Recent posts
#1
PC Rigs, Builds, and Peripheral Devices / Re: AI Cleared out Western Dig...
Last post by Grindspine - Today at 09:53:23 PMI snagged a 6TB WD Black 7200 RPM spindle drive for mass storage and a WD Black nvme drive (technically now under the Sandisk name) for my new PC just in time.
#2
PC Rigs, Builds, and Peripheral Devices / Re: PC RAM Prices Are Now Insa...
Last post by Grindspine - Today at 09:43:32 PMWord is that PS6 is delayed due to RAM prices. Some game PC builders have touted "bring your own RAM builds" where a prebuilt will not have RAM sticks.
I mostly finished my new build. Frankly, I have been using a Core I-7 3770k (overclocked a bit to 3.9 Ghz) and DDR3 RAM with an RTX2060 since 2020. My old build has been great, but that motherboard, memory, and case were from 2016.
Thus, Windows 11, Doom: The Dark Ages, Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill F, and the new Resident Evil games were all things that just would not be able to run on it. My gaming laptop (from 2019) was only a Ryzen 5 and GTX1660 Super, so it was struggling with quite a few games as well.
My new build features an ASUS Strix B850-G motherboard, Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, Corsair DDR5 6000 RAM with a CAS of 30, ASUS ROG Thor 850 PSU, ASUS A21 case, Corsair RS120 fans, Corsair Nautilus 360 cooler, and ASUS Prime RTX5070 graphics card. Storage wasn't cheap, but because I had to move files from my older SATA setup, this one has 5 TB of NVME Gen 5 and Gen 4 SSDs and a 6TB WD Black 7200 spindle drive.
This build set me back way more than I was wanting to spend, but I also am hoping that it last for years.
I mostly finished my new build. Frankly, I have been using a Core I-7 3770k (overclocked a bit to 3.9 Ghz) and DDR3 RAM with an RTX2060 since 2020. My old build has been great, but that motherboard, memory, and case were from 2016.
Thus, Windows 11, Doom: The Dark Ages, Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill F, and the new Resident Evil games were all things that just would not be able to run on it. My gaming laptop (from 2019) was only a Ryzen 5 and GTX1660 Super, so it was struggling with quite a few games as well.
My new build features an ASUS Strix B850-G motherboard, Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, Corsair DDR5 6000 RAM with a CAS of 30, ASUS ROG Thor 850 PSU, ASUS A21 case, Corsair RS120 fans, Corsair Nautilus 360 cooler, and ASUS Prime RTX5070 graphics card. Storage wasn't cheap, but because I had to move files from my older SATA setup, this one has 5 TB of NVME Gen 5 and Gen 4 SSDs and a 6TB WD Black 7200 spindle drive.
This build set me back way more than I was wanting to spend, but I also am hoping that it last for years.
#3
General Discussion / Re: Post Your Recent Physical ...
Last post by retro junkie - Today at 05:47:36 PM@BLUEVOODU
Dr Syn was a priest that dressed up like a scarecrow at night to fight against the British soldiers and help the colonist settlements. He was a sort-of Batmanish character and was helped by two of his side kicks that worked there in his perish. As a kid I loved this show. It was shown in three segments on Walt Disney's program that aired on Sunday nights. The DVD has two discs that offer the original showing in three segments or the whole thing put together in a single movie. For some reason you will not see this streaming on Disney plus. And it is super hard to find on DVD. And when you do find it, like on eBay, it will cost sometimes upward of $160. I found this on an online auction site for $19. It usually comes in a tin, mine does not have the tin. Patrick McGoohan played the character. I have searched for this for a long time.
Dr Syn was a priest that dressed up like a scarecrow at night to fight against the British soldiers and help the colonist settlements. He was a sort-of Batmanish character and was helped by two of his side kicks that worked there in his perish. As a kid I loved this show. It was shown in three segments on Walt Disney's program that aired on Sunday nights. The DVD has two discs that offer the original showing in three segments or the whole thing put together in a single movie. For some reason you will not see this streaming on Disney plus. And it is super hard to find on DVD. And when you do find it, like on eBay, it will cost sometimes upward of $160. I found this on an online auction site for $19. It usually comes in a tin, mine does not have the tin. Patrick McGoohan played the character. I have searched for this for a long time.
#4
Retro Gaming and Hardware / New Final Fight homebrew on th...
Last post by retro junkie - Today at 05:30:25 PMYou cannot view this attachment.
Final Fight version 0.92B homebrew!
.
