looking for PC-FX advice

[tpivette]

First, I'd like to start out by stating I've noticed there isn't a whole lot of activity on theres forums dedicated to the last of the breed NEC console. Why is that? I sincerely hope the interest in the PC-FX isn't fading just as I start to have an interest in it.

Second, I've been doing a little research on this console (through this website, google, youtube, etc), and it seems like its worth looking into. The PC-FX has sparked my curiosity and I'd like to dive into this machine and its library headfirst. I've owned a TG16 since 1989, dabbled in some PCE stuff in the last year, and now want to go deeper into the NEC legacy by taking the 32-bit leap.

Third, do you guys have any recommendations on where to pick up one of these consoles? There's Hit-Japan on ebay... but he wants $170 (negotiable) + $105 air mail shipping for a good condition, boxed console. Have any of you ever done the standard, by sea shipping (which is half the cost, but could take 2+ months to arrive... yikes!). He also has a broken unit for $40... do these things have any common problems that are easily repaired like the PC Engine Duos cap replacements? Or when they break are they just paperweights?

Finally, what games do you guys recommend for a guy starting out in the PC-FX world? Japanese text/language doesn't intimidate me that much.

Thanks for your time, and hopefully I can start enjoying this console soon!

[thesteve]

as far as HIT, several of us have bought from them, without issue.
sea does take months.
you dont need a box to play the system.

[Ji-L87]

First, I'd like to start out by stating I've noticed there isn't a whole lot of activity on theres forums dedicated to the last of the breed NEC console. Why is that? I sincerely hope the interest in the PC-FX isn't fading just as I start to have an interest in it.

I'd love to see more talk about the FX as well, but unless everyone here turned die-hard FX enthusiasts overnight, this will probably remain a low activity area.

I also saw the junk one for 40$ but didn't feel like risking it. If it's more complicated than putting connector A into socket B then I can't do it.

[esteban]

tpivette, the PC-FX boards have never been a hotbed of activity.

In the past few years, the only real activity here was when a few members bought the console and began actively playing the games...then a small handful of veterans would chime in.

I don't have a PC-FX now...and I don't know when/if I'll pursue it. I have too many other consoles and libraries that I'm playing.

That's my excuse, anyway.

Maybe in the next few years I'll get rid of my Atari 2600 stuff and make room for PC-FX*.







*That was intended to incite rage in PC-FX fans

[Necromancer]

The best advice I can give to anyone looking at the PC-FX is to try it out in an emulator first, as far too many of these things get resold within weeks when the buyers find out what the games are really like.  The system definitely isn't for everyone.

If you've already decided the games look fun and you want to take the plunge, keep watching forums or eBay for a better deal (I got mine here complete in box with a couple games for $130).  And as for games, check out Zeroigar, Zenki, Team Innocent, Chip Can Kick, Pia Carrot (naughty and has a translation), Ruruli Ra Rura, and Yuna FX.  Also, check out Ark's Tome of Obey for PC-FX info, screen shots, reviews, etc.

[tpivette]

I'm into RPGs and Anime, and from what I've read so far, those are the strong points of the PC-FX console. Its a shame though, that there isnt a more active resource for this machine, as I'm hungry for more info as I search for my inevitable purchase.

I dont really want a boxed system, mostly as it will be alot more to ship if I have to get one from overseas. I was just bringing that one on ebay up because that and the busted one for $40 are all thats availible as of right now. This site's for sale board for this console hasn't seen one go up in a long time. Not that I'm itching to blow my money right now (I've got plenty of other games/systems to spend my time with in the meantime), but was just wondering how often one comes up here or elsewhere... I dont want to wait a year or more to finally aquire one of these.

Haha, the first two games recommended are the most expensive for the system! Although, I suppose, eventually, I'll have to purchase them to complete the true PC-FX experience. I was gonna start out with a few of the less costly games like Der Langrisser, Dragon Knight, and the translated Pia Carrot.

Anyway, thanks for the responses guys. Hopefully I'll be able to add this last-of-the-breed NEC console to my game room relatively soon. And hope to see some more activity here in the future!

[BlueBMW]

PC-FX consoles have some issues like duos etc.  Caps leak and fail and lasers die on occasion.  Both are fixable problems.  If id quit being lazy, Ive got an extra FX here that I just need to recap. 

An interesting system for sure.  And if you dont mind muddling through some language there is fun to be had.  Unfortunately the two most popular games Zeroigar and Zenki are very expensive.  Though the system is quite tolerant of burns.

[tpivette]

So do you think its worth picking up a busted one? Do you perform repair services on these consoles?

Although, even a broken one would still be just over $100 with expedited shipping from Japan. Probably better off to just wait for one that is actually in working condition

[BlueBMW]

Theyre kind of a pain to service since theyre kind of tricky to disassemble.  Id rather not take on any new work right now though.  If you do end up getting a broken one, shoot thesteve a message as Im sure he could fix it.

[tpivette]

Im not in such a hurry as to buy a busted one just yet... but if a working one came along for a decent price, I do have the means to jump on it.

If you repair your spare and decide you want to part with it, I have a "WTB: PC-FX" thread in the for sale section. Keep me in mind!

[Duo_R]

Seems like a cool website, any idea why some of the links are broken / photos not loading?

  Also, check out Ark's Tome of Obey for PC-FX info, screen shots, reviews, etc.

[_joshuaTurbo]

When I got my PCFX back in 2007 from HIT I did the 2 month shipping, and yes it did take 60 days, but my box showed up without any problems. 

I'm just curious if I could walk to Japan from my house in 60 days.....?  ... probably.

[Necromancer]

Seems like a cool website, any idea why some of the links are broken / photos not loading?

Probably because it's a work in progress and some links are just place holders.  Either that or because Ark is a dirty pirate hooker!