Last week, I heard about a cartridge and it surprised me with the intentions. Hence the title, it's the Mega SD. It's a Sega based ROM cartridge that is capable of whatever was made between 1986 and 1994. Basically, the Master System, Genesis, 32x, Game Gear, and Sega CD. A number of other stuff like FM sound for certain Master System games and the ability to play region free. This is pretty good for one simple reason.
One of the biggest issues regarding emulation is the focus on cartridge based systems. A CD system is next to impossible to work for a clone system due to the specs and the drives and all that. Being able to use a card (micro SD, I believe) and use it for Sega CD games is an absolute treat. The actual add-on is one that goes for a lot of money, especially if the drive works on both models and that it didn't blow a fuse. The SD is slated for over 250 dollars, making it a little cost prohibitive.
This is very nice because no need to worry about a broken CD system, especially for these early ones. If this does decently and the reviews are good, we could see more of these in the future with other systems. I would hope there would be work on the Turbografx, the 3DO, and so forth. But to play it on all three Genesis systems and the new Mega SG may be worth shelling out the money for it. Here's to hoping it does well. CD systems deserve a little respect as well.
Showing posts with label sega cd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sega cd. Show all posts
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Mortal Kombat Overview/Review
September of 1993 brought in huge hype for the port of Mortal Kombat to the home market. It was an institution in the arcades the year before and was more for its graphics and violence compared to Street Fighter II. With its release on the 13th known as Mortal Monday, it showed up on the SNES, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, and Game Gear. Within the next year, it was on the Sega Master System in Europe, DOS computers, Amiga, and the Sega CD. I'll have my thoughts on the SNES and Genesis versions.
All versions followed the same story as the arcade. The seven fighters all have their reasons for being in Shang Tsung's tournament. As far as intros, at least the computer versions retain the stuff the arcade had. Windows 3.1 and the Amiga were very capable of doing a lot more compared to home consoles.
With that in mind, graphics outside of the computer versions had to be toned down. If we're digging into the 16-bit ones, the SNES version was mostly accurate. A little toned, but it was there. Animations were very strong. The Genesis suffered from the color palette, but was decent on its own. Its animations were minimal. Audio, the computers and Sega CD version were in touch with the arcade, especially on computers. The SNES version was more accurate, but was very quiet and didn't have that oomph that the arcade had at times. On the Genesis, it was more lively and felt more action like. Everything except the Genesis handled sound effects and voices with strong efforts.
The emphasis for Mortal Kombat was on the blood and fatalities. It has the basic moves that most fighters had. You had to fight everyone including yourself, a few endurance matches and then the final bosses. With the SNES port, the controls were a little sluggish, but it wasn't unplayable. It took some time and once you got the hang of it, you could do some damage. Regarding the Genesis, it was a bit smoother despite the limited animations. There wasn't any lag or anything.
If I'm going to put a knock into those two ports, it's the very high difficulty. Even on easy, you will have problems. At least the SNES version allows for infinite continues. Of course, we can't talk about that one without mentioning the censorship. That was dumb on Nintendo's part.
If you're looking for a port of the original, it can go either way. The arcade version itself may still be on PS3 and 360 if you're looking for that. Mortal Kombat has its place in both success and controversy. It wasn't a slouch back then, but may change depending on your tastes in fighting games and the series.
Genesis: 6.5 out of 10 SNES: 6.5 out of 10
All versions followed the same story as the arcade. The seven fighters all have their reasons for being in Shang Tsung's tournament. As far as intros, at least the computer versions retain the stuff the arcade had. Windows 3.1 and the Amiga were very capable of doing a lot more compared to home consoles.
With that in mind, graphics outside of the computer versions had to be toned down. If we're digging into the 16-bit ones, the SNES version was mostly accurate. A little toned, but it was there. Animations were very strong. The Genesis suffered from the color palette, but was decent on its own. Its animations were minimal. Audio, the computers and Sega CD version were in touch with the arcade, especially on computers. The SNES version was more accurate, but was very quiet and didn't have that oomph that the arcade had at times. On the Genesis, it was more lively and felt more action like. Everything except the Genesis handled sound effects and voices with strong efforts.
