DeathAdderSF

Hey, y'all. How goes? I have some junks on ePay right now, if anyone here wants to throw some money at me. 🤑 Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - Tiger game.com prototype - unreleased game! Apple IIc Plus computer w/new PSU, Mockingboard 4c+, PS/2 keyboard adapter VTech Laser 128 EX/2 - Apple II clone w/internal 5¼" floppy drive - working! Yada-yada-yada, I can't be bothered to copy & paste the rest of the links. Just go here to see everything (and I do mean everything! *wink*)... Cool stuff! for sale by that diskman.com feller So! Have a look-see and if something excites you, keep your eyes locked on it and bid it up to high heaven.

A few years after the Aquarius debacle, I snagged a "French Apple" (Canadian IIc with some French letters & symbols in ROM) for $9.95 + what was super cheap shipping at the time (pretty sure the seller used the old "4th class sneakaroonie" that we all exploited back then). Thing was almost like new, and included the original, bundled software. So there's that. Oh! And a free [!] Apple IIgs, once. Someone locally advertised it in a local computer mag, but all the callers before me had mistakenly thought it was a Macintosh of some sort, and didn't want it. When I explained, very clearly, that I knew what it was and intended to use it, he forked it over with a relieved thank you.

True! I remember passing on a complete Apple IIc with monochrome monitor for just $5 at the swap meet. Would've had no use for the monitor, but could have kept the IIc for spare parts, at least. Instead, I bought two Mattel Aquarius machines + mini expander + tape drive + a couple of cart games for the same amount. Funny thing, as I was handing over the money the guy asked, "Are you sure you want it? This thing sucks." I wanted it all right. And I got what I deserved, 'cuz the Aquarius is absolute trash.

3,720 to 1.

As a lifelong Apple II fan, I would've loved to have seen the "TLC" succeed. Or, at least, have been given a proper chance. They definitely would've had to do something, anything, to improve its terrible keyboard, however. I mean, seriously: the keyboard is useless; an absolute nightmare to try and type on. That aside, the whole "ROMdisk / RAMdisk" concept is so kooky for the Apple II line that I find it charming. And the fact that an internet add-on was advertised and apparently even prototyped? I'd dig on being able to try that out, in spite of how extremely limited it would be. It took me over ten years of hunting to bag a Tiger Learning Computer, but the wait was worth it. It's so curious and downright weird, compared to every other Apple II machine I've used. But seeing as how I'm locked in to the paltry six released program cartridges, the experience is sadly fairly shallow.

I put myself through the horror of recording the Castlevania: Symphony of the Night soundtrack – via real hardware of course – so if it tickles your fancy you may now listen to it online, or download it. I personally recommend neither option. https://www.diskman.com/presents/gamecom/music.htm

Holy schnikes. I have the game. FINALLY!! After 20+ years of searching, I was able to purchase Fatal Encounter from a collector in Australia. It arrived yesterday, and I wasted no time in archiving everything. To my surprise, all four of the 3½" floppy disks still work, so I was able to make images in WinImage and HD-Copy. And everything's in great shape, so I could make lovely, high-quality scans of the box and instruction manual. This is a huge relief. Now that I've archived everything, I'm sharing it here in the hopes that people will download it, enjoy it, and help spread it around the 'net. * Full game, installed: www.diskman.com/presents/supersango/downloads/fatal_encounter.zip * Disk images (in both WinImage and HD-COPY format): www.diskman.com/presents/supersango/downloads/fatal_encounter_-_disk_images.zip * Instruction manual: www.diskman.com/presents/supersango/downloads/Fatal_Encounter_-_instruction_manual.pdf (Note I own the legal rights to this game, so it's not "piracy." Enjoy it guilt-free.) If you're interested in the full story behind Super Fighter / Fatal Encounter / Street Counter, check out this link... Super Fighter versus Sango Fighter: Chinese War Ends in America

I was aware of it back in the early 2000s. Tiger advertised it in the catalogs, on the pocket pro packaging, etc.

