Re: [stella] Jumpman gets a go!

Subject: Re: [stella] Jumpman gets a go!
From: Chris Wilkson <ecwilkso@xxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 23:04:10 -0500
In message <5.0.2.1.0.20010211183402.02c096e8@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Glenn Saund
ers writes:
>At 07:59 PM 2/11/2001 -0500, you wrote:
>>Would you pay $25 for a game with a couple hundred unique levels?  And a leve
>l
>>editor built in?  One that let you save your own levels?  (HINT! HINT!)
>>I would...  :)
>
>Realistically speaking, I think the Supercharger is the most practical 
>format for a Jumpman/Lode Runner type game (what's the difference between 
>Jumpman and Lode Runner anyway?  I've only ever played Lode Runner).

Grrr....here we go again.  The old argument of expensive carts vs. requiring
a PC to play your Atari games.  Darnit.

(It'll become quite obvious which camp I belong to...for those who don't
already know.  :)

>The only problem with that is you can't make carts.  If you wanted 
>something physical it would have to be on CD and then you'd be limited to 
>99 levels.  A level editor, however, could be done on the PC side which 
>outputs BIN files which you could then run as Supercharger loads.

Good point(s).  There is a certain ease to developing in this manner.  
Also in playing the games.  Plus...the Supercharger is just plain *cool*.
But what about the people who don't have a supercharger?  Or people who
want to have a portable 2600?  Or "purists" who insist that you shouldn't
need a full blown PC just to get your Atari to work.

Also...there are things you can do with a cartridge that you just can't
easily do with Supercharger multi-load format.  It would be very easy to
do non-linear games with a cart, but it becomes more of a hassle with
multi-loads.  At least if you're using audio tape.  (Megaman on NES is a
great example of non-linear game...you choose the level you want.  You
don't have to do them in order.  Although certain orders are *much* easier
than others.)  You also can't save your game with a supercharger.  At least
I don't know of a way.

Ahem.  Can't rant forever...must do problem sets.

But...I have the same question:  I've only played Lode Runner.
(great game)  How is Jumpman different?

-Chris

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