The emphasis for Mortal Kombat was on the blood and fatalities. It has the basic moves that most fighters had. You had to fight everyone including yourself, a few endurance matches and then the final bosses. With the SNES port, the controls were a little sluggish, but it wasn't unplayable. It took some time and once you got the hang of it, you could do some damage. Regarding the Genesis, it was a bit smoother despite the limited animations. There wasn't any lag or anything.
If I'm going to put a knock into those two ports, it's the very high difficulty. Even on easy, you will have problems. At least the SNES version allows for infinite continues. Of course, we can't talk about that one without mentioning the censorship. That was dumb on Nintendo's part.
If you're looking for a port of the original, it can go either way. The arcade version itself may still be on PS3 and 360 if you're looking for that. Mortal Kombat has its place in both success and controversy. It wasn't a slouch back then, but may change depending on your tastes in fighting games and the series.
Genesis: 6.5 out of 10 SNES: 6.5 out of 10
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Night Trap to Nintendo: Howard Lincoln's Worst Fear
Around this time last year, I did a blog about Night Trap making it to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One to commemorate it's 25th anniversary. (https://sullivanentertainment.blogspot.com/2017/04/night-trap-another-sega-cd-release.html) The cult full motion video game has made it onto Nintendo. It's set to come out sometime this year on the Switch with Limited Run games at the helm of physical and digital copies. For many gamers, it is interesting considering the Congressional hearings in December 1993.
Senators started complaints about video games becoming violent. Night Trap appeared on their shit list. Sega and Nintendo did testify to Congress. For Nintendo, Howard Lincoln testified. The following he said and I quote about the game: "And let me say that for the record, I want to state that Night Trap will never appear on a Nintendo system. Obviously it would not pass our guidelines. This game... which promotes violence against women, simply has no place in our society." Now, the game would not have been possible on the SNES. However, I see Lincoln trying to do whatever it is necessary to make Sega look putrid and make Nintendo, known at the time for their illegal monopoly a few years prior and squeaky clean image (the latter they still attempt to do), look like angels. I don't know if it was purely him saying that or Japan saying he had to say that.
Either way, this was in a pre-Mortal Kombat II era of Nintendo. By the fall of 94, Nintendo lessened their strictness to a point with MK II, leaving it uncensored, showing that the company could deal with content that wasn't G-rated. Their struggles with M-rated and sometimes T-rated games are still a thing today. Back to Night Trap, I doubt Lincoln tried the game, and I wonder if he really regrets even saying that. When you look at the game, it's very tame, but the live action material you could say was enough to cause controversy. Add in the fact that you were saving girls, not hitting or killing them. Saving them from bad guys that were about as stupid as the Wet Bandits, though as I said, this was filmed a few years before Home Alone. (Night Trap around 1987, Home Alone 89-90)
There's not much that I've already said in last year's blog. It would be nice to see other Sega CD games come out, but stuff that is in limbo or have a superior arcade release make it impossible. In the end however, it's another game for the Switch that sees the light of day on Nintendo. This is something Lincoln should not have feared and he should be ashamed of himself if this was all on him and not just Japan talking to him.
Senators started complaints about video games becoming violent. Night Trap appeared on their shit list. Sega and Nintendo did testify to Congress. For Nintendo, Howard Lincoln testified. The following he said and I quote about the game: "And let me say that for the record, I want to state that Night Trap will never appear on a Nintendo system. Obviously it would not pass our guidelines. This game... which promotes violence against women, simply has no place in our society." Now, the game would not have been possible on the SNES. However, I see Lincoln trying to do whatever it is necessary to make Sega look putrid and make Nintendo, known at the time for their illegal monopoly a few years prior and squeaky clean image (the latter they still attempt to do), look like angels. I don't know if it was purely him saying that or Japan saying he had to say that.