Let's have another interview, eh? Today it's Brian Rubash, who was the Director of Web Marketing at Tiger Electronics from 1997 - 2002. A very enthusiastic fellow indeed, Brian was kind enough to spend several hours on the phone with me back in 2020, rapping about the game.com and his favorite company. It is, so far, the longest and most detailed interview posted to the website, so be sure to give it a good read! https://www.diskman.com/presents/gamecom/brianrubash.htm

I did, if you can believe it. After all it was my first time playing a Castlevania game. Ever. (Then again, I was fairly well into a bottle of merlot at the time...)

I don't host teh ROMz on my website, only information + pics + scans + et Cetera. Anyway in case anyone missed the link due to this thread suddenly switching to page 3, here it is again... Castlevania game.com prototype

💩 Uh, duh. Didn't you peep the screenshots I posted? Also: ROM, plz?

🙄 Où est le lien ? Edit: Found it. Thanks, I appreciate your sharing the announcement and kindly linking to my website. Also the use of the "This castle is different..." screenshot at the top is perfect. That's exactly why I picked that particular screenshot as one of the main ones to share.

An article popped up about the Castlevania prototype... https://www.timeextension.com/news/2022/10/unseen-prototype-for-castlevania-symphony-of-the-night-on-game-com-is-unearthed That was pretty decent of them, I must say.

I should probably be packing a suitcase for my imminent trip to Japan – especially since I've been unable to visit for the past three years [!] – but what the hell: Let's make the game.com a priority. I'd be a Halloweenie if I missed the “opportunity” to announce the discovery of the Castlevania: Symphony of the Night prototype (or as I like to call it, “Simfauxny of the Naught”) in time for the upcoming holiday. So... BOO! I'm announcing it. Go to the unreleased games page, where you'll find a link to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Click that link, et voilà: Drac is back. I've also added the game's icon to the cartridge icons page. BTW: In case you're curious about the origins of this prototype, I invite you to read some of this website's recent updates: a few of which snuck in just now! *wink* Also, suffer through this video if you like... https://youtu.be/G9p2ceWSWYI

0) I made a (misguided) promise to myself back in '03 that I'd create a robust Supervision website, so my dedication is tied to that. Frankly I'm just glad (and confused) that a handful of peeps actually visit said website. Who'da thought? 1) The DMG Game Boy ripoff is in fact the earliest model. I didn't have it on my website as I only learned of it maybe a year or two ago. Wanted to obtain one before I added any info to my website as I prefer to share facts, not speculation. Photos & info will be added... shortly? 2) The earliest game packaging is marked "small boxes" on my scans page. Honestly I never put too much focus on collecting them until just recently, as I was obsessed with finding as many blister pack versions as I could, to satisfy my fascination with the sh*tty, 3rd-grade "artwork." But the small boxes have interesting stuffs like fake, hand-drawn screenshots, terrible "selling points" about the games, etc., so they are interesting in their own right. 3) The TV-Link is labeled "PAL-B" because that's what is printed on the back of the box. There are also versions marked "PAL-A" but the packaging is otherwise identical. *burp*

Nope. I h8 Farcebook. China. They'll install anything in anything, if it means $$$. Spoiler: Playing Supervision with a backlight is still playing Supervision = sux.

