Genesis vs Turbo Grafx 16 and more
Wayne M
number of really good games and the tg16 had just a good solid
handful.
i wonder why tg16 graphics sometimes look better than Genesis though?
Then there are games like gunstar heros or sonic games that totally
blow away tg16 graphics.
It sucked that tg16 didnt have av connection only rf except if you
bought the booster attachment.
overall genisis is my favorite system. I have Genesis, SNES, TG16,
PSX, DC, and XBox but I think Genesis is the funnest. It just has a
lot of style and playability you know? Im also thinking about getting
a sega cd game system but they are kind of expensive right?
Lets hear those comments
Mojo JoJo
TG-16 was technically 8-bit with souped up graphics (it still did the job
well). And in the early years, both systems had to deal with Nintendo's
monopoly in the North American gaming market. There were some gorgeous PC
Engine games released in Japan and it took a while for Sega to get other
Nintendo developers to produce games for the Sega. The Turbo Duo (TG16/CD
combo) did have the A/V connection built in. Personally, I love my Genny,
but Dracula X on my Duo spanks Bloodlines. But I think the Genny had a
superior library.
Mojo
"Wayne M" <an55...@anon.penet.fi> wrote in message
news:uv33dvkda57vkjijh...@4ax.com...
BelPowerslave
> number of really good games and the tg16 had just a good solid
> handful.
>
From the two times I owned the system, it was just a real letdown to me.
Except for a few really decent games I played, everything seemed
sluggish and very framey. Again, this is just my opinion based on what I
had played.
>
> i wonder why tg16 graphics sometimes look better than Genesis though?
> Then there are games like gunstar heros or sonic games that totally
> blow away tg16 graphics.
>
Well, the dedicated video processor thing helped out. I think it might
have either also had either A) More colors on screen or B) a wider
pallete to choose from, which would help out a lot.
>
> It sucked that tg16 didnt have av connection only rf except if you
> bought the booster attachment.
>
Yeah, both times I owned it, all I had were the AV connections.
>
> overall genisis is my favorite system.
Solid! As well, it should be! :)
> I have Genesis, SNES, TG16,
> PSX, DC, and XBox but I think Genesis is the funnest. It just has a
> lot of style and playability you know? Im also thinking about getting
> a sega cd game system but they are kind of expensive right?
>
*Some*(and by some I mean all of the Working Design titles and about 4
others outside of that) are, but most are pretty cheap, when you can
find them. This is where I differ from a lot of people, I have a local
store down a bit that has all of their Sega CD games for $5 to $7,
complete. Plus, and oddly enough, a lot of the GameStops around here(and
just so everyone knows, and this isn't bragging, just showing the
monopolistic ways of the company, I have 5, each within 10 minutes of my
house) still carry Saturn and Sega CD games. It's nice. As for your
chances of getting them cheap, go ebay. Find yourself a decent seller
and clean up...
Bel
--
Whip Ass Gaming: http://users2.ev1.net/~belpowerslave/
"I remember when I took that job thinking I could fight the good fight
from the inside and you telling me about all the problems. That color
thing: Too black for the uniform, too blue for the brothers. About how
justice gets tangled up in the red tape or just bought off by the green.
You were right, fuck that job." - John Shaft, Shaft
John
"BelPowerslave" <belpow...@ev1.net> wrote in message
news:3ED232F6...@ev1.net...
> > Which system do you guys thinks wins? I think Genesis had a bigger
> > number of really good games and the tg16 had just a good solid
> > handful.
> >
>
> From the two times I owned the system, it was just a real letdown to me.
> Except for a few really decent games I played, everything seemed
> sluggish and very framey. Again, this is just my opinion based on what I
> had played.
>
> >
> > i wonder why tg16 graphics sometimes look better than Genesis though?
> > Then there are games like gunstar heros or sonic games that totally
> > blow away tg16 graphics.
> >
>
> Well, the dedicated video processor thing helped out. I think it might
> have either also had either A) More colors on screen or B) a wider
> pallete to choose from, which would help out a lot.
>
Someone tell me, did the genesis come out before or after all those big sega
sprite scaling games were put out? If it was after, why on earth didn't they
shove a sprite scaler chip in the genesis?
Nicholas E. Andrade
> Which system do you guys thinks wins? I think Genesis had a bigger
> number of really good games and the tg16 had just a good solid
> handful.
>
Like most people, I have to give it to the Genesis. The TG-16 loses
points for only having one controller ort (although five player adapter
for basketball and hockey was sweet). Since my RF out was pretty much
broken when I got it, I primarily used composite and thought in general
the graphics were comparable. Although this is not always the case,
especially later Genesis/32X games blew the TG out of the water. I do
like how Hu-Cards come in CD cases, making them much easier to find
storage for. Although my favorite feature was without a doubt playback
on the Turbo Express. Now if we were comparing Turbop Express vs. Game
Gear, I'd go Express all the way. The TE was the king of handhelds for
almost a decade. Hell, the active matrix display still surpasses the
GBA.
> overall genisis is my favorite system. I have Genesis, SNES, TG16,
> PSX, DC, and XBox but I think Genesis is the funnest. It just has a
> lot of style and playability you know? Im also thinking about getting
> a sega cd game system but they are kind of expensive right?
>
The genesis definitely holds a high place in my heart when it comes to
systems. I admit that my XBox is seeing a lot more play recently then
it, but out of over a dozen different types of consoles I own, the
Genesis is the one I favor the most.
>
> Lets hear those comments
Adios,
~Nick
Max Lords
I'm awfully torn on this one. The TG16 is one of my favorite systems ever,
and with a 800 game library (if you count imports) it's not too shabby next
to the Genesis. Not to mention that the handheld played the console games
WAY before the Nomad, and the PC Engine LT was the first flip top handheld
far before the GBASP.
The real fault with the TG16/Duo lies in the fact that 75% of the best games
NEVER came to the US! As an avid importer, I've played a lot of them, and I
must say that some of them BLOW the Genny away.
However, standing solely on domestic games, I have to vote for the Genesis.
Better library, better games in the library overall. I do love the vibrant
colors of the TG16 though!
Scott H
"John" <ju...@junk.com> wrote in message
news:bau70i$dk$1...@perki.connect.com.au...
Afterburner, Altered Beast, Outrun, Galaxy Force II and Space Harrier
all came out in the arcades before the Genesis. The reason the system
didn't have all of the features of the arcade system was because of cost.
The Genesis didn't have the digitized sound capabilities, Mhz speed, color
palette, colors on screen, or sprite scaling hardware capabilities of the
arcade cabinets of the day. Those arcade systems cost thousands of dollars,
while the Genesis launched at $189 in 1989. It had to compete with an $80
NES with four years of every third party making every game exclusively for
it, so hardware cost was a prohibitive factor. Note that even Nintendo
found that in order to include sprite scaling in the Snes in 1991, they had
to put a CPU of half the speed the Genesis' CPU had.
Mojo JoJo
the Turbo Express (playing SF2 with two buttons on the Express and with a
Kisado converter is still crappy though). I still need to get both though
:-)
Mojo
"Nicholas E. Andrade" <nean...@ucsd.edu> wrote in message
news:3ED2C0AB...@ucsd.edu...
Nicholas E. Andrade
>But Nick, why compare the Game Gear? Might as well compare the Nomad with
>the Turbo Express (playing SF2 with two buttons on the Express and with a
>Kisado converter is still crappy though). I still need to get both though
>:-)
>
>Mojo
>
I chose to compare it to Game Gear because they are both backwards
compatible, 8 bit systems, but you're right Lynx is probably a better
(fairer) comparison. In either case, the Turbo Express still comes out
ahead; that system was totally ahead of its time. It's funny, I
actually bought the Turbo Express at Toys R Us when it was down to
around Game Boy prices ($100). What amazes me is how it compares to
systems released years later like Neo Geo Pocket. The only problem I
have with it is battery life (eats 6AA in 3 hours); I bought an AC
adaptor and now have no complaints.
Adios,
~Nick
>
>
>>
>>
John
"Scott H" <Weapo...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:45BAa.14384$8i4....@nwrddc02.gnilink.net...
That's a shame, if only they could have managed it. Double the amount of
sprites, let them scale, push the colour count up and it would have been
incredibly impressive. Of course, I've probably just described a Neo Geo :)
Scott H
>
> "Scott H" <Weapo...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:45BAa.14384$8i4....@nwrddc02.gnilink.net...
Harrier
> > all came out in the arcades before the Genesis. The reason the system
> > didn't have all of the features of the arcade system was because of
cost.
