Old Computer Appreciation Thread

Zering

@folly Thanks. It's going to take a while. And I'll need to find some games to recommend for some of those more obscure systems ^^

Edit : Tried running X1 through MESS again. Got unexpected results.

I used Xanadu as an example as I'm mostly keen to try and get some multi-disk games started. The core starts but the game doesn't. I'm booted back to ES after a few seconds.

The log is strange :

log

Here is the part I think is at the source of the issue :

[libretro INFO] Starting game from command line:/home/pi/RetroPie/roms/x1/xanadu.zip
[libretro INFO] ARGUV[0]=/home/pi/RetroPie/roms/x1/xanadu.zip
[libretro WARN] Driver xanadu not found -1
[libretro WARN] Game not found: xanadu
[libretro INFO] Game name: x1, Game description: X1 (CZ-800C)
[libretro INFO] Game name: x1, Game description: X1 (CZ-800C)
[libretro INFO] System found: x1

"xanadu" approximately matches the following
supported software items (best match first):

It's like lr-mess isn't finding the software at all. Yet when I look at my x1_flop hash :

<software name="xanadu">
		<description>Xanadu</description>
		<year>1985</year>
		<publisher>æ—¥æœ¬ãƒ•ã‚¡ãƒ«ã‚³ãƒ  (Nihon Falcom)</publisher>
		<info name="release" value="198511xx"/>
		<info name="alt_title" value="ã‚¶ãƒŠãƒ‰ã‚¥"/>
		<part name="flop1" interface="floppy_5_25">
			<dataarea name="flop" size="415840">
				<rom name="xanadu_a.d88" size="415840" crc="89ff1612" sha1="a1e9abfde29f169841a6e77267cf85f1a69475cd" offset="0" />
			</dataarea>
		</part>
		<part name="flop2" interface="floppy_5_25">
			<dataarea name="flop" size="415840">
				<rom name="xanadu_b.d88" size="415840" crc="40bf59ac" sha1="3586dee49739d72ffe827435bf8fa3211d0b5cca" offset="0" />
			</dataarea>
		</part>
		<part name="flop3" interface="floppy_5_25">
			<dataarea name="flop" size="416384">
				<rom name="xanadu_c(user).d88" size="416384" crc="e3d2cff7" sha1="bc2bb8b7a145462b5233e353f500d9be1f5397f8" offset="0" />
			</dataarea>
		</part>
	</software>

There are some notes at the beginning of the hash file concerning compatibility, but nothing about Xanadu.

Games I haven't managed to start (possibly due to my mistakes):
* zeliard: at the end of the intro it prints "read EMM address [00]" while waiting for something
* suikoden, sangoku2, sangoku2a, nobuseng: sits to a jpn message waiting for who knows what
* revolty2: waits for something to happen
* reviver: waits for something to happen
* mule, mulea: waits for something to happen
* mugen2: waits for something to happen
* lastarma: sits forever at the first intro screen
* lagrange, dside: incomplete dump, needs system disc?
* hajafuin: waits for something to happen
* gatlabyr: how to start a game?
* gambler2: how to pass the first menu?
* crimson, crimsona: which disk combination is expected?
* blassty: stuck at no animation menu

Games with possible issues (either in emulation or in dump):
* wizardry->4: can't add character name. also how to create a duplicate disk (in pc8801 they were in the disk set)?
* profmj: true 400 lines mode not implemented?
* mightmag: corrupted chars
* lizard: waits for something to happen
* hydlide2b has no saved data, while hydlide2 &amp; hydlide2a have characters in them
* hydlide3b: fails to see the user disk + the set contains at least 1 hydlide disk (check crc16)
* gruppe: starts loading then errors out as if the disk is not recognized
* gradiusk: is this supposed to do something?
* frontlin: input issue?
* dione: does not display text correctly
* blckonyx: is it missing a data disk?
* bastard: does not start. input issue?
* arcus: black screen after wolfteam logo
* aokiooka: glitches (chars cut in half)
* alpha: is the title screen correct or is it glitched (I'd bet the latter)?
* advfant: glitches
* ys: character sprite is glitched until you enter a new area

Games which start loading but never reach the program:
* vipc
* vipd
* turbobas (but not the clone turbobasa)
* turbzbas
* scruiser
* psyoblad
* powermj
* kingkngt
* jesus
* jesusd
* hydlide3, hydlide3a (invalid disks 2?)
* aztec
* ys3

Games which are completely not recognized (maybe not for x1?)
* unk_fl1
* srdemo
* robowres
* punchbal
* manilove
* fmdata

This thing has me stumped. Maybe one of you computer whizzes can figure it out.

AdamBeGood

@zering said in Old Computer Appreciation Thread:

Guys, I've began editing my first post to record all the info we've discussed in this thread. It's going to take me a while so bear with me. I might also write up a list of recommended games on each system based on everybody's input.

