Jet Set Willy Redux

Jet Set Willy Redux is a ground-up rewritten multiplayer reimagining of Matthew Smith's iconic 1984 classic, and today we are playing the current beta build on the Spectrum Next via MiSTER FPGA with full gameplay and commentary. If you are new to the channel, welcome. This is exactly what we focus on.

The original Jet Set Willy released in March 1984 and became the UK's best-selling home video game of that year. Matthew Smith's creation spent over three months at the top of the charts and defined a generation of platform gaming. Players guided Miner Willy through his mansion collecting scattered items while avoiding guardians and hazards, with classical music by Beethoven, Grieg, Bach, and Mozart playing throughout. The original featured 60 screens and 83 objects to collect.

Jet Set Willy Redux is developer MausTheKat's ambitious reimagining of that legacy. Rather than a straight port or remake, Redux is a complete ground-up rewrite that expands the scope dramatically. Where the original featured 60 rooms, Redux explores hundreds of uniquely designed rooms. The core mechanic remains true to the original, but the scale is transformed entirely. You still move left and right and jump to navigate the mansion, still avoid enemies and hazards, still collect items to progress, but now with multiplayer competitive elements that the 1984 original never had.

The single-player beta version is currently playable and approaching completion. Recent development videos show gameplay that is approximately 99 percent finalized, with only minor rough edges remaining. The game includes a comprehensive text terminal interface where players can enter debug commands and access cheat systems. This terminal was originally designed for online multiplayer coordination but currently supports additional features for testing and progression.

Debug mode enables commands like invulnerability and immortality modes, allowing players to explore the hundreds of rooms without constant punishment for mistakes. The teleportation system lets you jump to any room by coordinates, perfect for discovering the massive mansion layout without replaying sections. These tools acknowledge that Redux is significantly more challenging than the original, with room design philosophy that demands precision timing and pixel-perfect jumps.

MausTheKat has publicly stated that multiplayer functionality is being added incrementally, and the single-player experience is the priority for the initial release. The game runs on the ZX Spectrum Next, the advanced FPGA-based handheld console released in November 2023, as well as through MAME emulation. A web-based version is available at jetsetwilly.net for browser testing.

The original Jet Set Willy had a notorious bug called The Attic Bug that corrupted subsequent playthroughs by overwriting crucial game data. Redux eliminates this issue entirely, proof that modern development can improve upon even the most iconic games while preserving their soul.

If you love classic platformers, appreciate massive ambitious remakes that respect their source material, and want to see how the Spectrum Next enables developers to expand gaming legends beyond their 1980s constraints, hit subscribe and stick around. We explore this scene every single week. 

Sonic Spectrum Next

Sonic Spectrum Next is a brand new homebrew port that arrived in June 2026, and today we are playing the current beta build on the Spectrum Next with full gameplay and commentary. If you are new to the channel, welcome. This is exactly the kind of cutting-edge homebrew content we focus on.

The port was developed by Dave Douglas, known in the homebrew community as Dave18, who previously brought the SMS shooter Astro Warrior to the Spectrum Next. For Sonic Spectrum Next, Douglas took on the ambitious task of converting the 8-bit Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog, not the Mega Drive original. This matters because the Master System version was developed by Ancient under the direction of Yuzo Koshiro, giving it completely different level design and gameplay feel compared to the 16-bit release most players know.

The game runs on the Spectrum Next's advanced FPGA architecture, which allowed Douglas to achieve what would have been impossible on original Spectrum hardware. The Spectrum Next features an ARM Cortex-M7 processor running at 480 MHz, 8 MB of memory, and enhanced graphics capabilities that make the Master System port feasible. The current build is still very much a work in progress, and Douglas has been upfront about the remaining issues.

Sprite and tilemap priority handling is still at a basic level in this version, which means some sprites can appear behind tilemap elements when they should appear in front. Stage 1, Act 2 has a known glitch where Sonic's top half disappears when he enters the water, something Douglas plans to address in later updates. Despite these issues, the port demonstrates how much the Spectrum Next can be pushed by skilled homebrew developers.

The game uses CSpect for emulation testing and also runs on MAME, though with some emulation bugs that Douglas is working through. The current beta version is available on itch.io through Dave18's page, and development is ongoing with plans for future beta releases.

This is one of the most ambitious current homebrew projects for the Spectrum Next, and the fact that it arrived in 2026 shows the platform is still attracting serious developer talent. If you enjoy homebrew gaming, retro ports, and honest commentary on works in progress, hit subscribe and stick around. We track this scene every week.