> > The Genesis didn't have the digitized sound capabilities, Mhz speed,
color
> > palette, colors on screen, or sprite scaling hardware capabilities of
the
> > arcade cabinets of the day. Those arcade systems cost thousands of
> dollars,
> > while the Genesis launched at $189 in 1989. It had to compete with an
$80
> > NES with four years of every third party making every game exclusively
for
> > it, so hardware cost was a prohibitive factor. Note that even Nintendo
> > found that in order to include sprite scaling in the Snes in 1991, they
> had
> > to put a CPU of half the speed the Genesis' CPU had.
> >
>
> That's a shame, if only they could have managed it. Double the amount of
> sprites, let them scale, push the colour count up and it would have been
> incredibly impressive. Of course, I've probably just described a Neo Geo
:)
>
Just about, there's a reason why no company released a system like that
under the $300 price mark until years after both the Genesis and Snes
launched.
Mojo JoJo
Mojo
"Nicholas E. Andrade" <nean...@ucsd.edu> wrote in message
news:6qCAa.46$zX7.2...@newssvr15.news.prodigy.com...
BelPowerslave
>
Ugh....I had a Lynx a very long time ago....looking back, that thing really
sucked(imo). I had quite a few games too....most of them, again looking back,
were just piss poor. I don't know, that system just leaves me wanting to never
see it again...;)
Bel
--
Whip Ass Gaming: http://users2.ev1.net/~belpowerslave/
"The war is now being fought once again, only this time it can be won by
mortals." - Rayden, Mortal Kombat Gold
elsworth
> I chose to compare it to Game Gear because they are both backwards
> compatible, 8 bit systems,
Game Gear is backward compatible? I guess you mean with Master
System.
Nomad is still the better comparison here. Nomad is more compatible
with Genesis than GG is with the SMS. Besides, that was the original
post, Genesis versus TG16. I prefer Genesis and Nomad, at any rate.
> but you're right Lynx is probably a better
> (fairer) comparison.
Lynx was good hardware but just not enough good games. It did have a
couple of games that were good enough to clobber non-portable
consoles. Battlewheels is easily the best car combat game of that
time period, bar none.
BTW, Lynx did have sprite scaling in hardware and cost far less than
$300. It was even being sold at the same price as the inferior
Gameboy. It quickly got beat by the softs, unfortunately.
I would rate them Nomad #1 (easily), Lynx #2, then TG16. I cannot
stand the original Gameboy at all. I hope something comes along soon
to de-throne the GBA, too. It's way over-rated.
LASERandDVDfan
For portables? Then you would mean the TurboExpress.
>I cannot
>stand the original Gameboy at all.
What I didn't like was the problems with refresh with LCD displays. Anything
that moves too fast would have a problem with smearing, making action very
difficult to see.
>I hope something comes along soon
>to de-throne the GBA, too. It's way over-rated.
How so?
The GBA has a very respectable and enjoyable software library and is a very
powerful portable for a fantastic price, even for the GBA SP.
It's also very unlikely that it will be dethroned by anything, except maybe the
rumoured portable handheld PlayStation.
The only serious competition that Nintendo is facing comes from cellular phone
manufacturers, particularly Nokia. But I doubt that they will stand up in the
long run because:
1. Cellular phones are kind of like computers, but in a worse way. Any change
in the service provider that causes a change in the cellular network may not
only make the phone obsolete, it could even render the phone useless, making it
useful only as a games machine.
2. Gaming cellular phones, particularly the Nokia N-Gage, may still not get
the kind of third party support that Nintendo enjoys for the GBA, and will
never match in the first party software quality category. Software for gaming
phones will likely be lower in quality than that found in a traditional gaming
platform.
3. Something like the N-Gage will most definitely command a premium, even
after various discounts like rebates and waving of the activation fee. In
comparison, the GBA and a good game may be cheaper to get than the N-Gage. To
give you an idea as to how expensive such a phone would be, many gaming phones
that aren't as capable sell for over $120 for the cheapest, and that's with
discounts. We can only imagine how much the N-Gage will cost when it is
released, but we know certainly that it will cost more than a GBA with a copy
of "Castlevania" and "GoldenSun" but will not have the same quality.
4. To buy the phone at a discount, if such a discount exists for the phone in
question, you may have to sign a contract commitment with the service provider,
agreeing to pay for the cellular service along with the phone for a certain
amount of time, and that's if you have credit that qualifies you as well as
paying for the deposit. If you just buy the phone, either by itself or with a
prepaid plan, you may end up paying full price for the phone. If you get the
phone with a contract but decide to cancel, you will be charged a cancellation
penalty and may even be ordered to surrender the phone back to the service
provider or pay the full purchase price. The contract ensures that you will
pay for the phone via the profit earned from your monthly payments.
- Reinhart
Max Lords
"elsworth" <els_...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:186ee292.0306...@posting.google.com...
> I would rate them Nomad #1 (easily), Lynx #2, then TG16. I cannot
> stand the original Gameboy at all. I hope something comes along soon
> to de-throne the GBA, too. It's way over-rated.
Have you PLAYED the Turboexpress? Makes the Lynx look like a joke. I have
all three and the Lynx is lower down on my list than the Turboexpress by
FAR. I'd rate the Turboexpress #1, then the Nomad, Lynx, GBC, GBA, and then
the Game Gear (which I just hate for some reason).
elsworth
> >I would rate them Nomad #1 (easily), Lynx #2, then TG16.
>
> For portables? Then you would mean the TurboExpress.
Sorry, you're right. I meant the TurboExpress.
> How so?
>
> The GBA has a very respectable and enjoyable software library and is a very
> powerful portable for a fantastic price, even for the GBA SP.
For starters, a lot of the GBA library consists of exactly the same
game I played years ago already on SNES. Only with less buttons. And
for the full retail price all over again. Mind you, I still have my
SNES and plays some of the games. Even if I wanted to replay any of
them on GBA, they are awkward without the full controls.
My other big gripe is the whole 32-bit thing. I don't really care
about the technical aspect of it. The fact is, most of the games are
similar to 16-bit fare of the SNES age. Original claims that is was
as powerful as the 32-bit systems doesn't seem true or at least the
software is not showing it. Furthermore, these kinds of games have
existed for years on handhelds by other companies. If I'm looking to
buying a new portable, I'd prefer something with more advanced games
than the portables that I already have.
Sony's portable is promising since it's supposed to match or exceed a
PS1. I just hope that doesn't mean yet another handheld consisting of
re-hashes at full retail. I also like the rumors of Nintendo's next
handheld N64. Perhaps more so, since third-party developers actually
make games for Nintendo's handhelds. So we might actually see more
original third-party games since there weren't as many for the N64 for
them to re-hash.
The last complaint I had with it, the backlight, has been corrected
with the SP version. A major oversight on the original but at least
they were willing to correct it.
elsworth
> Have you PLAYED the Turboexpress? Makes the Lynx look like a joke. I have
> all three and the Lynx is lower down on my list than the Turboexpress by
> FAR. I'd rate the Turboexpress #1, then the Nomad, Lynx, GBC, GBA, and then
> the Game Gear (which I just hate for some reason).
I prefer the Nomad library to that of the TE. Plenty of great titles
by Sega and EA, etc. There are games for almost any category and what
I don't have already, I can buy cheap.
I like the Lynx for a few strong multiplayer (network) titles,
especially Battle Wheels. Have you played Battle Wheels with six
players linked up? It's a lot of fun. Battlezone 2000 is another
great network title. I wouldn't call them a joke. It has some great
arcade classics, too.
Halo-
>My other big gripe is the whole 32-bit thing. I don't really care
>about the technical aspect of it. The fact is, most of the games are
>similar to 16-bit fare of the SNES age. Original claims that is was
>as powerful as the 32-bit systems doesn't seem true or at least the
>software is not showing it. Furthermore, these kinds of games have
>existed for years on handhelds by other companies. If I'm looking to
>buying a new portable, I'd prefer something with more advanced games
>than the portables that I already have.
V-Rally for GBA really shows that what you are saying is untrue. It is
possible to create some games with really great graphics but the
developers seem to prefer making easy-to-produce 2D platformers that
seem to sell well despite the fact they are hardly cutting edge.
Max Lords
Well, I'm talking about the unit itself..how comfortable it is, etc. The
real question is...how many people even KNOW 6 friends locally that have
Lynx systems? Not very many, that's for sure.
As for the TurboeExpress library, well, you can play any US or Japanese
huCard (if you have a convertor) on it....that's a lot of games....several
hundred. The Genesis library is better, sure, but I find the Nomad
uncomfortable to play for extended periods of time. I do however, like the
width of the system....keeps the hands further apart. Mine drains batteries
FAST though....like 2 hours. It's crazy....even the TurboExpress doesn't
drain em that fast!
