Virtual Jaguar & Project Tempest Compatibility List

[Jagosaurus]

I recently saved a Windows 7 workstation from work (headed to the the recycling bin) & set it up as a dedicated retro emulation box in the game room. I got to tinkering with Virtual Jaguar and realized there isn't a full compatibility list out there I could find.

 

Would you guys be interested in working on a compatibility list as a group via a Google Doc? This would allow us to post testing by user, then have annotations listing our machine OS & specs (as of course results will can vary).

 

I'd also be interested to see Project Tempest testing and if there are any that work in PT that don't in VJ, and vice versa.

 

With 49 carts and 14 CDs, this is very doable. Now, the list would really shine if we tested all homebrews, ST Ports, demos, betas, etc. I think this could be a great resource for the community.

 

I imagine Shamus has a list of sorts somewhere as well, but thoroughly testing on Windows 7, 8, & 10 would be nice to see IMO.

 

Thoughts? Who is willing to help?

[MrMaddog]

Yes please.... When I was tinkering with Jag emulation I found out some games on work better on certain emulators or not at all on any of them.

[neo_rg]

Make sure you use the latest version of virtual jaguar. There are a few things that atm vj won't run and that's where project tempest is the only alternative and even then there are things that will run on the latest 0.95 version and not the 0.50 and vice versa

[Jagosaurus]

Same maddog. I was surprised there wasn't more info out there.

 

Make sure you use the latest version of virtual jaguar. There are a few things that atm vj won't run and that's where project tempest is the only alternative and even then there are things that will run on the latest 0.95 version and not the 0.50 and vice versa

 

I was actually hoping we could test multiple versions of VJ over time. I know some games were compatible in earlier versions that are not now (such as Cybermorph reportedly). It would be useful to know for those titles as I would have older builds on my machine to play those games that fall into that category. I will have a column for which version of the emulator was used in testing.

 

I honestly have no idea as to what I'm getting in to. I've only tested a handful of games with varied results (was happy to see Rayman and Zool 2 running well). Am I looking at 50% (22 of 44), 80% (35 of 44), or more of games working?

 

Do CD images run? I only see "insert cart."

Edited April 15, 2017 by Jagosaurus

[+CyranoJ]

You need to test the latest GIT version of VJ, and also 2.1.2 - there are a few regressions.

[Jagosaurus]

You need to test the latest GIT version of VJ, and also 2.1.2 - there are a few regressions.

Thanks. Will look at the build I'm running. Do you mind expanding on the bit below from your ST port thread:

 

So will most of these run fully in VJ?

Old ones yes, newer ones, with skunk in their name, no...

So some of the ST ports will run, but not if the file name reads skunk. That cut n dry? Will all others work? Looking forward to trying them out. I saw you do some debug testing in VJ as well. Happy to move any further discussion to that thread also if needed for the group but relevant here also as I'm curious specifically about running the ports in VJ for this compatibility list. Appreciate it. Edited April 15, 2017 by Jagosaurus

[+CyranoJ]

So some of the ST ports will run, but not if the file name reads skunk. That cut n dry? Will all others work? Looking forward to trying them out. I saw you do some debug testing in VJ as well. Happy to move any further discussion to that thread also if needed for the group but relevant here also as I'm curious specifically about running the ports in VJ for this compatibility list. Appreciate it.

 

None of the -Skunk binaries will work in VJ, they need to run from a skunkboard. I can't see a way around this while low-life make and sell carts of these on ebay.

 

All the rest should work - because they are developed using the emulator. Some will flicker - this is a known issue with the ZeroPlayer and VJ when the joypad ports are polled while under interrupt.

[Jagosaurus]

 

None of the -Skunk binaries will work in VJ, they need to run from a skunkboard. I can't see a way around this while low-life make and sell carts of these on ebay.

 

All the rest should work - because they are developed using the emulator. Some will flicker - this is a known issue with the ZeroPlayer and VJ when the joypad ports are polled while under interrupt.