It's great work, Zering! I'll have another read through tomorrow but didn't notice any errors going through, until the end where you said "two button keyboard", when you probably mean joypad. :p Also you put a space in "an other" right at the end, but I imagine you were tired by then! Superb stuff.

Zering

@adambegood Corrected. Thanks!

Following @Folly's instructions from earlier, I managed to get a few DOS CD games running. Dark Forces runs a treat. The control scheme is a bit antique but I think I'm going to play it. System Shock doesn't run too great, the opening logos are in the single frames and while the game itself is a lot faster there's quite a bit of stuttering and choppiness.

Has anybody managed to play Fallout on the Pi? I can't think of a single reason why it shouldn't run, but I can't get it to boot properly.

I do :

cd fallout1
imgmount D cd/fallout.cue -t iso
fallout.exe

Then the loading screen appears (it's very sluggish), and after a few seconds it kicks me back to DOS.
If anybody's keen on trying it I'd be curious to hear the results.

Edit :

Figured it out!

In opt/retropie/configs/pc, edit dosbox_SVN.conf, and bring the memsize up to 32.

From C:

cd fallout1

imgmount D cd/fallout.cue -t iso

D:

dir

install.exe

Humongous installation
Destination folder : INTRPLAY/FALLOUT (This folder will be created in home/pi/RetroPie/roms/pc)

Choose automatic sound installation, say yes to everything

Then

C:
cd INTRPLAY
cd FALLOUT
Fallout

The logos and opening menus are a bit slow but the game seems to run full speed for the most part. I've seen some stuttering here and there but nothing bad.

Edit 2 : And for Daggerfall, in case anybody did not know :

(If DFCD is not inside the dagger directory then adapt the commands)

mount D /home/pi/RetroPie/roms/pc/dagger/DFCD

D:

dir

install.exe

Choose the biggest installation (we'll use C:tes2 as an installation directory), then use autodetect for your sound setup, choose a Sound Blaster as a MIDI device.

From there Daggerfall is a pain. If you just cd to tes2 and launch dagger.exe it asks for the CD. So...

mount d /home/pi/RetroPie/roms/pc/DFCD -t cdrom -label Daggerfall

C:

cd tes2

dagger

And it runs beautifully. It's kind of like playing a RPG in Doom's clothing actually.

AdamBeGood

@zering Fallout was a funny one for me, I run DosBox games with their own individual configs now as they often need a fiddle.

EMS On and Off is a good one to try, that makes a difference sometimes. Number of Cycles is also often the issue.

Zering

@adambegood How do you do all that?
I think I've overcome a big hurdle with DOS yesterday (I've got Gravis Ultrasound and DOS32A running, not to mention other games like Command and Conquer) but I'm still a beginner ^^

AdamBeGood

@zering said in Old Computer Appreciation Thread:

@adambegood How do you do all that?
I think I've overcome a big hurdle with DOS yesterday (I've got Gravis Ultrasound and DOS32A running, not to mention other games like Command and Conquer) but I'm still a beginner ^^

You have a .sh file, which just calls the .conf. It just contains this:

#!/bin/bash
/opt/retropie/emulators/dosbox/bin/dosbox -conf "/home/pi/RetroPie/roms/pc/alone1/alone1.conf"

Then you have a .conf file that contains a copy of the standard DOSBox config with any amendments made, the [autoexec] section at the end contains the DOS commands to run the game.

https://pastebin.com/dx2a65GZ

I tried Gravis UltraSound briefly a bit ago, but gave up. I had SoundBlaster in my PC, so that is what I am used to. I am slightly interested in how much better Gravis is, but it isn't a fiddle I fancy right now.

Edit: As discussed yesterday, the C: mounting line in the autoexec is not needed, but I didn't know that when I wrote this .conf!

Further Edit: "EMS = true/false" and "Cycles=" are the fields I've found affect some games. Alone in the Dark doesn't have music if you go over 12,000 cycles or something like that. Wing Commander 1 and 2 are insanely fast on the default setting also.

Further Further Edit: The .sh is the file you actually run in Emulation Station.

AdamBeGood

To get us back on topic, I've installed some fun PC-98 games today:

Briganty - Action RPG, Japanese may make it tricky but seems okay
Galt-Rio - shooter, quite a bit of chat but seems good
Last Breakers - this looks like a nice shooter
Totsugeki! Mix - by Rusty people, plays like Rusty.

I've also got Jump Hero, Net Guardian, Pool Bang and Usagina Panic 1 and 2 - but only checked they've worked. Can't speak on quality yet.

Zering

@adambegood We were on topic! ^^
I'll try what you described once I feel comfortable.

Net Guardian and Last Breakers are very nice. Did you try Burning Dragon?

AdamBeGood

@zering said in Old Computer Appreciation Thread:

@adambegood We were on topic! ^^
I'll try what you described once I feel comfortable.

