Looking To Get Into Either MSX Or C64.
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ShootTheCore
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You’re correct that the original MSX doesn’t support screen scrolling, but the MSX2 does. And a lot of the best Konami scrolling games have now been patched by the community to support the scrolling hardware. Do some YouTube searches on Salamander Enhanced and Nemesis 3 Enhanced for examples. And using a flash cart like the MegaFlashRom makes it easy to run the patched upgrades and translated games as well.
OP, I recommend the MSX over the C64 if you’re interested in some Japanese developed gems from companies like Konami and Compile. The MSX got unique entires in the Metal Gear, Snatcher, Golvelius, and Aleste series. The home brew scene is strong too with some good recent releases from Kai Magazine Software, among others. There’s fun expansion options like stronger audio processors and the ability to run Sega Master System ROMs as well. Just be sure to go for a late-model rig like a MSX2+.
The Commodore 64 has some good games as well, but mostly from US and European developers. I personally feel the Japanese were ahead in game quality on 8 bit games from the 80s, but that’s just IMHO.
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oliverclaude
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Similar to STC, I'd recommend the MSX to discover the history of Japanese game developing. The C64 I recommend for everything else: the SID+Tim Follin, Braybrook+the whole Hewson gang, oddballs like Matthew Smith... but you probably know that already, since you had the Brotkasten* as a kid.
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*Breadbox is the nickname for the C64 in Germany.
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*Breadbox is the nickname for the C64 in Germany.
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Good advice.
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Best advice there given the current price for msx software.
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how much the MSX Collection on Saturn go for now？ I got it for around $20 in 2005. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konami_Antiques_MSX_Collection
I guess I got the Ultra Pack. bummer they never included MSX Castlevania. I remember thinking how well Knightmare held up.
I guess I got the Ultra Pack. bummer they never included MSX Castlevania. I remember thinking how well Knightmare held up.
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ChopstickSamurai
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I wasn’t aware there was a MSX flashcart. In terms of hardware what would be the ideal setup to play most games? A MSX2? A madman special?
madman
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Yeah, as mentioned above, a MSX2+ is the way to go. From memory, the later Sony models were some of the best to scoop. Tak knows way more about this shit though, he advised me when I bought mine.
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The consensus is that the best unit is Panasonic's FS-A1, which is an MSX2. I have one and the build quality is nice and the composite output is perfectly fine. (Mine was refurb'd by the seller, so I'm not sure if older, non-serviced units have any issues with build and whatnot.) For the flash carts, get the one with the most expansion RAM. Should be about $150 shipped from EU.
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I suggest you get both.
If you can only have one go with the Commodore 64. I have both and I find myself using the C64 quite a bit more. It has a larger library of games and I enjoy visiting the various Bulletin Boars that are still in operation.
If you can only have one go with the Commodore 64. I have both and I find myself using the C64 quite a bit more. It has a larger library of games and I enjoy visiting the various Bulletin Boars that are still in operation.
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I can vouch for the Hit-Bit HB-F1XDJ MK2. It's a solid system. Just expect to replace the drive belt when you get one.
ChopstickSamurai
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Cool beans. Thanks for the info! The MSX has been a System I’ve always been interested in, but never knew where to start.
ShootTheCore
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An MSX Turbo R is the priciest model, but there’s some homebrew games and Enhancement patches for older titles that harness the extra horsepower of that model for less flicker, smoother scrolling, and less slowdown. Just something to consider.
That’s the route I went personally with my Panasonic A1ST and MegaFlashRom flash cart. Both have been fantastic so far.
There’s also a few MSX2+ models like the Panasonic A1FX that have a Turbo Mode for speeding up the CPU and smoothing out the games that support it. Take a look at the Hardware section of the MSX Wiki on MSX.org - there’s a gold mine of information.
That’s the route I went personally with my Panasonic A1ST and MegaFlashRom flash cart. Both have been fantastic so far.
There’s also a few MSX2+ models like the Panasonic A1FX that have a Turbo Mode for speeding up the CPU and smoothing out the games that support it. Take a look at the Hardware section of the MSX Wiki on MSX.org - there’s a gold mine of information.
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