In-Depth Hardware/Programming Information?

[Ze_ro]

I don't know if this is in demand, but is there any chance of seeing any in-depth hardware or programming information in upcoming issues? I'd love to read articles on how the O^2's graphics are handled, or how 2600 programmers managed tricks like bankswitching and asymmetrical playfields and such.

I've also found that knowing some of the system's limitations can actually help you understand the game better... knowing how the 2600 handles sprites will explain why you will never see two robots on the same line in Berzerk (Information you can use to your advantage, since you know the robots won't move past certain places), why flicker shows up in so many games, why your character in Adventure is just a square, and other interesting tidbits.

--Zero

[BelPowerslave]

That'd be kinda interesting. I'd like to hear how the Genesis did a lot of its special effects as well...

Bel

[slownerveaction]

It would be cool to see, but the utmost importance would need to placed on accurate info. If you look around the Internet for hardware info, there's tons of stuff that's questionable or outright wrong. For example, I've seen soooo many incorrect things said about Mode 7 and the Super FX chips it's not even funny.

But, imo, one of the most important things a magazine can offer over the Internet is factual, well researched information. So I think it would be great to finally set the record straight on classic hardware.

[BelPowerslave]

Well, with Jayson's knack for getting these developers/programmers to talk him, the mag could be getting it straight from the source. He'd just have to actually get a hold of someone who was on the team for whatever game was displaying the special effects, etc.

The guys who did Red Zone, who were they again...hmmmm, can't remember, but I do remember they were a team here in the US...and that game, bar-none, is one of the most technically impressive games the Genesis has to offer. They might be a good source of info...

Bel

[slownerveaction]

Right, and I was kinda getting at that. Even a homebrew programmer could be a great source of info (isn't there a 2600 homebrew programmer working on a book about this stuff?).

I think the team that did Red Zone alternately went under the names Scavenger and Zyrinx. I have SubTerrania (which they also did) and both of those names are on the back of the box.

[BelPowerslave]

I didn't much care for Sub-Terrania, but with the Game Genie it's not so bad. With some of the games Jayson got to review via the game's dev. sending him a copy, that'd be a good place to start too. :)

Bel

[Ze_ro]

On a related note, I'd love to see an article or two on hardware hacking with nice diagrams and all... like composite/s-video/RGB mods for various systems, cleaning paddles/joysticks, replacing the goofy O^2 video cable with a normal video cable (actually this is really really easy), or something else along those lines

--Zero

[BelPowerslave]

That'd be another hip idea. Along those lines they could show how to mod a Saturn with a language switch, put an S-Video output on a Neo Geo, etc.

Bel

[slownerveaction]

I personally tried... and failed at putting a region switch in my Saturn (killed it in the process too, which sucks 'cause I have some awesome imports I haven't played yet... also, I really miss my semi-regular Guardian Heroes kill-a-thons). But I know there are people out there VERY experienced with that sort of stuff.

[BelPowerslave]

Yeah, I, personally, don't have the skill to do it...I send all my stuff to NCS(http://www.ncsx.com/) to get modded and such. Sent two Saturns and now my Neo CD, to have language switch's put in them.

$38 for the mod and shipping back...it's not a bad deal... :)

Bel

[slownerveaction]

My soldering skills need work. Or maybe I shouldn't use a soldering iron from a $20 "Computer Repair Kit" from Radio Shack. Probably a combination of the two.

I'm not giving up yet though. I really want to build my own Supergun one of these days. When I find the time I'm going to seriously sit down with a couple of books and learn the trade.

[omnedon]

I wrote a technical "How To" for Atari 5200 controllers. It addresses button response, witn two options, pics and clear directions.

I hope to do more. :) A Saturn one could be good, but I'm reluctant to throw ones that require soldering out to the masses. It's easy to kill a console once the iron is out....

[BelPowerslave]

I wrote a technical "How To" for Atari 5200 controllers. It addresses button response, witn two options, pics and clear directions.

I hope to do more. :) A Saturn one could be good, but I'm reluctant to throw ones that require soldering out to the masses. It's easy to kill a console once the iron is out....

Indeed...a *serious* disclaimer would be needed in order to even consider publishing it. ;)

Bel

[slownerveaction]

I hope to do more. :) A Saturn one could be good, but I'm reluctant to throw ones that require soldering out to the masses. It's easy to kill a console once the iron is out....

A primer article on the basics of soldering and electronics work (basic safety tips and explanations of common terms) could help out a lot with that. We wouldn't want readers wrecking their consoles (or burning themselves)! :)

[Ed Oscuro]

Hmm...all this information is found in the old Backup Technique Mag/books (http://nfg.2y.net/sales/html//EpZAppZuEVyaPCtHhR.html) so one doesn't have to look that hard for research :)

[BelPowerslave]

Only thing that scares me about that is the Japanese language that most of the mag would be in. Granted, it says that the schematics and such are in English...but I don't know...

Bel

[slownerveaction]

Hmm...all this information is found in the old Backup Technique Mag/books (http://nfg.2y.net/sales/html//EpZAppZuEVyaPCtHhR.html) so one doesn't have to look that hard for research :)

I saw these before. I love Lawrence/NFG's site (both the store and the content side). The X68000 stuff in particular never fails to amaze me.

I think that he's being honest when he says the schematics and English parts are enough to get by if you're Japanese-challenged. But (and this is a big but), I assume you'd need a fairly high level of technical knowledge to get any use out of that stuff.