TvSurf
late '89
early '90 it was clear Genesis was edging out the Turbo, just read EGM
#8 :)
TURBOGRAFX-16 VS GENESIS
EGM SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT AND ANSWERS THE QUESTION OF WHICH
16-BITTER
IS BEST...
From Electronic Gaming Monthly #8. March, 1990.
Dear EGM,
I have followed your coverage of the new NEC TurboGrafx-16 and Sega
Genesis 16-Bit systems, and both of these advanced-technology consoles
look great. I am planning on purchasing one of these systems soon, but
my only problem is which one to buy. Which one will have the most
games? Which one will have the best games? Do I really need a 16-Bit
system at all? I'm counting on you for the answers...
George Mack
If only one letter could summarize the majority of the mail we've
received lately, George's letters would hit the bull's-eye. We've
received literally hundreds of pieces of mail and phone calls that all
revolved around one simple question: "Which new game system is best,
the TurboGrafx or the Genesis?" Prior to the machine's release we gave
you your first introduction of these new super systems (EGM Number 2).
At the time there were many unknown factors (future games, support,
price, etc.) which made this dilemma even more difficult to solve. But
now that the systems are on store shelves and new softs are being
released every week, a stronger case can be made by both con-soles.
Despite the more obvious indicators of software, price, etc., the real
question of superiority still remains - a question which the game
masters at EGM intend to answer. With access to both systems and
advance looks at the games that will be available through next year,
EGM gives you the final word on the Turbo vs. Genesis debate...
THE SYSTEMS
While it must be noted immediately that the sophistication of video
game hardware has no value at all without software to play, the more
advanced the processor and co-processors are, the more potential they
hold.
The clear-cut victor in this department is the Genesis. Its 68000
processor is a true 16-Bit brain, capable of handling a superior
number of functions compared to the TurboGrafx. Although the Turbo has
no trouble rivaling the Genesis in terms of graphic quality and
clarity (thanks to an additional Picture Processing Unit), it is not
as proficient, with its 6502 main processor (identical to the
Nintendo's), as Genesis in handling certain types of in- formation.
Multiple levels of scrolling and other "graphics candy" features are
not as easily attainable on the Turbo and consequently don't show up
as much in their games.
In all fairness, however, the Genesis succeeds in the hardware
department because it's Japanese cousin (Sega Drive) was constructed
over a year after the debut of the Japanese version of the Turbo. This
in no way means that the Turbo is outdated, but it does show its age
in some ways.
THIRD-PARTY SUPPORT
Another important area that needs to be addressed when purchasing one
machine or the other is that of support. After all, we don't want to
bankroll several hundred dollars into a new system only to have that
investment dry up with a lack of games and interest from a
manufacturer. While neither NEC nor Sega show any signs of slowing the
development and licensing of new games, they are both aggressively
seeking third-party assistance for game sup- port. Third-party
licensees are the life of the NES, and without a good stream of
software coming from outside sources, a game system can become stale
and lack the exciting arcade games that create interest (witness the
Sega 8-Bit).
The Turbo immediately wins this software war thanks to the familiarity
of their machine with developers in Japan (where the vast majority of
games originate). There are literally hundreds of games already
available or in development for the P.C. Engine (Japanese TurboGrafx),
and most of those titles could be easily modified for the American
market. Unfortunately, many of the most exciting Turbo games have been
created by companies with ties to Nintendo (who look down at
cross-development of software in multiple for- mats until two years
have passed), and they are reluctant to upset Nintendo by releasing
games for a system with so few units compared to the 15 million plus
consoles Nintendo boasts. Most of NEC's American licensees are
comprised of computer companies like Cinemaware and Incredible
Technologies - development houses who have little experience in the
design of video games. How valuable this net- work of programming
houses is won't be known until later this year, however, since most
game projects can take up to a year to make.
Sega is taking a somewhat similar approach for the Genesis, with
Discovery Software diligently preparing some of their strongest
computer titles for the new Sega system. Behind the scenes, however,
it appears that more video game companies are rallying behind the Sega
unit in the U.S. Many of these companies are related to Nintendo
licensees directly and have extensive backgrounds in the arcade and
home video game arena.
While Sega appears to be looking for companies to develop and market
their own software, NEC is looking for programmers to implement
original ideas on behalf of themselves (creating games that NEC will
market). NEC has the upper-hand, however, with the huge library of
softs available in Japan, but they MUST get them out over here in
order to succeed.
EXPANDABILITY
A tell-tale sign of any good game machine is how well it can
accommodate your changing wants and needs, not to mention the advances
in technology that inevitably occur every year. Both the TurboGrafx
and the Genesis have expansion ports that will allow users to easily
attach new peripherals and boosters capable of increasing the
abilities of the basic console.
NEC is the first of the two companies to show a peripheral that
increases the power of the standard system. Their CD-ROM Interface
attaches a CD player to the system that enables it to play specially
designed games on CD as well as play standard and new graphic CDs
through your TV. The only problem with the TurboGrafx CD is that the
price is steep ($399) and only two games are available (Fighting
Street and Monster Lair - two games that could have just as easily
lost the CD sounds and been put on cards). As it stands now, the CD
player is nothing more than another higher-priced game machine with
incredible potential that is not currently be realized. NEC has an
abundance of special interactive CD software in development, however,
so this add-on may become more viable later in the year.
The Genesis, on the other hand, currently has only a Power Base
Convertor available that allows players to access the Z-80 inside the
system so they can play their existing library of Sega 8-Bit games.
Even though the Tele-Genesis modem has been announced, it has yet to
appear and the real usefulness of a device that is used only to play
games with friends over the phone lines remains questionable (both
have to have the modem, the phone lines must be clear, the phone bills
will be a problem if it's a long-distance call, etc.). But a Sega Game
Network, which is accessed either directly or through an existing
service like CompuServe or Genie, would be an extremely exciting
development for the Sega modem. A game network that allows you to pull
Sega 16- Bit games from a menu off of the phone lines and into your
games will soon be available in Japan, so why not in the U.S.? Rumors
indicate that it's close to reality on these shores as well so the
modem may become a viable utility in the future.
Other Genesis peripherals that exist, but have not yet been announced,
include a Light Tablet and software that will let you draw pictures on
a special board and have those doodles appear on your TV screen. A
computer keyboard and floppy disk drive are also completed and can,
theoretically, turn your Genesis into a full-fledged computer! Games
on disk have sold very well for Nintendo in Japan, and since they're
much cheaper they would probably do well over here. But uses for such
a computer set-up are difficult to assess considering that very few
specifications have been released on how the computer peripheral
operates, its speed, and compatibility with existing software
(utilities as well as games).
The bottom-line, for the time being, is that while both of these
systems have interesting attachments, prohibitive or questionable
factors severely taint the inherent value of such peripherals.
KNOW YOURSELF
Some people like Ferrari's while others are partial to BMW's. They're
both nice cars, but vastly different, especially from the owner's
point of view. Video game systems are like this in many respects, with
different features and a focus in the software that usually high-
lights one particular type of gaming.
The Turbo and Genesis both have strengths and weaknesses within their
library of games, but the decision of which system is right for you
can be answered for a lot of people by instead asking yourself what
type of games do you enjoy playing?
Currently the Genesis is much more of an "everything" machine, with a
balance of game title addressing all of the different gaming genres.
In addition to the initial arcade offerings (Super Thunder Blade,
Space Harrier 2, Altered Beast, etc.) release with the system, the
Genesis has unveiled two solid shooters (Thunder Force 2, For- gotten
Worlds), several action/adventure entries (Revenge of Shinobi, Ghouls
and Ghosts, Rambo 3), and top quality arcade translations (Golden Axe,
Truxton). Genesis has also taken a very quick lead in the areas of
sports, with fabulous versions of Baseball, Soccer, and Golf now
available and Basketball and Football to be ready early in this year.
Another genre that Genesis is poised to quickly take command of as
well is the fantasy role-playing game. Several RPGs like Hollo Fighter
(Super Hydlide), Vermillion, Moon Dancer, and the mammoth Phantasy
Star 2 are all due in 1990.
The TurboGrafx library of games relies much more heavily on arcade and
original shooters and action/adventure titles. While they do have an
outstanding version of baseball and slightly cartoony simulations of
tennis and golf, the system's bread and butter remains with action
games (Legendary Axe, Vigilante, and Bonk's Adventure in early 1990)
and shooters (Fantasy Zone, Galaga '90, Dragon Spirit, Deep Blue).
