Ben from Plaion Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 1 hour ago, JetmanUK said: I have now completed the Konami published Atari 2600 trilogy* with my latest purchase, Pooyan! The trilogy being Pooyan, Strategy X and Marine Wars. It’s in lovely condition too, and I like the unusual shape of these carts. This is the PAL version, and it’s an interesting one. Yes, it has a squashed screen, but they have disguised it well, as instead of just having black bars at the top and bottom they extended the colours instead. I would obviously rather have full size graphics but this technique feels less jarring and is not as noticeable outside of side by side comparisons with the NTSC version. I have also seen Activision employ this method with Frostbite and Private Eye, Acti also moved some of the HUD upwards a little too to make it less obvious. Palettes as per the current 2600 Plus config. Here’s the PAL version in Stella (Z26 Palette): And here’s the NTSC version in Stella (Standard Palette): Clearly superior on the NTSC cart, but some good trickery going on there. I find these differences interesting, but I am clearly a nerd! 💁🏻🤓 EDIT: Strategy X and Marine Wars are also quite interesting when you compare the PAL and NTSC versions, well, I think so. I can share, if anyone else is interested? Came across this when I was testing the 2600+ in an archive. I was like hey check it out a Konami game. Did you get it in the box because that was as unique as the cart shape. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetmanUK Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 2 minutes ago, Ben from Plaion said: Came across this when I was testing the 2600+ in an archive. I was like hey check it out a Konami game. Did you get it in the box because that was as unique as the cart shape. Sadly no, there's one for sale on eBay right now, and I was tempted. My house is rapidly filling up though, some stuff needs to go I think! They are very cool. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben from Plaion Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 2 minutes ago, JetmanUK said: Sadly no, there's one for sale on eBay right now, and I was tempted. My house is rapidly filling up though, some stuff needs to go I think! They are very cool. Board out the loft and store them all up there, that way you can keep buying! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetmanUK Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 1 minute ago, Ben from Plaion said: Board out the loft and store them all up there, that way you can keep buying! It's already partially boarded! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben from Plaion Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 1 minute ago, JetmanUK said: It's already partially boarded! Well fully board it out then 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEANJIMMY Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 4 minutes ago, JetmanUK said: Here is Strategy X. Konami have employed the 'fill the screen with colour technique' again. Palettes as per the current 2600 Plus config. Here’s the PAL version in Stella (Z26 Palette): And here’s the NTSC version in Stella (Standard Palette): Yes, a squished PAL version, but again they made an effort to make it less obvious. Which colours do you like best? I think Pooyan was a PAL colour win, here I’d say that I prefer the NTSC version. Take a look at Marine Wars. This is the most interesting of the three games, well, with regards to the choices with the graphics. Here’s the PAL version in Stella (Z26 Palette): And here’s the NTSC version in Stella (Standard Palette): They didn’t employ the 'fill the screen with colour technique' here, in either version, both versions have ugly black borders. The PAL one has an odd shifted upwards position, but strangely fills more of the screen than the NTSC cart. When you look at the actual play area the NTSC version is larger though, so more trickery here, well done to Konami, with all three games actually. With regards to the colours I prefer the PAL one for everything other than the violet sea, I am not sure why they didn’t use a more suitable shade of blue, the NTSC sea could have been better too. Perhaps this is an emulation thing and neither are the true colours? Who knows?! Another odd choice at he top of the screen too, perhaps the dev was high. Other than the sea I find the PAL version less garish overall. Note that I haven’t touched on game speed differences here, just the colours and the screen size. That's enough nerdiness for today, I hope you enjoyed the show. Strategy X was released as Quelle Landungskommando, thats the one I have and I like it, not looking for the original NTSC game in this case. https://www.atarimania.com/game-landungskommando_s10820.html I like the NTSC version of Marine Wars and would like to get this one but it is expensive... In Europe often the PAL version is sold you need to have a close look (Gakken = PAL Konami = NTSC?) From Konami I've got Pooyan PAL and like it. I used to have Ente und der Wolf PAL but sold it... that were the times when I wanted only the best PAL Version... