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Showing posts with the label Retrogaming

Classic Replay - Sega Nomad

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What is it?   Feeling nostalgic for the golden days of the Mega Drive? Before Nintendo's Game Boy ruled the scene, there was Sega's Nomad—the Mega Drive that (almost) fit in your pocket. Only released in America, the Nomad was a portable version of Sega's 16-bit masterpiece. It was about the size of a chunky paperback book and heavier than your average Harry Potter novel. This pocket-sized powerhouse let you play Genesis (US Mega Drive) games on the go, with its six-button controller, a port for an external second controller, two AV outputs, a large built-in 3-inch colour screen, and the option to plug it into your TV at home. The only downside? It couldn't accommodate your beloved 32X and Sega peripherals. But hey, being able to play Toki on the toilet? Totally worth it! Why you should want one Genesis cartridges, including most UK and Japanese ones with an adapter, are still easily accessible and won't break the bank. Games you really should get From Ghouls 'n...

Sharp X68000 - What is it?

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  The Sharp X68000: A Retro Gaming Gem The Sharp X68000 is a legendary Japanese computer system that has earned a special place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts. Released in 1987 , this 32-bit powerhouse was ahead of its time, offering arcade-quality graphics and sound that were unmatched by other home systems of the era A Brief History The X68000 was named after its Motorola 68000 CPU , which was also used in other iconic systems like the Atari ST, Amiga, Sega Genesis, and Neo Geo. Despite its high price tag, the X68000 became a success in Japan, finding its way into many homes and becoming a favourite among gamers and developers alike Standout Features One of the most remarkable aspects of the X68000 was its ability to deliver arcade-perfect ports . The system's architecture was similar to Capcom's CPS-1 arcade boards, making it an ideal platform for bringing arcade hits to the home. This capability allowed the X68000 to host some of the best and most faithful arcad...

Gaming Gear of Yesteryear: Commodore 64

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Commodore 64 Year Released: 1982  Manufacturer: Commodore Did you know? There are numerous underground sites dedicated to keeping the Commodore 64 alive and thriving. Check out C64.com and the more recent C64 Online Emulator . What is it? In the 80s, you were either an Amstrad, Spectrum, or Commodore kid. The C64 boasted a whopping 64K of memory, incredible sound, 16 colours, and superb hi-res graphics (for its time). It was also many kids' first experience with an online network when Commodore released the Compunet Modem, allowing them to spend all night downloading demos and chatting with other like-minded gaming fans. Why do I need it? For a treasure trove of original games that are still worth playing today. Titles like The Eidolon , Creatures , Wizball , and Ballblazer are some of the best and earliest games from Lucasfilm. Their first release, Rescue On Fractalus , used a pioneering technique to generate a believable 3D landscape - finding a 'Jaggi' enemy hammerin...

Why the Amstrad CPC Stood Out Among 8-Bit Computers

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The 8-bit era was a fascinating time for home computers, with several iconic machines vying for dominance. Let's dive into why the Amstrad CPC was considered one of the best 8-bit computers, and how it compared to the Commodore 64 (C64), ZX Spectrum, and the MSX. Amstrad CPC The Amstrad CPC series, launched in 1984, was known for its robust design and built-in monitor, which set it apart from its competitors. It featured a Zilog Z80A CPU running at 4 MHz, 64 KB of RAM (expandable to 128 KB), and impressive graphics capabilities with a palette of 27 colours. The CPC's sound was handled by the AY-3-8912 sound chip, offering three channels of sound. Commodore 64 (C64) The C64, released in 1982, was a powerhouse in the 8-bit market. It had a MOS Technology 6510 CPU running at 1 MHz, 64 KB of RAM, and superior graphics with a resolution of 320x200 and 16 colours. The C64's SID (Sound Interface Device) chip was legendary, providing three channels of complex sound and music. ZX Sp...

The ultimate 2 Player Games

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You can't beat an epic two-player experience! My earliest memory of a two-player game is playing Gauntlet on the Amstrad CPC with my cousin. We would spend hours on it, and then came Deeper Dungeons with 500 more levels, many of which were fan-made and from the developers themselves. Another early memory is Target Renegade, a fantastic game that was even better with a friend. It actually improved over the arcade original and then some. Then came Gryzor, and I was blown away. The home conversion I had was far from arcade perfect, but it allowed you to team up with a friend, which was a game-changer for the time in both depth of gameplay and cooperative action. But there were many more. Here's my list of favourite two-player games.  10. Gauntlet (1985): This dungeon crawler was a hit in arcades, allowing up to four players to team up and battle through hordes of enemies. Its cooperative gameplay and unique character classes made it a standout. 9. Contra (Gryzor UK) (1987): Known ...