TurboGrafx does and will have some product that doesn't fit the fight
and shoot mold (like the exceptional lunar war/strategy game Military
Madness and their glitzy basketball game, Takin' it to the Hoop), but
the majority of their new year releases seem to continue to conform
with Pac-Land (action), Final Lap (arcade driver), Ordyne (shooter),
Space Harrier (shooter), J.J. and Jeff (action), and Crater Maze
(action) ushering in the first few months of 1990.
So if you're a fan of comical adventures and all-out blasters, many
with familiar arcade names, then the TurboGrafx should be able to
satisfy your every desire. If you're looking for a bit more diversity
in your games, then the Genesis would be the obvious choice.
THE VERDICT
If you still can't decide after reviewing what types of games you like
the most, then there are some other factors to take into consideration
and a final favorite to be named.
If the Japanese version of the Turbo (the P.C. Engine) were added to
this comparison, it would beat out both the Turbo and Genesis. This is
not mentioned to appear redundant or favor both sides, but simply to
illustrate and further reinforce the fact that a system is only as
good as the games it plays, and with hundreds of quality titles
available for the P.C. Engine, it wins hands down. Since NEC has not
been able to bring out the majority of these cards, their position is
weakened considerably. With more exposure to these games the Turbo
would fare much better.
For those reasons our vote for "Best System" goes to the Genesis.
While either system is sure to give hours of enjoyment, the
sophistication and level of graphics and playability in the Sega
titles are too good to ignore. Even though there's sure to be hot
titles on both systems, Sega appears to have an edge over the Turbo
with a machine that is slightly more powerful - but powerful enough to
make the difference.
Wayne M <an55...@anon.penet.fi> wrote in message news:<uv33dvkda57vkjijh...@4ax.com>...
TvSurf
> > number of really good games and the tg16 had just a good solid
> > handful.
> >
>
> From the two times I owned the system, it was just a real letdown to me.
> Except for a few really decent games I played, everything seemed
> sluggish and very framey. Again, this is just my opinion based on what I
> had played.
>
> >
> > i wonder why tg16 graphics sometimes look better than Genesis though?
> > Then there are games like gunstar heros or sonic games that totally
> > blow away tg16 graphics.
> >
>
> Well, the dedicated video processor thing helped out. I think it might
> have either also had either A) More colors on screen or B) a wider
> pallete to choose from, which would help out a lot.
Genesis and Turbo both had a pallete of 512 colors. but Turbo could
display more on screen (256, over 400, or perhaps even all 512)
compared to Genesis'
64 colors on screen. Genesis also had a video processor, VDP i think
it was
called (and no, i don't mean Saturn's VDP1/VDP2)
elsworth
> Well, I'm talking about the unit itself..how comfortable it is, etc.
How comfortable...? C'mon, unless a handheld has razor-sharp edges or
is built like a bowling ball, who cares? Personally, I prefer the
"landscape" design but I wouldn't recommend it based upon that. If
you count the PS1 with LCD as a handheld (I don't), that's a little
uncomfortable due to size and having to balance it while holding the
controller. The only truly uncomfortable handheld I've ever seen was
the Virtual Boy.
If we start talking about size, shape, battery life, you have to give
the old Gameboy it's props. Small, batteries last forever, etc. But
who cares if you can't see what you're playing? Personally, I hate
the Gameboy. The GBA SP is much closer to what I have in mind for a
future handheld but I just can't see paying big retail prices for what
amounts to 16-bit style games. If GBA was even as powerful as a 32X,
I would be interested.
Admittedly, I rarely use batteries. I usually plug in because there
is almost always an outlet available. Most of my true portable
playing time is either in the car or inside (that's why a backlight is
so important to me) so there is almost always power outlets available.
I've used open outlets at the airport plenty of times. On the rare
occasion that I don't have power, I use the rechargeable pack. Not a
great solution but like I said, it's rare that I've ever used it.
My only real complaint on Nomad in the asthetics department is the
size of the carts. But considering that I already had a massive
library when I bought it, I can't complain really. And many used
games are readily available for cheap! So bigger carts are a minor
annoyance.
> The
> real question is...how many people even KNOW 6 friends locally that have
> Lynx systems? Not very many, that's for sure.
I do. My friends do, obviously. Isn't that what matters for my
opinion? And it's not really that expensive to have more than one
now, either. If I had to choose between my Nomad and my Lynx, I'd
take the Nomad. If I had to choose between my Lynx and a TE, I'd go
with the Lynx. In fact, I already did. I like the network games,
something neither of the other two really have. I do have a handful
of good single player "old school" arcade titles for Lynx that are
very replayable but for those situations, I generally carry my Nomad.
I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the TE. I just like
Nomad's library far better and as my second, I like the Lynx for
connectivity. I also keep my Lynx for chess, the one major flaw in
the Nomad's library. I'm not putting down the TE when I say there is
no reason for me to buy one. I can't think of a game for it that is
something I don't have something similar or better.
Quadro
news:<6qCAa.46$zX7.2...@newssvr15.news.prodigy.com>...
>
> > I chose to compare it to Game Gear because they are both backwards
> > compatible, 8 bit systems,
>
> Game Gear is backward compatible? I guess you mean with Master
> System.
>
> Nomad is still the better comparison here. Nomad is more compatible
> with Genesis than GG is with the SMS.
Nomad = portable Genesis, whereas GG = altered SMS designed to be a
different system, with backwards compatibility thrown in as an extra
(In other words, Nomad's compatibility is better because Nomad was designed
to be a portable version of Genesis, but GG was designed to be a handheld
system [based on SMS] but due to the similar hardware an adaptor was
possible to play SMS games. Note the adaptor required for SMS on the GG and
the absence of adaptor for Genesis games on Nomad.)
elsworth
> Nomad = portable Genesis, whereas GG = altered SMS designed to be a
> different system, with backwards compatibility thrown in as an extra
Er, right, I know. I'm saying Nomad - Genesis is a better comparison
to TE - TG16 than the GG - SMS comparison. GG isn't backwards
compatible out of the box and the original thread was a Genesis - TG16
comparison anyways. Sorry for the confusion caused.
LASERandDVDfan
>game I played years ago already on SNES.
On the same token, there are also a lot of games that are original and
exclusive.
However, I do agree about the assesment in that a disturbing number of titles
being released are essentially port-overs.
> Original claims that is was
>as powerful as the 32-bit systems doesn't seem true or at least the
>software is not showing it.
In a way, the term is technically true to a certain extent. The main processor
can process information in 32-bit increments per clock cycle, hence the term
that it is 32-bit. However, so is the X-Box, since its main Intel CPU is also
32-bit (The current x86 platform, to which the modern home PC and the X-Box are
based on, is 32-bit in of itself).
The bit rating is a misleading indication of system performance as it usually
reflects only part of the CPU capability (in the case of the TB16, the 16-bit
number was used to describe the graphics architecture and not the main 8-bit
CPU), as opposed to taking into consideration the capabilities of the entire
system to which the CPU is only a part of, regardless to how vital that part
is.
>Sony's portable is promising since it's supposed to match or exceed a
>PS1. I just hope that doesn't mean yet another handheld consisting of
>re-hashes at full retail. I also like the rumors of Nintendo's next
>handheld N64.
A handheld PS-1 might revitalise the PS-1 market as there would be a new venue
for its use with an already existing library to play off of in addition to
spurring new developments. However, there is nothing in making the PS-1
handheld to make development costs for its software drop to lower levels, so
it's possible that reputable developers may still not concentrate on writing
new games for the PS-1 platform.
>I also like the rumors of Nintendo's next
>handheld N64. Perhaps more so, since third-party developers actually
>make games for Nintendo's handhelds.
Same problem with the PS-1 handheld, but only a bit more extreme because of the
significantly higher manufacturing cost of N64 cartridges in comparison to
CD-ROM media.
Both kinds of potential portables would have the biggest problem with battery
life. More than likely, rechargeable cells would not only be the preferred way
to power them, but the only availble way to power them practically. Don't know
about Nintendo, but Sony would most likely employ their InfoLithium
rechargeable lithium ion batteries that have been used with the Sony Mavica and
HandyCam lines.
Conventional alkaline cells may not last long enough to allow any appreciable
time for gameplay.
>The last complaint I had with it, the backlight, has been corrected
>with the SP version.
But this means that I have to go out and buy a new Game Boy Advance. At least
Nintendo could have issued coupon discounts or rebates for those who purchased
the original Advance despite the objection to having a screen that's hard to
see before the introduction of the SP.