Available from https://dave18.itch.io/wip-sonic-spectrum-next.

Next Hexagon

Something genuinely exciting landed on the ZX Spectrum Next in May 2026, and this is it. Next Hexagon is a brand new game released this year by developer shrek128, also known as Miroslav Bursa, and it has already been turning heads in the Spectrum Next community for very good reason.

The concept is stripped back and precise. You are inside a rotating hexagonal maze, and wave-rings close in on you. You have one button. That is everything you have. The game is coded entirely in pure Z80 assembler using the sjasmplus assembler toolchain, which means it is running on the ZX Spectrum Next at a level very few homebrew releases manage to reach. The visuals use the Next's Layer 2 hardware to produce a rotating bitmap background that reacts in sync with PT3 chiptune music. This is not a visual gimmick. It is deliberate and it makes the experience noticeably harder to read as the speed climbs.

And it does climb. The speed ramps up sharply around the one-minute mark, which is where the leaderboard separations begin to happen. There is a built-in scoring system, and for those playing on real Spectrum Next hardware with Wi-Fi, high scores can be pushed online directly from the machine without any third-party software.

The game is described by its creator as strongly inspired by Micro Hexagon on the Commodore 64, re-imagined from the ground up for the Next with hardware-native features the original platform could never have supported.
In this video we play through Next Hexagon with full commentary, talking through what we are seeing as it happens. This channel covers retro and homebrew gaming with genuine enthusiasm and real-time reactions, and a game this sharp deserves exactly that treatment.

If you are new to the channel, welcome. This is the place for games that most people have never heard of but absolutely should have. Subscribe and stick around, because there is a lot more where this came from.

Available from https://shrek128.itch.io/next-hexagon.
 

The Tale of Rabbits

The Tale of Rabbits is a visually enhanced reinterpretation of Lode Runner II, rebuilt for the ZX Spectrum Next. This version updates the presentation while keeping the core puzzle platform gameplay that made the original so memorable.

In this video, I play The Tale of Rabbits on real hardware logic using the MiSTer FPGA with the Spectrum Next core, capturing authentic gameplay performance. The game features redesigned graphics, smoother animation, and modern polish while staying faithful to the classic level-based structure and enemy behavior Lode Runner fans know.

You will see full gameplay with live commentary, breaking down level design, movement timing, and how this Spectrum Next version compares to earlier Lode Runner II releases. If you love retro gaming, FPGA accuracy, or seeing classic games reworked for modern retro systems, this one is for you.

If this is your first time here, this channel focuses on gameplay and commentary across classic and modern retro platforms, with a strong focus on MiSTer FPGA and hardware-accurate experiences. Subscribe for more deep dives into standout retro games and hidden gems.

Available from https://epsiloncool.itch.io/the-tale-of-rabbits.
 

The Scholar - Xmas

Celebrate the holidays with The Scholar Christmas Edition, a brand-new word puzzle game for 2025 on the ZX Spectrum Next.

In this video, we play through the festive edition of The Scholar, exploring its clever word challenges, seasonal presentation, and classic puzzle gameplay - all with live gameplay commentary throughout. If you enjoy thoughtful puzzle games, modern homebrew on real retro-inspired hardware, and relaxed but informative commentary, this one’s for you.

The Spectrum Next continues to deliver outstanding new games in 2025, and The Scholar Christmas Edition is a perfect example of how classic computer gaming still thrives today.

🎮 What to expect:

Full gameplay with spoken commentary

Festive word-based puzzle design

Brand-new 2025 Spectrum Next release

Retro gaming content for both newcomers and long-time fans

If you’re new to the channel, welcome! We focus on retro and modern retro-inspired videogames, real hardware, and thoughtful commentary. Consider subscribing for more new games, classic systems, and deep-dive gameplay videos.

Available from https://pigdogbay.itch.io/the-scholar-xmas.

Nexions

Nexions is an action-packed alien shooter for the ZX Spectrum Next, focused on fast movement, constant enemy pressure, and arcade-style gameplay that rewards quick reactions and precision.

In this video, we play Nexions with full gameplay and live commentary, sharing real-time thoughts, gameplay strategies, and impressions while pushing through waves of alien enemies.

This channel is dedicated to playing video games with commentary, covering retro systems, modern retro hardware, and standout releases on platforms like the Spectrum Next. The goal is to help new viewers discover great games while giving honest, entertaining commentary throughout each play session.

If you enjoy Spectrum Next games, retro shooters, and classic-style action gameplay, consider subscribing to support the channel and catch more gameplay commentary content.

Available from https://pigdogbay.itch.io/nexions.

