ATARI FALCON - So exactly how much Software is available?

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

I grew up in the AMIGA camp and have no regrets. Back in the day from what I recall when the FALCON hit the scene it peaked my interest but I never bit. Of course being a collector today I am curious as to exactly how much and what type of software came out for the FALCON? I am admittedly totally ignorant on the subject and I do NOT want to start a argument as to which was better I think we all know the details for the most part. PLEASE tell me what software came out and what was the FALCON most used for? What could be added? ANY AND ALL DETAILS WELCOME!

 

OH and while I am on it, for whatever was available how much was enjoyable and usable on a stock machine? Were upgrades in any way essential?

Edited November 21, 2010 by OldSchoolRetroGamer

[Christos]

Not much. It's just that most software that came out for the ST after the falcon's launch could use most of the falcon's feature. For example an image processing program would use the 16-bit display, a renderer would use the dsp for some processing etc..

If you talk about games, stick to the amiga.

[OldAtarian]

I have Ishar and Transarctica in Falcon specific versions.

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

Not much. It's just that most software that came out for the ST after the falcon's launch could use most of the falcon's feature. For example an image processing program would use the 16-bit display, a renderer would use the dsp for some processing etc..

If you talk about games, stick to the amiga.

 

 

So the FALCON was an ST compatible then?

[Rybags]

Not quite - the Falcon and TT are a lot more. Even the STE is a lot more than the ST.

 

Problem is, to late to market, the interest was headed elsewhere and they didn't get much support.

 

The modern day demo scene is reasonably active, so you'd get some idea of what the machines could actually do from there.

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

Is there an ATARI FALCON EMULATOR?

[+DarkLord]

I've got a Falcon and i just love it. There are enough ST compatible

games to make it fun, and there are quite a few entertaining Falcon

only games.

 

Some of the Falcon specific audio apps are pretty amazing to play

with as well...

 

The hardware scene is not great, but some epic releases have been

made, like the CT60 series, and the upcoming CTPCI.

 

Demoscene is coolness. Go to Youtube and check out some of the Falcon

demos, like Silk by The Black Lotus (I think this was actually an Amiga

demo, ported over):

 

[wongck]

The falcon is a great machine.

Love the size and design... ok, it's not far off from the ST.

Can't wait for my CTPCI !

[Christos]

Not much. It's just that most software that came out for the ST after the falcon's launch could use most of the falcon's feature. For example an image processing program would use the 16-bit display, a renderer would use the dsp for some processing etc..

If you talk about games, stick to the amiga.

 

 

So the FALCON was an ST compatible then?

 

In the same way that the AMIGA 1200 is an AMIGA compatible.

[The_Laird]

I know that Atari released some games for it at launch:

 

Raiden

Steel Talons

Road Riot 4WD

Evolution: Dino Dudes

Llamazap!

 

The last game being by Jeff Minter (if you can't tell by the name) and was orginally intended for the Atari Panther.

[Christos]

I know that Atari released some games for it at launch:

 

Raiden

 

 

No you don't know that.

[Tempest]

I know that Atari released some games for it at launch:

Raiden

Raiden was not completed or released. I believe they used this version as the basis for the Jaguar version.

 

I looked into a long time ago, there just isn't enough Falcon only games to make it worth while. I'd only pick one up if you can find one cheap or if you're into trying to do modern things on classic computers.

 

Tempest

[The_Laird]

I know that Atari released some games for it at launch:

 

Raiden

 

 

No you don't know that.

 

Well I remember seeing it in ST Format so assumed it was released. No need for the trollish remark

[The_Laird]

I know that Atari released some games for it at launch:

Raiden

Raiden was not completed or released. I believe they used this version as the basis for the Jaguar version.

 

That makes sense Tempest thanks. It was a long time ago I saw it in ST Format so my memory was hazy about whether it was a review or preview.

 

EDIT: I just did a search and found out that there is a playable Beta version of Falcon Raiden out there that is apparently very similar to the Jag version.

Edited November 22, 2010 by The_Laird

[Tempest]

EDIT: I just did a search and found out that there is a playable Beta version of Falcon Raiden out there that is apparently very similar to the Jag version.

Yeah it's only two levels IIRC. I think the developers were pulled off to do the Jaguar version which would make sense since the Falcon was practically stillborn.

 

Tempest

[Christos]

 

Well I remember seeing it in ST Format so assumed it was released. No need for the trollish remark

 

What trollish remark? I just corrected your assumption. And if you don't want that then don't turn your assumptions to knowledge.

 

Raiden on the falcon is 3 levels, very hard and buggy. I could make a video but I have a problem playing it for more than 2 mins before losing.

[Tempest]

Raiden on the falcon is 3 levels, very hard and buggy. I could make a video but I have a problem playing it for more than 2 mins before losing.

I'd still like to see that if you don't mind. How are Road Riot and Steel Talons?

 

Tempest

[jens]

Try or think yourself what is worthwile regarding Falcon games by looking at this list.

[Christos]

Raiden on the falcon is 3 levels, very hard and buggy. I could make a video but I have a problem playing it for more than 2 mins before losing.

I'd still like to see that if you don't mind. How are Road Riot and Steel Talons?

 

Tempest

 

Check my youtube channel in my sig.

[Christos]

And Raiden:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_pmTDU3enI

[Tempest]

Looks pretty darn good. I wonder what happens when you get to the end of the third level?

 

Tempest

[+save2600]

LMAO! The bullets coming out of those larger ships... seems a little disproportionate. Umm... as in WAY too fast! You don't stand a chance getting in their way!

 

I agree though, the Falcon looks to be a really impressive machine. First time laying eyes on it. Another chapter in the anals of Atari "what ifs"

 

 

[Christos]

Looks pretty darn good. I wonder what happens when you get to the end of the third level?

 

Tempest

 

Yeah.. about that.. it crashes way before that . You need to use a cheat to complete it. To start at level 1-3.

[Tempest]

Looks pretty darn good. I wonder what happens when you get to the end of the third level?

 

Tempest

 

Yeah.. about that.. it crashes way before that . You need to use a cheat to complete it. To start at level 1-3.

Oh really? Like a level skip cheat? Are the other levels intact or equally buggy?

 

Tempest

[Christos]

Oh really? Like a level skip cheat? Are the other levels intact or equally buggy?

 

Tempest

 

I am told it crashes on level change but I had it crash ingame some of the time.