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Post by jimnastics on Sept 28, 2023 15:46:29 GMT
Randomly stumbled upon this today whilst reminiscing about 90s gaming and magazines... some of the old PZ Zone folks set up a substack, featuring articles and podcasts and the like: pczone.substack.com/By far my favourite ever gaming mag and the only one I subscribed to along with Retro Gamer. Thought there may be some fellow fans here! |
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Zyrr
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Post by Zyrr on Sept 28, 2023 16:01:35 GMT
I used to love PC Zone, especially during that era in the mid-nineties when Charlie Brooker and Rab Florence were regular contributors. I was a subscriber from around '95 right up to the point they killed the print magazine in 2010.
Sadly, all but a few issues were lost due to successive house moves over the years, but I still peruse old issues on the Internet Archive from time to time.
I also really liked Retro Gamer, which I collected from the start but stopped buying a fair few years ago because of all the space my magazine collections were taking up. The idea was to switch to a digital subscription - I just never actually did.
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Psiloc
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Post by Psiloc on Sept 29, 2023 8:16:15 GMT
I completely forget what was on it, but I remember as a kid being so enamoured by one of their demo discs that a friend lent me that I got my Dad to copy it on a certain high tech machine at his work that could - get this - copy CDs
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X201
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Post by X201 on Oct 8, 2023 12:33:08 GMT
Anyone got any recommendations for stores to get old Atari 2600 games from?
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Zyrr
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Post by Zyrr on Oct 8, 2023 20:34:46 GMT
The biggest issue with the 2600, along with all the other 70s machines and the 8-bit micros of the 80s, is that they're not particularly 'fashionable', so most stores won't waste shelf space on anything below the NES or Master System. The Atari Age forums used to be a half decent place to trawl for a bargain, but I honestly wouldn't even bother looking these days. Charity shops are usually a better shout than dedicated retro stores, but really eBay's about your best bet if you're looking for something specific.
Just be aware that the gulf in price between loose carts and actual boxed games with manuals can be massive (though sometimes you'll find a really good bargain from someone just trying to empty their loft/garage/shed who just want rid). Be wary of pristine boxes, as they might be repros.
Given that it's Atari's 50th Anniversary year this year and they're releasing a bunch of new hardware (one of which actually plays the original carts), I'm actually surprised the humble 2600 hasn't seen more of a proper revival.
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Psiloc
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Post by Psiloc on Oct 11, 2023 13:00:11 GMT
The Retrotink 5x got a firmware update that adds support switching profiles using the remote's number pad. Absolute godsend.
You can either buy an official remote or use a universal remote
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rajin
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Post by rajin on Oct 11, 2023 23:03:37 GMT
After thinking it over for a long time, I will try and buy the new 4K retrotink. What pushed me over the line besides the obvious 4K was two things: Tate mode for shumps and HDR support. I have high quality cables for all but N64 and xbox original. I might need to sell some games I am less attached to like Tales of Abyss PS2/3DS and some other games.
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Post by snackplissken on Oct 13, 2023 7:53:48 GMT
Ah sweet nostalgia. I'm absolutely loving the PSP at the moment. I remember back when it first came out I imported a white one from Japan (no idea where I got it from). I know you can easily play these on any handheld these days, but there's something about having a physical game, and just enjoying that one game, rather than switching between 20 odd games, that you play for 4 minutes for a quick hit of is it any good.
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Psiloc
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Post by Psiloc on Oct 13, 2023 9:47:32 GMT
The original PSP was a lovely device.
And I completely agree about a physical collection. It’s an expensive luxury, but a list of ROMs just isn’t the same
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Psiloc
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Post by Psiloc on Oct 13, 2023 9:49:58 GMT
After thinking it over for a long time, I will try and buy the new 4K retrotink. What pushed me over the line besides the obvious 4K was two things: Tate mode for shumps and HDR support. I have high quality cables for all but N64 and xbox original. I might need to sell some games I am less attached to like Tales of Abyss PS2/3DS and some other games. No Tate mode but FYI the 5x does HDR now. I didn’t see the point for a while but after some fiddling I now love it. Though the 4K will be better at it no doubt |
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Zyrr
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Post by Zyrr on Oct 13, 2023 9:50:45 GMT
Funnily enough I was playing Outrun 2006 again on the PSP recently and it's easily as good as the Xbox and PS2 versions.