This game is so hard to put down. This is not the CD version ported. This game was created from scratch without using any source code from the original. And I would say a monumental achievement for the programmer with a love for the Mega Drive and the Final Fight game. I got it and played this game when it was just a couple of stages. But here it is in what is seemingly the finished product? Mauro Xavier is a Retro Developer and he is focused on the Mega Drive right now. He loves the games from the 80's and 90's.
The game can be downloaded and used on an Everdrive for the Mega Drive/Genesis console, or an emulator. It is set up for a "Name-your-price" donation for the download. And of course I am seeing this being sold on a cartridge from several different sources, some with a game case. And they are doing this even though this info is given on the download site, Note: We do not recommend creating cartridge versions of this game as it is in beta and contains bugs, in addition to the fact that some features are not yet available. The game may be complete, but it is not considered finished and free of problems.
https://mxretrodev.itch.io/final-fight-md
You cannot view this attachment.
The character sprites are huge for the Genesis. Blows my mind. And with six enemies on screen at once? What, two players at once? This is insane gameplay on the console. There is work on having a three player possibility with the Genesis multi-tap, (SEGA Team Player or EA 4-Way). And that feature is in this version of the game. The game is not considered as being finished so that might have bugs.
You cannot view this attachment.
There is an Arcade and a Mega Drive mode option. The number one difference I see is you get the extra playable character Maki in the Mega Drive mode. I am in the arcade mode and haven't attempted to play the MD mode except for one time. You have the option of easy, normal, hard, and mania. There is a friendly fire option to turn off and on. I am assuming at this point it has to do with two and three player mode.
You cannot view this attachment.
There are three game saves slots which are automatically saved as you play. You pick the slot to save the game before play. Loading a saved game gets you back at the first of the stage in which you were saved.
The use of color in this game is so good, your mind questions, is this a Genesis game? And the music is typical Final Fight. Gameplay is tight, and of course, Final Fight. If you have ever played this game then you know what to expect. There is the occasional graphical glitch that I have noticed in an enemy's foot, an artifact, per say, during a fight sequence with all six on screen at once, but no slowdown.
You cannot view this attachment.
You cannot view this attachment.
There are achievements in this game that will unlock extra options. The extra options are defined. The screenshots show the menu and how many achievements you need to unlock the options or features.
You cannot view this attachment.
Final thoughts: I just enjoy a great beat'em up. I don't need anything to bring me back. If the gameplay is good and addictive, that is enough for me and is considered a good replay value. Final Fight is one of those games that I consider classic. I first played this game on the SNES. It was the first fighting game that I picked up for that console. Not sure why it never appeared on the Genesis except in CD form, possible agreements, don't know. This homebrew version is very playable and so much fun to get into that you lose track of time. I rate this game very high.
You cannot view this attachment.
Final Fight version 0.92B homebrew!
.
This game is so hard to put down. This is not the CD version ported. This game was created from scratch without using any source code from the original. And I would say a monumental achievement for the programmer with a love for the Mega Drive and the Final Fight game. I got it and played this game when it was just a couple of stages. But here it is in what is seemingly the finished product? Mauro Xavier is a Retro Developer and he is focused on the Mega Drive right now. He loves the games from the 80's and 90's.
The game can be downloaded and used on an Everdrive for the Mega Drive/Genesis console, or an emulator. It is set up for a "Name-your-price" donation for the download. And of course I am seeing this being sold on a cartridge from several different sources, some with a game case. And they are doing this even though this info is given on the download site, Note: We do not recommend creating cartridge versions of this game as it is in beta and contains bugs, in addition to the fact that some features are not yet available. The game may be complete, but it is not considered finished and free of problems.
https://mxretrodev.itch.io/final-fight-md
You cannot view this attachment.
The character sprites are huge for the Genesis. Blows my mind. And with six enemies on screen at once? What, two players at once? This is insane gameplay on the console. There is work on having a three player possibility with the Genesis multi-tap, (SEGA Team Player or EA 4-Way). And that feature is in this version of the game. The game is not considered as being finished so that might have bugs.
You cannot view this attachment.
There is an Arcade and a Mega Drive mode option. The number one difference I see is you get the extra playable character Maki in the Mega Drive mode. I am in the arcade mode and haven't attempted to play the MD mode except for one time. You have the option of easy, normal, hard, and mania. There is a friendly fire option to turn off and on. I am assuming at this point it has to do with two and three player mode.
You cannot view this attachment.
