Posts

Showing posts from January, 2015

The Amstrad Mega PC - 1992-93

Image
Processor: Intel 80386SX or 486DX  Memory: 1MB(Expandable to 4MB). Graphics: 256KB. Sound: AdLib. Hard disk: 40/80MB. Monitor: 14" Dual-Sync. What's it all about: By 1991, Amstrad had completely dropped the Amstrad CPC model of computers, but they weren't ready to give up on home computing just yet. This new venture was a joint development with Sega. Starting at just under £900, the hybrid PC came with both the 68000 and 80386 central processors, a 3.5” drive, a Megadrive Cart slot and H.D.D compatibility. A CD-Rom with MEGA-CD compatibility was also available, but this was optional, massively bumping the price up. I’ve never seen it, but apparently Amstrad also released a 486 model, the Amstrad Mega PC Plus. The good bits: The Mega PC unlike the console was region free, which meant you could play JAP and US games through the computer. I have to admit, playing Mega Drive games on the Amstrad PC was a revelation at the time, especially when you consider the crystal cl

Bubble Bobble 4CPC

Image
In development since 2008, the journey through the Cave of Monsters to rescue their girlfriends is finally on! Right now... CPC style! The game-play remains as simple as ever. You'll need to corner, capture and surrender all enemies using your bubble blowing antics before they can escape. It wouldn't be fair to compare BB4CPC with the other 8-bit versions, especially when considering the timeline. Instead, what we have here is the best damn conversion, we could have ever wished for, on the humble CPC. It completely trounces firebirds effort of the 1980's, and unlike the CPC original, in this new version, the bubbles can't simply be popped by walking straight into them (I always hated that). This time around, we've been treated to the original infectious theme tune, cute sprites, strategic gameplay, oodles of secrets, tight controls and a largely responsive, albeit hit and miss Jumping system (Something's gotta give). As usual, with this type of CPC ga