Whoa, Nelly! With the selfless assistance of Dante López, I've recently acquired a crapload of previously unpreserved Supervision stuffs. This was especially helpful as I grow tired of seeking out all this junk on my own. (Hint, hint.) So without further a-doo-doo, let's break down what's been added to the website... * New box scans: - Small boxes for Block Buster, Brain Power, Chimera, Final Combat, Hero Kid, Penguin Hideout, Super Block. - Small box top featuring an early, “Game & Watch-esque” Travellmate screen simulation. - Game Prince Supervision protective case - Vini-Spil Supervision box and instructions, direct from Denmark! Det er fedt! - Vini-Spil game boxes for Happy Race, John Adventure, Juggler, Pacboy & Mouse, Penguin Hideout. The protective case is from Taiwan. The traditional Chinese reads “Game Prince,” despite the fact that even a beggar prince would turn up his nose at the Supervision. * New cartridge label scans: - Alien (alternate artwork) - 4-in-1: Happy Race, Jacky Lucky, Space Fighter, Majong - Hash Blocks (earliest known label) Weirdly, the 4-in-1 cart's label doesn't come close to accurately reflecting which games are actually included. This may have been a generic design created for use with a variety of different game compilations. Who knows? The Hash Blocks label is the one depicted on the Travellmate box. It features an enthusiastic little fellow who reminds me of Krillin from Dragon Ball Z. I've been after this label for A LONG TIME, and am very relieved to have finally found it. * Improved cartridge label scans: - Crystball (earliest known label) The Crystball cartridge contained an alternate game binary with an early Travellmate logo, and pathetic attempt at an accompanying beep sound. Naturally, the binary has been properly archived, and an update has been made to the Crystball game page. * New instructions scans: - Brain Power, Chimera, Final Combat, Pacboy & Mouse, Penguin Hideout, Sssnake (Spanish) - Happy Race, Juggler, Pacboy & Mouse, Penguin Hideout (English, Danish) - Hero Kid (English, Dutch, French, German) In addition, I also got my mitts on the earliest known model of the Travellmate, whose outer casing is a total ripoff of the original (DMG) Game Boy. And, much to my surprise (and confusion!), the previous owner installed a backlight in it. Seems he doesn't value his spare time. But who am I to talk? Whew, what a whale of an update! And what a wail I let out whilst preparing it! www.diskman.com/presents/supervision/scans.htm

High time I added some new interviews, isn't it? After all, I had two former Tiger employees on the horn back in June of 2020 [!]. Why not finally share our convos with the world? First up is Anthony Grimaud, who was the Regional European Sales Director at Tiger Electronics from 1995 - 2002. Then we have Marc Rosenberg, the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Tiger Electronics from 1987 - 1998, and Executive Vice President of Marketing from 1998 - 2003. Give 'em some applause! These gentlemen were kind enough to share their unique, firsthand insight into the ups and downs of the game.com, and of Tiger in general. The resulting interviews – which I've just finished properly transcribing and editing – are the most in-depth and extensive yet, to appear on this website! Anthony Grimaud interview Marc Rosenberg interview

Wastebin. (Sorry, couldn't help it.) Actually about a week ago I accidentally stumbled upon someone selling 3D-printed "cart cozies" for game.com carts. So there's definitely a solution out there, but you'll have to do some digging as I didn't save the link.

My guess would be it was just fancy marketing gobbledegook for "internal SRAM battery." Considering the pocket pro was out already, I seriously doubt Tiger would greenlight a game it couldn't use. Then again this is the same company who rushed Jeopardy! to the market so fast, they didn't fix (or even notice?) that it won't play if there's a second cart in the system.

Sure does. BTW: Handheld Games actually jumped onto Usenet back in '98 to briefly talk up Holyfield Boxing. It, NBA Live '99, and Small Soldiers also had official screenshots shared via their website. I've archived all of that on this page, along with the verified list of vaporware that Tiger Electronics had officially announced as being in development at one time or another. Out of shame for having worked on game.com software, you mean? I could see that. But somehow I think it was simply that Hasbro execs, after the acquisition of Tiger Electronics, simply pulled the plug on the game.com because it sucks. And because it wasn't making any money. Because it sucks.

Cool? But some more (and better) photos would be nice. Also, you may be able to learn some things about your particular machine -- and perhaps sell it for bigger monie$ -- if you inquire over @ the applefritter forums.

I hate "what if" threads. Speculation is the enemy of the people. 😩 That said, I'm posting here anyway on account of I'm a big 32X fan and wish to simply state that I wish the system had been released earlier, under different circumstances, and had been a smashing success. Nothing against the Saturn but I dislike disc-based gaming in general so it was never a blip on my radar. Cartridges FTW. Although Saturn did have the Best. Gamepad. Ever. So there's that. BUT!! As the 32X was a sad case of too little, too late... *shrugs* Meh. No biggs. I can still enjoy it for what it is and what we got. Or at least I would, if I hadn't sold it a couple'a years ago. C'est la vie...