PC-FX Worth getting?

[HEX1GON]

I've been looking at some games for the PC-FX and I'd like to get the system however there are very little games for it though. I'm sorter coming to the conclusion that I'd be better off with a PC-Engine Duo, as I believe the Duo has way more games available.

Weird question but is the PC-FX compatible with any PC-E games? Or the other way around?

I know that's a stupid question I'm very new to the PC-Engine stuff and really don't know much about it. I've done a bit of research however I'd like some personal opinions.:nod:

[Baseley09]

I'd say no, the PC-FX can't play PC Engine titles and there are less than 10 games that will be playable by you without a major grasp of Japanese.

PC Engine on the other hand has one of the top tier gaming libraries, you can't go wrong.

[HEX1GON]

There are quite a few translation patches for PC-FX Games, I had that in mind.

You're right, PC-Engine has a lot of games for it... Only finding one complete will be a bitch. However, I'd like to see some other opinions :nod:

Thanks for your input Baseley09 ^^

[Lum]

A distinct looking system, of relatively little use without the language skill. Except for games where you can stumble through moonspeak for chances to "research" cute anime girls in supposed non-adult contexts. PC-Engine or even Saturn would offer more of that. >_>

[GodofHardcore]

Does that thing even have non FMV titles?

[ave]

Does that thing even have non FMV titles?

Of course it does. What's up with those random questions?

Anyway, the PC-FX is a collector's item or for (hardcore) Japanese dating/adventure-fans. There have been 62 PC-FX games and a Yuna demo, only very few of those games are worthwhile without Japanese skills. There is one shooter, Choushin Heiki Zeroigar, which is not that bad but also not on par with some of the best CD/HuCard shooters. It looks a bit like a game from the Soldier series, but it's not as good.

There are some action/fighting games, Kishin Douji Zenki FX being the most notorious one because it's probably one of the best games for the PC-FX and also the most expensive one ($200+).

If you are just trying to figure out which system has more good games then we don't need to discuss this any further. PC-Engine it is, obviously. And no, they are not compatible in any way.

[Baseley09]

While we are at it we might as well spell out the other playable games.

Chip Chan Kick is a single screen platform/puzzler in the vein of Bubble Bobble or Don Doko Don.

3 of the playable games are FMV fighters where you use street fighter style moves but the graphics are motion video scenes. 2 are anime/manga based, Battle Heat & one based on the Far East of Eden/Tengai Makyou series.....the other is live action female wrestling.

I think that may actually be it, you might get away with the Der Langrisser game which is a strategic RPG. (an earlier incarnation was translated for Megadrive under the name Warsong).

Oh yeah, Team Innocent, anime themed adventure game with cg backdrops.

[KiddoCabbusses]

A good amount of PC-FX fan translations are incoming. They give me a new reason to pop out my own system now and then.

I also think Battle Heat and TMKK are underappreciated; it seems most of the folks who attempt a look at these games never figure out how they work. It's kinda sad, because it's not that particularly hard - I'm no crazy-awesome gamer but I pretty much had their mechanics all figured out (and used to be documented on Rising-Stuff. Site died though...)

For me, the main hurdle in trying to get a Duo is price, price, price. I can't afford it. It's more expensive than any next-gen system I could purchase and I need to have money towards other ventures, so I question if it's worth my effort.

[Yakumo]

Never has a company fucked up as big as NEC with the PC-FX. Sure Sega's Mega CD and 32X were pretty bad, especially the 32X but what went wrong with the PC-FX? NEC had the second most popular console in Japan with hundreds of great games and a large loyal fan base and what do they do? Bring out something as shit as the PC-FX with next to no real games.

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING???

One of the biggest fuck ups in game company history, right up there with the Virtual Boy and pretty much ever piece of shit Atari ever made after the 2600.

Yakumo

[HEX1GON]

Yep, looks like PC-Engine it is :D

I'll get one of those first ^_^

[Lum]

I suggest a starter budget cap around $300. It is possible to find a US/JP switched Duo with RGB under that.

Supergrafx is for limited audiences. Odd styling, under a dozen additional games, and won't even play CDs by itself.

BTW there's no system to run both LD-ROM and Supergrafx either. They didn't bring a module for that to Laseractive.

