MiSTer: the thread of cycle accuracy

[ASandoval]

Big news.

I don't have an analog I/O board so I had to do a slight modification to a VGA-Component adapter that I was 95% sure I fried but apparently not! The only issue is I have to go to max volume to hear something, so I'll eventually need to get a separate DAC and speakers for the room, but it works and it looks gorgeous.

More than looks though, it also reminded me how much smoother games are on it playing some things I've never gotten to experience on CRT. I played NiGHTS via the Saturn core and was struck by how smooth the game was in motion that just can't be captured on a flat panel even running at 60hz. It's definitely more novelty than anything else, I still have my analogue pocket docked in my living room, not something I'd argue is the 'correct' experience or anything dumb like that - this is through a newer TV via component, after all. It's just one that amuses me, not least of which because it's my first real soldering project I've gotten to work beyond building a beginner's kit. Next up: getting Groovy Mister to work to start streaming modern games to the TV.

Finally, here's a picture of me enjoying the recent SNES Tokimeki Memorial fan translation that Karen took, because it amused her for some reason.

 

[Kirin]

Nice Chocobo collection! (And nice job on the mod!)

 

[Sarge]

Looks fantastic. Just not much out there that can replace a CRT without spending oodles of money. (From my understanding, basically you have to roll with a good OLED set like an LG CX/C1 with BFI and a RetroTINK 4K.)

 

[Phantoon]

The N64 is pretty much finished development and will be on Update All soon. The following games will randomly crash and are unlikely to ever work on the MiSTer as we're right at the limits of the board's capabilities:

• Conker's Bad Fur Day
• Gauntlet Legends
• Iggy's Reckin' Balls
• Jet Force Gemini
• Nintama Rantarou 64 Game Gallery
• Polaris SnoCross
• Pro Mahjong Kiwame 64
• Resident Evil 2
• Rugrats in Paris - The Movie
• Star Wars Episode 1 - Battle for Naboo
• Tonic Trouble
• Wonder Project J2 - Koruro no Mori no Jozet

 

[MCBanjoMike]

I'm a little sad that not all games will work with the core, but it's already a miracle that it functions at all. And it's not like I don't have other ways to play Resident Evil 2 these days. Looking forward to trying this core, I bought the N64 Bluetooth controller a few months back and I have yet to bust it out.

 

[Kazin]

The real bummer about the above list is (and I'm not joking at all) Iggy's Reckin Balls not being playable. That game rules and is underrated as hell.

 

[Sarge]

I hate that development has stopped, but Robert definitely needs a break. And who knows? Maybe an epiphany will strike him (or someone else) and they figure out a creative (yet inaccurate) way to get those games working.

Really, though, it's amazing we got an N64 core that works this well at all. Incredible work.

 

[Phantoon]

N64 is live go go go

 

[MCBanjoMike]

It's the attack of the clones! Both Taki Udon and QM Tech have recently released FPGA clone boards of the DE-10 Nano, with new ICs built around actual Cyclone V chips. I've watched a few early review videos and so far, it seems like they are delivering on their promises: a functional MiSTer setup for a bunch less money. I'm not really in the market for one, since I have two MiSTers already, but I'm really glad to see this tech become more accessible to the average consumer.

As for me, my son has been playing Paper Mario on the N64 core and so far there haven't been any issues that I've noticed. I've got him using the bluetooth N64 controller that Nintendo released for the Switch, so he's earning some real retro cred right now.

 

[lincolnic]

Even for someone who doesn't need a MiSTer, that Taki Udon clone is admittedly pretty tempting.

 

[MCBanjoMike]

You could use it to play SA-1 hacks...

 

[ShakeWell]

I've been thinking about getting the Taki Udon one, honestly.

 

[Sarge]

Yeah, definitely contemplating adding another. I've only got the one right now.

 

[Kazin]

Alright all you FPGA dorks, explain to me (a dumbass) why Taki Udon's FPGA "Superstation One" is so cheap compared to what I've seen for all the other builds. It apparently works with all MiSTer cores? Or does that just mean it can run them all, but not run them well? It's a sleek looking little system, and comes with 1440p output which is pretty neat...

 

[MCBanjoMike]

From what I understand, he basically made his own DE-10 nano replacement using actual Cyclone chips, sourcing the other components elsewhere. I haven't been following the situation too closely, but from the few reports I've seen this is the real deal - it runs everything the way it should, at a significantly lower price. Do some more research before shelling out, but between these and the QMTech MiSTer clone, I think the price of entry has finally come down in a real way.

