Kid Icarus SNES Fan Port Update Adds 3D Classics Backgrounds for Enhanced Visuals

The beloved 1987 platformer Kid Icarus is experiencing a visual renaissance, thanks to the ongoing efforts of fan developer and ROM hacker Rumbleminze.

Following last year's well-received unofficial port of Kid Icarus from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Rumbleminze is now introducing a significant update that aims to bring even greater graphical fidelity to the classic game. Originally released for the NES, Kid Icarus established itself as a standout title in Nintendo’s storied history, merging action, platforming, and adventure elements.

In 2012, Kid Icarus received a refreshed look on the Nintendo 3DS in the form of 3D Classics: Kid Icarus, which offered reimagined backgrounds that brought new depth to the game’s environments.

Now, these visual enhancements are being painstakingly recreated for the SNES homebrew port, harnessing the FastROM mode for improved performance while adapting the graphics to the 16-color, 4bpp format compatible with SNES hardware. Through a series of social media updates, Rumbleminze has showcased experimental builds demonstrating more detailed and varied backgrounds, inspired by the 3DS release.

Players can anticipate exploring areas that are far more vibrant and atmospheric than the flat black backdrops of the 8-bit original.

Standout scenes include lava-filled chambers, lush overgrown forests, and intricate dungeon interiors, all carefully adjusted to fit the technical constraints of the Super Nintendo. In a post outlining the scope of the update, Rumbleminze confirmed that this enhanced version will be released as a distinct revision of the SNES port.

Alongside the graphical improvements, the update will also feature an updated randomizer, broadening the replay value and challenge for Kid Icarus fans.

Currently undergoing rigorous testing, this new revision aims to offer a polished experience that blends retro nostalgia with modern enhancements. The Kid Icarus SNES port has already earned acclaim in retro gaming circles for its smooth performance and inventive upgrades over the NES release.

By integrating the 3D Classics backgrounds, Rumbleminze continues to push the boundaries of what is possible within Nintendo’s classic hardware ecosystem, further cementing the game’s enduring appeal. While this fan project is not commercially available on platforms like the Nintendo Switch or the eShop, it nonetheless demonstrates the vitality of the Kid Icarus community and the dedication of its creators.

As development progresses, more details on the final release are expected, ensuring enthusiasts of both retro and modern Nintendo titles have much to anticipate.

Nintendo SNES Xbox Series X|S 3D Classics: Kid Icarus Kid Icarus Rumbleminze Super Nintendo Entertainment System NES