HELP WANTED: INQUIRE WITHIN (compensation too!)

[digitalpress]

OK so our editing team is now well on their way with the next book, due in summer of 2004, called "DP Collector's Guide Advance", our first book in the collector's guide style to feature 16-bit systems and beyond.

Primarily for this book I am in need of a vast number of screen shots for the systems represented. The screenshots should be minimum of 320 x 240 (or relative to that based on the actual system resolution), and there should be a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 9 screen shots per title. The format can be GIF, JPG, PNG or BMP. You can use an emulator to capture the screens. The images have to be original (not taken from the 'net or scanned in from a magazine).

I need volunteers but I'll sweeten the deal. If you provide me with at least 25 games' worth of screen shots I'll hook you up with the upcoming book (where you will also be credited) as well as the "classic" Guide (7th edition) and a DP T-shirt to show you're now "part of the team".

If "you're in" then I need to know what system you're working on. No use having two people doing the same games, that's just plain silly! And counter-productive. So to everyone who's "in", please specify which system you can work with. Probably best to tackle it one system at a time, too - so pick one and hammer away!

When you send these to me, please name them so I can figure out what game they're for, ZIP them up and send to digitalpress@email.com. We'll work out the rest of the details at that time.

The list of systems I need is below (with assignee in parens, if assigned) - can you help?

3DO (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/3do/) (Maxlords)
CD32 (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/cd32/) (devilman)
CD-I
CDTV
Dreamcast (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/dreamcast/) (NoahsMyBro)
Game.com (SlipDeath)
Game Boy (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/gameboy/) (Mr-E_MaN)
Game Boy Color (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/gameboy/) (Lady Jaye)
Game Gear (ddockery)
Genesis (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/genesis/) ( TheVideoGameMaster)
GP32 (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/gp32/) (Flack)
Jaguar (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/jaguar/) (le geek/NoahsMyBro)
Laseractive
Lynx (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/lynx/) (IntvGene)
MSX (soupforare)
N64 (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/n64/) (asharru)
Neo Geo (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/neogeo/) (ClubNinja)
NGPC (DrJustinRamone)
NUON (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/nuon/) (SlipDeath)
PC-FX
Pico (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/pico/) (den68)
PlayStation (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/psx/) (Flack/le geek/hu6800)
R-Zone
Saturn (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/saturn/) (Maxlords/le geek)
Sega CD (ghsqb)
SNES (Oobgarm/hydr0x)
SuperGrafx (fcw3)
SuperVision (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/supervision/) (TRM)
Virtual Boy (DogP)

[Half Japanese]

Count me in!

[Oobgarm]

I've got your SNES covered, Joe. :D

[digitalpress]

Count me in!

Thanks!

I probably should have given more information.

If "you're in" then I need to know what system you're working on. No use having two people doing the same games, that's just plain silly! And counter-productive. So to everyone who's "in", please specify which system you can work with. Probably best to tackle it one system at a time, too - so pick one and hammer away!

When you send these to me, please name them so I can figure out what game they're for, ZIP them up and send to digitalpress@email.com. We'll work out the rest of the details at that time.

[Half Japanese]

I'll work on the NGPC for the time being, then once I can wrap that up some I might head to some others.

[asharru]

I'll work on getting screenies of Nintendo 64 games!

[NoahsMyBro]

I'll take the Dreamcast.

-- Steve

[IntvGene]

I can do the Lynx for you, Joe.

[digitalpress]

Awesome. Thanks fellas!

If you go above and beyond on this I'll do the same. There are always lots of goodies to give away, I'll take good care of you.


I'll take the Dreamcast.


Do you have a video capture card or TV card? I assume you do - I'm just mentioning this because there isn't an emulator for DC that I'm aware of, this system and other non-emulated ones will require some hardware on your part.

[NoahsMyBro]

Yeah, I know. I think I have a capture card, and if not I figured I'd use this as an excuse to get one.

-- Steve

[soupforare]

I can hit up Ye Olde MSX for you.

-soup

[Lady Jaye]

Count me in for the Game Boy Color!

[Mr-E_MaN]

When do you need these for?
I'm in for the Original Gameboy

[Flack]

I will take Playstation.

I can also do GP32 as well.