Either way, this was in a pre-Mortal Kombat II era of Nintendo. By the fall of 94, Nintendo lessened their strictness to a point with MK II, leaving it uncensored, showing that the company could deal with content that wasn't G-rated. Their struggles with M-rated and sometimes T-rated games are still a thing today. Back to Night Trap, I doubt Lincoln tried the game, and I wonder if he really regrets even saying that. When you look at the game, it's very tame, but the live action material you could say was enough to cause controversy. Add in the fact that you were saving girls, not hitting or killing them. Saving them from bad guys that were about as stupid as the Wet Bandits, though as I said, this was filmed a few years before Home Alone. (Night Trap around 1987, Home Alone 89-90)
There's not much that I've already said in last year's blog. It would be nice to see other Sega CD games come out, but stuff that is in limbo or have a superior arcade release make it impossible. In the end however, it's another game for the Switch that sees the light of day on Nintendo. This is something Lincoln should not have feared and he should be ashamed of himself if this was all on him and not just Japan talking to him.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Seedi Retro CD: CD Emulation for the Future?
One of the first blogs I wrote back in February was for a new retro system called the Retroblox, now known as the Polymega. It was a system that had the ability to play early to mid 90s CD systems. Within the last month, there is another group that is looking to etch their name into delivering a classic experience for the new generation. That would be the Seedi Retro CD Gaming System.
What systems are they going after? Like the Polymega, it's going towards the early to mid 90s CD systems. Particularly the ones that didn't set the world on fire. Overall, there is four systems that they are doing. They are the Neo Geo CD, Sega CD/Mega CD, PC Engine/Turbografx-CD, and the original PlayStation. For people who have grown up on these consoles and add-ons, the wear and tear is prevalent. Although PlayStation did very well, it had a lot of issues early on with the hardware. Sega CD is known for having blown fuses. These systems lasers can go out. The drives may not work well after a long time. Eventually, the stuff breaks.
Seedi had an Indiegogo campaign going, but fell short of the 50,000 dollar goal. Nevertheless, they are still looking to iron out issues by sending out prototypes to people. They allow people to use their original CDs and go through them the same way like playing on the original systems. It allows wireless controllers and the original systems controllers. They are also allowing use of playing DVDs and music CDs. Added is an open source for a lot of emulators.
They are also allowing other systems with roms. Included in the mix they listed are the NES, Atari 2600, Sega Genesis, the Game Boy line, MAME (arcade games), and the Turbografx-16 (PC Engine). Computer games are also slated, but limited to adventure games, DOS games on 386 and lower, and games optimized. Planned for release is cartridge adapters for the Genesis and Game Boy. Online play is going to be allowed on some games along with typical modern retro system features like video filters and save states. Essentially, they are looking to stand out from other modern retro systems such as storage, Wi-Fi, and like the others, being region free.
One complaint some might have are other systems not being on there, which they addressed. They are looking at other systems such as the SNES, Sega Saturn, and 3DO for potential future support. There are systems not support like the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 that they said could be done if they make a second version of Seedi. They are taking a huge chance on some of the systems that they look to add. The Saturn is pretty infamous in regards to emulation, but from what I've heard has gotten better. No one has really done 3DO, or other systems they mentioned like the Jaguar CD and Philips CD-i. If they can work hard on some of systems, this could pave the way for future retro CD systems.
Still, let's see if they even get these produced. A number of these companies try and typically fail. This seems legit and the CD aspect is enticing. If this and Polymega don't live up, the effort may not be made to keep interest in these older CD systems.
What systems are they going after? Like the Polymega, it's going towards the early to mid 90s CD systems. Particularly the ones that didn't set the world on fire. Overall, there is four systems that they are doing. They are the Neo Geo CD, Sega CD/Mega CD, PC Engine/Turbografx-CD, and the original PlayStation. For people who have grown up on these consoles and add-ons, the wear and tear is prevalent. Although PlayStation did very well, it had a lot of issues early on with the hardware. Sega CD is known for having blown fuses. These systems lasers can go out. The drives may not work well after a long time. Eventually, the stuff breaks.