[ave]

Yeah, but come on. Who in the world plays LD-ROMs? There are some nice things, but the really NICE games cost so much that only absolute hardcore fans will buy them (like Time Gal).

Buy a Duo-R or RX (original Duos tend to break more easily or need repairs) and start your journey. A nice interface unit with CD-ROM would also work if you prefer the geekier and more complicated way.

[HEX1GON]

I've come close to buying a lose DUO-RX with a region switch for around US$229, of course without shipping. I might get an original DUO cause finding a DUO-RX boxed is a bitch/expensive. =.=

[Lum]

Yeah all Japan DUOs have the same factory game compatibility.

DUO original is arguably less reliable.
DUO-R added a new sleeker case shell.
DUO-RX was in retrospect an unnecessary release, barely changed at all. Its only notable difference was including the 6-button controller.

[HEX1GON]

How much does any of those go for in Japan "hard-off" stores?

[sabre470]

Never has a company fucked up as big as NEC with the PC-FX. Sure Sega's Mega CD and 32X were pretty bad, especially the 32X but what went wrong with the PC-FX? NEC had the second most popular console in Japan with hundreds of great games and a large loyal fan base and what do they do? Bring out something as shit as the PC-FX with next to no real games.

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING???

One of the biggest fuck ups in game company history, right up there with the Virtual Boy and pretty much ever piece of shit Atari ever made after the 2600.

Yakumo

I couldn't agree more!!! No release of Star Soldier or Bomberman was very disappointing, a few good games like Zenki FX though,

[sabre470]

I've been looking at some games for the PC-FX and I'd like to get the system however there are very little games for it though. I'm sorter coming to the conclusion that I'd be better off with a PC-Engine Duo, as I believe the Duo has way more games available.

Weird question but is the PC-FX compatible with any PC-E games? Or the other way around?

I know that's a stupid question I'm very new to the PC-Engine stuff and really don't know much about it. I've done a bit of research however I'd like some personal opinions.:nod:

I have a nice little collection that includes:
- A boxed PC-FX
- Games
- Sample game
- PC-FXGA dev kits (both ISA and PC-98)
- The official GA programming book

Let me know if interested, I can give you a more precise list.

[MottZilla]

PC-Engine is good fun. I recommend it if you are looking for something different. There are games that you should know Japanese for but most of them don't and there are plenty of good ones. You may want to get a system with a region mod though. And just remember it's an expensive system since it was a success in Japan but not so elsewhere.

[ave]

A regular Duo definitely looks good, but I wouldn't trust it. My mint one's (really MINT) laser and sound died pretty soon after acquisition. I then switched its guts with one that I bought from a junkbox in Japan for 2000yen (about 15 Euros at the time) and it worked like a charm. Until I got my RGB modded Duo-R, that is.

Don't get an early Duo, I've had nothing but trouble with it. I'm happy it works now, but I will never get it out of the box again to check again Lol. The Duo-R (or RX, but there's not really a need to get an RX because it's also a bit more expensive) is the way to go.

Or an interface unit with CD-ROM^2 + Super System Card, either way is fine. But the laser for the CD-ROM^2 is a bit harder to replace than the Duo-laser (Hop-M3, costs about 20$ on ebay).

[HEX1GON]

That's the problem, they difficult to find now -_-, some places on eBay are very expensive...

[port187]

PC-FX is one of my favourite consoles, due to its obscurity.
I love the design and the mystic, also loved to collect the games because it's a small amount.

I know the games suck mostly, but it's the weirdness that attracted me to this console. The couple of playable games have been mentioned.

Also if you dont want to cash out large amounts on specific games, the PC-FX has no copy protection and will take any copy.
You can download the full collection online if you are creative with google :)

[HEX1GON]

PC-FX is one of my favourite consoles, due to its obscurity.
I love the design and the mystic, also loved to collect the games because it's a small amount.

I know the games suck mostly, but it's the weirdness that attracted me to this console. The couple of playable games have been mentioned.

Also if you dont want to cash out large amounts on specific games, the PC-FX has no copy protection and will take any copy.
You can download the full collection online if you are creative with google :)

Is that the same with the Duo? Cause I'm thinking that I won't be able to afford some games so soon after I find one... (that's if I do)

[Lum]

Duo has no copy protection either. I'd be wary of using iffy burns too often, I doubt systems that old are really intended to read copies well.