Also, one question. In the screen shots, would you prefer pictures of the title screens, or just of the game in action?

[digitalpress]

When do you need these for?
I'm in for the Original Gameboy

The sooner the better, because screen shots get used for virtually everything here, they're also a resource for our forum members. The actual DEADLINE won't be until the spring.


Also, one question. In the screen shots, would you prefer pictures of the title screens, or just of the game in action?

I was gathering title screens but they're not much use for the things we do. If there's some really interesting information or graphic on the title screen fine, but otherwise I'd capture the images that make you remember the game, or are best representatives of the game in play.

Thanks again, gang!

[syzygy]

I could get you some segaCD shots, but I only have 18 games! I have a tv out video card. So I think I just hook the card to the tv right?


Duh, thanks YoshiM, I do have a digital camera! But I still have only 18 games.

[YoshiM]

Ack! Would love to but I don't have a capture card and my digital camera sucks.

[digitalpress]

I could get you some segaCD shots, but I only have 18 games! I have a tv out video card. So I think I just hook the card to the tv right?

Actually I have no idea, I'll have to defer this to someone else who owns one. I have a TV card on my PC. I can plug external A/V devices into it and then capture the images in the TV window. If you check out the 3DO screen shots I've got (http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/3do) those were a result of the PC TV captures.

[maxlords]

I can take 3D0, but I'm gonna have to scare up a FEW more 3D0 games to reach the 25 games mark! I'm at 16 for my collection! Doh! I have a TV out on my card, but no capture card, so it'll have to be the good ol' Digicam for me!

[digitalpress]

I can take 3D0, but I'm gonna have to scare up a FEW more 3D0 games to reach the 25 games mark! I'm at 16 for my collection! Doh! I have a TV out on my card, but no capture card, so it'll have to be the good ol' Digicam for me!

For 3DO take a peek at the screen shot page - I've got a head start already!

[maxlords]

Well, I'll still take 3D0 if you want. I've managed to round up 25+ games for it since I posted, so I can do a whopping mess of em, all US releases!

I could also do Saturn if you want, and toss in some Sega CD. I have enough Saturn to MORE than cover it, but only if I use some Jp games as well. Wasn't sure if imports counted :D

[ghsqb]

I'll take Sega CD!

[digitalpress]

Well, I'll still take 3D0 if you want. I've managed to round up 25+ games for it since I posted, so I can do a whopping mess of em, all US releases!

I could also do Saturn if you want, and toss in some Sega CD. I have enough Saturn to MORE than cover it, but only if I use some Jp games as well. Wasn't sure if imports counted :D

I'll add you to 3DO and Saturn; you can include imports, they'll all be covered!

Thank ya!

[ddockery]

I'll take a shot at Virtual Boy, although screens won't do the system justice at all. Put me down for Game Gear as well. Not my favorite system by any means, but for once this is something I can actually contribute to!

[den68]

sounds like fun and I'd love to help out but I do have one question. my only means to capture a screen is with a digital camera, will this provide an acceptable image?

if so, I'll take the *ahem* Pico.

[hydr0x]

i think doing SNES will be HUGE job for oobgarm on his own, so if u want to i'll support him there, i've got loads of roms (dumped by me)

count me as in (i WANT those guides, hopefully my own list will be ready to be included)

btw is ANYONE working on a PAL Dreamcast list?? i have a complete list (there are several available on the net) but as i'm working on my dc collection i'm pretty well informed about scarcity, so if u don't have that list yet, i'd be willing to make it :)

[TheSmirk]

I think I can round up a bunch on the Game Gear

EDIT: AND if needed I have a ton of Super Famicom I can grab thru emulation, dunno if import SNES is on the plate

[Sotenga]

Supergrafx... you don't mean a Turbografx-16, do ya? If you're talking about the CD version, that's beyond my comprehension. But if you're talking about easily emulatable HuCards, sign me up! :D

But I'll also do screens for the Genesis, the Neo Geo, the SNES, and the Game Gear too. ;)

[digitalpress]

i think doing SNES will be HUGE job for oobgarm on his own, so if u want to i'll support him there, i've got loads of roms (dumped by me)

Ack! I agree, it's way too much for one person - if you coordinate with him, I'm fine with it. All I want to avoid is getting the same screens from multiple members.


btw is ANYONE working on a PAL Dreamcast list?? i have a complete list (there are several available on the net) but as i'm working on my dc collection i'm pretty well informed about scarcity, so if u don't have that list yet, i'd be willing to make it :)

Let's coordinate this through e-mail. I've got some stuff from Russ Perry Jr (it's online as well), but IIRC it's "PAL-ONLY" titles.

