How to Play 5200 Gorf

[kenfused]

Try this new version I hacked.

gorfdigj.zip

[oesii]

Thanks, works great. I was going to say the best way to play 5200 Gorf is to load it up on the 800

[Lord Helmet]

I'll try it when I get home. I assume you fixed the horrid controlls? If so......THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gabriel]

This used to be one of my favorite arcade games back in the day. I had a version for my Vic 20 which I played all the time.

 

This past weekend, I was finally getting around to testing roms on a flashcart I had gotten a couple of years ago. While there were several games I couldn't get to work, Gorf started up with no problem at all. I had never played it on the 5200 before, so I gave it a go.

 

This must be the game that gives the Atari 5200 controllers a bad name. Why in hell did the programmers go for absolute positioning of the stick ala Missile Command for this game? I will say this: it certainly gives the game an entirely different feel.

 

Eventually, I gave up because I couldn't manage to get through the Space Warp stage. Still, I don't blame it on the controller. It's definitely the way the game was programmed to interpret the controller.

 

So, to make a long story short, I'll be happy to try out this hack when I get home.

[jetset]

Oooooohhhh!! Gotta load this one on my A52 maxi cart and try it out after work tonight! I play gorf on my 800xl all the time, the port is the best one (imo) available for the older systems but the controls just ruin it on the 5200.

[classics]

Try this new version I hacked.

 

Nice one, it even plays nicely in the emulator with keyboard control now.

 

Steve

[JB]

Eventually, I gave up because I couldn't manage to get through the Space Warp stage. Still, I don't blame it on the controller. It's definitely the way the game was programmed to interpret the controller.

That's my view of a lot of 5200 games with bad control.

Not saying they're the best for everything, but there's a lot that can be done to improve things. But tweaking deadzone sizes and adding analog input functions would have wreaked havoc with their "quick&dirty port" policy.

[Gabriel]

Just loaded it up and tried it out. The control is much, much, much better. The game has gone from practically unplayble to outright enjoyable.

 

Thank you very much for this hack.

[jetset]

Just played it on my Maxi Cart. Man Kenfused you are THE BEST!!! This game is SO playable now!

 

...and chance of hacking Crystal Castles for use with the trackball?

[eegt97]

Hey Ken, the controls are way too slow for me compared to the original, LOL... Seriously, nice hack, I am having to re-visit this game now. Thanks.

 

Seems like they would have been much better to go with a control scheme like Galaxian where the position of the stick indicates speed rather than position. Anyway, thanks much...

 

-Brian

[+Cafeman]

I have finally gotten around to trying out various 5200 conversions -- thanks so much for this! I have many fond memories of Gorf, both coin-op and my old 1200XL. It's great to fire it up on the 5200 and be able to control it!

[Gorf]

The 5200 was a wonderful machine in many ways except for that control mess. Those analogs would have made a nice option for games that benefit but not as a pack in controller. I will check this bad boy out as soon as I find a friggin spare moment from all these projects....aaaarrrrgggghhh! Ah but I do love what Im doing...

 

...plus, the mention of Gorf ALWAYS gets my ear...

Edited March 12, 2007 by Gorf