PCEngineFans.com - The PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 Community Forum
NEC PC-Engine/SuperGrafx => PC Engine/SuperGrafx Discussion => Topic started by: TheMilford on March 06, 2009, 02:08:32 AM
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Howdy Guys,
I've been lurking a few days while my account was being approved... And now I'm pretty sure I want to get an original white PC Engine. :D
I've had my TG16 since Christmas of 1989/90 and have been playing the small handful of games I've had for years... I eventually bought a TGCD on clearance for $99 in the early 90s... that's when I got Ys I/II and started reading mags about the PC engine/superG, etc. But I had discovered music by then and would spend all my money on music equipment so I never took the plunge into the Japanese systems... I did manage to collect many older US systems and was pretty obsessed with Atari and Coleco...but those things were easily collected via flea markets and garage sales.
Now I'm older and have found this great site... and prices seem to be more reasonable now...
I'd like to get an original white PC Engine because it's so cool looking and it would be fun to play some Japanese titles. I'd also like to get a Super CD card (v3.0) for my TG/CD set-up as there are some Duo and Super CD games I would like to try out. I love RPGs but understand the language barriers so I'll probably steer clear unless there are easy language patches available... But I also love puzzle and classic games which the PCE seems to have many of.
So a few questions:
How problematic is the RF hookup with the original PCE? I really don't want a modded system and would like to avoid the AV booster... at first anyway.
How hard is it to do the language patches on JP/CD games? Are there good ones for the classic RPGs (Ys III, VI etc.)
I don't want to buy a JP/US adaptor... So can I use the Arcade Card with my TG16/CD combo? Should I just get the V.3 card?
What would be the first 5 HuCard games I should get for the PCE? :)
I recently just discovered Rising Stuff and JapanGameStock and intend to buy in the next few weeks... but I also have some TG and other vintage game stuff I will be selling here and on ebay to fund this.
Cheers,
David
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How problematic is the RF hookup with the original PCE? I really don't want a modded system and would like to avoid the AV booster... at first anyway.
The last time I tried it, it worked on a couple channels in the 70's or 90's. But that was on an old CRT. They use the same kind of RF switch as a TG-16, NES, etc.
How hard is it to do the language patches on JP/CD games? Are there good ones for the classic RPGs (Ys III, VI etc.)
The only english patches for CD RPGs are Ys IV and the adventurey Xak III. Ys III was officially released in english, but Ys IV was the last Ys game on PC Engine. Some people have trouble patching the isos, but as long as everything happens as it should it's fairly straightforward. If you are unable to patch them yourself, send me a PM and I'll see to it that you get to play them. :-"
I don't want to buy a JP/US adaptor... So can I use the Arcade Card with my TG16/CD combo? Should I just get the V.3 card?
No, you can't play japanese HuCards on your TG-16 without a converter or region mod. The U.S. Super CD card is very hard to find and very expensive since it's a collector's item. If you're serious about play Super CD games and possibly more, you should consider a Duo system if price is factor or a PC Engine CD-ROM if you have your heart set on only using a white PC Engine to play games.
What would be the first 5 HuCard games I should get for the PCE? :)
Street Fighter II'
Bomberman '94
Parodius
Son Son II
Bikuriman World
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Street Fighter II'
Bomberman '93
Parodius
Son Son II
Bikuriman World
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Street Fighter II'
Bomberman '93
Parodius
Son Son II
Bikuriman World
I also prefer Bomberman '93, but I'm assuming that he's interested in import-only titles since he's already TG-16'ing. :P
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I don't want to buy a JP/US adaptor... So can I use the Arcade Card with my TG16/CD combo? Should I just get the V.3 card?
No, you can't play japanese HuCards on your TG-16 without a converter or region mod. The U.S. Super CD card is very hard to find and very expensive since it's a collector's item. If you're serious about play Super CD games and possibly more, you should consider a Duo system if price is factor or a PC Engine CD-ROM if you have your heart set on only using a white PC Engine to play games.
Darn! I really don't want to use another system... i'm trying to consolidate ;) Especially with the new baby about to start crawling :shock:
If I region mod my TG16 can I still play US HuCards on it? What is the cheapest adapter?
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Street Fighter II'
Bomberman '93
Parodius
Son Son II
Bikuriman World
I also prefer Bomberman '93, but I'm assuming that he's interested in import-only titles since he's already TG-16'ing. :P
so that's three votes for virtually the same games... Cool!
Thanks guys!
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Welcome aboard, Milford. Here's my two cents:
How problematic is the RF hookup with the original PCE? I really don't want a modded system and would like to avoid the AV booster... at first anyway.
