he's just rolled out another version that should keep your emulating happy flowing. Check out the full article for all the details, and why you should look into this nifty piece of homebrew.

Download: ColecoDS v2.1

If you're in the mood for some retro-gaming joy and you've decided on the Amstrad CPCP 6128 Computer as your pleasure, then homebrew developer Alekmaul's emulator, AmeDS, has your fix. Check out what's new in this latest  version and see why you NEED to have a WiFi connection while you're using this app. All the details in the full article!

Download: AmeDS v2.1

Homebrew developers Redbug and KuKulcan have released CrocoDS 2.0 for the Nintendo DS. In case you aren't familiar with this application, it is an Amstrad CPC emulator that was based on the PC-CPC emulator from demoniak. This application will run on any Nintendo DS with a linker that supports DLDI.

This application has undergone significant changes since CrocoDS 1.0. If you want to find out all the new features or plan on download CrocoDS 2.0, head on over to the full article.

Fans of the classic Atari 800XL can can now play it on their Nintendo DS handhelds thanks to homebrew developer Alekmaul's pokeyDS. This recently released Atari 800XL emulator is compatible with most file types Atari 800XL games come in, including ATR, XFD, XEX, EXE, BIN, CAR, and ROM files. You need the DLDI patcher to patch pokeyDS with the correct drivers for it to work. Being known as the most popular Atari computer back in the day, you're sure to find enjoyable games playable on pokeyDS. Check out the full article to download Alekpaul's pokeyDS version 1.0.

It's been a very long time since we heard anything from Alekmaul, which is why we're happy to report that the developer's back in action with a new build for AmEDS. For the guys tuning in for the first time, this DS homebrew is an emulator that will let your Nintendo handheld play games originally meant for the Amstrad CPC 6128 Computer. AmEDS version 2.0 carries these new features from version 1.1:

• Even more fast now :)
• New design
• Display optimization (direct memory access)
• Optimization/Hack of CRTC code (so it is faster ... thanks redbug for your help)
• Better Overscan mode management
• Add automatic resize mode
• Rewrite of dsk / sna files choice
• Rewrite of keyboard management (with correct management of SHIFT and CONTROL)
• Add DSK autostart (activate with OPTIONS menu)
• New AY-8912 sound management
• The sending of a DSK / SNA file compatibility with WIFI on portabledev web site. You can see it at: http://www.portabledev.com/pages/ds/jeuxdev.-perso/ameds/liste-de-compatibilitE9-des-fichiers.php    
• Tracks with no length management (Nexor [original]works now)
  

Users are advised to open up the file bundle's readme for proper installation and usage instructions.

Download: AmEDS v2.0

The classic console-emulating crowd should enjoy this entry from AlekMaul for the Neo Summer Coding Compo 2007. This is the latest update of DSMasterPlus - the Sega Master System and Game Gear emulator for the DS.

Version 1.3 is enhanced with DS Motion Card support as well as a brand-new interface and Pro Action Replay code support. For the complete list of new features, check out AlekMaul's changelog:

• New interface (thanks again Lobo)
• New graphic engine for backgrounds
• Code optimization everywhere
• Pro Action Replay codes support !!!
• No more German translation (some sentences are missing).
• DS motion card support

Since there's now support for the motion card, it's best to try and take advantage of the new feature with games that work best with motion-sensitive controls, such as Marble Madness.

Also, please take note that you need to patch DSMasterPlus v1.3 with the DLDI patchers using the correct drivers or else, it will not run properly on your DS. For more information, please browse through the Readme file included in the download package.

Download: DSMasterPlus v1.3

Here's another for those keeping tabs on NeoFlash Summer Coding Competition 2007: homebrew developer alekmaul joins the fray with Codename Hacker, a Nintendo DS port of the classic puzzle game from Atari Lynx.

Players will take the shoes of Chip, guiding him through several mazes to collect chips in order to impress Melinda. Only 'til then will our hero be able to join the computer club, Bit Busters. The game is 149 levels long, and offers various puzzle solving elements to keep you on your toes.

As you make your way through mazes, traps scattered all over the place will try to hinder your progress. Some traps you should watch out for are:

• FORCE FLOOR TRAPS: propel you with lightning speed from one area to another without allowing you to stop. Sometimes you can use this force to propel you to a desired location, however most of the time you will need to collect a magnet to neutralise the effect.
• FIRE TRAPS: impassable bonfires laid out to block your progress. Use a fire
• shield to walk through fire traps.
• WATER TRAPS: either build a bridge of dirt blocks or have a water shield in your inventory to get through them.
• ICE TRAPS: slippery obstacles that make you slide right past your goal. Cleats are required to be able to walk over ice traps.

You will also encounter plenty of monsters, tanks, and thieves that are there to take you down. More objects are waiting for you to discover them, so get your Nintendo DS out and start playing!

Download: Codename Hacker

Alekmaul's MarcaDS is an emulator for arcade games for the Nintendo DS. The list of supported games is quite long (you can check the gamelist.txt file that's included in the download file below).

Here's what's new in MarcaDS v4.0 (as taken from Alekmaul's readme):

• New design (thanks again Lobo) and new logo (thanks to you too DayDream)
• Add SN76496 and AY-8910 sound emulation, lots of games have now sound.
• Solomon's key do not have any more background pb.
• Add Video Hustler, The Billiards, DigDug (2 sets), Hexa, Bank Panic.
• Galaga (and clones) is playables.
• Pinball Action is now playable.
• The background pb in Phoenix (and clones) is fixed.
• Also for 1942 background pb !
• Add compressed ZIP support.
• Add CRC checking to avoid compatibility problems.
• Add Hish score management.
• SELECT to add coins (A becomes the main shoot button).
• No more "Player 2" mode.
• No more clones (less games but only the originals ;)).
• Mario becomes Masao to have the sound.
• Ms Pacman becomes Ms Pacman (bootleg) and the zip file mspacmab.zip.
• Piranha becomes Piranha (hack) and the zip file piranhah.zip.
• Jr Pacman becomes playable.
• Fire pb in Arkanoid fixed.
• Using now EFSLIB, thanks Noda ;).

So that's a lot of changes from when MarcaDS v3.0 came out last year!

As always, please read the readme text before you install the application.

And yes, since this is an arcade emulator, you're going to need uncompressed (unzipped) ROMs. But, as Alekmaul says (and we echo the sentiment): "Do not ask me about ROMS, I don't have them."

Download: MarcaDS v4.0 arcade emulator homebrew

AlekMaul has released a new version of DSMasterPlus. In case you haven't checked out this homebrew app yet, DSMasterPlus is a Sega Master System/Game Gear emulator for the Nintendo DS. This emulator is based on SMSPlus, but it has been heavily modified for compatibility with the DS. Here's the changleog for version 1.1:

• Add L & R to skip +/- 14 games
• Add B go out from the current directory
• Add directories in game selection list (DSMasterPlus begins it searchs from the root directory of the linker)
• Add support for GG files executed in SMS mode (ex: Castle of illusion)
• Change color for GG / SMS files in game selection list
• The choice is directly "Execute game" after selecting it
• Switch English/French regarding DS langage
• Add CodeMaster and Korean mapper (but the palette is not good for Dizzy)
• Add TMS compatibility mode
• A little faster (really ...) because the cpu is now driven in assembler with DRZ80 :)
• NO MORE SAVE STATE :(
• German translation (thanks Payk :D !)
• Add sending game compatibility via wifi
  

For more specifics, make sure to check out the readme file included in the download.

Download: DSMasterPlus v1.1