Watch The New 8-bit Heroes

The New 8-bit Heroes is a documentary from 2016 that explores the world of retro game development through the eyes of a group of individuals who are passionate about creating new games for old consoles. The film follows the journey of Dain Anderson, Derek Andrews, and Piers Anthony as they attempt to create a game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) – a console that was first released in 1985.

The documentary begins by introducing the three main characters and their respective backgrounds. Dain Anderson is a software developer with a passion for retro gaming, Derek Andrews is an artist and animator, and Piers Anthony is a bestselling author who also happens to be a fan of classic video games. The three of them decide to come together to form a team with the goal of creating a new game for the NES – a console that they all grew up playing.

The film takes us through the various stages of game development, starting with the idea generation phase. The team begins by brainstorming ideas for their game, drawing on inspiration from classic games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. They eventually settle on a concept for a game called Mystic Searches – a game that they envision as a cross between Zelda and Castlevania.

Once the idea is in place, the team begins the process of coding the game using modern tools and software. They encounter a number of technical challenges along the way, including limitations with the NES hardware and difficulties with getting the software to run smoothly on modern computers.

Throughout the documentary, we also get to see interviews with other developers and retro gaming enthusiasts who share their thoughts on the importance of preserving and celebrating classic video games. We hear from people like David Crane – the creator of Pitfall! – and Howard Phillips – a former director of Nintendo of America – who provide valuable insights into the world of game development in the 1980s and 1990s.

As the team continues to work on Mystic Searches, they encounter a number of setbacks and challenges. Their initial funding campaign falls short of its goal, and they struggle to find the time and resources to devote to the project. However, the team remains committed to their vision and eventually manages to overcome these obstacles.

The documentary culminates in the team's appearance at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo, where they debut their game to the public for the first time. We see the excitement and enthusiasm of the attendees as they try out the game and offer feedback to the team. The film ends with a sense of hope and optimism for the future of retro gaming, as the team reflects on their journey and looks ahead to new possibilities.

Overall, The New 8-bit Heroes is an engaging and informative documentary for anyone who has an interest in video games, retro culture, or independent creative projects. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of game development and the challenges faced by those who are passionate about preserving the legacy of classic consoles like the NES. Through the stories of Dain, Derek, and Piers, we see the power of collaboration and determination in bringing a dream to fruition.