There are three game saves slots which are automatically saved as you play. You pick the slot to save the game before play. Loading a saved game gets you back at the first of the stage in which you were saved.
The use of color in this game is so good, your mind questions, is this a Genesis game? And the music is typical Final Fight. Gameplay is tight, and of course, Final Fight. If you have ever played this game then you know what to expect. There is the occasional graphical glitch that I have noticed in an enemy's foot, an artifact, per say, during a fight sequence with all six on screen at once, but no slowdown.
You cannot view this attachment.
You cannot view this attachment.
There are achievements in this game that will unlock extra options. The extra options are defined. The screenshots show the menu and how many achievements you need to unlock the options or features.
You cannot view this attachment.
Final thoughts: I just enjoy a great beat'em up. I don't need anything to bring me back. If the gameplay is good and addictive, that is enough for me and is considered a good replay value. Final Fight is one of those games that I consider classic. I first played this game on the SNES. It was the first fighting game that I picked up for that console. Not sure why it never appeared on the Genesis except in CD form, possible agreements, don't know. This homebrew version is very playable and so much fun to get into that you lose track of time. I rate this game very high.
You cannot view this attachment.
#5
PC Rigs, Builds, and Peripheral Devices / Re: PC RAM Prices Are Now Insa...
Last post by retro junkie - Today at 04:57:24 PM #6
PC Rigs, Builds, and Peripheral Devices / Re: AI Cleared out Western Dig...
Last post by retro junkie - Today at 04:52:52 PM@BLUEVOODU
If all of that is sold out, you can be sure to add to that list the main processors too. And probably many other parts that make up any computer. I am so glad I have around ten working computers laying around here, which includes laptops and desktops. In that bunch I have two Chromebooks, two Macbook Pros, one Lenovo edge, two Mac minis, one old think pad running a modern version of Linux, a lenovo tower that needs a power supply, a MacBook core Duo running linux, and an old MacBook pro 15inch that I am not sure if it can still be used online. I have much to fall back on just in case because it is no telling how long this "AI crusade" will last. I expect the sales of any type of computer hardware will be affected.
If all of that is sold out, you can be sure to add to that list the main processors too. And probably many other parts that make up any computer. I am so glad I have around ten working computers laying around here, which includes laptops and desktops. In that bunch I have two Chromebooks, two Macbook Pros, one Lenovo edge, two Mac minis, one old think pad running a modern version of Linux, a lenovo tower that needs a power supply, a MacBook core Duo running linux, and an old MacBook pro 15inch that I am not sure if it can still be used online. I have much to fall back on just in case because it is no telling how long this "AI crusade" will last. I expect the sales of any type of computer hardware will be affected.
#7
Nintendo - Switch 2, Switch, 3DS, and Wii-U / Re: Nintendo Stops Production ...
Last post by retro junkie - Today at 04:21:12 PM@BLUEVOODU
I really find the Nintendo franchise lacking with the loss of the dedicated handheld line. And I think their present offering, Switch or Switch 2, is mainly a home console. And I see it as the official successor to the Wii-U. I can't see it in any other way. That desire for a big screen has worked its way out of the pocket and slaps the face of portability. And I am looking at you Switch lite. That is not portable. Give me back my small screen! The main reason we had portable gaming was the convenience of putting that GBSP in my cargo pants pocket. (Man I miss those days. One of the reasons I am retro.) There is a feeling of great loss in the portable market without something to fill that gap. Give me something the size of the GBSP, clam shell design, that plays switch games. Or a whole new console. Make it for the kiddies and I will be in that line. (I am glad Evercade is around with their Super Pocket line. At least somebody sees the need. All they need to do now is release a GBSP style Super Pocket. That would be so nice.)
Man I used to use a PDA on the job. Still have that HP PDA in a drawer around here somewhere......
I really find the Nintendo franchise lacking with the loss of the dedicated handheld line. And I think their present offering, Switch or Switch 2, is mainly a home console. And I see it as the official successor to the Wii-U. I can't see it in any other way. That desire for a big screen has worked its way out of the pocket and slaps the face of portability. And I am looking at you Switch lite. That is not portable. Give me back my small screen! The main reason we had portable gaming was the convenience of putting that GBSP in my cargo pants pocket. (Man I miss those days. One of the reasons I am retro.) There is a feeling of great loss in the portable market without something to fill that gap. Give me something the size of the GBSP, clam shell design, that plays switch games. Or a whole new console. Make it for the kiddies and I will be in that line. (I am glad Evercade is around with their Super Pocket line. At least somebody sees the need. All they need to do now is release a GBSP style Super Pocket. That would be so nice.)