[digitalpress]

I think I can round up a bunch on the Game Gear

Someone beat you to it (see the bottom of the prior page) but if you coordinate with him so that I don't receive duplicates, that would be great. Let me know.


EDIT: AND if needed I have a ton of Super Famicom I can grab thru emulation, dunno if import SNES is on the plate

Two guys on SNES but again, if you coordinate - and for example do "Super Fami ONLY" titles, that works fine for me!

Thanks again, all. The assignments went really fast. Who's brave enough to take on CD-I, Laseractive, SuperGrafx, etc?

[buttasuperb]

Looks like Mr. Ninja beat me to the Neo Geo. If you need any help with it, let me know, I'd be happy to help.

[le geek]

I'll take 32X and Jaguar. There are "holes" in my collection though so some title may still need screen caps. I can help on Saturn and PSOne if there is a need later as well...

Cheers,
Ben

[NoahsMyBro]

I have every Jag game released up through the first Battlesphere and the four Carl Forhan games, excepting Iron Soldier 2 cartridge, so just tell me what you need and I can fill in there.

-- Steve

[le geek]

Actually Joe, it looks like you have a lot of 32X already covered. I can take a shot of the bonus levels in Knuckles Chaotix though.

Noahsmybro, do you have a capture card? Do you want to split the Jag?

Ben

[digitalpress]

Actually Joe, it looks like you have a lot of 32X already covered. I can take a shot of the bonus levels in Knuckles Chaotix though.

Noahsmybro, do you have a capture card? Do you want to split the Jag?

Ben

Yeah, I forgot that I had taken care of 32X awhile ago. I'll leave Jaguar to you fellas to coordinate - and Ben, same for PSX and Saturn - plenty of games to go around, right?

[devilman]

I've been meaning to fire up my old CD32 for some time now so this gives me a perfect incentive - stick me down for that, DP. :)

Incidentally, I've got screenshots for a few DC games (Well, three) that I did a while ago. Feel free to pinch them here (http://www.webmad.co.uk/features/screenshots/dreamcast/index.htm) :)

[devilman]

Argh.. my CD32 won't read discs! I can hear it spin and try and read, but then it gives up.. then tries again and again. :(

If someone wants to jump in ahead of me then no problem. I should be able to replace my CD32 sooner rather than later so if nobody has taken it up, I'll do it once I'm up and running again. :)

[Ed Oscuro]

If I've got any time I could see about doing some CD-i. I don't have all the classic titles, but I've got enough of em.

Hopefully I can get the discs working on an emulator...otherwise, would it be possible to accept photographs of the CD-i's screen? I've got an LCD screen model.

SuperGrafx is easy. I've got screenshots for the whole of Daimakaimura, and I could easily upload one of 'em.

For the Genesis, I also suggest we get a screenshot of the Mega Tech in MAME!

[digitalpress]

Argh.. my CD32 won't read discs! I can hear it spin and try and read, but then it gives up.. then tries again and again. :(

If someone wants to jump in ahead of me then no problem. I should be able to replace my CD32 sooner rather than later so if nobody has taken it up, I'll do it once I'm up and running again. :)

Ah well, thanks anyway - hey, at least you found out you need a new CD32! Who knows how much longer it may have been sitting there busted up like that. I've prevented you from one of those embarrassing "CD32 party out of bounds" situations!

[devilman]

I've prevented you from one of those embarrassing "CD32 party out of bounds" situations!

LOL

I've just ordered another for £20 so hopefully I'll be up and running again in a week or so. ;)

[Slipdeath]

ill take on nuon but thats not 25 games so ill also take game.com

[kainemaxwell]

Damn, I'm too late..and I don't have a capture card or anything. :(

[bensenvill]

I'll add in on the SNES and Jaguar games. I may be able to get around to some neo-geo games also


Just for reference, Whats the time-frame on this??