Seedi had an Indiegogo campaign going, but fell short of the 50,000 dollar goal. Nevertheless, they are still looking to iron out issues by sending out prototypes to people. They allow people to use their original CDs and go through them the same way like playing on the original systems. It allows wireless controllers and the original systems controllers. They are also allowing use of playing DVDs and music CDs. Added is an open source for a lot of emulators.
They are also allowing other systems with roms. Included in the mix they listed are the NES, Atari 2600, Sega Genesis, the Game Boy line, MAME (arcade games), and the Turbografx-16 (PC Engine). Computer games are also slated, but limited to adventure games, DOS games on 386 and lower, and games optimized. Planned for release is cartridge adapters for the Genesis and Game Boy. Online play is going to be allowed on some games along with typical modern retro system features like video filters and save states. Essentially, they are looking to stand out from other modern retro systems such as storage, Wi-Fi, and like the others, being region free.
One complaint some might have are other systems not being on there, which they addressed. They are looking at other systems such as the SNES, Sega Saturn, and 3DO for potential future support. There are systems not support like the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 that they said could be done if they make a second version of Seedi. They are taking a huge chance on some of the systems that they look to add. The Saturn is pretty infamous in regards to emulation, but from what I've heard has gotten better. No one has really done 3DO, or other systems they mentioned like the Jaguar CD and Philips CD-i. If they can work hard on some of systems, this could pave the way for future retro CD systems.
Still, let's see if they even get these produced. A number of these companies try and typically fail. This seems legit and the CD aspect is enticing. If this and Polymega don't live up, the effort may not be made to keep interest in these older CD systems.
Friday, April 28, 2017
Night Trap, Another Sega CD Release
When the Sega CD released in October of 1992 to U.S. stores, it's launch lineup was not the most impressive. Quite a bit of the full motion video lineup was there on day 1. Night Trap was one of those games. Like the genre, it was not held to high regard but it had its following, especially when idiot Senators (who have never played video games) targeted it as being a game where you kill girls when it was the complete opposite. You were trying to save them. It would also be released on the 3DO and the Sega 32x, which required both the 32x and CD add-ons. Today, it is going to be re-released this year for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One to honor it's 25th anniversary of coming out.
The history behind this game is intriguing. In 1987, Hasbro had plans to release a console of their own that ran on VHS tapes. Night Trap was filmed around that time. The system which was called Control-Vision never saw the light of day due to pricing at a time when the Nintendo Entertainment System was a lot cheaper and popular. At 300 dollars, Hasbro thought it wouldn't have sold well if it launched in 1989. Along with Sewer Shark, the game didn't catch interest until Sega looked to companies that could give them titles for the Sega CD. Looking at Night Trap, it is a cheesy 80s horror product, but with hordes upon hordes of vicious bad guys that are way stupider than the Wet Bandits, although this pre-dates Home Alone. There's nothing gruesome, especially compared to all the Friday the 13th, Elm Street, and Halloween films. If it were a movie, it would get maybe a PG-13 rating. Maybe PG since the standards weren't so strict back then.
Unfortunately, a sad reality is that Sega CD never gets games re-released. The only one that really has is Sonic CD, which has seen releases outside of it's 1993 release on Windows in 96, GameCube in 2005, and a re-done version in 2011 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Obvious games like Batman Returns and NHL 94 can't come out because of licensing. Arcade ports like Final Fight will never see the Sega CD version re-released because people want the actual arcade game. With all the compilations in the last 20 years, you would think a Sega CD game here and there would be nice. I don't know if emulation is a factor, but another big downside is that there isn't many games that can be picked that have a following. Some games are in limbo like Lunar. There's other factors but overall, it's kind of hard to figure what titles from this add-on could get a modern re-release.
Night Trap is one of the cult classics of the 90s and Sega CD. It doesn't have a putrid reception compared to later FMV games, but someone's mileage will vary on whether they think it is good or bad. It will be digital, but it will also get a physical release on PlayStation 4. There will be a low print run from publisher Limited Run Games. If stuff like this can come out, Sega and a few surviving third party companies that made games for the add-on can sure as hell do something like this for whatever original titles they might have. It's about time there is some love given to this add-on for at least one of its games.