Such a great little system with a huge catalogue of genuinely decent games that's pretty much been forgotten.
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Post by snackplissken on Oct 13, 2023 10:00:47 GMT
Funnily enough I was playing Outrun 2006 again on the PSP recently and it's easily as good as the Xbox and PS2 versions. Such a great little system with a huge catalogue of genuinely decent games that's pretty much been forgotten. Yeah The Warriors for example is pretty much the same as far as I can tell. The only real issue is the battery likes to expand.. I'm on my third one now. |
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rajin
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Post by rajin on Oct 13, 2023 10:16:01 GMT
After thinking it over for a long time, I will try and buy the new 4K retrotink. What pushed me over the line besides the obvious 4K was two things: Tate mode for shumps and HDR support. I have high quality cables for all but N64 and xbox original. I might need to sell some games I am less attached to like Tales of Abyss PS2/3DS and some other games. No Tate mode but FYI the 5x does HDR now. I didn’t see the point for a while but after some fiddling I now love it. Though the 4K will be better at it no doubt Since I do not have a retrotink 5x and my brother I live with will pay 50%, I wanted a future proof device. I know the 5x will be more then enough in many cases. I recently bought official PSP component cables since I have around 40 UMD games. Its crazy money but I am saving money for it so the 4k should set me back 600 euro. Any advice experience with expensive S video cables for a nor modded PAL N64? I know the blur filter is rather agressive but no way I am paying 400-500 euro for a modded N64 with inferior PAL ports. |
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Psiloc
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Post by Psiloc on Oct 13, 2023 11:04:01 GMT
I think most models of the PAL N64 support S-Video; it has to be an original black/grey N64 (not a special edition) and apparently, not a French model. You have to use a specific cable for it. Beware any cable advertised as "SNES/SFC/N64/GC compatible" because in the PAL region that's not possible, even though they have the same connector. I would strongly recommend you get one that specifically says "this is for a PAL N64". Personally, years ago I bought a second hand high quality cable from a seller on ebay who clearly knew what he was talking about. Perhaps you could have the same luck. I know that this guy is good for no-frills stuff and he has a dedicated PAL N64 cable for sale: www.consolegoods.co.uk/Or if you want to splash out, VGP are good: videogameperfection.com/products/pal-n64-svideo/As for the blur, have you considered getting an action replay and using cheat codes to disable the anti-aliasing? consolemods.org/wiki/N64:N64blurI've used them before and they work, but I actually ended up coming to the conclusion that they vindicated Nintendo's decision to use AA. Especially if you're using decent video cables and a good scalar - perhaps I'd change my tune if I was stuck with composite. Then again I'm not really a sharp pixels guy so it's going to be very subjective |
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rajin
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Post by rajin on Oct 13, 2023 12:31:27 GMT
I think most models of the PAL N64 support S-Video; it has to be an original black/grey N64 (not a special edition) and apparently, not a French model. You have to use a specific cable for it. Beware any cable advertised as "SNES/SFC/N64/GC compatible" because in the PAL region that's not possible, even though they have the same connector. I would strongly recommend you get one that specifically says "this is for a PAL N64". Personally, years ago I bought a second hand high quality cable from a seller on ebay who clearly knew what he was talking about. Perhaps you could have the same luck. I know that this guy is good for no-frills stuff and he has a dedicated PAL N64 cable for sale: www.consolegoods.co.uk/Or if you want to splash out, VGP are good: videogameperfection.com/products/pal-n64-svideo/As for the blur, have you considered getting an action replay and using cheat codes to disable the anti-aliasing? consolemods.org/wiki/N64:N64blurI've used them before and they work, but I actually ended up coming to the conclusion that they vindicated Nintendo's decision to use AA. Especially if you're using decent video cables and a good scalar - perhaps I'd change my tune if I was stuck with composite. Then again I'm not really a sharp pixels guy so it's going to be very subjective Wow thankfull and impressed by your advice! I had no idea I could get a action replay to disable it. I think some games warrent the filter but others like Majora's Mask benefit from the removal of blur. I will check out those cables! Composite currently really does not do it for me. The original xbox has fantastic composite whiled its 480i is queationable. My model cant handle 480p due to it being the last revision. I might look for a recappes soft modded old model but those clock capicitators are a bit yikes. |
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Post by jimnastics on Oct 19, 2023 16:03:40 GMT