>A major oversight on the original but at least
>they were willing to correct it.
Nintendo's idea was that the addition of a backlight would have increased the
cost of the portable and greatly taxed battery life. LCD backlight modules can
use up a lot of juice as they are usually miniature florescent lamps!
Their objective was to try to keep the cost of purchase and use down, as the
main selling point of the Game Boy line is supposed to be its affordability.
In the SP, the use of a backlight was possible because it uses only a special
high capacity rechargeable cell, which would either be nickel-metal hydride for
its excellent high drain tolerances or lithium ion for its excellent longevity.
Either cell would be practical for typical use as they are relatively low cost
and do not develop memory if not completely depleted before recharging, unlike
nickel cadmium, nor do they require constant and almost immediate recharging
after each use to prevent deterioration of the cells, unlike lead acid.
However, what would have been better is if Cambridge Display Technology was
able to mass produce or license manufacturing of its LEP product for Nintendo.
LEP, or Light Emitting Polymer, is a new display technology which doesn't have
the refresh problems that have plagued LCD displays, doesn't require
backlighting as the display lights itself through its use, is more power
efficient than conventional LCD displays (much less backlit LCD
configurations), and can be installed in systems that originally used LCD with
little, if any, retrofitting required. Too bad it's still in the developmental
stages, although a mass-production LEP product is expected soon. - Reinhart
elsworth
You know, you and I seem unable to communicate. If it's me, I
apologize but I think I explained myself fairly well.
> On the same token, there are also a lot of games that are original and
> exclusive.
Right, this is why I said "for starters". That is, it's not my only
complaint with the GBA. If it were my only complaint, your point
would be more valid.
> > Original claims that is was
> >as powerful as the 32-bit systems doesn't seem true or at least the
> >software is not showing it.
>
> In a way, the term is technically true to a certain extent.
(technical mumbo-jumbo deleted)
Right, this is why I said "I don't care about the technical aspects of
it". I don't care if the GBA is 32-bit or not, it doesn't change the
fact that the games are far more comparable to the 16-bit generation
of SNES/Genesis than the 32-bit generation of Saturn/Playstation. I
can recall plenty of wild claims at it's launch ("powerful as a Sega
Saturn") which have shown to be false. In fact, it can't even compare
to 32X in 3D games, it's more like Starfox on SNES. I certainly doubt
it could match the Saturn in 2D power, either.
And what does it matter what the hardware is if the software doesn't
support it? Even if somehow GBA was as powerful as 32X or Saturn in
hardware but all of the software was comparable to the SNES, I still
wouldn't want one. That's what happened to systems like the Jaguar.
It was more powerful than the SNES/Genesis but the software created
for it (with a few notable exceptions) was at best comparable, not
superior.
So no matter the reason, even though I'm certain it's a hardware
limitation, I don't think the 32-bit GBA games are very "next
generation". I already have handhelds from almost a decade ago that
play similar games to the GBA and for a lot less money.
> >I also like the rumors of Nintendo's next
> >handheld N64. Perhaps more so, since third-party developers actually
> >make games for Nintendo's handhelds.
>
> Same problem with the PS-1 handheld, but only a bit more extreme because of the
> significantly higher manufacturing cost of N64 cartridges in comparison to
> CD-ROM media.
The Sony handheld probably won't use CD's so I can imagine (please try
to note my use of the word "imagine") it's going to be comparable.
Battery technology will continue to improve. Memory will get cheaper.
Nobody is releasing anything today so it's a lot of speculation. One
thing I'm sure of is that the GBA or GBA SP is not the final evolution
of the handheld.
> But this means that I have to go out and buy a new Game Boy Advance. At least
> Nintendo could have issued coupon discounts or rebates for those who purchased
> the original Advance despite the objection to having a screen that's hard to
> see before the introduction of the SP.
No reason that should offer you any rebates, though. Reason #1 is
that they have no significant competition in the market. Nintendo
does as they want in this field because they don't fear you leaving
for the competition since there is none.
Reason #2 is more obvious, though. A lot of people defended the lack
of a backlight when the GBA was released. When people like me said it
should have one, people that defended it said I didn't need one. Now
whether or not you defended the lack of a backlight is irrelevant.
The fact that you bought one says to Nintendo that you didn't mind
that it didn't have it. So why should they offer compensation for
something you didn't complain about before? They were only interested
in bringing the people that had not bought one.
While I don't think it was a conspiracy by Nintendo, it seems that
they recognized after the release that the backlight was a big deal
for people, afterall. So they released the GBA SP.
> Nintendo's idea was that the addition of a backlight would have increased the
> cost of the portable and greatly taxed battery life. LCD backlight modules can
> use up a lot of juice as they are usually miniature florescent lamps!
Who cares what the technical aspects were? Old handhelds had
backlights. Who cares if my battery lasts a long time or if the
console is cheaper if I can't even see the screen? Nintendo wouldn't
have released the GBA SP if it were so difficult, as you suggest.
Nintendo has had their fair share of mistakes in the videogame market
and IMO, the backlight was one of them.
LASERandDVDfan
>can recall plenty of wild claims at it's launch ("powerful as a Sega
>Saturn") which have shown to be false. In fact, it can't even compare
>to 32X in 3D games, it's more like Starfox on SNES. I certainly doubt
>it could match the Saturn in 2D power, either.
Of course.
If it were as powerful as a Saturn or PlayStation, then Nintendo would have had
to have pulled a magnificent feat in IC technology.
Otherwise, the GBA might have been a bit larger and would have eaten up
batteries like a bear to honey.
>That's what happened to systems like the Jaguar.
>It was more powerful than the SNES/Genesis but the software created
>for it (with a few notable exceptions) was at best comparable, not
>superior.
>
In many cases, the Jaguar had software that didn't even compare. Atari made
the same mistake that they did with their past consoles, and that was having a
library that consisted mostly of games that royally sucked @$$.
On the humorous side of things, what did the Jaguar with the CD drive and the
cartridge on top resemble:
A black, futuristic toliet.
>So no matter the reason, even though I'm certain it's a hardware
>limitation, I don't think the 32-bit GBA games are very "next
>generation".
Next generation in the context of portable gaming, but hardly so in comparison
to consoles that are three generations old.
>I already have handhelds from almost a decade ago that
>play similar games to the GBA and for a lot less money
There are also various games unique to the GBA that are actually good, notably
the "GoldenSun" series.
>No reason that should offer you any rebates, though. Reason #1 is
>that they have no significant competition in the market.
True. They hold the entire handheld market to themselves. The only
competition they have to worry about is Nokia, but there are too many question
marks about how you can get their N-Gage phone when it comes out.
You won't need a credit check, contract agreement to a service plan, deposit
payment, or facing monthly service bills when buying a GBA and games.
>A lot of people defended the lack
>of a backlight when the GBA was released.
That was one of my gripes with this thing. Even though it saved battery life,
it proved to be most uncomfortable to deal with, especially in low light
situations.
The only way you can get effective and comfortable lighting for the GBA is if
you play while underneath a bright florescent lamp. Those screen light
accessories in the stores are nothing but a joke.
>The fact that you bought one says to Nintendo that you didn't mind
>that it didn't have it.
Remember, Nintendo has no competition in the portable handheld arena? I bought
one along with a game because I was in Maryland visiting my relatives, and
there were many hours where I didn't have anything to do. In this case, I
really had no choice for my entertainment. Monopolies can be a wonderful thing
in emptying your wallet on something that could've used improvement, just like
Microsoft.
But, I'd rather play without effective lighting than be bored stiff.
>Who cares what the technical aspects were? Old handhelds had
>backlights. Who cares if my battery lasts a long time or if the
>console is cheaper if I can't even see the screen?
Because that means more times where you have to quit or, more annoying, where
the handheld quits on you due to low battery life.
>Nintendo wouldn't
>have released the GBA SP if it were so difficult, as you suggest.
It wouldn't have been difficult, but they might have thought it to be
impractical at the time. One of the GBA's main selling points is its long
battery life, and apparently, enough gamers accepted the compromise of no
backlighting for battery life with the first Game Boy and its later variations.
Then comes the Game Boy Color. The color screen created more problems with low
lighting than the monochrome models.
But, as you said, little to no complaints.
Now comes GBA. Now you have games that took advantage of much more than was
possible in the original GB platform, but that would create more problems due
to no backlighting. "Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance" was one of many games
that proved almost impossible to play without ideal lighting, and ideal
lighting is usually never around in many portable situations.
I somewhat agree with the assesment about Nintendo not implementing the
backlight being a mistake, at least starting with the Game Boy Color because of
the darker color screen in both the GBC and GBA.
