Fulfilling a dream

[Jazz]

Hey all,

It's been 14 long years, but I finally have a glorious Turbo Duo to call my own. Not only that, but a really nice condition TurboExpress (with no sound problems! ...yet, anyway ) and a handful of decent-to-awesome games to go with 'em:

HuCard:

Bonk's Adventure (w/manual)
Bonk's Revenge (w/manual)
Boxyboy (w/manual)
Fantasy Zone (w/manual)
Keith Courage in Alpha Zones (w/manual)
King of Casino (w/manual)
Klax (w/manual)
Ordyne (w/manual)
Pac-Land (w/manual)
R-Type (card only)
Sidearms (w/case & manual)

CD:

Gradius II (Japanese, w/case & manual; this one's actually going to be an Xmas present from my mum!)
Macross 2036 (bootleg)
Ys Book I & II (pre-Duo release w/manual, no back cover)

I'm not a complete stranger to the ways of NEC consoles, as I've had a PC Engine GT since not too long after they came out, probably about 15 or so years now, courtesy of a specialist import shop near where I lived in the UK at the time (I'm in the USA now). I only ever got five games for it before the store disappeared (Double Dungeons, Fantasy Zone (again), Moto Roader, Super Star Soldier and Vigilante - all victims of time and unfortunate carelessness so they're all now HuCard-only).

For my next purchase - besides more games, at least, and of course when there's a little more money to burn - I'm eyeing up a PC Engine Core Grafx as probably the ideal counterpart to the existing three machines, since at this point sourcing a region converter is probably pretty much pointless.

I also have a handful of questions for you fine folks:

1) The PCE GT sadly does suffer from the infamous sound problem. Unfortunately I don't seem to be able to find instructions on fixing it - does anyone have a working link?

2) The Duo's CD drive emits a very soft whine when either playing Macross (which is a CD-R) or a music CD (CD-R or pressed), but doesn't seem to when playing Ys. Is this something I need to be concerned about? Loading times are just fine (at least according to memory, comparing to an old acquaintance's Turbo Duo) and it's glitch-free, but it probably bears asking on a 14+ year old console.

3) The obvious one - which are the next few games (at least in the sub-$40 range) I should look into picking up? With my existing hardware I'm interested in any format, HuCard or any of the assorted CDs, pretty much short of needing an Arcade card or a SuperGrafx. I tend towards genres such as shooters (naturally), beat-'em-ups, fighters, platformers, actioners, racers that haven't aged too badly, and RPGs that don't fall into the realm of the 'traditional' Japanese style (so while Ys is cool, and I'm looking at Order of the Griffon, those more akin to Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest wouldn't do much for me). Also, I don't read/speak Japanese... which is why I've played very little of my Japanese copy of Double Dungeons over the years... still, I'm not averse to trying new things, maybe I'd like an odd pachinko game or dating sim, who knows?

4) Anyone got a good scan of the back cover/spines of the US version of Ys Book I & II that I could print off?

Thanks in advance. I like what I've been reading here, this is a great forum. Cheers!

[Keranu]

Hello, welcome to the forums! Good list of games you have.

1) The PCE GT sadly does suffer from the infamous sound problem. Unfortunately I don't seem to be able to find instructions on fixing it - does anyone have a working link?

There is a very good thread about fixing the sound problem here . You will need some soldering skillz though.

2) The Duo's CD drive emits a very soft whine when either playing Macross (which is a CD-R) or a music CD (CD-R or pressed), but doesn't seem to when playing Ys. Is this something I need to be concerned about? Loading times are just fine (at least according to memory, comparing to an old acquaintance's Turbo Duo) and it's glitch-free, but it probably bears asking on a 14+ year old console.

I've heard this sound before when playing CD-Rs. I think it's just from the laser having a harder time reading CD-Rs because of it's different format, though I don't really know the technical reasons.

3) The obvious one - which are the next few games (at least in the sub-$40 range) I should look into picking up? With my existing hardware I'm interested in any format, HuCard or any of the assorted CDs, pretty much short of needing an Arcade card or a SuperGrafx. I tend towards genres such as shooters (naturally), beat-'em-ups, fighters, platformers, actioners, racers that haven't aged too badly, and RPGs that don't fall into the realm of the 'traditional' Japanese style (so while Ys is cool, and I'm looking at Order of the Griffon, those more akin to Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest wouldn't do much for me). Also, I don't read/speak Japanese... which is why I've played very little of my Japanese copy of Double Dungeons over the years... still, I'm not averse to trying new things, maybe I'd like an odd pachinko game or dating sim, who knows?

There are a great deal of threads around here that have lists of games to recommend, try looking for them to get some good ideas.

[termis]

Welcome to the forums. 

2) The Duo's CD drive emits a very soft whine when either playing Macross (which is a CD-R) or a music CD (CD-R or pressed), but doesn't seem to when playing Ys. Is this something I need to be concerned about? Loading times are just fine (at least according to memory, comparing to an old acquaintance's Turbo Duo) and it's glitch-free, but it probably bears asking on a 14+ year old console.