The history behind this game is intriguing. In 1987, Hasbro had plans to release a console of their own that ran on VHS tapes. Night Trap was filmed around that time. The system which was called Control-Vision never saw the light of day due to pricing at a time when the Nintendo Entertainment System was a lot cheaper and popular. At 300 dollars, Hasbro thought it wouldn't have sold well if it launched in 1989. Along with Sewer Shark, the game didn't catch interest until Sega looked to companies that could give them titles for the Sega CD. Looking at Night Trap, it is a cheesy 80s horror product, but with hordes upon hordes of vicious bad guys that are way stupider than the Wet Bandits, although this pre-dates Home Alone. There's nothing gruesome, especially compared to all the Friday the 13th, Elm Street, and Halloween films. If it were a movie, it would get maybe a PG-13 rating. Maybe PG since the standards weren't so strict back then.
Unfortunately, a sad reality is that Sega CD never gets games re-released. The only one that really has is Sonic CD, which has seen releases outside of it's 1993 release on Windows in 96, GameCube in 2005, and a re-done version in 2011 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Obvious games like Batman Returns and NHL 94 can't come out because of licensing. Arcade ports like Final Fight will never see the Sega CD version re-released because people want the actual arcade game. With all the compilations in the last 20 years, you would think a Sega CD game here and there would be nice. I don't know if emulation is a factor, but another big downside is that there isn't many games that can be picked that have a following. Some games are in limbo like Lunar. There's other factors but overall, it's kind of hard to figure what titles from this add-on could get a modern re-release.
Night Trap is one of the cult classics of the 90s and Sega CD. It doesn't have a putrid reception compared to later FMV games, but someone's mileage will vary on whether they think it is good or bad. It will be digital, but it will also get a physical release on PlayStation 4. There will be a low print run from publisher Limited Run Games. If stuff like this can come out, Sega and a few surviving third party companies that made games for the add-on can sure as hell do something like this for whatever original titles they might have. It's about time there is some love given to this add-on for at least one of its games.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Retroblox: A Potential Future?
Over the past decade, companies have been releasing game systems that have been dead for a very long time. A lot of it is focused on the Sega Genesis, Nintendo Entertainment System, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Of course, those are the biggest names to anybody looking to get their hands on an old system. Various pros and cons have been seen on these multi-game systems, ranging from sound issues to certain games not being able to work. However, a company is willing to go all out to change the game. If this does well following a Kickstarter campaign and actually producing these systems, the future could be different. Enter the Retroblox.
The Retroblox is a new type of system that has an approach similar to a Pioneer LaserActive. For those that never heard of the LaserActive, (I never owned one but I have seen some videos on it.) it was released in the fall of 1993 and was very expensive. Putting tax into the equation, it was over a thousand dollars. Outside of the utilization of LaserDiscs, it also ran some PACS that could be bought. That was the way to play Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega CD/Mega CD, an PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 cards and CDs depending on the region of the PAC. That is what the Retroblox is looking to be like.
The systems that the Retroblox is going after are some run of the mill systems, but they are also taking a big risk on some other systems. Looking at their website, obvious ones include the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis. The support does not mean just U.S. only. European and Japanese Mega Drive is also present along with the Super Famicom. There is actual support for the Sega 32x, a failed add-on from 1994. The Sega Master System can also be supported, but it's through the Power Base Converter, a peripheral for the Genesis back in 1989. The website says there will be other systems after launch, and the odds of other systems showing up is there.
However, there are plenty of new systems to look out for. One of the most surprising is the Atari 2600, and that will be the thing with Retroblox. They are going to take a chance and give Atari a bit of love. There is a mention of the 7800 which as of February 2017 has not been confirmed yet, but could potentially be out there at launch on Kickstarter. Another system is the Turbografx-16, known in Japan as the PC-Engine. They are going all out on NEC's 16-bit wonder, going with every media format from both regions, which includes the SuperGrafx. It does lead to the big thing that could change gaming with multi-systems, which is CD systems.