But there was still a very good explanation as to why they didn't do it: it
would've taxed battery life, which would have been a big drawback to it.
Decent alkaline batteries are expensive (and you don't ever want to use those
cheap-o Chinese batteries with anything: they don't last that long and can have
a higher risk of leaking, nor do you want to use "general purpose" or "heavy
duty" batteries), and no one finds value in paying at least $1.50 for two new
batteries every two hours, especially in a handheld that does have games which
requires several hours of play to beat. The cost of use would add up to an
expensive sum, and rather quickly if you use it often.
Again, it was a compromise between lighting and play time, and good lighting
didn't really matter with the old monochrome Game Boys anyways and Nintendo
decided to stick with a non-lighting design with their color screen models
until enough complaints began to mount with the GBA to warrant a new design.
And, if I'm not mistaken, the Lynx, Game Gear, and Nomad all require six AA
batteries and do not last more than six hours. There have been countless
complaints of short battery life being the main weakness of these handhelds.
The GBA SP would have also joined this list, but didn't since Nintendo had
built a high capacity rechargeable battery in the unit, but it does not use
regular alkaline cells so that's the drawback it has concerning batteries.
At least for the Nomad and Game Gear, a rechargeable battery set was available
but was also optional and are now hard to find at a low price, especially for
the Nomad.
Without the rechargeable batteries for these two consoles, the short battery
life with alkaline cells is aggrivating as the Sega handhelds do have games
with long play times. Even though you can save your status on a good number of
the long games available for the Genesis and at least one for the Game Gear
(Phantasy Star Gaiden), it's annoying, if not infuriating, to have to stop play
due to the batteries, especially if you are at a point where you cannot save,
like during a long boss battle on "Phantasy Star III." - Reinhart
elsworth
>Remember, Nintendo has no competition in the portable handheld arena?
I bought
>one along with a game because I was in Maryland visiting my
relatives, and
>there were many hours where I didn't have anything to do. In this
case, I
>really had no choice for my entertainment. Monopolies can be a
wonderful thing
>in emptying your wallet on something that could've used improvement,
just like
>Microsoft.
>But, I'd rather play without effective lighting than be bored stiff.
So you bought one anyways? I'd say you must be joking but I guess
you're not. I might understand a noob giving in to the monopoly but I
would have thought you knew about the alternatives. Nomad, Lynx,
TurboExpress? For that matter, even a Genesis 3 or PS1 is quite
compact if you'll be staying in someone's home or in a hotel room.
You might spend a few bucks more for a Nomad but it's easily cheaper
in the long run in software even if you don't have any Genesis games.
And, IMO, the Genesis library is a lot better.
Again, battery life is almost meaningless to me because I hardly ever
use them. Anywhere that I might be travelling, I can plug in. The
car, a friend or relative's home, even the airport are easy places to
find an outlet. A lot of new cars (mine included) now even have a
standard outlet rather than forcing you to use a cigarette lighter
adapter but either way, it's right there.
On the other hand, not always as easy to get lighting. Certainly, you
don't want to have your dome light on while driving after dark. It's
not safe and it's poor lighting in comparison to a backlight. Or at
the airport, early or late they often have the lights dimmed, same
with during flights.
About the only places I can think of that batteries would be useful
would be during a bus ride, train trip, or flight. I haven't ridden a
bus in years but when I did, I definitely would have needed the
backlight. Often I had to stand and the ride was too rough to play
anything. Never ridden a train so feel free to make your argument
there but it's irrelevant in my case. Flights, I have played using
the rechargeable pack and I've never been on a flight so long that it
wore it down but usually I'd just prefer to sleep. I've found most of
my spare time involving flights is waiting to depart or waiting to
pick someone up so I'd rather plug in than use batteries.
When I'm outdoors, it's for a reason. Going on a hike, playing hoops,
working in the yard, going to the lake, etc. I'm not out there to
play videogames. On a five mile hike with my dog on a leash, I'm more
likely to bring water in my backpack than a handheld game. So who
cares if my batteries wouldn't last the whole time I'm out there?
In no common case have I found batteries to be necessary. They seem
more inconvenient and expensive than just carrying an adapter.
Though I don't know, maybe your relatives are Amish and don't have
electricity. I guess in that case battery life would be pretty
important.
> Because that means more times where you have to quit or, more annoying, where
> the handheld quits on you due to low battery life.
Again, doesn't happen to me. It could still happen to someone
dependent on batteries, no matter how long they last.
> But there was still a very good explanation as to why they didn't do it: it
> would've taxed battery life, which would have been a big drawback to it.
>
So what, they couldn't engineer a simple switch to shut it off if you
wanted to conserve power? There is no way that it would have raised
the price that much. Like I said, Nintendo goofed but since they have
a monopoly, it didn't cost them with the general public.
If Nintendo had come out with a GBA without a backlight and at the
same time, a second model that was a little more expensive but came
with a backlight (that you could turn off), which one do you think the
public would have bought? Even if the fictional GBA model 2 cost a
little more I'd bet most would still choose it over model 1.
Further proof is the whole add-on lighting market for the Gameboy,
GBC, GBA. Somebody's got to be buying those things otherwise there
would be no market for them. And have you used one? They suck in
comparison to a backlight!
No reason to give in to the monopoly in this case if you know your
alternatives. When Nintendo (or another company) gives me a reason to
buy their handheld (like Saturn, PSX, N64, or even 32X comparably
powered games), I'll buy one.
Nicholas Andrade
>>The last complaint I had with it, the backlight, has been corrected
>>with the SP version.
>
>
> But this means that I have to go out and buy a new Game Boy Advance. At least
> Nintendo could have issued coupon discounts or rebates for those who purchased
> the original Advance despite the objection to having a screen that's hard to
> see before the introduction of the SP.
>
I agree that Nintendo ought to have given a rebate for the SP, but if
you turned your old GBA into Funcoland, you could get $35 (I know this
for a fact as my roommate did it last month). I wouldn't expect more
then a $30 rebate even if Nintendo decided to give one.
Adios,
~Nick
LASERandDVDfan
>you're not. I might understand a noob giving in to the monopoly but I
>would have thought you knew about the alternatives.
Well aware of them, but the stores that I had been to did not have them
available used. A lot of game stores are now starting not to sell Nomads,
Lynxes, and TurboExpress portables anymore, and they are also rare which
further affects availability.
>For that matter, even a Genesis 3 or PS1 is quite
>compact if you'll be staying in someone's home or in a hotel room.
I still needed something that would allow play in situations where a TV and/or
a power outlet may not be available, like inside an airplane.
>You might spend a few bucks more for a Nomad
1. I already have one, but didn't bring it with me. I only expected to stay a
couple of days, but was told that I had to stay for two weeks after I had
arrived in Maryland.
2. Nomads, Lynxes, and TurboExpress portables are rare, and the places that
dealt with videogames, including the FuncoLand and EBGames which were just a
walk away from the place I visited, did not have any available for sale used,
nor did they stock Lynx cards or HuCards.
They didn't even have a copy of "Keith Courage In Alpha Zones," and you should
know how plentiful and terrible that game is for the TG16. As for the Lynx,
you like it, but I can't say if I like mine because I have two unenjoyable
games for it. "Batman Returns" and "Ice Hockey" sucks, and I've not been able
to find a good source of Lynx games in my area.
You cite alternatives, and I'm telling you that your alternatives were not
available to me.
>Again, battery life is almost meaningless to me because I hardly ever
>use them.
But, as I mentioned before, I was in situations where a long battery life came
in handy, like for a few hours outside in a park, or inside of a jet.
Situations where a power outlet was not available.
Unlike you, I obviously have different needs. The places I've been to have
required battery powered equipment, so good battery life is a plus for my
needs.
>A lot of new cars (mine included)
Which cars?
I've mainly seen them in vehicles like conversion vans, RVs, certain SUVs, and
minivans. Did my relatives have such vehicles, no. They had regular cars.
And, I have been through situations where I couldn't be in the car which forced
me to rely on battery power.
>Certainly, you
>don't want to have your dome light on while driving after dark.
Certainly, you don't want to be playing while you are driving.
I would guess that you meant "certainly, you don't want to have the dome light
on while riding in a car as a passenger."
>Or at
>the airport, early or late they often have the lights dimmed, same
>with during flights.
Well, the flight I was in flew during daylight and I had a window seat, so
there was my light there. When I was at Dulles, waiting for my flight, I was
also next to a window.
It still would have been nice to have had a backlight, but I managed.
>Though I don't know, maybe your relatives are Amish and don't have
>electricity.