 

[Yimothy]

Yeah, that’s it. The other builds all require a terasic de-10 nano, the price of which has only gone up since people started using them for MiSTers. The Taki Udon SS (why is the PS1 thing called SS? Makes me think Saturn) and their other models do not.

 

[Sarge]

Yeah, the previous posts have it here - bypassing the DE-10 Nano for a clone board but the same FPGA has allowed him to get costs down. I would also assume he's got some good manufacturing connections. Same deal with his confusingly-named MiSTer Pi.

I ended up ordering the SSOne even though I don't need it - it's honestly a very slick-looking piece of MiSTer hardware, and it can never hurt to have another set up on a different TV set.

 

[Kazin]

I haven't bit on it yet, if I ever do - I don't think I'd use it very much. Maybe if it were portable, but those are very expensive as far as I know, and even then I'm happy with my Retroid Pocket Mini...

 

[Sarge]

He is apparently working on a MiSTer-based handheld as well, so it will be interesting to see how that shakes out in terms of capability and pricing.

 

[MCBanjoMike]

I haven't bit on it yet, if I ever do - I don't think I'd use it very much. Maybe if it were portable, but those are very expensive as far as I know, and even then I'm happy with my Retroid Pocket Mini...

This is exactly why I still haven't bitten on getting a linux portable yet, despite the increasingly huge selection out there. I've already got SO MANY ways to play retro games, would I really play more of them they were on a handheld?

I mean, maybe a little, but then it would cut into my reading time...

 

[Kazin]

He is apparently working on a MiSTer-based handheld as well, so it will be interesting to see how that shakes out in terms of capability and pricing.

That I'm more likely to buy, depending on the price.

 

[Gaer]

I got a fancy MiSTer a couple years ago (the red case that comes with the two SDRAM banks for better Saturn support), but been using it especially heavily the past few months.

Recently been playing the Glory of Heracles series, and honestly it’s a damned shame they never got localised (even if it gives the Classicist in me a few conniptions) If I’ve got the time/energy I’m gonna make a thread.

But yeah, playing translations of non localised games never worked for me when it was via emulators on computer. Don’t know why or how but couldn’t stick with them at all. MiSTer has made it way more accessible for idiosyncratic me.

Been playing more than just fan translations and whatnot. Currently waiting patiently for the Saturn core to properly run Grandia but hey it’s fine.

I do need to buy some cables so I can also use it on my Sony PVM instead of just on the HDTV, but that can wait for now.

 

[Kazin]

(even if it gives the Classicist in me a few conniptions) If I’ve got the time/energy I’m gonna make a thread.

I've never played the Glory of Heracles series, but I would love a thread even if it's just you writing out your conniptions lmao

 

[Patrick]

This is exactly why I still haven't bitten on getting a linux portable yet, despite the increasingly huge selection out there. I've already got SO MANY ways to play retro games, would I really play more of them they were on a handheld?

I mean, maybe a little, but then it would cut into my reading time...

For me, the answer is yes. Having retro games easily available on handhelds has led to me playing way more of them. That also coincided with becoming a dad and moving into a smaller place though. So I have less access to games on TV, and way less time to play long games in general. So a handheld loaded with games designed around quick play sessions has been a perfect fit.

I’ll be curious to see if handheld misters end up replacing the current emulation machines down the road.

 

[Sarge]

Recently been playing the Glory of Heracles series, and honestly it’s a damned shame they never got localised (even if it gives the Classicist in me a few conniptions) If I’ve got the time/energy I’m gonna make a thread.

I played through the third game a little over a year ago, and as far as Dragon Quest-inspired games go, it's quite good. Would definitely be interested in your thoughts as well. Does that include the NES entries, too? The first game seems pretty crusty, but the second looks like it would potentially be a very good time.

For me, the answer is yes. Having retro games easily available on handhelds has led to me playing way more of them. That also coincided with becoming a dad and moving into a smaller place though. So I have less access to games on TV, and way less time to play long games in general. So a handheld loaded with games designed around quick play sessions has been a perfect fit.

I’ll be curious to see if handheld misters end up replacing the current emulation machines down the road.