[port187]

Duo has no copy protection either. I'd be wary of using iffy burns too often, I doubt systems that old are really intended to read copies well.

You can also play them just fine with the PC-FX emulator:
Magic-Engine FX

[HEX1GON]

You can also play them just fine with the PC-FX emulator:
Magic-Engine FX


Magic Engine isn't free though -_-

[port187]

Magic Engine isn't free though -_-

Cheaper then a new PC-FX or laser :thumbsup:

[HEX1GON]

Cheaper then a new PC-FX or laser :thumbsup:

:fresh: Not as good as true hardware though.

I might as well save the money towards the hardware than some software emulator ><"

But good suggestion :thumbsup:

[Celine]

Never has a company fucked up as big as NEC with the PC-FX. Sure Sega's Mega CD and 32X were pretty bad, especially the 32X but what went wrong with the PC-FX? NEC had the second most popular console in Japan with hundreds of great games and a large loyal fan base and what do they do? Bring out something as shit as the PC-FX with next to no real games.

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING???

One of the biggest fuck ups in game company history, right up there with the Virtual Boy and pretty much ever piece of shit Atari ever made after the 2600.

Yakumo
Yeah, it's maddening.
Probably NEC didn't want to invest much in gaming as Sony or Nintendo.

Even Panasonic desisted from the gaming market in a couple of years.

[port187]

:fresh: Not as good as true hardware though.


It never is, but a nice alternative if you don't have or want to invest in the hardware, or don't want to stress your hardware too much.

For most of the PC-FX games emu is fine, I have not run in to any issues.
With my PC connected to my big screen and using an USB pad, I had great times, while my PC-FX was kept clean and unstressed.

[Lum]

With the small library, it's hard to say. PC-FX systems often don't get enough use for laser problems to surface.

[HEX1GON]

It never is, but a nice alternative if you don't have or want to invest in the hardware, or don't want to stress your hardware too much.

For most of the PC-FX games emu is fine, I have not run in to any issues.
With my PC connected to my big screen and using an USB pad, I had great times, while my PC-FX was kept clean and unstressed.

Very true, I'm using Mednafen which is amazing good emulator for PC-FX ^^.

Using a keyboard for it isn't good lol.

Any how, I'll look at and wait out for a PC-Engine Duo as there are so many great looking games on it.

Was PC Engine good for fighting games though?? :confused:

[Lum]

Kind of, I've heard good things about Street Fighter II.

2 button controller limited its earlier fighting games. Toward the end 6 buttons and arcade card helped. Those were too late to get much, by then PC Engine had started to fade off.

[Baseley09]

Street Fighter 2'/Champion Edition is one of the best versions, of its day anyway.

Like Lum says there are a few SNK fighters that use the Arcade Card, fine versions by all accounts and their own arranged soundtracks, not found elsewhere, I believe they differ from SNk's Neo Geo CD efforts.

There's a few recognisable fighters also, Variable Geo, Asuka 100% series etc.

[HEX1GON]

Loved VG Anime, but I could get the VG game on the Saturn. Unless they're different.

[Baseley09]

Loved VG Anime, but I could get the VG game on the Saturn. Unless they're different.

Is in fact the same game more or less, Saturn has better gfx etc of course.

[Yakumo]

I agree with ave on the first Duo. They'rea load of crap. The laser on the system is bloody awaful. Guess who makes it as well :nod: Yep, the same company that had issues with crappy lasers on their own consoles.

I've had 3 duos and they've all died :( A latter model is the way to go.

[HEX1GON]

Finding a DUO-R/RX is nearly impossible for me.

I was offered a Original DUO with a region switch, but wasn't given a price yet...

I'm still thinking about it however, DUO-RX do look very nice. So many I've found are yellowed =_=

[Lum]

Let's not forget NEC's other fuck up: their (non) handling of PAL markets.

Zero unique games developed for the format. Aside from only getting an inferior US based model that IIRC wasn't even an officially NEC sanctioned release.