No, they had electricity, but no television. They had just come to the United
States from Korea, so it would be nice of you to not make inappropriate and
unnecessary assumptions about my family members.
>It could still happen to someone
>dependent on batteries, no matter how long they last.
Or in a situation where a power source is not available for whatever reason.
>So what, they couldn't engineer a simple switch to shut it off if you
>wanted to conserve power?
I had raised that question before with my brother who loves his GBA more than I
do.
> And have you used one? They suck in
>comparison to a backlight!
Uh, didn't I just say that in the post you are replying to?
"The only way you can get effective and comfortable lighting for the GBA is if
you play while underneath a bright florescent lamp. Those screen light
accessories in the stores are nothing but a joke."
This was what I typed on the post you had replied to.
Note that I had said "those screen light accessories in the stores are nothing
but a joke." That's essentially the same as you saying that "they suck in
comparison to a backlight!"
>No reason to give in to the monopoly in this case if you know your
>alternatives.
And in my situation, I HAD NO ALTERNATIVES, except to be bored stiff in times
where there was nothing to do.
Like I said before, given the choice, I'd rather deal with the lighting
situation than be bored stiff.
The GBA did have a few games that seemed interesting enough to warrant a try.
What do you have against trying something you don't have for the first time? -
Reinhart
LASERandDVDfan
>you turned your old GBA into Funcoland, you could get $35 (I know this
>for a fact as my roommate did it last month).
Made me wish I had a FuncoLand here in Florida. - Reinhart
elsworth
> Well aware of them, but the stores that I had been to did not have them
> available used. A lot of game stores are now starting not to sell Nomads,
> Lynxes, and TurboExpress portables anymore, and they are also rare which
> further affects availability.
New to the internet then? My mistake, I thought that someone with
internet access would know better. Same for someone that is seems
quick to point out technical aspects of hardware.
Since apparently you don't know, though, you can easily find any
hardware or software online. You should never rely on a local store
for your entire selection in this day and age when you have internet
access.
> I still needed something that would allow play in situations where a TV and/or
> a power outlet may not be available, like inside an airplane.
Never seen the LCD screen for a PS1 have you? In fact, Sony even
sells a bundled kit. You can also buy batteries.
> 2. Nomads, Lynxes, and TurboExpress portables are rare, and the places that
> dealt with videogames, including the FuncoLand and EBGames which were just a
> walk away from the place I visited, did not have any available for sale used,
> nor did they stock Lynx cards or HuCards.
Right, no Sega Genesis carts. Okay, I guess Maryland is out in the
sticks...
> You cite alternatives, and I'm telling you that your alternatives were not
> available to me.
Again, if you are truly interested, the internet is overflowing. You
can usually find better bargains online than in a local store, too.
Look around you here in this newsgroup. People are posting or
boasting all the time about online bargains or picking up a "rare"
game online. There are actually relatively few games that are truly
impossible to find.
> But, as I mentioned before, I was in situations where a long battery life came
> in handy, like for a few hours outside in a park, or inside of a jet.
> Situations where a power outlet was not available.
And as I've said, you can use batteries or a rechargeable pack.
Nomad, Lynx, Turbo, even PS1 have these options. Not just in one
corner of the country, either, but you can always get them online if
you are in a remote area. I don't live anywhere near a game store, in
fact.
I suppose next you will say it was a long flight, over 6 hours. Okay,
maybe an international flight. You got me there, what can I say.
> I've mainly seen them in vehicles like conversion vans, RVs, certain SUVs, and
> minivans. Did my relatives have such vehicles, no. They had regular cars.
They're not just for RV's anymore. I drive a Toyota Matrix and that's
not even a full-size car. Not a special installation, it comes
factory with an outlet.
Even the ones without still have cigarette lighters, of which adapters
are easily available to anyone with internet access.
> I would guess that you meant "certainly, you don't want to have the dome light
> on while riding in a car as a passenger."
Wow, yeah, you are slick for catching my error in syntax there. That
is what I meant, as a passenger, sure. So at least you get my point,
I hope.
> No, they had electricity, but no television. They had just come to the United
> States from Korea, so it would be nice of you to not make inappropriate and
> unnecessary assumptions about my family members.
See, this is what I mean about not being able to communicate with you.
I say "maybe" and you take it as a statement of fact from me. You
take it as an insult even! Whatever.
If I was going to insult you or your family, Amish is not the word I
would use. Amish aren't bad folk or anything. You said Maryland and
that you had to have batteries. I'm no Amish expert but I think they
are more common in the areas surrounding Pennsylvania and Virginia.
But I did say "maybe" so as for you being insulted somehow, I say
whatever. Don't take offense when there is none. I won't say "maybe"
if I ever try to insult you.
> Or in a situation where a power source is not available for whatever reason.
No, if you were in a situation without a power source then how would
you lose your game save? You wouldn't because you could never start
in the first place!
Six hours or twenty hours, at some point with batteries you could find
yourself losing power in the middle of a game.
> And in my situation, I HAD NO ALTERNATIVES, except to be bored stiff in times
> where there was nothing to do.
You seem to have internet access. You have alternatives. If this was
before you had internet access, then like I said, my error.
> The GBA did have a few games that seemed interesting enough to warrant a try.
> What do you have against trying something you don't have for the first time? -
Who says I haven't tried it? Of course I have. That's why I didn't
buy one!
And like I said before -- we obviously can't communicate for whatever
reason. My error for trying again. I've had my say on this thread.
Scott H
news:20030611185539...@mb-m16.aol.com...
You probably have a Gamestop, which owns Funcoland.
LASERandDVDfan
>internet access would know better. Same for someone that is seems
>quick to point out technical aspects of hardware.
Can you get it through your head?
Do you have a reading problem?
First time speakeh da English?
DO I HAVE TO RAM IT UP YOUR ASS FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND?!
I WAS AWAY AT MARYLAND!
I HAD VISITED MY RELATIVES THAT HAD JUST ARRIVED IN THE UNTED STATES: WHICH
MEANS I HAD NO TV OR COMPUTER AT MY DISPOSAL!
HOW THE HELL DO YOU EXPECT ME TO PLACE AN ONLINE ORDER FOR SOMETHING WHEN I
DIDN'T HAVE A COMPUTER THERE FOR THE WHOLE TIME I WAS VISITING?
FURTHERMORE, HOW CAN I PLACE AN ONLINE ORDER IF I DON'T HAVE A CREDIT CARD?
WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM WHEN IT COMES TO TRYING TO UNDERSTAND A SIMPLE STATEMENT?
>Never seen the LCD screen for a PS1 have you?
Did anyone make a battery powered PS-1 that was widely available instead of
crappy Redant rechargeables that you can't find anywhere?
>In fact, Sony even
>sells a bundled kit.
Yeah, for two times the price of a GBA.
Why didn't I think of that: BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY FOR A PSONE
BUNDLE!
What did you expect me to do, SHOPLIFT?!
>> 2. Nomads, Lynxes, and TurboExpress portables are rare, and the places
>that
>> dealt with videogames, including the FuncoLand and EBGames which were just
>a
>> walk away from the place I visited, did not have any available for sale
>used,
>> nor did they stock Lynx cards or HuCards.
>
>Right, no Sega Genesis carts. Okay, I guess Maryland is out in the
>sticks...
Hey, asshole! I never mentioned Genesis carts. The reason I didn't mention
them as not being available is because they're everywhere.
Can you play a Lynx card in a Genesis? NO!
Can you play a TG16 HuCard inside a Genesis? NO!
Are Lynx cards and HuCards the same as a Genesis cart? NO!
You couldn't even tell the difference between a Genesis and a HuCard?
You're more of an idiot than I thought!
>Again, if you are truly interested, the internet is overflowing. You
>can usually find better bargains online than in a local store, too.
>
Again, HOW CAN I PLACE AN ONLINE ORDER IF I HAD NO COMPUTER AVAILABLE TO ME FOR
TWO WEEKS?
What, can I actually dial in the internet with a telephone and use my mind to
surf on it?
Stop being a moron!
>And as I've said, you can use batteries or a rechargeable pack.
Yeah, for an arm and a leg.
>even PS1 have these options.
The PS-1 had the "unlicensed" option for a rechargeable battery. Not only
that, I've not found any reputable videogame store that stocked them.
>They're not just for RV's anymore. I drive a Toyota Matrix and that's
>not even a full-size car. Not a special installation, it comes
>factory with an outlet.
And I drive a Ford Taurus. Does it have a 120VAC outlet? No.
My relatives have a Honda Accord and a Honda Civic. Do they have 120VAC
outlets? No.
