The new ZX VEGA Review

Processor: ARM SOC 

Memory: 16MB SD RAM
Storage: 64MB Flash Storage
Website: http://retro-computers.co.uk/vega/


What's it all about:

 It was originally produced by Retro Computers as part of a crowdfunded idea to produce a ZX Spectrum clone, that could connect directly to any TV set. Many people have likened it to the DTV64. The difference being that the Vega includes 1000 games and a hardware specific interface, built into the circuit board that allows for future software upgrades. Chris Smith developed the Vega, a former Speccy developer, for his sins. 

The good bits:

 It runs nearly every game I've thrown at it, TAP files included. It's an all-in-one solution that plugs nicely into your telly, using composite or SCART (additional SCART connector needed). The build quality isn't as bad as what others have made out, it looks and feels alright to me. The menu system looks basic in design, but it actually works really well, and there's really cool music playing in the background. There're one thousand games to sift through, and the vast majority of games I've tried thus far, work just as good as the real thing, in some cases better. There's a Micro-SD slot, where you can easily upload thousands more. The Vega also automatically maps additional games to the Kempston setup, It can sometimes be a bit hit and miss, but for the most part, helps to make the whole experience that little bit less cumbersome. Games can also be saved, allowing you to pop out and resume from where you left off. The ZX Vega experience is powered by USB, so you'll need a USB power source if playing on an old CRT.  

The bad bits:

It's really difficult to play classics such as Skool Daze, or any adventure game for that matter, as the console device lacks a true Qwerty keyboard. The built-in keyboard just isn't appropriate for this type of game. The other issue comes with the selection of games preloaded, these aren't the games that used to set our pulses racing, don't get me wrong, there's a few classics in there, but unfortunately there's a heck of a lot that ain't. There's also two big ugly wires, falling out the back of the Vega, and get this, they've omitted an HDMI connector.     

Alternatives:

You can play ZX Spectrum games on nearly every device out there, PSP, NDS, and on the PC for free. There's also the really good 'Spectaculator' http://www.spectaculator.com/ available for PC, iPad and Android. 

Should I get one?

I've had it a while now, but delayed my review, as I wanted to fully test it. The emulation is spot on, and it's great for taking away on holiday. I've played some classic Speccy games, I didn't even know existed, games I definitely wouldn't have played if not for the Vega. Classics such as Jetpac, Death Chase (Download) and R-type (Download) have never felt so good. But because of the high price of £99, and cumbersome control issue's when trying to play adventure games, unfortunately, I can't recommend it. 

 Personally, for me, I think it's great, and hopefully, they'll make similar devices for the C64 or Amstrad CPC in the future. You can see a full list of pre-loaded games by clicking on the web address above.    

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Amstrad CPC 8-bit exclusive games

Image
Have you ever wondered what Amstrad CPC games were exclusive to the Amstrad CPC? The list below is what I know of, some of the games below are truly awful, but then again, there's quite a few games I wouldn't have missed for the world. This is by no means a definitive list of exclusives, and in most cases, you can find these games on the Amiga, ST and Consoles, but you won't find 'em on the ZX Spectrum or C64 (That's if I've done my homework correctly).  There's some real classic amongst this lot, Bumpy is brilliant, as is Bactron and D.Day is a masterclass in arcade strategy. I also found a game I never knew existed in 'Dempsey and Makepeace' a classic cop series set in the 80s. But the jewel in the crown for me is Get Dexter. Star Driver needs to be checked out if you've never played it, it scrolls along like a mode 7 game, the scrolling technique from the SNES, and if you think you're ready for a challenge, try Builderland, it needs...
Read more

AMSTRAD CPC - TO SCROLL OR NOT TO SCROLL

Image
I used to think it was strange that Commodore 64 and Speccy owners always claimed that their respective machines were far superior to the Amstrad CPC? I mean, c’mon, had they seriously never seen or played the likes of Wec Le-Mans, Robocop, ChaseHq, Sorcery+ and Rainbow Islands on the CPC? The C64 versions of Chase HQ, Continental Circus and Wec-Le-Mans look, and churn along, like a badly curled poo! For sure, there are plenty of examples of this being the case with the CPC (Out Run), and likewise with the Speccy. But I don't want to get too lavatorial or reduce this article into 8-bit zealotry. Instead, I’d simply like to air my frustrations and thoughts in order to quantify and better collect all the facts. Undoubtedly, the Amstrad is the machine of personal choice for me, it left me with some of the best and worst memories (Green Beret), and it was, and still is, a very pleasant machine to program and play games on. One of the biggest complaints I hear ab...
Read more

Donkey kong Jr - Zx Spectrum

Image
Just a few thoughts on the tribute game made with AGD, for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. It's great and everything, but I'm confused? I'm still a massive fan of the original Donkey Kong arcade-style platformer from the 1980's. It is said to be the game that launched the career of Shigeru Miyamoto, but more importantly, Mario and Donkey Kong. The game went on to give Nintendo international stardom, with Miyamoto creating a legacy so powerful, that Nintendo and Japan should pray daily for his continued existence. However, Donkey Kong Jnr wasn't a great sequel, in fact, Miyamoto himself thinks it's a weaker game. It sold well, but so did the USGOLD home conversion of Outrun, so sales don't really mean diddly squat, in regards to us gaming enthusiasts. I did like the way this game reversed the characters roles, with Kong now caged and Mario becoming the antagonist. The game featured a good premise as well, instead of ...
Read more