 

Okay, looks like I'm running VJ 2.1.2 (32 bit).

 

So are the .ABS files skunk only and the .rom files will run within VJ? The only ROMs I have ever tested have been .j64 extension.

 

I did see there is a compatibility list here, but I'd like to put it to the test. Also, I see "CD support coming soon!:" so either the chart hasn't been updated or no CD love for those 14 titles.

[+CyranoJ]

.ABS .COF .ROM .JAG and .J64 will work.

[adriano gt]

This project is interesting ... good luck with it

Maybe this might help you:

Old versions of VJ...

http://outrage.the-crow.co.uk/builds/?C=D;O=A

others emulators:

https://www.zophar.net/jaguar.html

Edited April 16, 2017 by adriano gt

[Jagosaurus]

Got it. Thanks CJ.

 

Appreciate it Adriano. Will bookmark those older builds. I found an old thread detailing some testing of 2.1.0.

 

On the downside, some compatibility was lost because of the improvements to the DSP and so the following games currently do not work: Cybermorph, Doom, Flip Out!, and Wolfenstein 3D.

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/208597-virtual-jaguar-210-released/

[Jagosaurus]

Okay after DLing GIT version of VJ & some testing tonight, I definitely think this list project has merit. My goal would be having a reference list for folks to go to before trying to emulate a Jag game. Such as:

 

I want to play Cybermorph.

Dang, doesn't work in VJ or PT.

 

I want to play Val D Ski.

Okay, this one runs on PT v0.95.

 

I want to play Atari Karts.

Okay, this one runs on GIT VJ.

 

... and so on. Take out some of the guess work for end users. I also just want a percentage of Jaguar games that can be emulated. I expect it to sit around 70%, but we'll see

 

So far I have some interesting results after testing about a dozen games on both emus. Again, mileage may vary based on PC, but I think this list will be a solid starting point. I'll be putting together a spreadsheet we can edit as a group for any one interested in contributing. My second kiddo is due in 15 days so that will obviously slow down my testing . So far for me:

 

These work in PT 0.95, but NOT in GIT VJ:

Val D Ski

Tempest 2K (was very laggy in VJ for me)

Doom (a little fast in PT, but ran)

Raiden

 

These work in GIT VJ but NOT PT 0.95:

Atari Karts (graphics distortion in PT)

AvP

 

These do NOT work in either:

Cybermorph

Power Drive Rally

Wolfenstein 3D

 

These work in both:

Dino Dudes

Busby

CJ ST port of R Type (flicker in VJ as he stated)

 

Worth noting, both emus recognized my Buffalo SNES USB joypad just fine. No number pad could be an issue for some games, but you can use a joypad + your PC # pad in conjunction.

Edited April 17, 2017 by Jagosaurus

[Jagosaurus]

Okay all, started working on the actual chart tonight. It looks like the forum won't let me upload the Excel file, so I converted to a PDF. I will eventually move over to a password protected Google doc (and provide PW for anyone interested in contributing). Viewing the doc will be public, PW only needed for edits.

 

The second tab of the Excel doc (no PDF here) has the modest PC specs list matching all test under "Jagosaurus - 1" as I think this will be important to note if it takes a higher end box to run certain games, as well as possible OS compatibility issues. We can test, then annotate machine specs in tab 2.

 

Obviously, quite a bit of testing to go, but what do you think about the format so far? I was going for a simple reference guide.

 

Atari Jaguar Emu Compatibility Chart_Jagosaurus_4.17.2017.pdf

[+CyranoJ]

I'd put the speed comments in the 'Tester and Rig' column as these will be very subjective, and just use notes for things like "crashes when starting game".

[Jagosaurus]

I'd put the speed comments in the 'Tester and Rig' column as these will be very subjective, and just use notes for things like "crashes when starting game".

