Saoshyant
Member
They are really hard to get. You need to subscribe to the guy's blog and pay attention to the dates they will be available. It sucks, but considering the whole thing is a one-man operation, it can't be helped.
Sega Dreamcast - Appreciation and Emulation Thread
- Thread starter Seik
- Start date
They are really hard to get. You need to subscribe to the guy's blog and pay attention to the dates they will be available. It sucks, but considering the whole thing is a one-man operation, it can't be helped.
Just subbed, thanks
alf717
Member
Hey fellow Sega fans, just wondering if there is any truth to some things I've read regarding CD-R's fatiguing the Dreamcast's laser more than regular GD-ROMS? I've been looking into buying a Dreamcast again. Thanks for the help.
Its hit or miss I think. I read that it has to do with how the data is laid out on the disc. If done properly then it shouldn't stress things out as much as a layout that just slaps the data all over the disc. My DC is from 2000 and it still works fine but I rarely use CD-R discs on it. Half-Life got a lot of use on my DC and recently Toe Jam and Earl 3 but I usually stick to GD-ROM discs.
As for drive emulation I'm holding out for the IDE solution being worked on. Seems like it will cost a lot less than the other current solutions.
Can you elaborate a bit on this?
I'd like to replay the whole Sakura Taisen series from 1 to 4, but I dread the moment I turn my DC on each time... I should have bought a couple spares when they were available (I'm not fond of second-hand, especially with DC).
I'd like to have a working emulator (with the capability to read original discs). Same with Wii/GC, but at least I have 3 working consoles for those.
socksfelloff
Member
GC version is superior because you can force 240p !
cj_iwakura
Member
Shadow Hog
Member
I don't, since I'm not the one who originated the claim. Could probably fetch some, though it'd take time.
That said, is there any evidence of your own claim? Given that this was at a time where Sega wasn't really at their best, them doing something as stupid as porting a port of a PC version back to PC isn't exactly farfetched.
But what's the benefit of GC with forced 240p vs the original Playstation release?
That's correct. The GC version is superior. Even after both GC and DC HDMI mods, the GC version has the slight edge in visuals.
No texture jitter? That's all crazy talk IMO though. Many of the original assets are a 480 resolution and both RE2 and RE3 were meant to display at a 480 resolution to some degree. RE2 constantly switched between 480i and 240p even before it was ported to the GC and DC. So even on a CRT the developers fully intended the game to run at a 480 resolution, at least at some points.
alf717
Member
A user at Assembler games is working on a solution that allows you to use an IDE drive to run games. The project is on a when its done basis so it isn't exactly a full time thing for this user. Two option already exist but I believe you need a custom BIOS running dreamshell for it to work. Don't quote me on this but the one being work on by the Assembler user might not need a custom BIOS but again I might be mis-remembering the details on it. There is a solder method out there that you can use but you get into the fugly area of mods. Ugly holes on the console and just doesn't look good. Like the gaping hole HDMI GC mod.
https://world.taobao.com/item/45784...in&spm=a312a.7700824.w4004-717747455.8.pDfIcQ
and
https://world.taobao.com/item/527585564900.htm
Edit:
Here is a link to the area on the Assembler Forums of talk of the XCKDIY kits and talk of other solutions.
Cool, thanks for the response. So it sounds like it shouldn't be *that* big of an issue provided the system is in good condition, etc? He also mentioned he installed a "New C2032 System Battery Installed in a brand new vertical slot for easy replacement." I haven't tinkered around with the system myself since 2000 so I can't really confirm if that's a boon or not. I'm interested in the GDEMU mod later on at some point so I suppose the laser lasting indefinitely is a bit of a moot point regardless.