It can be a problem, as not all televisions will be able to tune in properly since Japanese channels 1 and 2 don't exactly match US channels 95 and 96. If you really, really want a PCE, then get a CoreGrafx for built in composite (they're the same sexy shape, just in a different color).
How hard is it to do the language patches on JP/CD games? Are there good ones for the classic RPGs (Ys III, VI etc.)
Patches are generally easy-peasy to apply and use; the only caveats being that not all systems like CDRs (mine doesn't) and that a flashcart is necessary to play translated HuCards. In addition to those mentioned by Black Tiger, there's a few translations in other genres as well as a couple of RPGs in progress (Emerald Dragon and Cosmic Fantasy) - click somewhere for more info. (http://www.romhacking.net/?genre=&platform=4&status=&languageid=12&perpage=20&page=translations&transsearch=Go&title=&author=)
What would be the first 5 HuCard games I should get for the PCE? :)
Bomberman '94, Final Soldier, Batman, Street Fighter II, and Hatris.
If I region mod my TG16 can I still play US HuCards on it? What is the cheapest adapter?
Region mods can be made permanent, but they're usually installed with a switch to flip between both regions. The cheapest route would probably be the ChopsadoTM (http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=5227.0), but you'd be better off with a normal switch mod if you're going to be playing a lot of different HuCards.
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If I region mod my TG16 can I still play US HuCards on it? What is the cheapest adapter?
Region mods can be made permanent, but they're usually installed with a switch to flip between both regions. The cheapest route would probably be the ChopsadoTM (http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=5227.0), but you'd be better off with a normal switch mod if you're going to be playing a lot of different HuCards.
What about having Chop5 permanently mod a JPN v3.o card to work in my TG16?
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What about having Chop5 permanently mod a JPN v3.o card to work in my TG16?
If you're willing to forgo full HuCard compatibility, slapping one of Chop's creations on a Japanese Super System Card would certainly be an economical way to get into Super CDs. Personally, I'd rather spend the extra $20 (based on Rising Stuff's prices) and use an Arcade Card Pro, as I know I'd want one sooner or later.
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What about having Chop5 permanently mod a JPN v3.o card to work in my TG16?
If you're willing to forgo full HuCard compatibility, slapping one of Chop's creations on a Japanese Super System Card would certainly be an economical way to get into Super CDs. Personally, I'd rather spend the extra $20 (based on Rising Stuff's prices) and use an Arcade Card Pro, as I know I'd want one sooner or later.
A few UK/EU retailers are listing the HuCard adapters for around $50...
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What about having Chop5 permanently mod a JPN v3.o card to work in my TG16?
If you're willing to forgo full HuCard compatibility, slapping one of Chop's creations on a Japanese Super System Card would certainly be an economical way to get into Super CDs. Personally, I'd rather spend the extra $20 (based on Rising Stuff's prices) and use an Arcade Card Pro, as I know I'd want one sooner or later.
I'd just go for a full region mod on a Coregrafx II, but if you just want to mod a system card, then yeah, the Arcade Card Pro is definitely the route to take.
As for top 5 Japanese Hucards to pick up?
1. Street Fighter II CE
2. Bikkuriman World
3. Son Son II
4. Salamander
5. Xevious! :P ...seriously though... :mrgreen:
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Welcome to the funny farm :)
Some good Hu's that were missed (and one common fav):
Genji Tsushin Agedama
Jackie Chan Action Kung Fu
New Adventure Island
Air Zonk
Son Son II
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Yeah, if you're going to go the chopsado/region mod route, definitely get the Arcade Card Pro (over the SuperCD 3.0 card). That'll make sure to give your Turbo maximum compatibility, and it's not that much more $.
I'd definitely avoid the US SuperCD 3.0 card. It's just not worth what they go for if your goal is to simply play SuperCD games.
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Why don't you want a modded system? If it's the lead perma-attached on most of these units or the holes in the casing, I do a mod with a detachable cable with a Genesis II AV port configuration which fits the original RF out socket. No holes made and it looks like it's meant to be there, check out my site (sig).
I sold them all though but I have more units to finish and stick on the site. I'm just super snowed under with cables to wire at the moment, but if I get interest in a console I'll finish one and update the site.