Finally acquired a vintage Gateway 2000 15" Vivitron to complete my Pentium 75 machine... everything here is authentic to a mid-90s Gateway 2000, even the Altec Lansing speakers, and is pretty much what I had back in 95 apart from mine had a 486 DX2-66 inside, not a P75! There is something completely magical about gaming on a CRT, you just can not beat it 
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Post by Aunt Alison on Oct 19, 2023 16:09:35 GMT
Still missing one thing  |
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mrpon
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Post by mrpon on Oct 19, 2023 16:12:26 GMT
Beige overload
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Post by jimnastics on Oct 19, 2023 16:17:40 GMT
Still missing one thing Damn it!!  There were also other various bits of Gateway merchandise I found on my searching that I had to resist buying... mostly just because it was from the States and postage was more than the item itself! |
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Post by 😎 on Oct 19, 2023 17:47:21 GMT
Ahh, the mystery turbo button.
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Post by jimnastics on Oct 19, 2023 18:21:25 GMT
Ahh, the mystery turbo button. Hah. yes! Funnily enough I discovered when setting this machine up that the P75 can be overclocked (I use that term lightly, more like unlocked) to a P100 with a simple, single jumper switch on the mobo. So I just pretend that is Turbo mode activated |
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Psiloc
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Post by Psiloc on Oct 19, 2023 20:13:57 GMT
It should be more accurately called a “slow” button, because its function was to throttle faster CPUs to a more compatible speed for older software and games. The problem was that from a marketing perspective having a “slow” button on a new PC was not considered wise, so they gave it basically the opposite name, with the idea that since it’s a toggle it wouldn’t actually matter which way you labelled it. Basically have it light up when it’s off instead of on, and the slow button is now a turbo button and job done.
Unfortunately, due to the classic “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”, it started to become a common misconception that a PC in turbo mode was actually running more slowly. “Did you know the turbo button is actually to slow the computer down?”.
Indeed, allegedly some PC manufacturers started to wire up the button backwards, either due to the same misconception or because they figured that’s what the end user was now trained to expect. So it became a complete mess and what should have been a perfectly clear function is now legendary for how weird and confusing it was.
It’s a pretty good case study in one of the ways that obfuscating stuff from end-users can be very counter productive in the long run.
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Psiloc
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Post by Psiloc on Oct 20, 2023 9:48:57 GMT
Finally acquired a vintage Gateway 2000 15" Vivitron to complete my Pentium 75 machine... everything here is authentic to a mid-90s Gateway 2000, even the Altec Lansing speakers, and is pretty much what I had back in 95 apart from mine had a 486 DX2-66 inside, not a P75! There is something completely magical about gaming on a CRT, you just can not beat it Getting major Carmageddon vibes by the way |
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Post by jimnastics on Oct 20, 2023 9:51:54 GMT
It should be more accurately called a “slow” button, because its function was to throttle faster CPUs to a more compatible speed for older software and games. The problem was that from a marketing perspective having a “slow” button on a new PC was not considered wise, so they gave it basically the opposite name, with the idea that since it’s a toggle it wouldn’t actually matter which way you labelled it. Basically have it light up when it’s off instead of on, and the slow button is now a turbo button and job done. Unfortunately, due to the classic “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”, it started to become a common misconception that a PC in turbo mode was actually running more slowly. “Did you know the turbo button is actually to slow the computer down?”. Indeed, allegedly some PC manufacturers started to wire up the button backwards, either due to the same misconception or because they figured that’s what the end user was now trained to expect. So it became a complete mess and what should have been a perfectly clear function is now legendary for how weird and confusing it was. It’s a pretty good case study in one of the ways that obfuscating stuff from end-users can be very counter productive in the long run. That might actually come in handy... I fired up original Theme Park for the kids, forgetting that it runs too fast even on a P75. Really need my old 486 for that! Wonder if I can tune it down on the mobo like I can tune it up... |
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Cappy
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Post by Cappy on Oct 20, 2023 16:27:20 GMT
That's an amazing setup. I'm trying to narrow down where it fits in, I always thought a Pentium is about the point where you could get Doom running at a consistent 60FPS and run stuff like the Wing Commander games without noticeable frame rate problems.