Solid idea. I will likely break it up into "General Emulator Notes" & "Possible Rig Specific Issues" ... or whatever makes more sense after some sleep

 

The surprises keep coming, Ultra Votek ran in both VJ & PT. The graphical powerhouse of Zoop! didn't run in either

 

I also plan on creating a homebrew/indie section. It is just easier to test the retail 44 cart games right now.

 

Looks like CD support in VJ was intended for actual Jag CDs in your PC CD ROM tray. Has anyone successfully mounted a digital Jaguar disc image with Dameon Tools & had VJ recognize this file?

[Shamus]

Real CD emulation is being worked on (and works, to a point), and is the reason for some of the regressions vis-a-vis 2.1.2. There is a compatibility chart on the official VJ website, but it's a bit outdated ATM.

 

Glad to see this turn up.

[+madman]

Real CD emulation is being worked on (and works, to a point),

If it red screens on 9/10 boots then I'd say the CD emulation is spot on

[+remowilliams]

If it red screens on 9/10 boots then I'd say the CD emulation is spot on

 

If it makes you feel a wave of massive regret for buying a worse than day one doomed add on upon launch - then its spot on.

[Jagosaurus]

Real CD emulation is being worked on (and works, to a point), and is the reason for some of the regressions vis-a-vis 2.1.2. There is a compatibility chart on the official VJ website, but it's a bit outdated ATM.

 

Glad to see this turn up.

Shamus, thanks for chiming in. I think it will be a fun project & useful for others. Three questions for you:

 

1. If looking for an older version for testing that didn't regress due to added features, what revision should I be hunting.

 

I belive Cybermorph, Doom, Flip Out!, Wolf 3D were all working at some point in the past. Looks like maybe I'll lose joypad and full screen support going that far back.

 

 

2. If I burn a Jaguar CD game using the proper encryption methods, should it work in VJ?

 

3. Can you confirm a CD game that works?

 

I'd be interested in both testing a burned & real copy.

Edited April 18, 2017 by Jagosaurus

[Jagosaurus]

Okay, here is where we sit so far and the revamped spreadsheet format. Those highlighted I've tested in at least one version of VJ and PT.

 

If I recall my college stat classes correctly, we need a sample size of 20 for the data to be considered significant. We're there. 24 of 34 games are working between the 2 emulators. That puts us at 70.6% compatibility so far.

 

I have 15 games left to test (for a total of 49 retail carts). Keep in mind this percentage may go up as I/we test multiple builds of the emus. It likely will as I know VJ at one time ran Cybermorph and Flip Out. Both of which are listed as incompatible currently for both VJ & PT.

 

If we end up sitting around 75%, I'll be very impressed. The ability to play 3/4 of Jag carts plus many homebrews on my PC is a big win IMO.

 

Testing thus far:

Atari Jaguar Emu Compatibility Chart_Jagosaurus_4.18.2017 v2.pdf

 

 

__ Edit/Add __ For any one interested, here is what I am testing on:

 

Nothing fancy, workstation I recycled from work & dedicated as an emulation box. Simple but works.

Dell Optiplex 360 PC

Windows 7 32 Bit (6.1 build 7601)

Pheonix BIOS Plus Version 1.10 A01

Direct X 11

Intel Core Due E7400 @ 2.8GHz

4 GB RAM

Video: ATI Radeon HD 2400, 1.529 GB mem

Sound: Stock HD Audio off 3.5mm headphone jack

DVI (to HDMI) available

Using HDMI to VGA currently.

My LCD handles the toggle from 1366x768 to 640x480 well over VGA.

Running a Buffalo SNES USB Controller. Both emus recognize it.

Use in conjuction with wireless keyboard number pad as needed.

Edited April 19, 2017 by Jagosaurus

[Jagosaurus]

Okay looks like I ended up at:

 

34 of 49 games compatible between VJ and PT. That is 69.4%.