The birth of the Amstrad Mega PC

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Back in 1993, 32 years ago, SEGA licensed a machine powered by a 32-bit Intel 80386SX CPU running at 25 MHz. At the time, the Intel DX2 and Pentium processors were just emerging, with the DX2 released in March 1992 and the Pentium in March 1993. Unfortunately, Amstrad's offering came a bit too late to make a significant impact. However, it was upgradable to 16MB of RAM and featured a 40MB hard drive, along with SVGA graphics boasting 256KB of RAM. There were plans to release a Cyrix 486 model, but it's unclear if it ever made it to market. The Amstrad Mega PC had potential, but several factors could have made it more successful: Better Timing: Releasing the Mega PC earlier, before the dominance of more powerful 486 and Pentium CPUs, could have given it a competitive edge. Improved Performance: Upgrading the CPU to a 486 or even a Pentium would have made it more appealing to consumers looking for better performance. Competitive Pricing: Offering the Mega PC at a more affordab...

The Enduring Power of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum

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In the ever-evolving world of technology, few brands have managed to maintain their relevance and charm quite like the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. This iconic 8-bit home computer, first released in 1982, continues to captivate the hearts and minds of enthusiasts around the globe. But what is it about the ZX Spectrum that keeps it so firmly rooted in modern-day life? Nostalgia: A Powerful Force Nostalgia plays a significant role in the enduring appeal of the ZX Spectrum. For many, it represents a simpler time when gaming was in its infancy, and the thrill of loading a game from a cassette tape was unmatched. The ZX Spectrum was more than just a computer; it was a gateway to countless adventures and a source of endless creativity. The memories of those early gaming experiences continue to resonate with fans, keeping the brand alive and well. Social Media Presence In today's digital age, the ZX Spectrum has found a new lease of life on social media platforms. Hashtags related to the ZX Spec...

Golden Axe: A Journey Through Platforms

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Golden Axe, a classic hack-and-slash game developed by Sega, has left an indelible mark on the gaming world since its release in 1989. Let's explore its journey across different platforms and see how it fared.  Arcade   Golden Axe made its debut in arcades, captivating players with its engaging gameplay and fantasy setting.  The arcade version is often hailed as the best iteration, thanks to its smooth controls, vibrant graphics, and immersive sound. It set the standard for beat-'em-up games and remains a beloved classic. Sega Mega Drive/Genesis The Sega Mega Drive (or Genesis in North America) brought Golden Axe to home consoles. While not a perfect port, it retained much of the arcade's charm and added two extra levels and new play modes. This version became a staple for Mega Drive owners and is fondly remembered for its faithful adaptation. Golden Axe on 16-bit Computers Golden Axe, the iconic hack-and-slash game, made its way to various 16-bit computers, including the...

The Top 10 Scariest PS1 Games

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The Top 10 Scariest PS1 Games Well, as jumpy as PS1 games can get on a 32bit console. These are my best picks from the games I owned and played. I think it's testament to the PS1 that it still shows, with the lights out, no matter the dated graphics... Games can still be a little bit scary. I hope you enjoy, please leave a comment, like, ring that bell to be kept informed of newer uploaded vids. But more importantly, please subscribe. #ps1 #ps1collection #ps1games #playstation

The 10 Most Forgotten Amstrad Games!

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The Amstrad CPC was my first home computer. I had the Amsoft ten pack that came with £100 worth of free software. It felt like a great time to be alive and I played those Amsoft titles until they refused to load. Later I discovered that you could pretty much walk into any supermarket or retail store and buy additional games. One problem, pocket money was rare back then, so that meant I could look, but not touch. I remember saving up for Outrun on the Amstrad. Took me around 6 weeks, then disaster struck. The game was a complete travesty, a massive Christmas Turkey. That was the day I learned a valuable lesson, don't believe everything you read. That's when I found Amstrad Action, they were trustworthy and I never bought a bad game again. This is about all those game I finally managed to purchase and stick with. Back then I purchased a game and would be stuck with it for for months on end until I could finally afford a new game. I think this allowed me to uncover almost every as...

SEGA SATURN TOP 10

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"Welcome to the next Level" The Sega Saturn is a 32-bit video game console that was developed and produced by Sega. It was first released in Japan in 1994, and later in North America and Europe in 1995. The Sega Saturn was designed to compete with Sony's PlayStation and Nintendo's Ultra 64 (later known as the Nintendo 64). The console featured hardware support for 3D graphics and featured a library of over 900 games. It was well received in Japan but struggled to gain market share in the US and Europe, ultimately leading to its discontinuation in 1998. Despite its commercial failure, the Sega Saturn is remembered for its strong line-up of 2D games and for its innovative hardware design. Pros: 1.      Advanced 3D graphics capabilities: The Sega Saturn was able to produce high-quality 3D graphics that were on par with, and in some cases even better than, those of its competitors. 2. Extensive library of games: The Saturn had a wide variety of games available, from pop...

ZX Spectrum | The Six Most Important Games

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ZX Spectrum | The Six Most Important Games Sinclair Research Ltd. released the ZX Spectrum, an 8-bit personal home computer, in the United Kingdom in 1982. The Spectrum was one of the first mainstream home computers in the United Kingdom, comparable to the Commodore 64 in the United States. The advent of the ZX Spectrum resulted in a surge in firms developing software and hardware for the system, and some credit it with launching the UK IT industry. Head Over Heels, Jet Set Willy, Skool Daze, Renegade, R-Type, Knight Lore, Dizzy, The Hobbit, Way of the Exploding Fist, and Match Day 2 were amongst the top 10 ZX Spectrum games.