~Tj

[Dave Reinquest]

I'd like to help in any way I can. Perhaps we should start a thread listing who is covering what games for what systems. I myself would gladly handle Game Gear if it were mine but Is ee 2 other guys already working on it. so anything I can do I would love to.

[digitalpress]

I'd like to help in any way I can. Perhaps we should start a thread listing who is covering what games for what systems. I myself would gladly handle Game Gear if it were mine but Is ee 2 other guys already working on it. so anything I can do I would love to.

Cool! There's a lot to be done, I'm sure you can help.

PM the first person who volunteered for Game Gear - that person will be the "point person" - I'm sure you can coordinate through him :)

Thanks!

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

I can help out with some import retro goodness on the PS1 if need me. And non-emulated too! Real live screen shots!

You can check this section (http://www.thelogbook.com/phosphor/edit/) of my site for some examples of my PS1 screen-grabbin' goodness. My library's kind of limited, but also kinda unique. :) If you're doing imports, that is.

[NoahsMyBro]

Ben,
I don't have a capture card (yet). This may be my excuse to get one. OR, it will be a pita, but I can record the game output to my digital camcorder, and then capture that through Firewire. One way or another I can get the signal captured.

And just let me know which Jag games you want me to take, and I'll cover them.

-- Steve

[Raedon]

I have a near complete N64 collection..

[kainemaxwell]

I'd really like to helps omehow but I don't have a capture card or that equipment (and considering my tv and pc are in different rooms of my attic/loft) too. @_@

[asharru]

I have a near complete N64 collection..

I've got like 30 carts and a digicam, and about 60 or so complete fully working roms(even more with glitches :( ), so I'm sure I'm gonna need help with the rares and imports, but I do plan on tackling a ton of em.

http://asharru.com/N64%20Project/Sent

there's a few screenies I already sent to joe to give an idea of what I'm doing and see if they were okay...

http://asharru.com/N64%20Project/NintendoHave.txt

there's my list as to the carts I have. some carts, for example excitebike 64, I do not have a rom for, and plan on capturing from either TV card(if I get one), or digicam. I'll list what I have in the next few days, and get back to you raedon. You can feel free to nail down anything that's left, and I'm sure they'll be a lot.

[sisko]

If maxlords needs help with 3DO, I'll be more than willing.

I've got about 30ish games with few multi-game samplers too.

Most are domestic, but I do have a few import goodies.

[digitalpress]

If maxlords needs help with 3DO, I'll be more than willing.

I've got about 30ish games with few multi-game samplers too.

Contact him! ... It's all about coordinating at this point.

Thanks!

[Raedon]

ohhh. screen shots.. thought cart shots were needed.. my bad.

[badinsults]

If you need snes screenshots and such, you are welcome to use any of the ones I have on my website (provided I made them).

[fcw3]

I can do Supergrafx, at least the 5 dedicated games for it.

FRED

[Mayhem]

I was gonna offer to do the NGPC as I own all the English language releases (and am looking for some of the Japanese ones) but it's been taken :o

[sisko]

Alright, it looks like I'm going to be helping Maxlords out because we both have at least 50 unique titles between us.

You said min size was 320x240, but what is your optimal size? I might as well do it right the first time around...

[digitalpress]

Alright, it looks like I'm going to be helping Maxlords out because we both have at least 50 unique titles between us.

You said min size was 320x240, but what is your optimal size? I might as well do it right the first time around...

Double that would be optimal but with many systems you won't get that 4:3 ratio if you're using an emulator (emulators will typically manage the correct proportion based on the system specs). If you're using a TV capture card then 640x480 would be "optimal".

[Lady Jaye]

Speaking of screen size, how about the GBC? We all know that the Game Boy Color had a small screen, so should my screenshots be made based on that screen size, or should I opt for a bigger size, which would result in an worse-looking image?

[digitalpress]

Speaking of screen size, how about the GBC? We all know that the Game Boy Color had a small screen, so should my screenshots be made based on that screen size, or should I opt for a bigger size, which would result in an worse-looking image?