I have the same problems on one of my Duos.  When playing a _certain brand_ of CD-R's, it'll emit a soft whine, but it'll load fine.  With another brand of CD-R's, it'll be quiet and be just fine.  Oh, and it happens to have a brand new laser pickup, so I don't think it's a worn laser issue.

The strange thing is, if I take that CD-R that emitted the noise to another Duo (that has a considerably older laser), the noise will disappear and everything will be okay.  And once again, take that same CD-R to another machine, and it'll take noticeably longer times loading. 

So I guess my point is that your mileage will vary depending on the combination of Duo and what kind of CD-R you're using.  That's my experience, anyway.

4) Anyone got a good scan of the back cover/spines of the US version of Ys Book I & II that I could print off?

Though they have a set, a copy they have is not so great at http://www.crazybanana.tk/

Or this might be okay:



If you need a higher res version than those above, let me know:

[guyjin]

Hey all,

It's been 14 long years, but I finally have a glorious Turbo Duo to call my own. Not only that, but a really nice condition TurboExpress (with no sound problems! ...yet, anyway ) and a handful of decent-to-awesome games to go with 'em:

a good list of games. I suspect you'll learn to hate pac-land, though.

I'm not a complete stranger to the ways of NEC consoles, as I've had a PC Engine GT since not too long after they came out, probably about 15 or so years now, courtesy of a specialist import shop near where I lived in the UK at the time (I'm in the USA now). I only ever got five games for it before the store disappeared (Double Dungeons, Fantasy Zone (again), Moto Roader, Super Star Soldier and Vigilante - all victims of time and unfortunate carelessness so they're all now HuCard-only).

i wish there had been an import shop half that cool in omaha.

For my next purchase - besides more games, at least, and of course when there's a little more money to burn - I'm eyeing up a PC Engine Core Grafx as probably the ideal counterpart to the existing three machines, since at this point sourcing a region converter is probably pretty much pointless.

In your case, I don't think a second unit is a good idea for you. You already have a GT, so you can play Japanese hucards, and your duo can play CDs regardless of region. The only purpose a Japanese unit would serve is playing Japanese hucards on your TV. A converter could serve double duty; play JP hucards on your US duo and TurboExpress; then you can put that GT away for later.

I also have a handful of questions for you fine folks:

1) The PCE GT sadly does suffer from the infamous sound problem. Unfortunately I don't seem to be able to find instructions on fixing it - does anyone have a working link?

I belive someone else already answered this.

2) The Duo's CD drive emits a very soft whine when either playing Macross (which is a CD-R) or a music CD (CD-R or pressed), but doesn't seem to when playing Ys. Is this something I need to be concerned about? Loading times are just fine (at least according to memory, comparing to an old acquaintance's Turbo Duo) and it's glitch-free, but it probably bears asking on a 14+ year old console.

All I have are genuine CDs, and I get a whine occasionally. I don't think it's anything to worry about.

3) The obvious one - which are the next few games (at least in the sub-$40 range) I should look into picking up? With my existing hardware I'm interested in any format, HuCard or any of the assorted CDs, pretty much short of needing an Arcade card or a SuperGrafx. I tend towards genres such as shooters (naturally), beat-'em-ups, fighters, platformers, actioners, racers that haven't aged too badly, and RPGs that don't fall into the realm of the 'traditional' Japanese style (so while Ys is cool, and I'm looking at Order of the Griffon, those more akin to Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest wouldn't do much for me). Also, I don't read/speak Japanese... which is why I've played very little of my Japanese copy of Double Dungeons over the years... still, I'm not averse to trying new things, maybe I'd like an odd pachinko game or dating sim, who knows?

I'd look into Dungeon Explorer and it's sequel, if you think you would like Double dungeons if it weren't Japanese.

if you like shooters, definitely grab Lords of Thunder. And Super Star Soldier. the gate of thunder 3-in-1 might be a good idea too.

as far as beat-em-ups, I'm fond of Cadash. A lot of people say Legendary Axe is better, but I've never played that. Riot zone is a more traditional beat-em-up (a la double dragon or final fight) but it's not a highly regarded game. I've never played that either.

4) Anyone got a good scan of the back cover/spines of the US version of Ys Book I & II that I could print off?

already answered.

Thanks in advance. I like what I've been reading here, this is a great forum. Cheers!

[Jazz]

Thanks for all your answers, guys!

For some reason I thought Ys would've had a less plain back cover! Obviously I was forgetting certain NEC 'traditions'. Still, thank you for the scans, termis, much appreciated.

It seems like the Duo drive whine isn't something I need to worry about if the machine's working well, and it is. It's been good to see in other threads than fixing a dead Duo drive doesn't seem too hard. I'm still just stoked to even have one of these beasts in my not-small collection of consoles.

