Console Emulation has come
a long way in the last couple of years to say the least -
where once programmers were struggling to emulate an
aging 'classic' system like the NES, we now have quality
emulators for next gen consoles including the Playstation
and N64! Sorry, no info on the latter here (go and buy
one!), but I will provide a run-down of a few of the
outstanding emus for the obsolete 8-bit and 16-bit
consoles for which some stunning titles were released
which can now be enjoyed today by use of these emulators.
More info at Dave's Classics. (Also try the Multi game
emu section at Emu24X
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very good) |
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The
Sega Genesis (or Megadrive as we Europeans knew it) was
the first true 16-bit console and famous for its Sega
arcade conversions and notable releases such as Gunstar
Heroes, Thunderforce 3 & 4, Gaiares and others. KGen
is my emulator of choice for the Genesis, as it gives the
best all-round emulation including most raster effects in
more demanding titles and therefore a more authentic
experience. Genecyst comes VERY close however and there
is little between the two for any but the most discerning
user. The latter emu is also a little faster so go for
Genecyst if you have a slower machine. Both have
excellent sound and game save/load state options.
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Recommended
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The TG16
was a hugely powerful |
Recommended
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Neoragex is the windows port of Neorage, a
superb Neo-geo Home console/Arcade system emulator. Now
supporting sound and running a large number of titles
including the fabulous Metal Slug games, although
recently eclipsed by the addition of Neo-geo support in
MAME this is the choice of emulator for true Neo-heads.
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Recommended
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| (Above) Metal Slug and (Right) its
sequel, for once an even better game.. |
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The NES was a great
little 8-bit system in its heyday, with oodles of support
from the big softcos like Konami, Capcom and of course
Nintendo itself. Nesticle is probably the finest emulator
so far, and runs full speed on all but the lowliest PC -
and I often have more fun with this emu than a lot of
dedicated modern PC and console games, which says a lot
for the quality of the NES software at the time.
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Recommended
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| (Above) Lifeforce (aka Salamander) had
an exceptional NES conversion (right) Metroid |
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Last but not
least we come to what is probably my favourite console emu of them all - ZSnes. If you have VESA support the emulation is near-as-dammit perfect - even games such as Axelay, Mario Kart and F-Zero which use copious mode 7 effects work fine. (Super FX chip titles like Starwing are not as yet fully supported though). ZSnes has a wonderfully thought out GUI, and includes high colour screen mode support (65336 colours), game state save/load support, movie record/playback, a high quality sound/music player system and more. The only Snes emulator you will ever need I assure you.
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Recommended
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| (Top) Castlevania 5 (aka Dracula X) (Middle) Chrono Trigger - one of Square's finest hours (Right) Axelay. I've still got my old Snes you know.. they don't make 'em like this any more.. ;) |