Man I used to use a PDA on the job. Still have that HP PDA in a drawer around here somewhere......
#8
Nintendo - Switch 2, Switch, 3DS, and Wii-U / Re: Nintendo Stops Production ...
Last post by BLUEVOODU - Today at 12:24:40 PMBumping this up. Hard to being this has been 5+ years ago already.
you know... I do think there is something to your question @retro junkie. The Nintendo Switch really seems like it's a Wii U follow-on that's trying to bridge the Console and Handheld gaps. I'm not so certain that the gap can be properly filled. What I mean is... there is a want for ultra portability (3DS, DS...etc) and then something that really is a console (Switch / Switch 2). I think the Switch does a great job of trying to fill the gap... however, I find that there are times I just want something smaller to take around.
It's funny ... I was just about to repeat myself (didn't read my comment at 1st above). The PDA example is a great reference... it was ahead of its time. Heck, back in the day, I knew some businesses running several portions and printing from a Palm PDA... it was so popular, there were college classes for Palm programming. However, I digress. I still think everything at some point will coalesce into mostly portable devices. It may take a bit... and I called it way too early.
you know... I do think there is something to your question @retro junkie. The Nintendo Switch really seems like it's a Wii U follow-on that's trying to bridge the Console and Handheld gaps. I'm not so certain that the gap can be properly filled. What I mean is... there is a want for ultra portability (3DS, DS...etc) and then something that really is a console (Switch / Switch 2). I think the Switch does a great job of trying to fill the gap... however, I find that there are times I just want something smaller to take around.
It's funny ... I was just about to repeat myself (didn't read my comment at 1st above). The PDA example is a great reference... it was ahead of its time. Heck, back in the day, I knew some businesses running several portions and printing from a Palm PDA... it was so popular, there were college classes for Palm programming. However, I digress. I still think everything at some point will coalesce into mostly portable devices. It may take a bit... and I called it way too early.
#9
PC Rigs, Builds, and Peripheral Devices / AI Cleared out Western Digital...
Last post by BLUEVOODU - Today at 10:39:31 AM@SpartanEvolved shared this with me the other day. And I think this is insane!
According to this PCMAG article, It appears AI has cleared out Western Digital's inventory for 2026:
https://www.pcmag.com/news/ai-demand-clears-out-western-digitals-hard-drive-supply-for-2026
Here's another interesting quote from the linked article:
Sold out for 2026?!! Adding this into the RAM supply issues due to AI (topic linked)... I think we should be asking "what's next?" Not sarcastically... but really - what's next?
It also appears that Sony is going to "potentially" push the PS6 back to 2028-2029 due to these issues (not too sad about the PS5 being around longer lol)... and this will push up other console prices such as the Nintendo Switch 2. Topic on the PS6 coming soon.
What are your thoughts? Post it up!
According to this PCMAG article, It appears AI has cleared out Western Digital's inventory for 2026:
https://www.pcmag.com/news/ai-demand-clears-out-western-digitals-hard-drive-supply-for-2026
Quote"We're pretty much sold out for calendar 2026. We have firm POs [purchase orders] with our top seven customers," Irving Tan, WD CEO, said during the company's latest earnings call.
Here's another interesting quote from the linked article:
QuoteA significant chunk of WD's revenue comes from enterprise clients. About 89% came from cloud businesses, and just 5% came from regular consumers, said Ambrish Srivastava, the company's vice president for investor relations.
Sold out for 2026?!! Adding this into the RAM supply issues due to AI (topic linked)... I think we should be asking "what's next?" Not sarcastically... but really - what's next?
It also appears that Sony is going to "potentially" push the PS6 back to 2028-2029 due to these issues (not too sad about the PS5 being around longer lol)... and this will push up other console prices such as the Nintendo Switch 2. Topic on the PS6 coming soon.
What are your thoughts? Post it up!
#10
Retro Gaming and Hardware / Re: UN Squadron - Full run on ...
Last post by BLUEVOODU - Today at 08:45:36 AM@targetrasp - you know what... if you get some repetition in, they really are not that bad. This game is more along the lines of a classic with patterns...etc. For me, the 1st 3 stages (in any order) were lower to medium difficulty. The sky stage took me a bit.. but I finally accomplished it. Now... once you get to the last 3-ish (maybe 4) missions... that's where the heat is cranked up. The stages are very hard... but cool and well designed. There are many cheap shots as well... but for some reason, I just really resonate with UN Squadron.