Popcorn Duel
- licensing : unlicensed
- status : wip
- code : popcornduel
- Date(s) : 2026-wip
- Tag(s) : kickstarter, spinner
- Type(s) : port
- By(s) : Frédéric Raynal
Data retrieved from kickstarter
There was a time when video games showed more through their creativity than their technology. A time when ingenuity compensated for hardware limitations, and every new idea could deliver sheer, exhilarating pleasure. Frédérick Raynal embodies that pioneering spirit.
With Alone in the Dark, he laid the foundations of modern survival horror, then became one of the rare European developers to take part in the launch of the Dreamcast with Toy Commander, confirming that innovation is born above all from passion and talent.
Together with his friend Christophe Lacaze, Frédérick created his first major success in 1988: PopCorn, a turbo-charged brick breaker. For Frédérick, this game is not merely a landmark of European video gaming; it is a fragment of youth, a memory of a time when everything had to be invented. Easy to pick up and incredibly addictive, PopCorn embodies the very essence of video games. Today, the torch for PopCorn: Duel is being passed on.
In the lineage of PopCorn 1988, heir to the earliest Breakout-style games, PopCorn: Duel throws players into an explosive arena worthy of the greatest arcade showdowns, in the spirit of Windjammers. Here, every rally becomes a battle, every rebound a challenge, and every bonus can turn the tide of the match. Balls with devilish effects, missiles, and special weapons quickly transform the screen into a strategic battlefield. Gameplay pleasure reaches its peak with the one or two PopCorn Spinners.
POPCORN SPINNER
The spinner is directly compatible with the SGDK development kit, opening the door to other games!
Also designed by Frédérick Raynal exclusively for the Genesis / Mega Drive, the PopCorn Spinner is the essential accessory to maximize gameplay enjoyment, whether playing solo or with a friend. Engineered for enhanced precision and responsiveness, it instantly transforms the feel of the game, making every movement smoother and more intuitive. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, perfect for intense and competitive sessions true to the original arcade spirit.
3D render of production Popcorn Spinner
TWO MORE GAMES INCLUDED
In addition to PopCorn: Duel, the cartridge also includes:
• PopCorn 1988: The original CGA version (4 colors)
• PopCorn 2026: 100% designed for the Genesis / Mega Drive
While the 1988 version of PopCorn faithfully recreates the original game, with its four-color CGA-style graphics and unforgiving old-school gameplay, the 2026 version modernizes the experience with smoother controls and stackable bonuses for even more spectacular matches. Visually, the game preserves the soul of the original while fully harnessing the power of the Genesis/Mega Drive, featuring richer colors, subtler effects, and more refined presentation. Naturally, both versions are fully compatible with the PopCorn Spinner.
Data retrieved from kickstarter
Project cancelled
- url : https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1075995001/popcorn-duel-spinner-sega-genesis-mega-drive/posts/4672282
Taking a step back to leap further: Popcorn DUEL is coming back even stronger!
user avatar
Frédérick RaynalCréateur
23 avril 2026
(Français ci-dessous)
Hello everyone,
I am writing to inform you that I have decided to suspend the current campaign. My goal is to bring you an improved "V2" campaign within the next few months.
Why this decision? By engaging with you and analyzing the launch, I realized that I could offer you much more. Rather than pushing for a lukewarm success, I prefer to take the time to polish the offer to perfectly meet your expectations.
What’s changing for V2:
Universal Compatibility: This is the big news! I am integrating a Spinner-to-USB interface. Featuring two DB9 connectors on a single USB interface, you will be able to use your Spinners on absolutely any machine (PC, Mac, Raspberry Pi, etc.) and even connect 3-button and 6-button Mega Drive joypads.
More Accessible Pricing: Thanks to production optimization and better-structured reward tiers, prices will be adjusted downwards.
PC Version of Popcorn DUEL: The game will also be available for PC, extending the experience beyond the original console.
More Early Birds: To thank my initial supporters, there will be more discounted offers available at launch.
Rest assured: The cancellation of this campaign means that no charges will be made. Your financial commitment ends here for now. The project is not being abandoned; it is being upgraded.
What’s next? I will spend the coming months finalizing the USB interface prototypes and filming more demonstration videos (specifically focusing on the USB interface and the games). I will keep you updated on our progress.
A huge thank you for your support and feedback. We will meet again very soon with a more solid project and much more information to share.
See you soon, Frédérick Raynal.
Screenshots