Note my interest is is the preservation of the system long-term, not mindlessly playing 100s of roms I don't own, etc. Even for my Saturn which I own an obscene amount of games for I almost prefer using backups as I don't need to worry about myself or others accidentally causing harm.
alf717
Member
A lot of us here are in the same boat as you. One day our consoles will probably break down so finding an alternative solution is a must. Dreamcast consoles are difficult to source parts for and most of the time people will swap parts into one good working unit and then probably bin a working motherboard and PSU. These drive emulators would be a perfect way to eliminate binned consoles. Especially if they were more affordable. In a perfect world all of the the DC titles would be made available on Virtual Console with good emulation standards but thats just wishful thinking especially with licensed titles or companies that have gone under. As for the battery make sure it was replaced with an ML coin battery. CR isn't rechargeable and may leak and LIR type batteries take 3.6v to charge which is more than the one Sega used which was rated at 3.0v. I use an LIR battery in mine but noticed the clock is off by hours and I think it is causing issues with my controller ports.
Beer Monkey
Member
I see, thanks. I was kinda hoping for a drive that would read games (one of the things I'd like to do is dumping some of my favorite games in case I can't read them anymore), but that's also interesting.
Thanks for the detailed response. Definitely lots (irritatingly so) factors to consider about the preservation of consoles. Fingers crossed I suppose. For now I held off on the Dreamcast purchase in favour of a great deal on a Sega CD. Definitely going to keep an eye out for Dreamcasts though.
alf717
Member
If it were Wii U Virtual Console, it would be laggy as hell anyway.
You'd be surprised with what paid programmers could do.
Saoshyant
Member
You'd be surprised with what paid programmers could do.
I'm pretty sure that was a jab at how much of the Nintendo own output in the Wii U VC has input lag that makes games like Mario World play like total garbage. That when they aren't additionally adding ridiculous dark filters to games on what people can only suspect is an epilepsy prevention measure.
M2, that amazing little studio who loves preserving old games, has been in charge of the GBA output in the U VC and did a really bang up job. Similarly, their Game Gear releases on 3DS were also amazing and heavy with features completely non-present in their Nintendo-released counterparts.
Basically, just hire M2 to do everything. They're the best.
sixteen-bit
Member
I'm currently listening to this and it's a fun throwback. Gaffers stewy (of the great Generation-16 vids and Player One Podcast) and sprsk (8-4) are guests as well.
Welcome to the Summer of Sega Dreamcast!
EPISODE 72: SEGA DREAMCAST 101: US HISTORY, HARDWARE, AND ACCESSORIES
http://fitcast.network/bimp/episode-72-sega-dreamcast-101-us-history-hardware-and-accessories/
Beer Monkey
Member
Latest update on the GDEMU page makes me think It'll be 2017 before I even get on the list. I need a Phoebe too. Ugh.
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/2016/06/23/australian-winter/
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/2016/06/23/australian-winter/
sixteen-bit
Member
Play Mars Matrix
PassiveObserver
Member
I like both the helicopter shmups for DC: Zero Gunner 2 and Under Defeat. Under Defeat especially if you can play on a TATE display.
IrishNinja
Member
goddamn, Zero Gunner 2 sure spiked up a while back
or some DoDohnPatch, or Giga Wang
or some DoDohnPatch, or Giga Wang
Gonna be streaming more ChronDC on Twitch at 8: https://www.twitch.tv/chrondc
So my Dreamcast died when I was about an hour away from finishing the second scenario of Resident Evil 2 (Leon B)... RIP.
I'll upload a video later, but I'm thinking it's a problem with the PSU: every time a disc tries to read, the system shuts down completely. It'll turn back on, and will even boot the OS if there's no disc inside. The CD tray spindle will move, and the laser will try to focus if there's no disc in there, but again, as soon as a disc is inserted and the laser tries to actually read it, POWER OFF.
I did reseat the PSU, and all the pins are aligned correctly. I also tried with a different power cord (with the same result).
Anyone have this issue before? I'd love to finish RE2 without having to replay both campaigns, haha. Even though I was planning on playing RE3 on Dreamcast, I think I'll switch to Gamecube for that playthrough regardless, haha.
