Bill Loguidice's Blog, page 38
June 25, 2020
Online leaderboards for Gravitar, Liberator, and Saint Dragon plus other updates for Legends Ultimate home arcade
The incredibly versatile AtGames Legends Ultimate home arcade has its latest weekly update. The big features for this week are enabling competitive online leaderboards for the following three arcade games:
Gravitar (a 1982 color vector arcade game with gravity-based gameplay elements)Liberator (a 1982 trackball-controlled arcade game that evolves the concepts first established in Missile Command) Saint Dragon (a horizontally scrolling shooter from 1989)
Gravitar running on the Legends Ultimate
Saint Dragon running on the Legends UltimateYou can read about those and the other updates in the official release notes. Next week’s update, which will head into the Independence Day holiday, is said to be a big one, with several major new features.
The post Online leaderboards for Gravitar, Liberator, and Saint Dragon plus other updates for Legends Ultimate home arcade appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
June 22, 2020
A brief look at my current video game and computer collection – June 2020
After getting rid of my oversized video game and computer collection several years ago via an auction house, I’ve gotten asked occasionally about what I’ve kept or if I’ll collect again. I did end up keeping some items and I have been adding pieces here and there, albeit in a very different way than I did for the previous 40 years or so of collecting. It’s more personal and targeted now, and limited to just one room in our basement, where it will remain.
Of course, I still maintain several top of the line PCs, and have all of the latest major consoles and similar devices like smartphones and tablets. That will never change, as it’s important to me for a variety of personal and professional reasons to stay on top of the latest and greatest technology. This includes FPGA- and soft-based implementations of various systems, which helps cut down on the clutter, maintenance, and other issues associated with vintage systems, particularly vintage computer systems, that I’d otherwise have in my collection still (e.g., the Commodore Amiga series, where I can replace that functionality with MiSTer and MIST FPGAs; ZX Spectrum, which I replace with the ZX Spectrum Next FPGA; ZX81, which I can replace with a kit computer that I can have fun building; and so on).
In terms of vintage computers, I’ve kept the following family of physical systems: Apple II/IIGS, Atari 8-bit, BBC Micro/Master, C-16/Plus/4, C-64/128, CoCo, Dragon, Macintosh (classic), PC DOS/Windows, Tandy 1000, TI-99/4a, Tomy Tutor, TRS-80, and VIC-20. Most of those actual computers have limited accessories and flash drives (and related) wherever possible. I also have a decent sized boxed vintage computer game collection, but one where I only emphasize either the games that have interesting packaging or the more sophisticated RPGs, strategy games, and text adventures.
In terms of vintage consoles, I’ve kept the following family of physical systems: Atari 2600, Atari 7800, ColecoVision, Intellivision, Odyssey2, and Vectrex. Although I wouldn’t exactly call it vintage, I do also have a launch PS3 so I can use real PS1, PS2, and PS3 discs, although like my PS4s, it’s a rather finicky system. This is rather more modest than the vintage computer stuff because most of the consoles run authentically enough via various emulation methods or with various multi-systems where bothering to maintain the original hardware is just not worth it. I have a very small selection of boxed games for these consoles, where again, flash carts and related are valued.
I do have various displays, although only one multi-use CRT, my original Commodore 1084S, which is a truly versatile monitor. Otherwise, it’s all modern LCDs/LEDs, typically interfaced via something like an XRGB-mini, RetroTINK 2X Pro, or OSSC.
So, it’s still a decent-sized collection, just nowhere near what I once had. It’s all mostly focused on what still feels best, where using the original hardware is generally preferable for whatever reason to emulation, be it FPGA- or soft-based.
Anyway, here are some photos in slideshow format. Enjoy:
Organization is key and something I failed at in the 1.0 version of my collection. This is the small office basement area where I keep most of my collection. Certain systems, like the pictured TRS-80 Model 4, are available full-time for various reasons. In the case of the TRS-80 Model 4, it not only looks great, but is difficult to move about, so it gets a permanent home on its own desk.
A better look at some of my boxed vintage computer games.
This area houses my SSI and Avalon Hill boxed vintage computer game collection. They had some of my favorite packaging.
This is where most of my vintage consoles reside.
The black desk is one of my main work areas. I can set up most systems rather easily there. The monitor can also display two screens side-by-side rather easily.
I keep a reasonably modern Windows 10 PC there so I can work conveniently when in that room. My main PC is upstairs, but I have various types of PCs scattered throughout the house to work from when needed.
Some of the other Apple and Commodore systems, as well as the stalwart 1084S monitor, ready to go for any RGB, composite, or S-VIDEO connection needed.
This is the room next to our home gym. I often do work-related things here, but it’s a fun rec room and has several modern systems in it.
This is a work area in the unfinished part of our basement. I often solder (not very well) or assemble kits here.