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetmanUK Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 Just now, Ben from Plaion said: Well fully board it out then If you release lots of new games I may have no choice but to do that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben from Plaion Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 1 minute ago, JetmanUK said: If you release lots of new games I may have no choice but to do that! Hopefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetmanUK Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 (edited) 15 minutes ago, DEANJIMMY said: Strategy X was released as Quelle Landungskommando, thats the one I have and I like it, not looking for the original NTSC game in this case. https://www.atarimania.com/game-landungskommando_s10820.html I like the NTSC version of Marine Wars and would like to get this one but it is expensive... In Europe often the PAL version is sold you need to have a close look (Gakken = PAL Konami = NTSC?) From Konami I've got Pooyan PAL and like it. I used to have Ente und der Wolf PAL but sold it... that were the times when I wanted only the best PAL Version... I enjoy the Quelle bootlegs. The colours look interesting on this one too. My Strategy X is NTSC, Pooyan and Marine Wars are both PAL. Although I almost always prefer NTSC versions, I'm quite happy with these Konami games. Edited July 18 by JetmanUK 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maztr_0n Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 5 hours ago, DEANJIMMY said: once the seller learns about the 2600+, prices will double🤫 5 hours ago, MrChickenz said: That’s what I was thinking. I see PAL versions that have lower prices. You are right about that! I know... i know... i talk ikari all the time but... its my favorite 7800 game, and you ever see your favorite game is not affordable and you cant add it to your collection? Its like that trope that i dont know the origin of where someone walks in a city and they're just reminded of the same thing over and over again on neon signs... Ikari warriors is illuminating everywhere, i want to own as many of the home versions as i can but the very faithful 7800 version is beyond my own reach, and all i say is... If Atari can get Ikari again... they can port Metal Slug probably... and also uhhh i might try to find my Wii U just to hopefully make my odds of trading for it more likely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maztr_0n Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 3 hours ago, JetmanUK said: Sadly no, there's one for sale on eBay right now, and I was tempted. My house is rapidly filling up though, some stuff needs to go I think! They are very cool. Oh yeah, i get that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad_from_the_80s Posted July 19 Author Share Posted July 19 Today, in the vein of Starmaster/Star Raiders, this very clean picture label copy of Star Voyager. And my new high score book. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrChickenz Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 (edited) I have Strategy X ! I just picked that up some months back, saw it my local game store. Never heard of it before that. Good game! Edited July 19 by MrChickenz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrChickenz Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 1 hour ago, Brad_from_the_80s said: Today, in the vein of Starmaster/Star Raiders, this very clean picture label copy of Star Voyager. And my new high score book. Now I have to get a high score book, only mines going to be higher! lol 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maztr_0n Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 2 hours ago, Brad_from_the_80s said: Today, in the vein of Starmaster/Star Raiders, this very clean picture label copy of Star Voyager. And my new high score book. i reckon i should get a scrap book for everything, mayhaps i get a polaroid and try to take a pic of the most noteworthy HS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shane857 Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 16 hours ago, Maztr_0n said: i reckon i should get a scrap book for everything, mayhaps i get a polaroid and try to take a pic of the most noteworthy HS Whenever I play Secret Quest, I take a picture of the password code with my phone cam. Easier than trying to draw all the strange symbols. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shane857 Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 On 7/19/2024 at 2:22 AM, Maztr_0n said: I know... i know... i talk ikari all the time but... its my favorite 7800 game, and you ever see your favorite game is not affordable and you cant add it to your collection? Its like that trope that i dont know the origin of where someone walks in a city and they're just reminded of the same thing over and over again on neon signs... Ikari warriors is illuminating everywhere, i want to own as many of the home versions as i can but the very faithful 7800 version is beyond my own reach, and all i say is... If Atari can get Ikari again... they can port Metal Slug probably... and also uhhh i might try to find my Wii U just to hopefully make my odds of trading for it more likely. Seems like you're on a mission to get Ikari for the 7800. 😂 The game seems more available here in the UK There's this copy. I expect it's PAL region thou it's sealed. Not sure if he ships to the US thou? Guess it would be quite expensive... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284293878953?itmmeta=01J38B0YJSR0H9EHD156WZ5TMN&hash=item42313c54a9:g:7AQAAOSwly1gnjCe&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8IFpiGp9J%2FLHxtGmHc1Of6yZtUjZm5lRAxJdfxooAxy6X%2BllQOkVRO2ud3gIMaX%2FnVzbAAtJDBXQAH3xJMhdABfnCX4HVkYAhnyGFPflpMkpPBkkp%2FDovm9BECGbGZwRT8gcc8jywREkOlAwFqONob0vNoDHgLihUvMq26P6IejJQuHexV5lWSpgBXHabYI0KBzrTe4t7wiAjw1MNN7l31YswS4TltkvKoAn46wxYBzUvSP0pkbFa71XTp7SFmoiq3Dpfr81x3E%2BVv%2F2ZpcCY2Fm%2FbWzKm8gnRhUY8jDUeyh7DG3HP1lVJSAmcbdFVT7Dg%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR7zpg4uaZA 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad_from_the_80s Posted July 20 Author Share Posted July 20 1 hour ago, shane857 said: Whenever I play Secret Quest, I take a picture of the password code with my phone cam. Easier than trying to draw all the strange symbols. I would too. But that's not as retro authentic as a notepad and a cheap Bic blue ink pen. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maztr_0n Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 4 hours ago, shane857 said: Seems like you're on a mission to get Ikari for the 7800. 😂 The game seems more available here in the UK There's this copy. I expect it's PAL region thou it's sealed. Not sure if he ships to the US thou? Guess it would be quite expensive... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284293878953?itmmeta=01J38B0YJSR0H9EHD156WZ5TMN&hash=item42313c54a9:g:7AQAAOSwly1gnjCe&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8IFpiGp9J%2FLHxtGmHc1Of6yZtUjZm5lRAxJdfxooAxy6X%2BllQOkVRO2ud3gIMaX%2FnVzbAAtJDBXQAH3xJMhdABfnCX4HVkYAhnyGFPflpMkpPBkkp%2FDovm9BECGbGZwRT8gcc8jywREkOlAwFqONob0vNoDHgLihUvMq26P6IejJQuHexV5lWSpgBXHabYI0KBzrTe4t7wiAjw1MNN7l31YswS4TltkvKoAn46wxYBzUvSP0pkbFa71XTp7SFmoiq3Dpfr81x3E%2BVv%2F2ZpcCY2Fm%2FbWzKm8gnRhUY8jDUeyh7DG3HP1lVJSAmcbdFVT7Dg%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR7zpg4uaZA I am very much on that mission, and it sucks that. You cannot tell if a sealed game is pal or not until you pop it open... i'm saving up as much as i can and i'll probably have to trade like mad to get a good deal. But yeah, thank you... i'm on the mission to obtain the mission to save colonel cook and go to the village of ikari 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetmanUK Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 (edited) 4 hours ago, shane857 said: Seems like you're on a mission to get Ikari for the 7800. 😂 The game seems more available here in the UK There's this copy. I expect it's PAL region thou it's sealed. Not sure if he ships to the US thou? Guess it would be quite expensive... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284293878953?itmmeta=01J38B0YJSR0H9EHD156WZ5TMN&hash=item42313c54a9:g:7AQAAOSwly1gnjCe&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8IFpiGp9J%2FLHxtGmHc1Of6yZtUjZm5lRAxJdfxooAxy6X%2BllQOkVRO2ud3gIMaX%2FnVzbAAtJDBXQAH3xJMhdABfnCX4HVkYAhnyGFPflpMkpPBkkp%2FDovm9BECGbGZwRT8gcc8jywREkOlAwFqONob0vNoDHgLihUvMq26P6IejJQuHexV5lWSpgBXHabYI0KBzrTe4t7wiAjw1MNN7l31YswS4TltkvKoAn46wxYBzUvSP0pkbFa71XTp7SFmoiq3Dpfr81x3E%2BVv%2F2ZpcCY2Fm%2FbWzKm8gnRhUY8jDUeyh7DG3HP1lVJSAmcbdFVT7Dg%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR7zpg4uaZA 🤣 I made offers on this one in the last week, I'm not paying £70. Obviously they were not accepted. Ah well. 🤷🏻 I just won a loose PAL cart today, overpriced yeah, but half this amount. Looking forward to trying it out, I don't buy many 7800 games. Edited July 20 by JetmanUK 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shane857 Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 42 minutes ago, Maztr_0n said: I am very much on that mission, and it sucks that. You cannot tell if a sealed game is pal or not until you pop it open... i'm saving up as much as i can and i'll probably have to trade like mad to get a good deal. But yeah, thank you... i'm on the mission to obtain the mission to save colonel cook and go to the village of ikari You can only tell, usually if it's PAL by a P sticker usually on the back of the cart. Hope that helps... 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shane857 Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 4 minutes ago, JetmanUK said: 🤣 I made offers on this one in the last week, I'm not paying £70. Obviously they were not accepted. Ah well. 🤷🏻 I just won a loose PAL cart today, overpriced yeah, but half this amount. Looking forward to trying it out, I don't buy many 7800 games. With most 7800 games, you can get buy without a manual anyway. MRTFM 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shane857 Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 1 minute ago, shane857 said: With most 7800 games, you can get buy without a manual anyway. MRTFM Maybe read the fcukn manual. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maztr_0n Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 42 minutes ago, shane857 said: You can only tell, usually if it's PAL by a P sticker usually on the back of the cart. Hope that helps... I do know that, but the issue is Ikari is usually found sealed or graded, rarely loose and as far as i know, no kind of sticker on the actual box which seems weird, i'm not sure what it was like back then but i'm sure if it was worth putting the sticker on the cartridge you'd put something on the box, ah well i appreciate it still. I figure if it ever lists in North America and doesnt say whether or not its an import or whatever and i can get it for a "good" price, i think i'll take that chance, less amybody sees like some german auction thats labellee NTSC, in that case lmk i need to take Ralph and Clark out of retirement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Fiorillo Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 My 2600 cartridge collection... 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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