Who's up to convert Time Pilot for the 5200???

[BIGHMW]

Hey guys,

 

here's yet another game we could sure use for Big Sexy, the 2018 homebrew of the 1983 Konami arcade classic, Time Pilot, for the Atari 8-bit computers, as I found right here, I have the 8-bit ROM available for anyone who wants to give it a try to convert it for all of us, and I am not the only 5200 owner who wants to see this happen, there are others on both YouTube and also in the 8-bit forums who also want to see it happen too.

 

Here is the video of it as seen on YouTube:

 

 

 

 

Time Pilot.xex

[8bitAndy]

One of my favorite classic games. Time Pilot '84 was good too.

[x=usr(1536)]

14 minutes ago, 8bitAndy said:

Time Pilot '84 was good too.

 

You and I may be the only two people in existence who will state that in public.

[+TrekMD]

It would be cool if it were converted. 

[+sramirez2008]

I’d love to see this on the 5200. The 2600 version is okay (I know some people absolutely hate it, but it’s not bad). I like the ColecoVision version (play it on my Phoenix).

[+-^CrossBow^-]

I've got Vector Pilot so I'm covered on this game at least.

 

[BIGHMW]

Anybody take this on yet???

[x=usr(1536)]

Not to burst your bubble, but given that Time Pilot requires 64K of RAM in order to run on the A8, the 16K that the 5200 has can't meet the minimum specs.

 

While it may be possible to do this via an Atarimax or similar, that device costs $130, which is a lot of money to spend to play just one game that can already be found on the A8.

 

I wouldn't expect to see a 5200 version anytime soon.

[Lynxpro]

It would need to support analog for more arcade authenticity in the port.

 

As for requiring 64K, well, our favorite console is definitely long overdue for a RAM upgrade. Before his untimely passing, Curt and I were discussing such a project. He thought a RAM upgrade board would be feasible to install in the ANTIC socket. Another Eastern European homebrew hardware enthusiast also independently had the same idea and was gung-ho about going ahead and producing such a board but it hasn't come to fruition yet. Considering we're almost in 2021 now, I'd like to see such an upgrade have more RAM than that. And especially since it isn't easy to get RAM inside a 5200 cart to work - unlike with a 7800 or NES cart - so the more RAM in such an upgrade the better. Especially since it would help encourage others to port the larger A8 games over since there'd be less headaches. Imagine The Great American Cross Country Road Race ported to the 5200 and using a modified CX52 as a Paddle/Driving Controller. Or, for that matter, the A8 homebrew port of the C64's Stunt Car Racer also using the same controller. That would take 128K RAM. Mind you, other 8-bit platforms like the Apple II have 8MB RAM upgrades and the C64 enthusiasts have crammed 16MB into an REU cart although only their demo scene is embracing it so far...

[x=usr(1536)]

4 hours ago, Lynxpro said:

It would need to support analog for more arcade authenticity in the port.

 

I'd argue that it shouldn't have true analogue support by default as the original arcade game used an 8-way joystick.  As an option, sure, but defaulting to 8-way would be closer to its roots.

 

[8bitAndy]

I'd argue to include analog control - let the 5200 shine where it can. It is already so limited compared to the arcade hardware.

Vector Pilot is analog and would be worse if it was 8-way.

[x=usr(1536)]

All of the above is absolutely fantastic, but there's still one thing that's not easily overcome:

 

On 11/9/2020 at 12:26 AM, x=usr(1536) said:

Not to burst your bubble, but given that Time Pilot requires 64K of RAM in order to run on the A8, the 16K that the 5200 has can't meet the minimum specs.

 

While it may be possible to do this via an Atarimax or similar, that device costs $130, which is a lot of money to spend to play just one game that can already be found on the A8.

 

I wouldn't expect to see a 5200 version anytime soon.

 

So, realistically, trying to decide which control scheme to use is a moot point.

[miker]

@BIGHMW To be honest - donating working 5200 or offering such a one in reasonable price would greatly increase probability of such a ports.

[Lynxpro]

On 12/11/2020 at 2:12 PM, x=usr(1536) said:

All of the above is absolutely fantastic, but there's still one thing that's not easily overcome:

 

 

So, realistically, trying to decide which control scheme to use is a moot point.

 

That could be resolved with a 64K/128K+ board that plugs into the ANTIC socket and then the homebrew programmers decide to a standard mapping address for it. Like the XBoard for the 7800 but much popular due to the sockets on the 5200 mobo. It would be as easy as plugging in a Sofia board.

[x=usr(1536)]

1 hour ago, Lynxpro said:

 

That could be resolved with a 64K/128K+ board that plugs into the ANTIC socket and then the homebrew programmers decide to a standard mapping address for it. Like the XBoard for the 7800 but much popular due to the sockets on the 5200 mobo. It would be as easy as plugging in a Sofia board.

 

Or add the necessary hardware to the cartridge so that it can be played on a stock system.  Not everyone wants to modify their console.

[Lynxpro]

28 minutes ago, x=usr(1536) said:

 

Or add the necessary hardware to the cartridge so that it can be played on a stock system.  Not everyone wants to modify their console.

 

You can't do that with a 5200. It doesn't have the lines accessible in the cartridge slot like the 7800 does. 

[CPUWIZ]

Is there a waiting list?

[x=usr(1536)]

1 minute ago, Lynxpro said:

You can't do that with a 5200. It doesn't have the lines accessible in the cartridge slot like the 7800 does. 

 

Fair enough.  So, on a stock system, it's pretty much a no-go.  Atarimax for people who don't want to modify; ANTIC memory board for those who do.

[x=usr(1536)]

2 minutes ago, CPUWIZ said:

Is there a waiting list?

 

Not yet, but I'm starting an Indiegogo campaign to gauge interest and build a community!

[Lynxpro]

2 minutes ago, x=usr(1536) said:

 

Fair enough.  So, on a stock system, it's pretty much a no-go.  Atarimax for people who don't want to modify; ANTIC memory board for those who do.

 

Only if the game ROMs are released. Not all of the homebrew coders consent to having their games released as ROM files to be played on SD Cartridge Adapters.

[CPUWIZ]

24 minutes ago, x=usr(1536) said:

build a community!

 

I have an idea for a leader!  But, NDA's!

[Cebus Capucinis]

When did "Big Sexy" stop being the Heavy Sixer? Did I miss something on that?

[x=usr(1536)]

8 minutes ago, CPUWIZ said:

 

I have an idea for a leader!  But, NDA's!

 

Can you hint at knowing who it is but not actually tell me until sometime in mid-2021?

[CPUWIZ]

7 minutes ago, x=usr(1536) said:

 

Can you hint at knowing who it is but not actually tell me until sometime in mid-2021?

 

The answer can be found in the past.

[Cebus Capucinis]

4 minutes ago, CPUWIZ said:

 

The answer can be found in the past.