Amstrad CPC | Fire & Forget Walkthrough + Homebrew

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Restore peace on earth and collect a high score while doing so in the first one of the Fire and Forget games by Titus. Fire and Forget is a racing game in which you have to complete courses by blowing up various enemies and avoiding obstacles on the road. The different tracks are located all over the globe. There are six courses within each level of difficulty. You have an infinite number of lives, but when your car runs out of fuel it's game over. So be sure to pick up those power-ups.

TEN OF OUR FAVOURITE RETRO RACING GAMES - SNES

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The SNES years were a great time to be a fan of Driving/Racing games. This list of the best racing games is sure to fire up the engines of all you petrolheads out there - and with good reason.  Please subscribe, share and like :)) Thanks.  Follow us at: https://twitter.com/classicreplay https://facebook.com/classicreplayoff... https://classicreplay.blogspot.com   #top10 #Top10SNES #SnesRacingGames #snes #supernintendo #nintendo #childhood #snesgames #snesgameplay #snesclassic #snesmini #snestalgia #nostalgia #snesislife #snesmusic #supernitendo #fzero

Konami on the Amstrad CPC

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Konami is famous for its arcade games, what's strange when it comes to the 8bits and in particular the Amstrad CPC, is that instead of using other software houses to convert their licensed games onto home computers. Konami sometimes produced its own conversions. I think the first was prison break for the humble Amstrad CPC.

Why I Love the SEGA DREAMCAST

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The Dreamcast is a home video game console released by Sega on November 27, 1998 in Japan, September 9, 1999 in North America, and October 14, 1999 in Europe. It was the first in the sixth generation of video game consoles, preceding Sony's PlayStation 2, Nintendo's GameCube, and Microsoft's Xbox. The Dreamcast was Sega's final home console, marking the end of the company's eighteen years in the console market.

Doom 32X Resurrection

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This patch completely replaces the original engine, adding performance improvements and new features, as well as missing levels from the Jaguar port. Multi-region, supports both PAL and NTSC. Smoother yet faithful gameplay. Splitscreen coop and deathmatch modes. New title screen that resembles the Saturn and PlayStation versions. Rendering has been spread across both SH2 processors for better speed. User input is processed at 30FPS, while game logic runs at 15FPS. Low (two pixel modes) 128×144, 128×160, 160×180 and high detail 224×128, 252×144 video modes. FM Synth soundtrack courtesy of Spoony Bard Selecting between no music, VGM FM music, or playing music from attached Sega CD (requires Sega CD in addition to 32X). Stereo panning for game sounds. Save ram support - keeps track of finished levels, health, armor, weapons and ammo - eight save slots as well as an auto-save at the end of each level. Includes levels that were omitted from the original release. Restores sprite directions...

Remembering David Lawson, one of the founding fathers of the UK games industry

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All good things must come to an end, even for early pioneers of the UK computer and video games industry. We lost Sir Clive Sinclair in September, and now David. What we can still cherish is the legacy and memories these early visionaries gave us through computer and console TV entertainment. I feel very lucky to have grown up during the late 70's and early 80's. Everything felt extreme back then, the clothes, the hair, music and the hundreds of blockbuster movies. All the while computer and videogames were quietly going about there business, until the likes of Imagine that is. Later came an even big splash from Ocean Software, but quietly so when compared to the material obsessed yuppies of the decade.    Cecil Rhodes once said, "To be born English is to win first prize in the lottery of life." But to have worked within the computer and videogames industry during the 1980's and help shape it, surely that is the ultimate icing on the cake.   R.I.P David Lawson  ...

Clone Wars - Killer Gorilla [Amstrad CPC]

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Killer Gorilla is a clone of Nintendo's Donkey Kong arcade game. It is a four stage platform game set on a building construction site, where stages consist of girders, ladders, conveyor belts and elevators.  The object of stages one, two and three is to reach the top of the screen where your girlfriend is guarded by the eponymous Killer Gorilla. On stage four the objective is to remove the rivets from the girders, causing the top of the building to collapse and the gorilla to fall.  On all stages, items belonging to your girlfriend can be collected for extra points. When stage four is completed, play loops back to stage one. On stage one, the gorilla rolls barrels down the screen. These can be avoided, jumped over, or smashed with a hammer that can be collected and carried for a short time. If a barrel reaches the flaming barrel at the bottom of the screen, it will sometimes become a fireball that rolls erratically along girders and up and down ladders. On stage two, conveyor ...

Arcade to ZX Spectrum - Operation Wolf

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The arcade conversion of Operation Wolf with its Uzi sub machine gun was not only a thing of beauty, but a true 1980s treasure. I originally owned and played the Amstrad CPC conversion of which I’m a huge fan and urge you check out. Now for the first time ever, I’m finally playing the ZX Spectrum conversion. But how will it go down when compared to the other 8bits and does it still hold up today? Join me to find out and more…  #operationwolf #Arcade #Taito