I'll upload a video later, but I'm thinking it's a problem with the PSU: every time a disc tries to read, the system shuts down completely. It'll turn back on, and will even boot the OS if there's no disc inside. The CD tray spindle will move, and the laser will try to focus if there's no disc in there, but again, as soon as a disc is inserted and the laser tries to actually read it, POWER OFF.
I did reseat the PSU, and all the pins are aligned correctly. I also tried with a different power cord (with the same result).
Anyone have this issue before? I'd love to finish RE2 without having to replay both campaigns, haha. Even though I was planning on playing RE3 on Dreamcast, I think I'll switch to Gamecube for that playthrough regardless, haha.
The fan seems fine, I felt it blowing the entire time I had the top off and was messing with it. I also cleaned the connections/pins on the power board. Haven't messed with any other parts of the system yet.
I'll try to mess around with it some more over the weekend. So sad though, as there's still so many Dreamcast games I have yet to play!
So kinda want to cut down on the consoles i own and get rid of my NA Dreamcast and keep my japanese one. But then I need to be able to play all regions on the jp one. Tried burning some region-free software yesterday, but couldnt really get it to work (or actually be detected at all). Does anybody have any tips on this process? I know I should probably get a region-free bios or something down the line, but for now, just knowing i could start games with a region-free boot disc would be great.
sixteen-bit
Member
Do you know what revision of the DC you have? Revision 2 won't play backups if I remember correctly. Unfortunately, unlike the NA systems, you need to open a JP console to tell which one you have.
Have you tested the disc on your NA system (assuming it's 0 or 1) to see if it works at all?
Have you tested the disc on your NA system (assuming it's 0 or 1) to see if it works at all?
My NA system was never able to read burned discs unfortunately, which was one of the reasons i got the jp system in the first place. But going to open it up and check which one I have, that is at least a start of a solution
Thanks!
alf717
Member
My NA system was never able to read burned discs unfortunately, which was one of the reasons i got the jp system in the first place. But going to open it up and check which one I have, that is at least a start of a solution
Cross your fingers and toes that you don't see this. =D
I'm starting to play the Dreamcast more often these day. Started a new Sonic Adventure file. As an old Sonic fan from the Genesis days I still think the game holds up great. The music is so amazing in this game. Sonic's "A" emblem in Emerald Cost was a tough one to get. I got it at 1:59:XX just under the 2 minute mark. Had to take a break when I got to the Casino "A" emblem. The level is so random how it boots you back to the casino or to the sewers.
My evidence is that Xbox 360 games are generally developed on Windows PCs, in Microsoft's Visual Studio, so they basically already run on PC. Your "evidence" appears to be just "lol, Sega is/was stupid".
Shadow Hog
Member
Actually, in the time since that post (I'm a little surprised you're bringing it back up now after letting it lie for ten days; I'd assumed the matter had been dropped), a few things came up when asking around:
- The Game Gear games are present in the 2004 PC release. They are not in the 2010 release, just as they aren't in the Xbox/PS3 versions, implying a closer relation to those versions than the 2004 PC version.
- The initial release of the 2010 PC version had partially-implemented code for SA1 mode. That is, when you buy the game on 360 or PS3, it's just Sonic Adventure, with the old title screen present, and Mission Mode/Metal Sonic gated off arbitrarily, until you fork up the case for the DX Director's Cut DLC, which returns that version's title screen and lifts that aforementioned gate. If it wasn't based on the 360 and PS3 versions, why would that mode even be present? The 2004 PC release had no such DLC gate.
60 FPS, shiner graphics(which I'm not the biggest fan of), more glitches, new mission mode, unlockable game gear games.
You can read about all of the changes here.
Shadow Hog
Member
The gist of the changes that I know of:
- Sonic Adventure (1998, Dreamcast, NTSC-J): Japanese original.
- Sonic Adventure: Limited Edition (1999-ish, Dreamcast, NTSC-U): early release of the US version at Hollywood Video. Fairly close to the wide NTSC-U release, but with some different camera angles and lingering bugs from the Japanese version. Damned expensive CIB these days ($400!).
- Sonic Adventure (1999): NTSC-U and PAL releases. You know one of these two, most likely.