Besides, can you safely use a TV and videogame console with such an outlet? As
long as the total wattage load does not exceed the load capacity of the car's
electrical system, yes.
Do you want to use them while the car is off? Not unless you want to drain the
battery.
>Even the ones without still have cigarette lighters, of which adapters
>are easily available to anyone with internet access.
Did I have internet access when I was at Maryland? No, because my relatives
had just immigrated to the USA and were just beginning to settle in. That
meant no TV or computer!
>See, this is what I mean about not being able to communicate with you.
But you still communicated an inappropriate idea about my relatives. Even
though it was a "maybe," such a claim is insulting to most people.
>No, if you were in a situation without a power source then how would
>you lose your game save?
Now who's being facetious?
You know exactly what I meant about not having a power source available. As
in, a power outlet tap serviced and supplied by an electrical company.
>Six hours or twenty hours, at some point with batteries you could find
>yourself losing power in the middle of a game.
The point is, I can play longer on my GBA than on my Nomad.
This means more game time with whatever batteries I have on hand.
>You seem to have internet access.
Yes! I have internet access at home, and have used it for more than 8 years
now! BUT I DIDN'T HAVE INTERNET ACCESS FOR THE TWO WEEKS AT MY RELATIVES!
THINK ABOUT THAT!
>we obviously can't communicate for whatever
>reason.
We obviously can't communicate because you say things I obviously did not
claim, and you cite more alternatives that were, again, not available to me for
the two weeks I was at Maryland. - Reinhart
P.S. Consider yourself PLONKED. I have no need to listen to any garbage from
a liar such as yourself.
Halo-
wrote:
>>Never seen the LCD screen for a PS1 have you?
>
>Did anyone make a battery powered PS-1 that was widely available instead of
>crappy Redant rechargeables that you can't find anywhere?
Sony made official LCD screens and rechargable battery packs IIRC,
although the latter is very difficult to get hold of.
>Yeah, for two times the price of a GBA.
>
>Why didn't I think of that: BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY FOR A PSONE
>BUNDLE!
>
>What did you expect me to do, SHOPLIFT?!
Actually, a PSone and Monitor would probably cost around £30 more than
my GBA cost on launch, so it's not THAT much more. Ever considered
getting a GP32 for SNES emulated goodness?
Nicholas Andrade
Hmm, I thought that chain was based out of the East Coast (or at least
Mid West), I know I have seen some out there last time I was there. But
like Laser said, it might be called Game Stop over there. Here in
California I have seen them go by both. Game Stop also owns Babbages
which should give the same price.
Adios,
~Nick
Nicholas Andrade
> "Wayne M" <an55...@anon.penet.fi> wrote in message
> news:uv33dvkda57vkjijh...@4ax.com...
>
>>Which system do you guys thinks wins? I think Genesis had a bigger
>>number of really good games and the tg16 had just a good solid
>>handful.
>>
>>i wonder why tg16 graphics sometimes look better than Genesis though?
>>Then there are games like gunstar heros or sonic games that totally
>>blow away tg16 graphics.
>>
>>It sucked that tg16 didnt have av connection only rf except if you
>>bought the booster attachment.
>>
>>overall genisis is my favorite system. I have Genesis, SNES, TG16,
>>PSX, DC, and XBox but I think Genesis is the funnest. It just has a
>>lot of style and playability you know? Im also thinking about getting
>>a sega cd game system but they are kind of expensive right?
>>
>>Lets hear those comments
>>
>
>
>
> I'm awfully torn on this one. The TG16 is one of my favorite systems ever,
> and with a 800 game library (if you count imports) it's not too shabby next
> to the Genesis. Not to mention that the handheld played the console games
> WAY before the Nomad, and the PC Engine LT was the first flip top handheld
> far before the GBASP.
>
> The real fault with the TG16/Duo lies in the fact that 75% of the best games
> NEVER came to the US! As an avid importer, I've played a lot of them, and I
> must say that some of them BLOW the Genny away.
>
> However, standing solely on domestic games, I have to vote for the Genesis.
> Better library, better games in the library overall. I do love the vibrant
> colors of the TG16 though!
Max,
What import games do you recommend for the PC Engine? I have both a
Turbo Grafx 16 and Turbo Express (No Duo), but only have US games. I am
pretty much interested in any genre as long as the game done well.
Adios,
~Nick
Nicholas Andrade
> Genesis beats the TurboGrafx 16 hands down. even in the early days of
> late '89
> early '90 it was clear Genesis was edging out the Turbo, just read EGM
> #8 :)
Thanks for the intereting article, I just really hope you didn't type it
up just for this thread.
Adios,
~Nick
LASERandDVDfan
>although the latter is very difficult to get hold of.
I knew Sony makes LCD screens for the PS-One. They're for sale at almost any
store that sells PlayStation. But I did not know that Sony actually made
batteries, but I can tell you that I've not come across a store that stocked
those batteries. I've been to stores in Titusville, Merritt Island, Cocoa,
Daytona, Melbourne, Oviedo, and Orlando for Florida locations.
Of course, the battery accessory may not have ever been available for sale in
the United States, but the opposite may be true in your country.
>Actually, a PSone and Monitor would probably cost around £30 more than
>my GBA cost on launch, so it's not THAT much more.
30 pounds sterling is approximately $50.13 U.S. dollars.
All I had at my disposal was $110. Only enough for one game and a GBA. I
didn't have enough for a PS-One with a screen bundle ($149.99 MSRP), much less
the aforementioned item plus a used game that's worthwhile.
>Ever considered
>getting a GP32 for SNES emulated goodness?
>
I've never heard of it, but from what I've just seen, it looks like a fantastic
piece of electronics! Being able to not only play SNES and Genesis games, but
also the C64? That's nice!
Here's hoping on getting enough money from my summer job before going back to
college to get one. - Reinhart
elsworth
> DO I HAVE TO RAM IT UP YOUR ASS FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND?!
Geez, what is your damage?
> Why didn't I think of that: BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY FOR A PSONE
> BUNDLE!
Right. First, it was you didn't have a choice, only Nintendo made
one. Then it was because you were away. Now it's because you didn't
have enough money.
Honestly, I don't care if you wanted to buy one but that wasn't what
we were discussing. If you had presented ALL of your reasons up front
I wouldn't have bothered mentioning any alternatives. But no, every
time I point out the reason why you had an alternative, you mention a
NEW reason why you didn't. And now, you start making violent
statements.
> Hey, asshole! I never mentioned Genesis carts. The reason I didn't mention
> them as not being available is because they're everywhere.
>
Gee, for someone that is so quick to be offended when there was no
insult, you sure are quick to give them out. So we disagree about
something. Does that give you the right to call names?
> Again, HOW CAN I PLACE AN ONLINE ORDER IF I HAD NO COMPUTER AVAILABLE TO ME
Didn't I say that if you didn't, it was MY ERROR? And in this case,
it sounds like it was my error. Wow, you just can't accept any ground
from someone, can you? Instead, you'd rather call names. Good show.
> What, can I actually dial in the internet with a telephone and use my mind to
> surf on it?
Actually, yeah, with a lot of phones you can. But I do understand
that you didn't have one. I suppose this will illicit more name
calling.
> Stop being a moron!
Right. I guess if you can't win an argument, you can always resort to
name calling.
> But you still communicated an inappropriate idea about my relatives. Even
> though it was a "maybe," such a claim is insulting to most people.
Only in your mind. How is being Amish insulting? If I had said
"maybe they are Jewish?" would you be insulted? Or "maybe they are
Catholic?" would you be insulted? But I didn't say any of those
because it doesn't make sense in the context of the argument, whereas
being Amish does.
And like I said, I didn't say they were, I didn't "claim" anything, I
said maybe they were. Just like I said maybe you didn't have internet
access. I suggested all of those things because as I said earlier,
you keep interjecting new reasons for your side of the argument. I
even went so far as to say it would be my error in that case. Hardly
the same as your blatant namecalling.
> We obviously can't communicate because you say things I obviously did not
> claim, and you cite more alternatives that were, again, not available to me for
> the two weeks I was at Maryland. - Reinhart
>
> P.S. Consider yourself PLONKED. I have no need to listen to any garbage from
> a liar such as yourself.
You know, I wouldn't have bothered replying except that you called me
a liar. How am I a liar? If you don't want to argue your side of it
and instead resort to name calling, whatever, at least do me the
courtesy of showing me where I lied about anything here and I will
apologize. If you can't, then you should own up to your mistake and
apologize to me instead.
If you can't do either of those and insist on further ranting and
namecalling then I'll know I was right. I don't see where I lied
about anything.