 

Additional games tested from last revision are in blue in this attachment. I fully expect this percentage to go up as I run older version of VJ. Adding Flip Out! and Cybermorph from this will get us to 73.5%. Also I did not have .jag or .rom files for a couple of games to run in PT. I will look for those files.

 

Hope this docs helps some folks! Version 3 here:

Atari Jaguar Emu Compatibility Chart_Jagosaurus_4.19.2017 v3.pdf

 

 

[+CyranoJ]

Why the yellow/blue? what does that signify?

 

J64 is a .ROM file - just rename it.

[Jagosaurus]

Why the yellow/blue? what does that signify?

 

J64 is a .ROM file - just rename it.

Yellow was from version 2 yesterday, blue titles were added in today for version 3. Will eventually be no colors. Just did that for anyone following progression.

 

Nice! Will rename those & try in PT.

[Shamus]

Shamus, thanks for chiming in. I think it will be a fun project & useful for others. Three questions for you:

 

1. If looking for an older version for testing that didn't regress due to added features, what revision should I be hunting.

 

I belive Cybermorph, Doom, Flip Out!, Wolf 3D were all working at some point in the past. Looks like maybe I'll lose joypad and full screen support going that far back.

 

 

2. If I burn a Jaguar CD game using the proper encryption methods, should it work in VJ?

 

3. Can you confirm a CD game that works?

 

I'd be interested in both testing a burned & real copy.

 

For 1), I couldn't tell you as I didn't really keep track of compatibility other than a handful of titles (that what the testers were supposed to be doing). However, there are builds of VJ going back to 2012 on http://outrage.the-crow.co.uk/builds/for someone motivated enough to figure out where the regressions happened. It would be nice to know, because then I can see exactly where in the code the change that broke something happened. Newer builds can be found at http://virtualjaguar.kicks-ass.net/builds/ [text added to prevent editor from screwing up the link.]

 

For 2), the answer is absolutely yes. If it works on a real Jaguar, it should work on VJ once the CD emulation is working as it should. Which brings me to 3): there are currently no CD games that work, as there are a few thorny problems that need to be sorted out first.

 

And since you mentioned Tempest 2000, have you tried it with the 'fast' blitter option? That should speed things up considerably. N.B.: The 'fast' blitter is less accurate; YMMV.

[Jagosaurus]

 

For 1), I couldn't tell you as I didn't really keep track of compatibility other than a handful of titles (that what the testers were supposed to be doing). However, there are builds of VJ going back to 2012 on http://outrage.the-crow.co.uk/builds/for someone motivated enough to figure out where the regressions happened. It would be nice to know, because then I can see exactly where in the code the change that broke something happened. Newer builds can be found at http://virtualjaguar.kicks-ass.net/builds/ [text added to prevent editor from screwing up the link.]

 

For 2), the answer is absolutely yes. If it works on a real Jaguar, it should work on VJ once the CD emulation is working as it should. Which brings me to 3): there are currently no CD games that work, as there are a few thorny problems that need to be sorted out first.

 

And since you mentioned Tempest 2000, have you tried it with the 'fast' blitter option? That should speed things up considerably. N.B.: The 'fast' blitter is less accurate; YMMV.

Awesome. Will check those older builds. In the thread I linked earlier, you mentioned 2.1.0 added features but regressed a few titles. I'll start with the version post that thread.

 

Awesome. Look forward to any CD implementation. Battlemorph has been high on my list!

 

I only tinkered with the DSP & Blitter options on a few games. I'll give it a shot! It is quite possible the aging PC I saved from work causing the slowdown. It's not terrible with a core duo 2.8GHz but it's not the best process heavy set up either with 4 GB RAM.

 

Appreciate the work that went into this emulator. My biggest surprise was Zero 5. I finally got to experience this title, and it ran great in VJ. While this one isn't crazy expensive, it's not a cheapo & I was always on the fence due to mixed reviews. Thanks to VJ, I can sink some time into it.