Evercade VS-R (and the new Tomb Raider/Thalamus carts) review

We’re always on the lookout for interesting and engaging new products ahead of the holiday season, and the recently released Evercade VS-R console certainly fits into that category with an attractive price point and compatibility with a large and growing library of titles. We checked it out, and went hands on with the brand new Tomb Raider Collection and Thamalus Collection carts in the process – here are our thoughts.

Blaze Entertainment’s Evercade VS-R is an evolution of the original Evercade VS, designed to offer a nostalgic gaming experience with modern touches and convenience. Its retro-inspired design is backed by hardware that’s powerful enough to output games at a 1080p resolution. The VS-R includes Wi-Fi capabilities for over-the-air updates, and compatibility with over 40 existing Evercade cartridges makes it a comprehensive retro gaming machine with a large library to tap into. And while the compact design feels nostalgic, especially for anyone who grew up in the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, it’s also a practical console for collectors and fans of physical media with its cart-based system. Last but not least, it also supports multiplayer, for the games that feature this.

From a performance standpoint, the Evercade VS-R delivers smooth emulation across a variety of platforms, ensuring that even the more demanding 8-bit and 16-bit games run without issue. The library features arcade classics, but also home computer titles from the era and console games, so there’s something for every kind of retro enthusiast. The games retain their original look and feel, with faithful emulation enhanced with a few modern conveniences that emulation can bring. One example is the inclusion of cloud saves, a modern solution that ensures your progress is never lost, even if you switch between the VS-R and Evercade’s handheld systems if you happen to have both. With its upgradable firmware and an expanding library of retro games, the console stays relevant and up-to-date, offering a blend of nostalgia and practicality that’s hard to resist.

Another key feature of the VS-R is the simple, user-friendly interface. Navigating through the game library is a breeze, making it easy to jump in and out of games quickly. Whether you’re a seasoned retro gamer who’s played around with emulation before or someone looking to discover classics for the first time, the VS-R’s design and functionality makes it very comfortable to use. Its wide range of playable titles, including games from consoles like the NES and SNES and computers like the C64, creates a treasure trove of retro experiences. For players who love diving into classic games but want the ease of a modern system, the Evercade VS-R ticks all the boxes.

The Tomb Raider Collection, featuring the original three games that debuted on the PlayStation 1, is one of the biggest highlights for the Evercade VS-R – the first time they’re tapping into this console generation. But although these early Lara Croft games remain classics, they also come with their limitations. As anyone who has revisited them will tell you, the infamous tank controls are still present, making the experience feel more dated than some other retro re-releases. However, for fans of the series or those curious about Lara Croft’s early days, this collection is still a worthy addition. Performance-wise, the games benefit from being on a cartridge, offering faster load times and smoother performance compared to their original disc-based versions. Unfortunately, the 4:3 aspect ratio and lower resolution can make the visuals feel rough on modern displays, though this is to be expected for games from this era – 3D games tend to not age as gracefully, and this is no exception.

The Thalamus Collection offers a diverse range of games from one of the most innovative developers of the Commodore 64 and Atari ST/Commodore Amiga era. Titles like Armalyte and Hawkeye showcase the company’s mastery of action-packed, side-scrolling shooters, delivering fast-paced, challenging gameplay that fans of retro shooters will love. These games pushed the technical limits of the hardware when they first launched, and they still hold up today with their tight controls and compelling difficulty. Armalyte, in particular, stands out for its smooth gameplay and impressive graphics, which were groundbreaking for the time, though it’s a shame that you’re only getting the C64 version here, as the Atari and Amiga versions were even more impressive.

In addition to shooters, the Thalamus Collection also includes puzzle-based games like Snare, offering a change of pace and adding variety to the lineup. This blend of genres helps keep the collection fresh and engaging, providing different experiences that showcase Thalamus’ versatility as a developer. The collection is a must-have for fans of the Commodore 64 and retro gaming in general, offering a window into an era where creativity and technical limitations combined to produce some of the most memorable titles of the time. As such it’s a great showcase for some of the best titles you could get for the C64, though as a Thalamus showcase it’s a shame to not have the best versions of these games here.

Overall, the Evercade VS-R, with its impressive game collections and thoughtful modern features, is a console that caters to both nostalgia and convenience. The ability to experience classic games in their original form, with added perks like cloud saves and multiplayer support, makes it an excellent choice for retro enthusiasts. It may not be an essential upgrade for those who already have the Evercade VS, but the Evercade VS-R offers a robust and evolving platform for retro gaming that’s a great starting point for newcomers.