We have an important update regarding the upcoming release of Final Vendetta for Neo Geo AES and MVS machines.
Our goal is to deliver a game that meets the highest standards of quality and performance - even if that means making some difficult decisions along the way.
During our final testing phase at the end of last year, we discovered an intermittent audio playback issue. Our PCB design is pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a Neo Geo, as we provide the full stereo sound track and SFX from the modern console release of the game. We were getting random occasions where a slight click and crackle could be heard, which we absolutely felt should be fixed.
Rather than compromise on the quality you deserve, we decided to implement a last-minute revision of the PROG PCB board. We’ve been waiting to update you once we knew where we were with the fix. The change required moving to a newer component and board redesign, which has fortunately (after extended testing) resolved the issue! Ensuring that all the SFX and every note of the original soundtracks are as vibrant as intended. We are now able to push ahead and complete the PCB manufacturing process. We understand this delay has been frustrating, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.
While addressing these technical challenges, we set the game development team to work making some enhancements such as fixing bugs and some exploits. One of the most exciting updates after a number of requests is the introduction of a new playable character: Karen the boxer. Karen brings a fresh dynamic to the game, offering a unique play style that sets her apart from our original trio of characters. Her distinctive fighting style and special moves open up new strategic possibilities, allowing players to explore innovative tactics and combinations. This addition not only broadens the character roster but also enriches the depth and diversity of gameplay, ensuring that every playthrough feels dynamic and engaging.
We’re also excited to announce that the game will now include four extra unlockable music tracks hidden in the game, composed by the amazing Featurecast. The Neo Geo version will be the first to receive all these updates and you will get an exclusive first look before we roll the updates through to modern consoles later in the year.
We’ve not just stopped at improving the software side, we have also been experimenting with custom print PCB silk screens (final designs to be confirmed), once again pushing the quality threshold of the physical release even higher. Check out one of our tests below:
On another positive note, the CHA board was not affected and manufacturing for that board is already underway. All Collector’s Edition and Limited Edition items have been manufactured and are ready for assembly.
Furthermore, our acquisition last year by the Reef Creative Group now provides us with a dedicated assembly line team, increased warehousing capabilities, and robust dispatch systems, all of which are instrumental in our efforts to deliver the game as soon as possible.
The Bitmap Bureau team has expanded a lot in the last year as we’ve been able to take advantage of the benefits of our company group. We look forward to announcing a number of exciting projects and ports in the coming months!
We are now targeting a shipping window in Q2 and are working diligently to meet that timeline without sacrificing quality. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we fine-tune every detail to ensure Final Vendetta delivers an exceptional experience.
Best regards,
Bitmap Bureau Team
Comments