turbografx16
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Former NEC employees tell the ballad of the TurboGrafx-16
NEC was poised to capture a significant share of the emerging North American video game market with the release of the TurboGrafx-16, but corporate indifference doomed the console to obscurity, an interview feature posted at Gamasutra today reveals. Released alongside the Sega Genesis in 1989, the TurboGrafx-16 hosted a number of exceptional games during its short lifespan, and was the first home console to boast a CD-ROM add-on. While standout games like Bonk's Revenge, Blazing Lazers, and Ys Book 1 & 2 earned it a contingent of devoted fans, many of the console's greatest efforts -- including acclaimed Castlevania: Symphony of the Night predecessor Dracula X -- languished in Japan, leaving its North American branch to suffer a slow death.
Project Unity stuffs 20 classic consoles into one: if you can't play it, it's probably too new (video)
Most gamer who want to play with more than one or two vintage console platforms often turn to software-based emulators that may or may not be above-board. How about stuffing all of the authentic hardware into one controller and one base unit? Modders at Bacteria's forums have developed Project Unity, an attempt to natively address 20 consoles across 17 actual platforms folded into a single device. The gamepad, arguably the centerpiece, includes two each of analog sticks and directional pads, along with multiple shoulder buttons and a central button grid that can either be used to steer an Intellivision or fill in for otherwise missing controls. Stuffing the unique controller hardware into one gamepad obviously presents problems with board sizes and the laws of physics, so much of the relevant circuitry sits in modified NES cartridges. Our only dismays are the lack of original Xbox support and the slightly imposing challenge of aggregating and modifying that much classic gaming componentry in one place -- if you're more concerned about convenience in your retro gaming than preserving the original feel of that Sega Master System or SNK NeoGeo, though, you've just found Utopia.
Nintendo GDC keynote roundup: Netflix and free AT&T WiFi coming to 3DS this summer!
We survived the keynote address here at GDC 2011, where Satoru Iwata and Reggie Fils-Aime just got done revealing a veritable cornucopia of info about the 3DS. On the video content front, the 3DS will get Netflix this summer along with the ability to pause a video on your handheld and continue watching on your Wii -- though we presume you may recommence your cinematic experience on an XBox or PS3 too. The addition of Netflix wasn't the only announcement by Iwata, however. Get the rest after the break.
3DS Virtual Console getting Game Gear and TurboGraphx-16 games, coming late May
In addition to select, hand-picked Game Boy and Game Boy Color classics, the 3DS's Virtual Console will also play host to titles from two slightly surprising sources: The Sega Game Gear and TurboGraphx-16 handhelds. No specific entries from the two devices were named during Reggie Fils-Aime's presentation at Nintendo's GDC keynote today -- though we've got our fingers crossed for the speedy arrival of Sonic Chaos. Fils-Aime also confirmed the late May arrival of the Virtual Console via a system update, which wiill also introduce a handful of the device's other online features, including: DSiWare (and the ability to transfer DSiWare games from a DSi or DSi XL), the web browser and eShop. It's likely to be the same update that will add Netflix and some 3D video features, too.
TurboGrafx-16 emulation app coming to iPhone
And now, some news that is simultaneously awesome and depressing. Hudson is (officially) bringing Turbografx-16 games to iPhone and iPod Touch "this winter" in a free TurboGrafx Gamebox app. It'll launch with a library of $3.99 games, and will include one, the Olympic-style World Sports Competition, for free. Each day, Hudson will select one game from the library and make it available through the app for a free three-minute trial. Hudson didn't announce the initial lineup, but we're going to go out on a limb and guess it'll include Bonk's Adventure and Military Madness. And knowing that many people missed out on the TurboGrafx-16, we're happy to see the games being brought to such a popular platform. And there's the terrible part. Last time we checked, the iPhone continued not to have buttons. So that's $4 each for a potentially great game to be rendered totally unplayable.
Entelligence: Five gadgets that could have and should have done better
Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide. For every VHS, it seems there's also a Betamax -- a gadgets or standard that just didn't live up to the expectations of the mass market at the time. Despite being loved by niche audiences, these folks just didn't have what it took to make it to the big time. Here I celebrate some of my favorite gadgets and technologies that just couldn't catch on with the populace at large.
PSP firmware 6.3 adds folders for NeoGeo and PC Engine games
Firmware version 6.3 is out and as Fist Full of Potions points out, something's rotten in Denmark -- or very sweet, depending on how you feel about Japanese consoles of yesteryear. The update allows you to "group content" by putting your games into specific folders corresponding to platform, but also curiously adds empty folders for the NeoGeo and PC Engine -- otherwise known as the TurboGrafx-16. This update could be the precursor to an announcement for the PC Engine Archives extending their reach beyond Japan or it could simply be an overlooked byproduct of the update. Either way, we've contacted Sony for comment and will let you know what we find out.
The TurboExpress, lovingly unboxed
You might think gadget unboxing videos are unnecessary. A quick look after the break is all you need to realize that you are wrong. Aaron Nanto of pcenginefx.com has filmed a beautiful unboxing video notable not only for its subject (an NEC TurboExpress, the handheld version of the Turbografx-16 console) but for its beautiful cinematography. For us, this video lies somewhere between "love story" and "pornography," though we wouldn't dare suggest it's indecent to watch. We've never been so thrilled to see five seconds of Keith Courage in Alpha Zones.
