Almost a week ago, the Turbografx-16 turned 30 years old. It was a huge hit in Japan when it came out in 1987 as the PC-Engine. Going stateside in 89, it flopped. This is where I look at this mini that is coming out next year as a question mark.
For 100 dollars, you get over 50 games and a couple of controller ports, an improvement over the original which only had one port. Some of the notable titles include some Bomberman games, a couple Bonk games, Castlevania, Galaga, Splatterhouse. That's just the tip of the iceberg. It's a mix of games that were on the Turbo but also on the CD add-on and Japan only Supergrafx. That means Ghouls 'n Ghosts and the first two Y's games make it onto here. This and the Sega Genesis Mini show that when done right, it can do the same stuff as the NES and SNES Classics.
Unfortunately, it is going to be sold only through Amazon. At least for the time being. My biggest concern also is whether this will do good. In Japan, I would think so, but in the States, it leaves me guessing. The Turbo does have a fanbase, but not to the level of the Genesis and SNES. That being said, I do think it can be a good turning point for anyone wanting to get into it. The mix of titles released in the US and Japan make it a good commodity. A number of the titles go for quite a bit in price. I personally think this could be a good introduction to the third pillar of the 16-bit era.
Maybe if it appears in stores, I'd get it. But I would want to check on how it performs. Hopefully good, because I hear a lot of good things about the Turbografx-16. Can't leave that system behind.
Showing posts with label turbografx. Show all posts
Showing posts with label turbografx. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Turbografx Mini
There are a number of older systems I would love to get my hands on. Sega CD, Dreamcast, 3DO, and the point of this topic, the Turbografx-16. It didn't amount to anything in America because of Nintendo's illegal monopoly and Sega pulling ahead with better marketing, support, and library. But it did sport a decently unique set of titles. That's where the Mini makes a little bit of sense.
It's a little over 40 games with titles like Bonk, Dungeon Explorer and a number of arcade titles, originals, and shoot em ups (shmups). The price is set for 100 dollars, but whether there's additional costs, it wouldn't surprise me if there was. A lack of certain titles is always notable. I hear complaints about no Splatterhouse. One, it's a Namco game. Two, it's also a game that warrants an M rating. The system was finished before the ESRB formed, but a lot of the games would either be E or T rated. Having something like Splatterhouse would make it a prohibitive buy for kids.
There isn't much else to discuss. Maybe it is fitting as it turns 30 along with the Sega Genesis. Both Konami and Sega have their Minis set for this year. It's a sense of knowing that they can stand out amongst the other systems getting miniaturized. The Turbo should get quite a bit of respect and sell decently. A lot more knowledge is seen on it and it falls into the underrated areas of gaming.
I hope it does well, because this is a system that would get people into the Turbo.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Wii Virtual Console Overview Part 1
The only times I have ever played Virtual Console was on the Wii over a two year period from 2010 through 2012. It was mostly Mario Kart 64 and Mario 64. Not to mention I saw others playing Rondo of Blood and a few other titles from other systems. From the get go, Nintendo had the service at launch with five systems. Three of theirs and two competitors. As time went on, they expanded to a few other systems. Some survived, while others were discontinued very quickly. Before it shuts down the ability to use Wii Points, let's go through the systems and games it had through the North American market.
Let's begin with the Nintendo Entertainment System. It had a steady flow of games from launch up until 2012. This one had quite a bit of support from different companies. Obviously, Nintendo with their vast array of titles. Tecmo put a lot of their releases on Virtual Console like Mighty Bomb Jack. Konami had their heavy hitters in as well as Taito and Jaleco. Capcom surprisingly didn't have many. It was mainly Mega Man. There's a few others like Namco, but overall, it is your last chance to get titles that are cheap to download. You got just over 90 games to choose from.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System had the most varied of the Nintendo systems. Most of the same companies put their heavy hitters on Virtual Console. Capcom really gave it their effort to put Street Fighter, Final Fight, and a few others on. Unfortunately, most of their games were delisted a few years ago, so no chance of getting them cheap. Out of all the systems on the service, it lost quite a bit of games, leaving you with just over 60. Nintendo still put up the effort, though there are some notable omissions. Konami and Tecmo went all out. LucasArts were in with their titles, including the Star Wars games. Overall, there is variety, and you might want to buy the few essentials since some of the cart versions go for an arm and a leg.