Regardless of system the minimum should be in the 320 x 240 range (or better if possible). If Atari 2600 screens can look good at that resolution I don't see why GBC wouldn't! Don't worry about the pixels, that's part of the charm :)

[Darth Vader]

Considering how close I am at getting to completing the SNES set, whatever you need with that, as far as pics or other information, let me know. I am more than willing to help.

Whoever is in charge of that, you can PM me with whatever you need, I'll also be able to have lots of information and pics for genesis as well if you need them. Let me know.

Danny

[Slipdeath]

hmm i have all the game.com games, i wonder how ill do that, ill figure it out

[digitalpress]

hmm i have all the game.com games, i wonder how ill do that, ill figure it out

I was wondering that myself. I wouldn't know the first thing to do about getting screen shots of Game.com - is there an emulator for it? I'm not much of a cameraman when it comes to screens.

[digitalpress]

I am moving this topic to the Collecting Forum and will track progress there now that we've got a good core of support.

Thanks again and if you haven't replied but can help, speak up!

[Slipdeath]

hmm i have all the game.com games, i wonder how ill do that, ill figure it out

I was wondering that myself. I wouldn't know the first thing to do about getting screen shots of Game.com - is there an emulator for it? I'm not much of a cameraman when it comes to screens.
no i really oubt i guess im just gonna have to improvise

[ghsqb]

Joe when we're taking screen shots, do you prefer that we send you several screens for each title, and you choose which one you like?
Or should we just send one shot each title, that we choose?

If it is the latter, is there anything in particular you like to see?
(Boss monsters, battles, or just random gaming moments?)

[Mr-E_MaN]

Joe when we're taking screen shots, do you prefer that we send you several screens for each title, and you choose which one you like?
Or should we just send one shot each title, that we choose?

If it is the latter, is there anything in particular you like to see?
(Boss monsters, battles, or just random gaming moments?)

He said he wants 2-9 shots of each game. I am talking my screen shots throughout each game.

[ghsqb]

:embarrassed:

Boy you'd think maybe I should've seen that.
Thanks much Mr-E_Man.


<-----Beware, asshat

[NoahsMyBro]

I've obtained a really cool Sony analog<--->digital media converter (dvmc-da2), but no instructions. This device takes my analog source - at the moment, Battlesphere - and converts it to Firewire.

Under WinXP, I loaded up Moviemaker 2, and told it to create a new movie, and Battlesphere showed up beautifully in the Preview window. Unfortunately, it won't begin capturing video, because it insists there is no tape in the camera (D'oH!!!).

Anybody here (PDF??) no a way around this, or some alternative software you can recommend?

Thanks.

[sisko]

You don't really need to worry about "recording the game"

Just play like normal and do an ALT + PRNTSCRN

That device sounds wonderful and would make things a lot easier though. How much do they run?

[NoahsMyBro]

That's a very good point - I began trying to capture the video, planning on then taking snapshots from selected parts, as I had no way to just capture the screenshot. I then lost track of the original goal!

Thanks for the idea.

As for the converter, unfortunately it's no longer produced. When it was new, I think it was a few hundred bucks. (Fortunately for me I didn't buy it - I've borrowed it from somebody right now.)

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&krd=1&from=R8&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&query=dvmc-da2 lists a handful, the cheapest being almost $200 right now.

Off to capture some games,
Steve

[digitalpress]

I have received significant entries in the Lynx and Genesis areas, these guys have already fulfilled their obligation. Check out the first post in this thread, you can click the system name to see the gallery.

Note: you'll rarely see more than 2 screen shots on the website but that doesn't mean the othera aren't getting used! Remember we've got our hands in a lot of projects.

Thanks again to everyone assisting here, I'm happy to hand out books and T-shirts to people who can contribute a little time in this way :)

[Slipdeath]

will we have are names somewhere saying contirbtuting writers or something

[DogP]

If you still need more help with Virtual Boy, I have all the games, and I could get some good pics from the emulator... otherwise, I can take some with the digital camera, and they do look good, but from an emu they'd look MUCH better. I've got some pics from my digital camera on my site if you want to see how they turned out (I've gotten better with it since some of the earlier pics on there though). Motion doesn't usually turn out very good though because it's so dark that the shutter speed is really slow.

DogP

[ddockery]

DogP, I was going to take VBoy, but the emulator craps on my PC, so feel free to take those if you'd like.