It's going to do NEC's CD add-on, which includes both regions of the Turbografx and PC-Engine. They will also have the Super CD-ROM and Arcade CD-ROM working on the Retroblox. That's not the only CD system, though. The last few included are the Sega CD/Mega CD and the original PlayStation. Both are going to have all regions of their regions, as well the 32x CD games for Sega's add-ons. What is supported is really important, especially for anyone who may not have played a Turbografx or Sega CD considering how much they sold in the 90s.
How they are doing this is basic. The base system is going to be similar to a LaserActive and Sega CD. Each system has a module. Taking the module, it is placed into the base unit, and there you go. You can play whatever system's games that you've put in. The CD optical drive is part of the base unit, so there is no worrying about buying individual ones for the CD systems. As I mentioned, this is going to be a huge risk. Nobody's ever done this sort of thing, and it seems like the sort of project that would work the kinks out as time goes on if it does well.
As far as other systems that are not mentioned, they do mention that they could support more consoles later on. They addressed the Nintendo 64, which they are not doing because Nintendo putting out patents on it. It would be intriguing to see if they go after other Atari systems, handhelds, and many others. Game Boy can be used, but on the Super Game Boy peripheral for the SNES. They mention that the Game Boy games will not be backed up when using the Super Game Boy. One would hope that they make modules for not just the Game Boy line, but the Game Gear as well. There's also the obscure systems like a 3DO and Atari Jaguar, or something along the lines of a ColocoVision and Intellvision.
So what is Retroblox's goal? They are using something called hybrid emulation and trying to get as accurate as possible to every game that is being used in their modules. It is explained in detail on their website. Not every game is supported. They addressed the light gun issue, which is obvious. The LCD TV's render a game like Duck Hunt useless. What is mentioned is that they are going to tackle the issue. They are also trying to combat piracy by not allowing SD cards with an entire system's library on it. Backing up the games that people own is something that is allowed, but the main goal is towards the people that own the cartridges and CDs of the systems that are put on the modules.
Another thing that hasn't been done is selling games digitally. These guys expect companies that own rights to original content to play by the rules and not go the hacking route. What I mean by hacking is is putting a character from one series into another one, such as Mega Man being in a game like Contra. With the way they are presenting it, Retroblox is looking to be a very cautious company while taking big chances on their multi-system release. They have done demonstrations and are going to continue doing so until they start doing their Kickstarter campaign in April. They will also mention a price for the system before the campaign, which they are making several bundles.
Rambling aside, my thoughts are that this seems like a cool idea. The ability to play CD games is a huge plus, especially for anyone who wants a Sega CD or Turbografx CD. Retroblox is putting an effort to avoid the usual problems associated with multi-systems. Playing with imports, while not the first, it's still a nice incentive. Not much else bugs me at the moment other than wondering what other systems they might go after following the launch, and figuring out how many of the CD games will work. Personally, I hope they look to some of the pre-NES stuff like ColecoVision and also look at obscure stuff like a 3DO.
In conclusion, I hope they stay on track to make something that pleases a lot of people. If it catches on, this could be the future and a lot of systems, popular or unpopular, will get attention from people that really want to play the libraries if they get modules. Good luck to Retroblox.
Retroblox's website is http://retroblox.com/. They have a news section with only a few articles at the time of this blog, explaining their intentions and what people should know regarding the multi-system. There is a forum via their community section where topics can be created and discussed.
The Retroblox is a new type of system that has an approach similar to a Pioneer LaserActive. For those that never heard of the LaserActive, (I never owned one but I have seen some videos on it.) it was released in the fall of 1993 and was very expensive. Putting tax into the equation, it was over a thousand dollars. Outside of the utilization of LaserDiscs, it also ran some PACS that could be bought. That was the way to play Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega CD/Mega CD, an PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 cards and CDs depending on the region of the PAC. That is what the Retroblox is looking to be like.
The systems that the Retroblox is going after are some run of the mill systems, but they are also taking a big risk on some other systems. Looking at their website, obvious ones include the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis. The support does not mean just U.S. only. European and Japanese Mega Drive is also present along with the Super Famicom. There is actual support for the Sega 32x, a failed add-on from 1994. The Sega Master System can also be supported, but it's through the Power Base Converter, a peripheral for the Genesis back in 1989. The website says there will be other systems after launch, and the odds of other systems showing up is there.