Go With The Flow

Go With the Flow is a brand new demo released in 2025 for the ZX Spectrum Next, showcasing smooth visuals, stylish effects, and modern coding techniques on classic-inspired hardware.

In this video, we play through Go With the Flow with full gameplay and live commentary, sharing thoughts on the visuals, performance, and how this demo pushes what’s possible on the Spectrum Next in 2025.

If you love retro gaming, ZX Spectrum Next demos, and discovering new homebrew releases, this channel is all about celebrating new and classic video games with commentary designed for both longtime fans and new viewers.

👉 Subscribe for more NEW retro games, demos, and gameplay commentary from across classic and modern retro systems.

Available from https://technoshedsoftware.com/go-with-the-flow.

Torvin - Echo of the Realms

This is the wonderful Torvin - Echo of the Realms demo that is available on the Spectrum Next from https://technoshedsoftware.com.

Programming - John Weatherley (WEZ)
Artwork - Zingot Graphics
Music - Richard Faulkner
 

The Scholar

Think you're good with words? The Spectrum Next just called your bluff. 💥
Meet The Scholar - an all-new, intense word game that proves even the most powerful minds can crumble under pressure (especially with 8-bit music taunting you).

This isn’t your grandad’s crossword. This is word combat - pixel by pixel, braincell by braincell. Whether you’re on the Spectrum Next, MiSTer FPGA, or just spectating with envy, this is one retro revival you don’t want to miss.

🎮 Expect:
🧩 Fast-paced word wrangling
🕹️ Gorgeous Spectrum Next visuals
💡 A game that makes Scrabble look like naptime
📼 That “I swear I used to be smarter” feeling

If you love retro gaming, new releases on old systems, or just want to see how far the Spectrum Next can be pushed in 2025, you’re in the right place. Subscribe for more modern retro madness and pixel-powered discoveries!
 
Available from https://pigdogbay.itch.io/the-scholar.

O

Hurtling through space, we find DSS Fusion Retro, offworld repository for retro artefacts. While supervisor Retrobot rests, the vault is breached and emptied by the mysterious O. Tracking their location, Retrobot has just one hour to find them all.

Features:
- 50 challenging rooms covering three zones, each with its unique graphical style.
- Different atmospheric music for each zone
- 2 difficulty settings: Easy - unlimited lives, Normal - 5 lives with extra lives being collected as you progress through the levels
- Collect 48 x CRASH and 64 x ZZAP! artefacts
- Olibugs and Retrobits are dotted around the rooms - can you find and collect them all?
- You have one hour to collect all the artefacts and make your way through the 50 rooms - collect hourglasses to add more time to the clock
- 50 and 60hz compatible.

This is a brand new game coded by Dave Sonic Clarke, graphics by Simon Butler and sound by Paul Hesso and tested by Chris Wilkins.

This is honestly a AAA title for the Spectrum Next and sets a new bar for this type of game. The audio during gameplay is low as I am talking pretty much all the way through this, but this is a MUST HAVE game for any Spectrum Next owner.

Available from:
https://fusionretrobooks.com/products/o-spectrum-next
https://fusionretrogames.itch.io/o

URB-X Warriors

URB-X Warriors is here to blast its way into the world of retro gaming - and it’s doing it in style on the ZX Spectrum Next!

In this video, we dive headfirst into URB-X Warriors, a jaw-dropping new title that’s currently lighting up Kickstarter. Whether you’re a lifelong ZX Spectrum fanatic or just dipping your toe into the amazing Spectrum Next scene, this is one campaign you’ll want to check out.

Expect gritty pixel art, pumping chiptunes, and side-scrolling action that channels the spirit of arcade classics with a modern twist. It’s not just a nostalgia trip - it’s a full-on pixel-powered riot. And yes, there are explosions. Glorious, chunky explosions.

We’ll take a look at the gameplay, talk about the development, and let you know why this indie gem deserves your support.

If you love retro games, modern indies with a retro heart, or just want to see what the Spectrum Next is really capable of, hit play - and maybe even hit that back button on Kickstarter too.

Head Over Heels

Get ready for a nostalgia overload! We’re diving into Head Over Heels, the legendary isometric puzzle-platformer, in this brilliant Spectrum Next version by Rusty Pixels. If you loved the original 1987 classic, this enhanced edition will blow your retro-loving mind. Smoother animations, vibrant colors, and a soundtrack that’ll hit you right in the feels—this is how you remaster a classic while keeping its soul intact!