More of the unfinished part of the basement. Photography, 3D printing, video production, VR, etc., are often done here as well.
More DIY and related equipment.
My main workstation and gaming PC in our home office upstairs.
I was doing some soldering practice with my daughters over the weekend, so yeah, I still sometimes take over rooms for brief periods of time. In this case, it’s the dining room.
Apropros of nothing, our main family room. The modern set top boxes and consoles, both here and in other, not shown rooms, will be replaced by the latest and greatest rather than just keeping everything like I used to. The next PlayStation and Xbox will be out later this year, for example.The post A brief look at my current video game and computer collection – June 2020 appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
June 18, 2020
Score up to 25% off on select Razer laptop, keyboard, mouse, gear, and other bundles!
Here’s the link to check out all that’s on offer on the sale. You can choose from Razer Blade 15 laptops, Razer keyboards and mice, Razer audio products, and more, all with free shipping.
The Razer Huntsman Elite keyboard is a personal favorite.The post Score up to 25% off on select Razer laptop, keyboard, mouse, gear, and other bundles! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
June 17, 2020
New Legends Ultimate home arcade firmware – 7 new leaderboard arcade games, new third party apps, and more!
Legends Ultimate Firmware 4.24.0 is now out! You can read the full release notes here: https://www.atgames.net/arcades/release-notes/
The highlights are:
New CoinOPSX featureNew setting to customize spinner and trackball menu navigationNightMode for User InterfaceSeven new leaderboard games:Battle Wings / B-WingsDarwin 4078E.D.F. – Earth Defense ForceMajor HavocMillipedeTerraneanValtric
Millipede on the Legends Ultimate with Pixelcade
Valtric on the Legends Ultimate with PixelcadeYou can check out some videos on the new firmware and the CoinOPSX app:
There’s also a new email address for third parties to get in touch with AtGames about developing apps (software- and hardware-related) via AddOnX for the Legends Ultimate and our other systems in the growing Legends Connected Home Arcade series of products: addonxdev@atgames.net
The post New Legends Ultimate home arcade firmware – 7 new leaderboard arcade games, new third party apps, and more! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
June 14, 2020
New photos of AtGames Legends Gamer Pro posted
As first seen on the The “Official” AtGames Global Arcade Fan Page on Facebook, new photos of the Legends Gamer Pro have been posted. If you reserve a Legends Gamer by June 30, 2020, it will automatically be upgraded to the Gamer Pro, which adds an arcade-quality trackball. This free upgrade represents a $50 value.
The Legends Gamer Pro controller and console.
The Legends Gamer Pro controller and console.The Legends Gamer and Gamer Pro are two-part systems. The first part is a console that you plug into a TV or monitor (including vertical displays) to play 150 built-in licensed arcade and console games, stream games either from your own PC or from the AtGames service, play games and apps off USB, and more, much like the Legends Ultimate. The second part is the wireless tabletop two-player arcade controller that has a built-in rechargeable battery. It not only works with the included console, but also with PCs and other systems as a regular Bluetooth or USB controller.
The post New photos of AtGames Legends Gamer Pro posted appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
June 11, 2020
More info revealed on the full-size AtGames Legends Pinball
PDubs Arcade Loft and The Tech Buzz released another live video with more info on the upcoming AtGames Legends Pinball. You can check out the video here:
Some highlights uncovered in the video, including the partnership with FarSight Studios:
Q4 2020 release, $599.99 retail priceFull-size (approx. 90% scale)Number of games – 22 (expandable)32 inch color LCD monitor as main screen1080p/60fps14 inch color LCD monitor as back drop (simulates DMD or use as second screen)Nudge and tilt (includes Accelerometer)Haptic feedback – TactilePhysical plungerAdjustable legsSDK for developersPC and other pinball games via BYOG
You can see the full list of features (thus far) in the video.
Finally, here’s a cool screen capture from the video showing how big the Legends Pinball’s displays are in comparison to the competition:
The post More info revealed on the full-size AtGames Legends Pinball appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
AtGames and FarSight Studios Announce New Multi-Faceted Strategic Collaboration
Companies establish broad-based strategic collaboration covering hardware, e-commerce, eSports, and community events.
LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2020 (Newswire.com) – AtGames®, a leader in interactive entertainment products and FarSight Studios, a developer and publisher of multi-platform digital games including The Pinball Arcade, today announced a multi-faceted, broad-based strategic collaboration covering hardware, e-commerce, eSports, and community events. Platforms in the Legends Connected Home Arcade series, like the Legends Ultimate, Legends Gamer, and Legends Pinball, are all covered under this collaboration.
“This strategic collaboration will help bring our popular pinball and arcade-style gaming content to a new audience,” said Jay Obernolte, CEO of FarSight Studios. “We look forward to bringing fresh, high-performance content to the AtGames hardware and digital domains.”