VC in Brief: Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (TG-16)
As far as imports go, Castlevania: Rondo of Blood is a pretty sweet one. For $9, it's a great game to add to any Castlevania fan's collection and plays quite well on the Wii: casual players get a forgiving save structure and stage system, while the hardcore fans get the same tried-and-true gameplay. Rondo of Blood is suited for quick pick-up sessions or even long marathon outings. Basically: you should play this game. It's good -- seriously good. Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (Turbografx-16 CD-ROM, 1 player, 900 Wii Points) Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer VC in Brief as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks like that.
VC in Brief: Fighting Street (TG16) and R-TYPE (SMS)
This week's Virtual Console releases kind of pale in comparison to last week's stellar offerings; Fighting Street is a crummy game that helped spawn one of gaming's best series, whereas R-TYPE is a great game, though the version offered this week is the lousier port. There's been a way more competent version of the game available since 2006! Fighting Street (TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points) R-TYPE (Sega Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points) Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks like that.
Modder invents portable Turbografx-16, again
Modder "Bacteria" took a PSOne LCD screen and made something truly wonderful with it: a portable Turbografx-16 system called the "IntoGrafx" that can play both Japanese and American games. It features the standard two-button controller, with turbo switches, and a 5.4" screen. It's a nice compromise between the two existing Turbografx-16 handhelds, combining the TurboExpress/PC Engine GT's portability with the PC Engine LT's more usable screen size. Also, it's red.Bacteria has posted detailed build notes for this, in case you'd like to tackle this project yourself. If you're not technically inclined, however, you can always just play PC Engine and TG16 games on your PSP.[Via Engadget]
Bacteria's back at it with IntoGrafx portable TurboGrafx-16
Bacteria's already stepped up his game considerably with his recent IntoPlay portable PSone mod, but he's now truly won our hearts with his latest DIY build: a portable TurboGrafx-16. Like a redder, more bulbous TurboExpress, this one uses an official 5.4-inch Sony PSone screen for a display (and speakers), packs a built-in battery that's said to last three hours between recharges, and includes plenty of nice touches like a region free switch for American and Japanese games and a pair of turbo switches for the action buttons. Of course, like most such mods, this is a one-of-a-kind creation, but you can check out the complete build process at the link below, and get a glimpse of it in action in the video after the break. Read - ModRetro, IntoGrafx - Bacteria's portable TurboGrafx games system Read - Bacteria's site, IntoGrafx build
TurboGrafx-16 games coming to North American PSN
Don't worry, Bonk fans. The PlayStation Store's expansion into TurboGrafx territory won't remain a Japan-only affair. Hudson confirmed to Siliconera that it plans to port its classics onto the North American PSN -- although it didn't provide a time frame. Japanese gamers can already download a variety of "PC Engine" games from the PlayStation Store, including Bomberman '94, New Adventure Island, Sengoku Mahjong and Devil's Crush, each for ¥600 ($6.33). As with downloadable PS1 games, these titles are compatible with both the PS3 and PSP.
The Pre gets PlayStation gaming and more thanks to ZodTTD (video)
If you're familiar with the emulation scene (and let's be honest, you are reading Engadget), then you know the name ZodTTD -- the brain behind some of the best jailbroken emus for the iPhone, including variations on the PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, and most importantly... the TurboGrafx-16. Now the master-hacker has brought his goods to the Pre, cooking up a version of psx4all on the Palm device, with the aforementioned GBA and TG16 ports on the way! Interestingly, he reports that the performance on the Pre is actually better than that of the iPhone 3GS, and of course he's hacked access to the keyboard, allowing for (more) proper control of games. There are still kinks that are being worked out (sound emulation, screen scaling, etc.), but it looks like we can expect big things in the near future. We at Engadget know everyone will rest a bit easier tonight knowing that real gaming on the Pre is at hand. We'll hopefully be getting our hands on a version soon, but for now hit the read link for more info, and check out the full video after the break!
VC in Brief: SimEarth (TG16)
SimEarth: The Living Planet (TG16 CD-ROM, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)We say: Best played on PC This week's release is an oldie, but a goodie: SimEarth: The Living Planet for the TurboGrafx-16. It's been a long time since I played this game, and it's still as fun as I remember it. It's much better on the PC (way better controls), but, if this is your only way to play the game, I'd suggest you check it out. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
NintendoWare Weekly: NEVES Plus brings Art Style to SimEarth
This week's star of the show is undoubtedly WiiWare, which receives the very rare "three-title-update." Playing second and third fiddle are DSiWare and the Virtual Console, which both get the usual one new title. So, without further ado, let's check out what's available to download this week across Nintendo platforms in the latest NintendoWare Weekly. %Gallery-48138%
VC in Brief: Bomberman '94 (TG16) and Detana Twin Bee (TG16)
Well, this is a surprise: A week with two Virtual Console releases. And all from Hudson? We guess Nintendo liked that fruitcake from last year's Virtual Console participant party. As usual, feel free to watch this week's releases in motion above or, if you're more for images of the motionless variety, head past the break. Or ... do both. Go ahead, go mad with power.
VC Monday Madness: Digital Champ Battle Boxing and Gradius II Gofer No Yabou
We've got two new imports to play on the Virtual Console this week. We love it when the service hooks us up with imports because they're so fresh and new. We like that. Too bad one of this week's games isn't very good. Which one is it? Hit up the video above to find out. And if you're looking for more, head past the break.
Retail and download releases for the week of October 20th
It's a pretty big week for releases. On top of plenty of games available at retail, there's a couple of imports available on the Virtual Console, as well as one awaited WiiWare release (can you guess what it is?). Head past the break and start thinking about cracking open that piggy bank.%Gallery-18122%
VC Monday Madness: Cho Aniki and Final Soldier
This week, we've got a pair of new Virtual Console titles. And they're both imports! And they're both from the TurboGrafx16. And they're both shmups! And they're both good!