Last of the Nintendo systems is the 64. It's disappointing that it only got 21 titles. Nearly all of it is Nintendo games. Still, there's most of the Mario stuff, Zelda, Smash Bros., Pokemon. There's also Bomberman, Ogre Battle, and Sin and Punishment, a Japan only release back then that made it to Virtual Console. The system is a victim of companies going bankrupt which includes quite a bit of games from Acclaim and Midway. I know Konami and Capcom didn't release much for it back in the 90s, but they could have at least tried to put something on the service. Obviously, Rare games can't be put on board since Microsoft owns them. Like the SNES, try to get the few essentials because of high prices for some of the carts.
Sega got into the mix from the start of the system's launch with the Genesis. It's got the second most titles with just over 70. A number of titles are ones you see in compilations. Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, Columns. The list goes on. It's mostly a Sega library list, but there are some ones that made it to Virtual Console. Capcom had a few like Street Fighter and Ghouls n Ghosts. Namco put out a couple games. Interesting titles include some Interplay games like Boogerman and Earthworm Jim. A few exclusives outside the US are the Game Freak developed Pulseman and Sega's Monster World IV. What you do with this system for Virtual Console, I don't care. Personally, I would try to go after the ones you don't typically see in compilations. A prime example is M.U.S.H.A. A copy goes for literally hundreds of dollars, so try to get ones that you know will disappear for good.
Last of the launch service systems is the Turbografx-16. It's not an easy system to find in terms of hardware and software. Hudson Soft bought into this and brought a good chunk of the library over. The list is just shy of 60 titles. There's shooters like Galaga 90 and system sellers such as Splatterhouse. Other notables include Falcom's Ys, and Konami's Castlevania: Rondo of Blood. This is a system to target since you don't see them out in the wild. Try to get what you think you will like before you can't add more points.
Part 2 includes the additional systems.
Let's begin with the Nintendo Entertainment System. It had a steady flow of games from launch up until 2012. This one had quite a bit of support from different companies. Obviously, Nintendo with their vast array of titles. Tecmo put a lot of their releases on Virtual Console like Mighty Bomb Jack. Konami had their heavy hitters in as well as Taito and Jaleco. Capcom surprisingly didn't have many. It was mainly Mega Man. There's a few others like Namco, but overall, it is your last chance to get titles that are cheap to download. You got just over 90 games to choose from.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System had the most varied of the Nintendo systems. Most of the same companies put their heavy hitters on Virtual Console. Capcom really gave it their effort to put Street Fighter, Final Fight, and a few others on. Unfortunately, most of their games were delisted a few years ago, so no chance of getting them cheap. Out of all the systems on the service, it lost quite a bit of games, leaving you with just over 60. Nintendo still put up the effort, though there are some notable omissions. Konami and Tecmo went all out. LucasArts were in with their titles, including the Star Wars games. Overall, there is variety, and you might want to buy the few essentials since some of the cart versions go for an arm and a leg.
Last of the Nintendo systems is the 64. It's disappointing that it only got 21 titles. Nearly all of it is Nintendo games. Still, there's most of the Mario stuff, Zelda, Smash Bros., Pokemon. There's also Bomberman, Ogre Battle, and Sin and Punishment, a Japan only release back then that made it to Virtual Console. The system is a victim of companies going bankrupt which includes quite a bit of games from Acclaim and Midway. I know Konami and Capcom didn't release much for it back in the 90s, but they could have at least tried to put something on the service. Obviously, Rare games can't be put on board since Microsoft owns them. Like the SNES, try to get the few essentials because of high prices for some of the carts.
Sega got into the mix from the start of the system's launch with the Genesis. It's got the second most titles with just over 70. A number of titles are ones you see in compilations. Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, Columns. The list goes on. It's mostly a Sega library list, but there are some ones that made it to Virtual Console. Capcom had a few like Street Fighter and Ghouls n Ghosts. Namco put out a couple games. Interesting titles include some Interplay games like Boogerman and Earthworm Jim. A few exclusives outside the US are the Game Freak developed Pulseman and Sega's Monster World IV. What you do with this system for Virtual Console, I don't care. Personally, I would try to go after the ones you don't typically see in compilations. A prime example is M.U.S.H.A. A copy goes for literally hundreds of dollars, so try to get ones that you know will disappear for good.
Last of the launch service systems is the Turbografx-16. It's not an easy system to find in terms of hardware and software. Hudson Soft bought into this and brought a good chunk of the library over. The list is just shy of 60 titles. There's shooters like Galaga 90 and system sellers such as Splatterhouse. Other notables include Falcom's Ys, and Konami's Castlevania: Rondo of Blood. This is a system to target since you don't see them out in the wild. Try to get what you think you will like before you can't add more points.
Part 2 includes the additional systems.
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.
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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