“We have cultivated the ideal homes for high-quality, arcade-style content,” said Dr. Ping-Kang Hsiung, CEO of AtGames. “Through this strategic collaboration with FarSight Studios, we can continue to expand the variety of impressive content on our hardware, e-commerce, and digital distribution platforms in fun new ways.”
Availability of new products and services from this collaboration will be announced later this year.
All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.
About AtGames
AtGames (http://www.atgames.net) is a leader in innovative consumer-oriented interactive entertainment products. The company leverages the latest technology to develop and publish its best-selling classic video game products for worldwide distribution. AtGames is based in Los Angeles, with international offices in Taipei and Shenzhen. Contact: pr@atgames.net.
About FarSight
FarSight Studios (http://farsightstudios.com/) started developing pinball video games in 2004 with the critically acclaimed Pinball Hall of Fame games. G4TV awarded Best Mobile Game of 2012 to FarSight’s Pinball Arcade. Pinball Arcade features exact recreations of the all-time greatest pinball tables from Williams®, Bally®, Stern Pinball®, and Gottlieb® together in one game with a new table added each month. Pinball Arcade has been downloaded over 12 million times across mobile, console and PC platforms, and has over one million active players each month. Check out FarSight Studios and The Pinball Arcade for more details.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Jonathan Siemens
ChizComm
416.551.0822 X330
jsiemens@chizcomm.com
Source: AtGames
Pinball ArcadeThe post AtGames and FarSight Studios Announce New Multi-Faceted Strategic Collaboration appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
Legends Ultimate full-size home arcade firmware update – Midnight Resistance, Peter Pepper’s Ice Cream Factory, and Sky Fox to online leaderboards, and more
The latest firmware update for the AtGames Legends Ultimate home arcade is now available. You can see the full release notes here.
The big highlight is the following games being added to the list of games that are online leaderboard capable:
Midnight ResistancePeter Pepper’s Ice Cream FactorySky Fox
Midnight ResistanceBe sure to follow the AtGames socials and the fan pages on Facebook for additional news and details, including the regular leaderboard events, where prizes are given away for participation and high scores.
Grab the update directly on the cabinet.The post Legends Ultimate full-size home arcade firmware update – Midnight Resistance, Peter Pepper’s Ice Cream Factory, and Sky Fox to online leaderboards, and more appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
June 10, 2020
Legends Ultimate home arcade first party accessories coming!
Hot on the heels of the Legends Gamer going Pro and the reveal of the full-size Legends Pinball virtual pinball machine comes info on upcoming new first party accessories for the Legends Ultimate home arcade. You can watch the recording of the live stream that PDubs Arcade Loft and The Tech Buzz did after they received the info from their source, here:
To summarize, what’s incoming are a first party:
Light GunRacing WheelCabinet SkinsLCD MarqueePinball KitTrackball Kit
All are indicated as compatible with the ecosystem, so that means some should also work with other products in the AtGames Legends Connected Home Arcade Series line-up, including the aforementioned Gamer. Reservations are expected to start on or about August 1, so more details should be available soon.
The post Legends Ultimate home arcade first party accessories coming! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
Legends Gamer automatically upgraded to Legends Gamer Pro, but only if you reserve by June 30!
As you already know, the value-packed AtGames Legends Gamer combines the Legends Gamer Tabletop Arcade and InstantPlay HDMI Streaming Box. The Legends Gamer Tabletop Arcade is a wireless, multiplayer arcade control panel that works with the included InstantPlay HDMI Streaming Box. The InstantPlay HDMI Streaming Box plugs and plays on any TV for true big screen gaming and features 150 built-in licensed arcade and console games, as well as impressive streaming and connectivity capabilities.
What you might not know is that AtGames has just unveiled a special offer where if you reserve a Legends Gamer by June 30 by going here, you’ll be upgraded to the Legends Gamer Pro, which includes the same great features as the Gamer, but adds a built-in arcade-quality trackball. That’s an additional $50 value at no extra cost.
The Legends Gamer Tabletop Arcade Pro is a wireless control panel that features a trackball, two sets of arcade-quality joysticks, and eight action buttons for a premium gaming experience. Two sets of flipper and action buttons allow for authentic virtual pinball play, making this control panel even more versatile. You can take easy command over all in-game and other functions like Player 1 Start, Player 2 Start, Home, Save, Load, and Rewind through dedicated buttons. And thanks to its Bluetooth and USB connectivity, the Legends Gamer Tabletop Arcade Pro works as a controller for a variety of other devices, including PCs, streaming dongles, and consoles.
The post Legends Gamer automatically upgraded to Legends Gamer Pro, but only if you reserve by June 30! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.