However, there are plenty of new systems to look out for. One of the most surprising is the Atari 2600, and that will be the thing with Retroblox. They are going to take a chance and give Atari a bit of love. There is a mention of the 7800 which as of February 2017 has not been confirmed yet, but could potentially be out there at launch on Kickstarter. Another system is the Turbografx-16, known in Japan as the PC-Engine. They are going all out on NEC's 16-bit wonder, going with every media format from both regions, which includes the SuperGrafx. It does lead to the big thing that could change gaming with multi-systems, which is CD systems.
It's going to do NEC's CD add-on, which includes both regions of the Turbografx and PC-Engine. They will also have the Super CD-ROM and Arcade CD-ROM working on the Retroblox. That's not the only CD system, though. The last few included are the Sega CD/Mega CD and the original PlayStation. Both are going to have all regions of their regions, as well the 32x CD games for Sega's add-ons. What is supported is really important, especially for anyone who may not have played a Turbografx or Sega CD considering how much they sold in the 90s.
How they are doing this is basic. The base system is going to be similar to a LaserActive and Sega CD. Each system has a module. Taking the module, it is placed into the base unit, and there you go. You can play whatever system's games that you've put in. The CD optical drive is part of the base unit, so there is no worrying about buying individual ones for the CD systems. As I mentioned, this is going to be a huge risk. Nobody's ever done this sort of thing, and it seems like the sort of project that would work the kinks out as time goes on if it does well.
As far as other systems that are not mentioned, they do mention that they could support more consoles later on. They addressed the Nintendo 64, which they are not doing because Nintendo putting out patents on it. It would be intriguing to see if they go after other Atari systems, handhelds, and many others. Game Boy can be used, but on the Super Game Boy peripheral for the SNES. They mention that the Game Boy games will not be backed up when using the Super Game Boy. One would hope that they make modules for not just the Game Boy line, but the Game Gear as well. There's also the obscure systems like a 3DO and Atari Jaguar, or something along the lines of a ColocoVision and Intellvision.
So what is Retroblox's goal? They are using something called hybrid emulation and trying to get as accurate as possible to every game that is being used in their modules. It is explained in detail on their website. Not every game is supported. They addressed the light gun issue, which is obvious. The LCD TV's render a game like Duck Hunt useless. What is mentioned is that they are going to tackle the issue. They are also trying to combat piracy by not allowing SD cards with an entire system's library on it. Backing up the games that people own is something that is allowed, but the main goal is towards the people that own the cartridges and CDs of the systems that are put on the modules.
Another thing that hasn't been done is selling games digitally. These guys expect companies that own rights to original content to play by the rules and not go the hacking route. What I mean by hacking is is putting a character from one series into another one, such as Mega Man being in a game like Contra. With the way they are presenting it, Retroblox is looking to be a very cautious company while taking big chances on their multi-system release. They have done demonstrations and are going to continue doing so until they start doing their Kickstarter campaign in April. They will also mention a price for the system before the campaign, which they are making several bundles.
Rambling aside, my thoughts are that this seems like a cool idea. The ability to play CD games is a huge plus, especially for anyone who wants a Sega CD or Turbografx CD. Retroblox is putting an effort to avoid the usual problems associated with multi-systems. Playing with imports, while not the first, it's still a nice incentive. Not much else bugs me at the moment other than wondering what other systems they might go after following the launch, and figuring out how many of the CD games will work. Personally, I hope they look to some of the pre-NES stuff like ColecoVision and also look at obscure stuff like a 3DO.
In conclusion, I hope they stay on track to make something that pleases a lot of people. If it catches on, this could be the future and a lot of systems, popular or unpopular, will get attention from people that really want to play the libraries if they get modules. Good luck to Retroblox.
Retroblox's website is http://retroblox.com/. They have a news section with only a few articles at the time of this blog, explaining their intentions and what people should know regarding the multi-system. There is a forum via their community section where topics can be created and discussed.
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