December 2018 CTIUG Meeting

[jasmaz]

Hello All:

 

This is just a quick notice that the Chicago TI99/4A Users Group is meeting this afternoon.

 

We are live streaming on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLTtWUO1syCerK4cPjOjPjg

 

I apologize for the lack of notice.

 

jasmaz

[sometimes99er]

Thanks for showcasing Parallax Starfield. Excellent.

[sometimes99er]

Barrage. Missile command.

Does the trackball for the TI work technically with any joystick controlled game ?

https://youtu.be/MbTdANqsSQA?t=7256

I never really gave this one much of a chance. Just simply comparing half a minute of play with the arcade and 2600 versions. I don't think the Barrage graphics are that great, but then it has some nice animation. That's the stuff exploding, and not so much the missile explosions (up in the air). It looks like Barrage is using the bitmap mode, - nice line drawing etc. Also some tense action evolves, which is apparently also true for the arcade version. The 2600 version becomes faster, but the number of objects are limited.

https://youtu.be/6VNT_avd5j4?t=51
https://youtu.be/Xr7TXeNSlxg?t=7

I've had Missile Command on my list for quite a while, something with the TI like stuck between the 2600 and the arcade version. My design stuff has the "no more than 4 sprites per scanline" to consider. And I still think it will fit in 8K ROM with no Memory Expansion. However, Barrage has now set the bar somewhat higher, but also moved the project down my list, - because something like Missile Command already exists - and not a bad one.

 

 

[Opry99er]

Barrage is great... the controls feel pretty good and it really scratches my Missile Command itch when I have it...

 

 

But it is NOT Missile command...

 

As far as the TracBall is concerned, I don't know if it works on all joystick games... I am 100% sure that it wouldn't work CORRECTLY on all joystick games though. I know there are many here more technically gifted than I who can tell you more about it.

 

Id like to try the TracBall on Parallax Starfield.

[+arcadeshopper]

the trackball is a joystick.. so yes it works on joystick games, but not all games poll the joystick as fast as is needed for it to be smooth

 

I had an xb version of missile command that worked well with the mechatronic mouse

[+Ksarul]

I like using the track ball with Killer Caterpillar and Centipede. It is the nicest movement solution for both games. With other games, it really depends, although Barrage is also a good choice.

[BuckoBrand]

I like using the track ball with Killer Caterpillar and Centipede. It is the nicest movement solution for both games. With other games, it really depends, although Barrage is also a good choice.

 

 

Ahhhhh... Centipede is an awesome game. Maybe I should make a thread on it. Of course I won't do it without my dad's permission.