Yeah, I find that maximizing the places I can play games helps a lot. Give me all the things all the places, ha!

As far as handheld MiSTers, I think they'll fill a niche, but the emulation machines will likely stick around going forward just because of how much more capable they are handling the higher-tier systems. It boggles my mind there's stuff out there that's pretty small and relatively cheap that handles PS2 and GC with very little issue. I expect that trend to continue - we'll probably have PS3/360 handhelds for cheap a few years down the line the way things are going.

 

[Gaer]

I've never played the Glory of Heracles series, but I would love a thread even if it's just you writing out your conniptions lmao

Oh I love the games. It’s just. Uh. Well. It’s about as accurate to Ancient Greece and Greek mythology as Herodotus was to history (tho I will note that both parties tried their best with what they had at the time).

I played through the third game a little over a year ago, and as far as Dragon Quest-inspired games go, it's quite good. Would definitely be interested in your thoughts as well. Does that include the NES entries, too? The first game seems pretty crusty, but the second looks like it would potentially be a very good time.


Yeah, I find that maximizing the places I can play games helps a lot. Give me all the things all the places, ha!

As far as handheld MiSTers, I think they'll fill a niche, but the emulation machines will likely stick around going forward just because of how much more capable they are handling the higher-tier systems. It boggles my mind there's stuff out there that's pretty small and relatively cheap that handles PS2 and GC with very little issue. I expect that trend to continue - we'll probably have PS3/360 handhelds for cheap a few years down the line the way things are going.

First game is amazing actually! I started with 3 as well, only cos I didn’t have access at first to 1.

Seriously, it’s like the master system Zelda clone Golden Axe game. It is a game where the developers resonated so deeply with Dragon Quest 1 (which I will remind you had a password system in Japan) that Glory of Heracles 1 is both a love letter, a subversion, and what they thought would desperately improve DQ1. They absolutely succeeded, and then some.

I will admit that after having just played GoH 3, it took about an hour to get used to a lack of 16 bit JRPG QoL, but it was absolutely and fantastically worth it.

Even the password system was designed specifically for the player’s benefit. It’s an amazingly designed little game, and I cannot sing higher praises for it. Just understand that it is a game from 1987, and you’re good to go.

I really should make a thread, but I want to organize my thoughts better (aka write some essays/posts out on my end first). Cos the series absolutely deserves it.

 

[Gaer]

For me, the answer is yes. Having retro games easily available on handhelds has led to me playing way more of them. That also coincided with becoming a dad and moving into a smaller place though. So I have less access to games on TV, and way less time to play long games in general. So a handheld loaded with games designed around quick play sessions has been a perfect fit.

I’ll be curious to see if handheld misters end up replacing the current emulation machines down the road.

Oh I’d love this too. I play a lot of switch games in bed using a phone arm, and having a mister in a similar format would be the best thing ever.

 

[Sarge]

Seriously, it’s like the master system Zelda clone Golden Axe game. It is a game where the developers resonated so deeply with Dragon Quest 1 (which I will remind you had a password system in Japan) that Glory of Heracles 1 is both a love letter, a subversion, and what they thought would desperately improve DQ1. They absolutely succeeded, and then some.

I will admit that after having just played GoH 3, it took about an hour to get used to a lack of 16 bit JRPG QoL, but it was absolutely and fantastically worth it.

Dang. Okay, methinks I will need to check this out now for sure. Apparently looks can be deceiving!

 

[Gaer]

I hope you have fun!

 

[Gaer]

@Sarge I forgot to say. I have four tips, three of which I will put behind a spoilers in case you want to discover for yourself (tho I don't think they can really count as actual spoilers, but I don't know your prefences!):

1) Make sure to download and read the localised manual. It's an absolute delight, and informative!

2) I cannot stress enough that equipment is far more important than levels (you can beat the first boss at level 1 with appropriate gear)

3) You can run away from every enemy, including bosses, and it has an extremely low risk of it failing (I can count my failures on one hand per playthrough)

4) Due to the nature of the limited items you can hold (10, which is really 9 since one space is reserved for Medicinal Herbs), you can not only sell what would be called "Key Items" in other games, but continuing via a password also resets all bosses and all treasure chests so you can always get those items again if you need it in the future


I'm also getting notes and a few screenshots together of Heracles 1, so I can start that thread. Hopefully. (Don't want to commit until I've gotten at least the first post done ahead of time.)