And now I can fix the GT. I'll have to dust off my old soldering skillz... if I can stop playing R-Type long enough.

[vestcoat]

For my next purchase - besides more games, at least, and of course when there's a little more money to burn - I'm eyeing up a PC Engine Core Grafx as probably the ideal counterpart to the existing three machines, since at this point sourcing a region converter is probably pretty much pointless.

If you're going to invest in a forth system, get something that will allow you to play either SuperGrafx games or Arcade card games.  You're going to want the option eventually, especially if you like fighters and shooters.  Yes, you could always upgrade a Corecrafx but a CD drive and the Arcade card Pro would be more expensive additions you'd have to pay later.  I would recommend a cheap Japanese Duo at this point.  It would also be a good back-up unit considering your US Duo is already acting strangely.  The Arcade Card Duo is about half the price of the Pro.

3) The obvious one - which are the next few games (at least in the sub-$40 range) I should look into picking up? With my existing hardware I'm interested in any format, HuCard or any of the assorted CDs, pretty much short of needing an Arcade card or a SuperGrafx. I tend towards genres such as shooters (naturally), beat-'em-ups, fighters, platformers, actioners, racers that haven't aged too badly,

All of the racing and driving games are pretty archaic by todays standards, but there are still some great 2-D racers.  I'd say Final Lap Twin is the most important one to own.  The controls are good, it's two player and has a sweet quest mode.  After that, get Victory Run, Outrun or one of the Chase HQ games.  Victory Run is hard but very realistic and challenge keeps me coming back.  Outrun has better graphics and is a great port.  Chase HQ is extremely fast-paced and frantic.  Some people will find that appealing but I find it hard to stay on the road and prefer the slightly slower pace of SCI (which also allows you to shoot the enemy car and pick up weapons).

[Jazz]

In the interests of awesome, more than authenticity, I made a new back cover for Ys using the above scan as a starting point. The aspect ratio's not quite right, it needs more at the top and bottom to print off perfectly sized, but here's the image if anyone else wants to use it:

[Keranu]

Very nice.

a good list of games. I suspect you'll learn to hate pac-land, though.

Dude, Pac-Land is a really fun game!

[Black Tiger]

Games to buy:

Bloody Wolf
Aeroblasters
Ninja Spirit
Dragon's Curse
Legendary Axe

Lords Of Thunder
Gate Of Thunder U.S.
Kaze No Densetsu II/The Legend Of Xanadu II

Very nice.

a good list of games. I suspect you'll learn to hate pac-land, though.

Dude, Pac-Land is a really fun game!

I've never met anyone who didn't like Pac Land, even though on paper I can see how someone who follows the rules shouldn't like it. But even mainstreamers love it.

[Odonadon]

In the interests of awesome, more than authenticity, I made a new back cover for Ys using the above scan as a starting point. The aspect ratio's not quite right, it needs more at the top and bottom to print off perfectly sized, but here's the image if anyone else wants to use it:

Some of those screenshots look mighty familiar....

OD

[Jazz]

Some of those screenshots look mighty familiar....

OD

I don't doubt it. Fair use, and all that. I take no credit for them.

I liked Pac-Land in the arcade, so it's nice to have a decent conversion of it.

[termis]

I'd have to say that Pac Land was fun as a kid.  Granted I haven't played it in like... 20 years, so I'm not sure how it would've aged.

[guyjin]

i've probably said this before, but I'll say it again. This is why I hate pac-land:

1) it's stoopid easy. you almost have to try to get hit by enemies. i'm no expert gamer, either; i generally prefer my games relatively easy. but this isn't even slightly challenging.

2) the default control scheme is bizzare.

3) the music is boring as hell. the same music repeated over and over and over and over.

4) it goes on FOREVER. since it was so stupid easy i figured i may as well blow through it just to see the end; i literally nodded off while playing. There seemed to be no end in sight.

the only good thing I can say about pac land is that the graphics are cute.

[Tatsujin]

enjoy your new gadget

[TR0N]

Hey all,

It's been 14 long years, but I finally have a glorious Turbo Duo to call my own. Not only that, but a really nice condition TurboExpress (with no sound problems! ...yet, anyway ) and a handful of decent-to-awesome games to go with 'em:

For my next purchase - besides more games, at least, and of course when there's a little more money to burn - I'm eyeing up a PC Engine Core Grafx as probably the ideal counterpart to the existing three machines, since at this point sourcing a region converter is probably pretty much pointless.

Thanks in advance. I like what I've been reading here, this is a great forum. Cheers!

Congrats on your purchase it's one of the most under rated system ever made.

Still if your thinking of buying a, Coregrafx to play jpn hucards you don't have to go that route.

Having your Turbo Duo "modded" can save ya time and trouble on that.

Try this site if you go the mod route http://www.oldschoolgamer.ca i would recomend D-Lite over at multimods.com but he's m.i.a as of late.