nightrnr wrote:Fascinating, as always.
I only have used the Project Tempest emulator... for you guessed it, Tempest 2000.
I'm a Tempest fanatic, sort of (as you know already; T3X works on PS-IO now, BTW, but waiting for a bug fix before I try it myself).
One day I might just do an article on all the ports, remakes, and tributes that I've run across. It wouldn't be all inclusive or anything (hated the little I played of Space Giraffe, for instance). But It's likely my favorite classic arcade game.
But I have little interest in playing much else of Jaguar on the PC.
I might consider adding Wolfenstein 3D to my PT list though, just to easily compare a few things with other ports 1st hand. Loved the game on Jaguar, as the only port that I've finished.
If you find a way to get Fight for Life working, give a shout out here. I really want to try the 1 or 2 other versions of the game out there. I have 3 copies of the game: regular release and 2 protos on repro carts, each a different version. Only one of the proto/repros works though.
I really enjoy T2k as well. I need to put more time into it and get good at it. I've been considering investing in a rotary controller. There's a guy over at AA currently making them and selling the 2 models for $75 and $100 respectively. A tad steep but that seems to be the going rate over the years. The newest indie release,
Rebooteroids also supports it so at least you'd get 2 games out of it.
Nice! I didn't know it was working on PSIO for you. I knew it was running for us within POPS on PS2.
So what do you find interesting about Fight for Life? Are you a Virtua Fighter fan? I just dig that is a 3D fighter on the Jag. I don't own it. Wish it was working via emu. There's an interesting story on that one stating the game was capable of being better optimized and one of the protos/betas runs smoother. It goes something along the lines of, essentially there was one main dev (who also worked on VF) and Atari was holding his money hostage. The game was eventually released, but like always in the Jaguar community... the lore remains it could have been better.
Not sure if you still own the system and if so which carts you have but so far, out of my testing I would recommend you trying the game below via emu. After I test all 49 cart games, I may move this list to OP with some additions. Maybe as a "Jag Games You Should Experience in Emulation - Quick Guide" within a spoiler tab. I am hoping Missile Command 3D, Towers II, and Worms work, but not overly confident the first two will.
Jag Games You Should Experience in Emulation - Quick GuideUltra Vortek -
Jaguar exclusive fighter and not your average Mortal Kombat clone. Pick Buzz Saw. He's awesome. I had some fun with this one.
Raiden - Yes, it is on a lot of systems and MAME but this is very solid port with unique music. One of the handful of vertical shooters I've beaten. It also supports 2 player. Blows the Genesis port out of the water. I need to try PSX Project Raiden on PS2 via POPS...
Zool 2 - Worth trying if you've never played it and are a fan of Euro and/or fast platformers. I personally am just not very good at this one. It is a bit too hectic for its own good. Remind me of Jazz Jackrabbit on DOS.
You'll have to emulate DOS or Amiga to play this one otherwise.I-War -
Jaguar exclusive. Try if you like Tron or early 3D polygon games.
Alien vs Predator -
Jaguar exclusive. Man, I would've been blown away by this one when released. Had it been a pack in game, even at a later date (it was in Japan IIRC), I think we might remember the Jaguar much differently.
Wolfenstein 3D - I also am a big fan of the Jaguar port. Full screen, great music, no "points" and "lives" system, moved to the Doom health model. PT was running it in a slightly cropped window when I tested last night. I will try again today and see if a reboot fixes it.
Val D Ski & Snowboard -
Jaguar exclusive. PT was also this one running it in a slightly cropped window when I tested last night. I will try again today and see if a reboot fixes it.
NBA Jam TE - Best console port, even over the PS1/SS IMO.
Atari Karts -
Jaguar exclusive. Just for the novelty. Not any more impressive than SNES Mario Kart IMO.
Defender 2000 - Because Jeff Minter and
Jaguar exclusive.
Bubsy in Fractured Tales -
Jaguar exclusive. This is a unique game not a port of the others. It is very colorful and uses children's stories as level design. Not my favorite game personally due to the "float" mechanic, but some really enjoy it.
Rayman - The character was actually developed first on the Jaguar although the PS1 port saw store shelves first. There are some level differences from the PS1 port. Beautiful game.
Honorable Mentions:
Cannon Fodder an
Syndicate can be played in DOSbox better with a mouse and keyboard over a controller IMO, but notable additions to the Jag library.
I was very surprised with
Evolution Dino Dudes and sunk hours into it, but you can easily emulate the Genesis port (called Humans). Jag game has minor improvements.
Doom - Evil Unleashed is a very solid port. We take for granted Doom has been ported to everything now, but in the early to mid 90's many didn't have a PC that could run this well. Sure, there are better options today, but it definitely gets a nod.