Net Guardian and Last Breakers are very nice. Did you try Burning Dragon?

Indeed I did - I always take your recommendations (apart from when it is installing a tricksy new system for improved versions of games I already have)!

It's a decent shooter.

Zering

@adambegood Ah well that's good to hear!

Speaking of recommendations, what games would you recommend for DOS? Outside of the obvious.

Dark Forces looks awesome but the controls are antiquated and off-putting. Now that I've overcome the keyboard and mouse hurdle I'm not sure I can do without WASD! ^^

There is a source port called DarkXL, I wonder if that'd be something that could be compiled on the pi.

Edit : Bit of a curiosity. I just realized the Gagharv trilogy, out of the Legend of Heroes saga (itself part of the Dragon Slayer series), which are widely available on PSP, were originally released on PC98.

Kind of a shame they're not available in english as I think they look a lot more unique than their enhanced releases for the PSP.

It seems there's just no end to Falcom's awesomeness on the NEC machines.
(The Legend of Heroes games, from what I've played, are excellent)

Folly

@zering said in Old Computer Appreciation Thread:

@adambegood How do you do all that?
I think I've overcome a big hurdle with DOS yesterday (I've got Gravis Ultrasound and DOS32A running, not to mention other games like Command and Conquer) but I'm still a beginner ^^

You have already done some good stuff with these .bat files.
Do you like the lr-dosbox VS dosbox-svn ?

Zering

@folly You mean the Dos commands for Fallout and Daggerfall? I suppose they could work as bat files. I've tried using .bat and .sh files as described by Adam but I get booted back to ES. Not sure why. Thanks though.

I've actually only tried Dark Forces with lr-dosbox and it was horribly slow, the game wouldn't get past the first loading screen either. So I can't really say as of yet.

Folly

@zering said in Old Computer Appreciation Thread:

@folly You mean the Dos commands for Fallout and Daggerfall? I suppose they could work as bat files. I've tried using .bat and .sh files as described by Adam but I get booted back to ES. Not sure why. Thanks though.

I've actually only tried Dark Forces with lr-dosbox and it was horribly slow, the game wouldn't get past the first loading screen either. So I can't really say as of yet.

5 moths ago I managed to get about 10 games working. Indeed some fail. But when they work, if I remember correctly, they work like a treat. I think not many people are trying the lr-dosbox so there is still very little information available on how this works.
We can consider us as pioneers !

I got these working, back then :
'3D Lemmings Winterland (1995)'
'Castlevania (1990)'
'Cool Ball (1990)'
'Luigi and Spaghetti (1992)'
'Metal Gear (1990)'
'OutRun (1989)'
'Pac 2000 (1996)'
'Pac PC II (1995)'
'Rayman (1995)'
'Super Boulder Dash (1986)'
'Test Drive (1987)'

Zering

@folly Metal Gear and Castlevania were on DOS? O_o

I'll look into lr-dosbox more then. Were you aware there is also a lr-dosbox-svn? Not sure what the difference is.

I think I installed it using RetroPie-Extra

Folly

@Zering

Perhaps it a good idea to rename my IPS repository to a Retropie-share repository.
Then I can put more different files on it like :

.ips
.bat
.m3u
.cmd

Good idea ?

Zering

@folly Definitely.
In the meantime I'll keep updating my first post.

Speaking of, I tried generating m3us yesterday using your commands, but I'm getting syntax errors. Any chance you could share a screenshot of how you're doing it?

AdamBeGood

@zering said in Old Computer Appreciation Thread:

@adambegood Ah well that's good to hear!

Speaking of recommendations, what games would you recommend for DOS? Outside of the obvious.

Hard to know which ones aren't obvious, I'll try these but I know Little Big Adventure went to Playstation also.

Bioforge
Dune
Ecstatica is weird and I like it
Little Big Adventure
Terminal Velocity

Folly

@zering said in Old Computer Appreciation Thread:

@folly Metal Gear and Castlevania were on DOS? O_o

I'll look into lr-dosbox more then. Were you aware there is also a lr-dosbox-svn? Not sure what the difference is.

I think I installed it using RetroPie-Extra

I don't actually know.

Seems that this is something you can fiddle with, for perfomance issues. (in core options)

dosbox_cpu_cycles = "9"

Zering

@adambegood Terminal Velocity looks AWESOME.
What's Ecstatica like?

@Folly that seems absurdly low. Don't the cycles need to be in the thousands for games to run at even a decent speed?

I'll try dark forces again on lr-dosbox tonight.

Folly

@zering said in Old Computer Appreciation Thread:

@folly Definitely.
In the meantime I'll keep updating my first post.

Speaking of, I tried generating m3us yesterday using your commands, but I'm getting syntax errors. Any chance you could share a screenshot of how you're doing it?

Is it the bulk commandline ?

It displays errors when it does not find appropriate files. That should be normal.