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Post by jimnastics on Oct 20, 2023 17:42:34 GMT
That's an amazing setup. I'm trying to narrow down where it fits in, I always thought a Pentium is about the point where you could get Doom running at a consistent 60FPS and run stuff like the Wing Commander games without noticeable frame rate problems. Yep super smooth Doom! And Wing Commander would be a walk in the park. These early Pentiums helped kickstart the major 3D revolution after Doom set the ball rolling, Carmageddon as Psiloc mentioned is a great example as that was one of the first popular games that required (or at least recommended) a Pentium. Apparently the Pentium 75 is even good for Half Life 1 with a little overclock, I'm going to give that a go although not sure if the S3Trio 64+ graphics card I have is good enough. |
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Post by barchetta on Oct 20, 2023 18:01:15 GMT
Ah, you've got me hankering after those good old days of game specific boot disks. Started with a 386sx-33 then a 486dx-66 before a 'leap' to an Escom (remember them?) P100.
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Post by One_Vurfed_Gwrx on Oct 21, 2023 9:46:29 GMT
It should be more accurately called a “slow” button, because its function was to throttle faster CPUs to a more compatible speed for older software and games. The problem was that from a marketing perspective having a “slow” button on a new PC was not considered wise, so they gave it basically the opposite name, with the idea that since it’s a toggle it wouldn’t actually matter which way you labelled it. Basically have it light up when it’s off instead of on, and the slow button is now a turbo button and job done. Unfortunately, due to the classic “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”, it started to become a common misconception that a PC in turbo mode was actually running more slowly. “Did you know the turbo button is actually to slow the computer down?”. Indeed, allegedly some PC manufacturers started to wire up the button backwards, either due to the same misconception or because they figured that’s what the end user was now trained to expect. So it became a complete mess and what should have been a perfectly clear function is now legendary for how weird and confusing it was. It’s a pretty good case study in one of the ways that obfuscating stuff from end-users can be very counter productive in the long run. That might actually come in handy... I fired up original Theme Park for the kids, forgetting that it runs too fast even on a P75. Really need my old 486 for that! Wonder if I can tune it down on the mobo like I can tune it up... Back in the day I recall running slowdown programs for DOS stuff (moslo?). Not perfect but helped a bit sometimes. Edit - typos |
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Post by jimnastics on Oct 21, 2023 11:34:24 GMT
That might actually come in handy... I fired up original Theme Park for the kids, forgetting that it runs too fast even on a P75. Really need my old 486 for that! Wonder if I can tune it down on the mobo like I can tune it up... Back in the day I recall running owdown programs for DOS stuff (moslo?). Bot perfect but helped a bit sometimes. Ooh I'll have a look, ta! Also read something about disabling caches, some software called Setmul as well.... lots of tinkering ahead of me by the looks of it |
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Psiloc
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Post by Psiloc on Oct 24, 2023 11:15:48 GMT
As good a thread as any, especially since it came up the other day - but did anyone play the new Carmageddon (Max Damage)? I finally got around to trying it out and it's pretty faithful to the original. It got middling review scores as I recall but if you're a fan of the original it's basically in remake territory and definitely worth a quick look
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There were also other various bits of Gateway merchandise I found on my searching that I had to resist buying... mostly just because it was from the States and postage was more than the item itself!