[HEX1GON]

It failed in the US didn't it? Is this even the US model... reerrrrr so confused ><"

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5137/5494253034_bc3391b39f.jpg

[Baseley09]

It failed in the US didn't it? Is this even the US model... reerrrrr so confused ><"

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5137/5494253034_bc3391b39f.jpg

That's the Supergrafx, it's a slightly more powerful version of the standard PC Engine, with just 6/7 games taking advantage of it's capabilities. It can be used in conjunction with the CD-rom2 interface with an adapter, or slide directly into the Super CD-Rom 2 system. It can play all standard PC Engine software also.

The US PC Engine is the Turbografx 16, which was found in some European countries on a limited basis as simply "Turbografx". There are no European games, it plays the USA game library.

USA:
http://images.wikia.com/nintendo/en/images/4/43/TurboGrafx-16.jpg.jpeg

Europe:
http://www.theicecave.org/damage_control/multimedia/turbografx16pic_083009.jpg

[HEX1GON]

Thanks for the info, I completely forgot about Turbo Grafx 16 :/

Any how, I have managed to find 2 PC Engine DUOs.

One is region modded with 2 games for $236 inclu. shipping (Attach 2)


the other is also a Original DUO for $237 inclu shipping. With box and inserts, but no manual.

OR I have the choice of a DUO-R for $243 inclu shipping + two controllers, and Multi-tap. (Attach 1)

Which one would be more worth it?

[XerdoPwerko]

I got to this site looking for Galaxy Fraulein Yuna stuff, many many many years ago, and that's how I learned about the PC-FX.

I always wanted one, but then again, I also always wanted a Duo.

For me, it's cool because its something unique, and so quirky and 90's/anime style (I guess that counts as retro now.).

I still don't have either of the consoles, though. I'd give the Duo a try first, but I definitely wouldn't reject a chance to get my hands on a PC-FX, if only for its novelty value.

Also, it's pretty - it looks really cool as a piece of hardware.

[HEX1GON]

A similar reason why I want a PC-Engine is for the Anime titles that were released.

[Padoca85]

Hey, if you find a loose Pc-Engine on the cheap on your way, let me know ^^

[Lum]

That DUO-R sounds more useful. You have to remember one control port was standard spec for PC Engine. Almost unheard of with major consoles.

Heck even some arcade boards (later Neo Geo MVS models) offered two, despite being meant to use inside cabs where casual players won't see or know about them.

[HEX1GON]

Hey, if you find a loose Pc-Engine on the cheap on your way, let me know ^^

I've found a few all around the $230-$260 mark, not sure if that's your range. Surely have that type of budget cause getting one cheaper is unlikely :(


That DUO-R sounds more useful. You have to remember one control port was standard spec for PC Engine. Almost unheard of with major consoles.

Heck even some arcade boards (later Neo Geo MVS models) offered two, despite being meant to use inside cabs where casual players won't see or know about them.

Sounds like the 3DO (I know the 3DO has a port at the back for Controller 2, but 1 at the front)

One of my DUOs I want comes with Multitap. Weirdly as you mentioned that... What were they thinking? :shrug:

[Padoca85]

I've found a few all around the $230-$260 mark, not sure if that's your range. Surely have that type of budget cause getting one cheaper is unlikely :(


I think you are confusing it with another model. I want the plain simple PC-Engine, not PC-FX, Duo, etc.

This one:

http://magweasel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/090509-pcengine1.jpg

[Lum]

Ah that one's RF only. If anything like Famicom it could be annoying to use outside Japan.

[HEX1GON]

I think you are confusing it with another model. I want the plain simple PC-Engine, not PC-FX, Duo, etc.

This one:

http://magweasel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/090509-pcengine1.jpg

Oh, I just thought you were shortening the title. As I was asking about a PC-FX which happened to turn into DUOs :P. Sorry ><"

A regular PC-Engine might be easy to find cheap, but then again I have no idea what price you're looking at. I've found one for $99 with 2 HU Cards + Region Mod.

[XerdoPwerko]

I think you are confusing it with another model. I want the plain simple PC-Engine, not PC-FX, Duo, etc.

This one:

http://magweasel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/090509-pcengine1.jpg

The one I have is the next one, the grey Core Grafx II.

It's an awesome little system.