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Listing only 5 games is too limiting to me. So I'll list 10 :D
1. Afterburner II
2. Photograph Boy
3. Dragon Egg
4. Gomola Speed
5. Mr. Heli
6. Shinobi
7. Volfied
8. Dragon Saber
9. Final Soldier
10. Operation Wolf
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Why don't you want a modded system? If it's the lead perma-attached on most of these units or the holes in the casing, I do a mod with a detachable cable with a Genesis II AV port configuration which fits the original RF out socket. No holes made and it looks like it's meant to be there, check out my site (sig).
I sold them all though but I have more units to finish and stick on the site. I'm just super snowed under with cables to wire at the moment, but if I get interest in a console I'll finish one and update the site.
yeah, your work looks nice and tidy... that might be the way to go. I'm just so in love with the White PCE... it really is "total sex".
I might just get the Arcade card and do a little tidy surface wiring... but the adapter would allow me to try out some JPN games on the TG first... I dunno.
the US v3.0 cards seem to go for about $150-199... not that much once you consider the cost of the JPN cards and the adapter or my time to make the mods on the card.
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You can get a Duo system that has the Super CD card built-in for $150 - $199 or even a PCE CD-ROM ior Super CD-ROM f you find the right auction at the right time.
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Ok so... I've ordered a White PC engine, 2 games and an Arcade Pro Card from Rising Stuff. I will deal with the RF issues (if any) at a later date... I think as for playing Duo and Super CD games on my TG16/CD combo it makes the most sense to get the Arcade Pro Card and region mod my TG16 (I have two so if I f*ck one up I have a backup, if both go well I'll sell the second one when my PCE gets here). I just really want one of these cool little guys and will probably set it up on a smaller different tv than my TG16/CD combo is set up on.
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Ok so... I've ordered a White PC engine, 2 games and an Arcade Pro Card from Rising Stuff. I will deal with the RF issues (if any) at a later date... I think as for playing Duo and Super CD games on my TG16/CD combo it makes the most sense to get the Arcade Pro Card and region mod my TG16 (I have two so if I f*ck one up I have a backup, if both go well I'll sell the second one when my PCE gets here). I just really want one of these cool little guys and will probably set it up on a smaller different tv than my TG16/CD combo is set up on.
Woot!! :clap: :clap: :dance: :dance:
Good call on that set up! You won't be disappointed. And it's always good to have a back up.
Anyway, welcome to the mayhem that is Pcenginefx.com. :lol:
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Congrats on the purchase. Now don't forget to send us pics when you get those sexy bitches up and running. 8)
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Congrats on the purchase. Now don't forget to send us pics when you get those sexy bitches up and running. 8)
Will Do!
After reading a bit about mods and such I realized that since I'm a electronics tech (I service guitars and amplifiers) then modding should be a breeze as long as I'm careful.
I ordered the following games, some recommended and some because they were cheap.
- Doraemon Meikyuu Daisakusen
- Mr. Heli no Daibouken
- Spin Pair
I love puzzle games so I figured I would give Spin Pair a shot... Bomberman '94 was out of stock and I hear Doraemon is similar.... the youtube demo looked cool.
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Will Do!
After reading a bit about mods and such I realized that since I'm a electronics tech (I service guitars and amplifiers) then modding should be a breeze as long as I'm careful.
I ordered the following games, some recommended and some because they were cheap.
- Doraemon Meikyuu Daisakusen
- Mr. Heli no Daibouken
- Spin Pair
I love puzzle games so I figured I would give Spin Pair a shot... Bomberman '94 was out of stock and I hear Doraemon is similar.... the youtube demo looked cool.
Mr. Heli is an excellent game, it's a shooter that deviates enough from the typical shooter formula to make it a fun and unique experience. Hard to describe but I have yet to play a game quite like Mr. Heli.
Doraemon Meikyuu Daisakusen was released in the US as Cratermaze, but without the Doraemon license and different music. It's not a bad game, and while it does share a few similarities with the Bomberman games, it has it's own fair share of differences that sets it apart. My problem with it, as well as many others, is that it starts to get really repetitive really fast. I would recommend playing only on the hard difficulty if you want to get the maximum enjoyment out of it. It ain't exactly Bomberman, and while it's certainly not everyone's cup of tea, it's solid and enjoyable enough.
Spin Pair, I have seen and can't really comment on as I haven't sat down and tried to play it myself for more than a quick, "Hey what is this game?" However, I have heard many praise it as a fun little puzzle game. Sounds like it will be right up your alley.
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Got it!
It's even cuter and smaller than I imagined!
It's in good shape and works perfectly (on channel 96)
They didn't have Mr. Heli but they are shipping it to me for free when they get it in stock... but they included to other games for free: Fire Pro Wrestling: 2nd Bout and F1 Circus.
I'll play with it some more tomorrow.