- Sonic Adventure DX (2003, GameCube): Minor graphic overhaul; everyone's now made of shiny plastic for some reason, and some textures got changed (YMMV on whether for better or worse). Water has fancy shader effects. Game tries to run at 60FPS, often failing to (with noticeable drops). Extra 60 missions added to make a total of 190 things to do (130 Emblems + 60 Missions). Metal Sonic added as a reward for getting all Emblems and completing all Missions (as opposed to the jack you get in the DC original). Game Gear games added as intermittent rewards for Emblem collection/Mission completion. Chao Gardens get serious overhaul, to basically be on par with Sonic Adventure 2: Battle's. Sonic X ads. Cream cameo. Font changes in dialog boxes. Sonic's eyelids are now blue (instead of the peach color they were in the original release), which will hold for all future games, all the way to the current day as-of-writing.
- Sonic Adventure DX (2004, PC): Shader effects for the water are nixed. Chao GC/GBA link is lost for obvious reasons (I forget what they replaced this with, though you can still name your Chao via the object you'd use to drop them off at). Otherwise, pretty straight port of the GC game. Hacking of the game enables widescreen resolution.
- Sonic Adventure (2010, 360, PS3): The aforementioned PC version, but missing the Game Gear games, and you have to pay for DLC to unlock the extra missions and Metal Sonic. Game is forcibly letter-boxed to 4:3, even at widescreen resolutions, with giant purple bars. You can no longer hit "Y" to pick up an object without potentially accidentally Spin Dashing instead (a shame, since this was very useful for Chao Gardens) - though, admittedly, this might have happened with an earlier version and I didn't notice it until this one. All other changes remain.
- Sonic Adventure DX (2010, Steam): The 360/PS3 version, but the DLC is included with the base purchase (I think?). All changes mentioned in that version hold.
Yep, hugely debatable. I like some of the things they added, but at the same time they made it worse in various ways.
Shadow Hog
Member
Spare Dreamcast arrived (after like a month, jeez). Demo discs still rebooted instantly on it.
Figured out the reason, though. It's the Toro. If I have that plugged in, it reboots instantly after the "Licensed By" screen. If I use composite, it works fine. Guess they hate VGA boxes or something.
Also, Dreamcast composite still looks pretty good, even if I'm now trained to notice the dot-crawl I couldn't see before.
Figured out the reason, though. It's the Toro. If I have that plugged in, it reboots instantly after the "Licensed By" screen. If I use composite, it works fine. Guess they hate VGA boxes or something.
Also, Dreamcast composite still looks pretty good, even if I'm now trained to notice the dot-crawl I couldn't see before.
I also just grabbed a spare Dreamcast off of Craigslist for dirt cheap, haha. It's a little dirty so I'm spending some time cleaning it. Also trying it out in composite while I wait for RGB cables (and a mint Dreamcast) in the mail. I know, I'm a Sega fiend
DracoBlade
Member
Real question is Behar Bros done making RGB/VGA boxes or just on hiatus? Theres no paypal option like before to buy any of the boxes. http://www.beharbros.com/
sixteen-bit
Member
I don't think the DC version is 240p
Saoshyant
Member
IIRC, Mr Driller was an arcade game on the Naomi and, being the Naomi a Dreamcast basically, it's quite unlikely that there wouldn't be differences between both console versions.
I do know of one killer feature the Dreamcast version got: you can use the microphone to tell little Mr Driller to drill, so just bark "drill, drill, drill, drill" non-stop.
alf717
Member
I grabbed a spare DC a few weeks back off of eBay and the seller hooked me up with some nice stuff. It was sold untested with no power and video cables but seller said it worked great before they stored it away. Works like a champ. Even the controller analog stick still has that sharp feel to it and wasn't worn in at all. Took it apart and gave the system and controller a nice clean up. I used it as my VGA DC.
Beer Monkey
Member
They are catching up on a ton of pre-orders (can only fulfill so many orders a day) and will start accepting new orders after they get caught up.