At Gamescom, we were invited by ModRetro to try out their game Chantey. We were pleasantly surprised by both the Chromatic handheld console and the game itself.
ModRetro is a company founded by Palmer Luckey, the creator of the Oculus Rift.
With ModRetro, he focuses on bringing retro gaming back to life using modern technology. Their first product, the Chromatic, is a high-quality handheld console that lets you play original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges. The Chromatic stands out thanks to its durable magnesium casing, scratch-resistant sapphire glass screen, and authentic gaming experience.
Back to the Charm of the Past
I think this is such an awesome project! Personally, I’m a huge fan of initiatives that bring the gaming experiences of the past into today’s world. Back in the day, I absolutely loved my Game Boy Advance. And even when the Nintendo DS came out with the ability to play Game Boy Advance games, I still preferred grabbing my old Game Boy to play those classic titles.
Of course, I know you can never fully recreate the feeling from back then, but you can relive that nostalgic vibe. And this project makes that possible, legally, too! I love the idea that one day, I’ll be able to introduce my kids to the games I grew up with, but in a fresh and cool new way. This way, retro gaming becomes even more exciting, and those dusty classics get a well-deserved second life.
Chantey: A Pirate Adventure with a Musical Twist
Chantey is an adventure game with rhythm game elements, developed by Gortyn Code and published by ModRetro. Inspired by pirate metal, the game combines open-world exploration with rhythmic gameplay. You play as a young man who becomes a pirate and gets caught up in an intense feud between the descendants of the legendary Nightingale Pirate.
What makes Chantey especially cool is that you don’t have to play it on the Chromatic alone, the game is also fully playable on the classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color. How cool is that?
The game features an 8-bit open world where you follow a rising pirate collecting mystical sea chanteys, all while getting tangled in a pirate rivalry. The soundtrack includes original pirate metal tracks as well as chiptune versions of traditional sea shanties like “Drunken Sailor” and “Bully in the Alley“.
Want to Try It Yourself?
Curious about Chantey? You can already play the demo and experience what it’s like to sail the seven seas as a rhythm-based pirate!
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