Join me as I explore, puzzle, and probably fall into a few traps while playing through this incredible update. Expect witty commentary, some old-school gaming struggles, and plenty of appreciation for one of the best 8-bit adventures ever. Whether you’re a Spectrum veteran, a MiSTer FPGA enthusiast, or just someone who loves pixel-perfect remakes, this is one gameplay session you don’t want to miss!

🔥 Watch now and relive the magic of Head Over Heels like never before!

TX-1696

Blast off into the world of TX-1696, a jaw-dropping space shooter running on the mighty Spectrum Next! This high-octane side-scroller delivers silky-smooth scrolling, vibrant pixel art, and pulse-pounding action that showcases just what the Next can do. Whether you're a die-hard retro fan, a Spectrum aficionado, or just love a good shmup, TX-1696 will have you hooked. 

In this video, Technoshed Software takes you on a thrilling ride through the game's intense battles, stunning parallax backgrounds, and killer soundtrack—all while sharing commentary and insights. This is classic arcade energy blended with modern enhancements, pushing the Spectrum Next to its limits! 

But wait, there’s more! Ever wondered how the MiSTer FPGA handles Spectrum Next emulation? We dive into that too! If you're into retro gaming, classic computers, and indie game dev, you’re in the right place. Buckle up, grab your laser cannons, and let’s get blasting! 

Tengu

At first glance, Tengu on the Spectrum Next looks like Sudoku with pictures - but is it really that simple? Or is there something much deeper (and possibly more brain-melting) lurking beneath? In this video, we dive into this unique puzzle game, figuring out the mechanics, testing our wits, and probably questioning our life choices along the way. 

If you love logic puzzles, retro games, and the Spectrum Next, this one’s a must-see. The game blends classic puzzle mechanics with a modern retro aesthetic, offering a fresh challenge that’ll keep your brain firing on all cylinders. And if you’re into MiSTer FPGA, you might be curious to see how this one runs on modern hardware! 

Will Tengu be a hidden gem, or will I get completely bamboozled by its tricky mechanics? Only one way to find out! Hit play, and let’s solve some puzzles!

Night Knight

Get ready for some adorable, pixel-perfect platforming because today, we’re diving into Night Knight on the Spectrum Next! This charming and colorful indie game brings classic platforming action with a modern twist, running on one of the coolest retro-inspired computers out there. 

Night Knight is packed with tight controls, tricky jumps, and that one-more-go gameplay we all love. It’s like a lost gem from the 80s - but brand new! And yes, it’s cute, but don’t be fooled - this game can be brutal. Will I make it through the levels unscathed, or will I fall into an endless cycle of platforming despair? Let’s find out! 

If you love retro games, Spectrum Next action, and seeing old-school gaming evolve for a new generation, you’re in the right place. And if you enjoy MiSTer FPGA, you might want to check this one out, too!

Shovel Adventure - The Next Quest

Grab your shovel and let’s dig into some retro gaming goodness! We’re playing Shovel Adventure - The Next Quest on the ZX Spectrum Next, powered by the MiSTer FPGA - because why settle for one awesome retro tech when you can have both?

In this episode, we jump into pixel-perfect action with Shovel Adventure, a game that feels like it just stepped out of the golden age of 8-bit gaming. Expect tight platforming, classic mechanics, and that unmistakable retro charm. Whether you're a seasoned Spectrum veteran or just love discovering new indie gems with a retro vibe, this is one adventure you don’t want to miss.

Along the way, we’ll chat about the Spectrum Next, MiSTer FPGA gaming, and why digging through 8-bit pixels is still one of the best ways to game. If you love classic gaming, modern retro experiences, and a bit of fun commentary, you’re in the right place.

So, grab a joystick, a cuppa, or whatever fuels your gaming sessions, and let’s jump into Shovel Adventure - The Next Quest! 

Lone Lunner

Games on the ZX Spectrum Next are always welcome especially when they bring classics up to date.  

If you like Lode Runner, you will be right at home woth this.  It brings enhancments to the original game from Software Projects in that the screen scrolls and feels just like the original arcade version.

 

This is available from ZX Online ( link ).

 

Star Dust Wars

Do you remember playing Laser Squad on the Sinclair Spectrum ?

If you can answer yes to the above and you also enjoyed it, this game is for you.  Created for the Spectrum Next, this brings an equal experience to this platform with high resolution graphics and a very good sound package.

You may play as one or two players in this experience as you further the mission and the story in a campaign that is linked across several scenerios.

This is available to order from Technoshed ( link ). 

If you play to run this on a MiSTer FPGA, than you will need to update your core for the Spectrum Next. The core used in this video is found in this forum post ( link ).