Reply 200 of 219, by Peter Swinkels
Caluser2000 wrote on 2021-07-04, 08:08:CRT monitor only 10 pounds, you must be kidding. Try lifting up my 19" Dell Trinitron crt if you want. I've never ever been zapp […]
Peter Swinkels wrote on 2021-07-03, 14:47:Be that as it may, with older computers you were stuck with pretty much the options offered by the hardware. Trust me I haven't […]
Jo22 wrote on 2021-07-03, 14:38:Well said, I think. […]
Well said, I think.
This has been said a thousand times, but..
Some games were indeed as good looking/playable as we remember.
However, todays hardware is still not able to properly replicate the looks and feels of back then.
It's just not CRT vs LCD, but also other little details.
Say, the palette, blur and other analogue properties of a real CGA card's composite output; the lossy connection itself; etc.
But speaking of monitors.. I still haven't seen an modern replica of a B/W TV set, it's RF connection or an amber/green monitor that's authentic.
It seems that math alone can't replicate the chaotic glow of a phosphor screen,
or that our modern technology isn't ready yet (how ironic).
Anyways, that's a bit off-topic, I'm afraid. What I mean to say - even the screenshots shown in this thread/topic, don't do justice.
They will always be a bit different from the physical setup that each of us used to use.Be that as it may, with older computers you were stuck with pretty much the options offered by the hardware. Trust me I haven't forgotten the many times where my computer was either a bit too fast or too slow or I didn't have the right hardware to fully enjoy a game. Today's computer screens and software may not be able to fully replicate the experience of a CRT and personally there isn't much I remember about such screens I would miss. Software emulation, especially DOSBox ironically allows me to do stuff I would have needed mulitple physical computers for, that is emulating set-ups each best suited to a specific game. And just to bring up hardware again, never ever in my life do I want to see a mouse with a trackball again or a serial port connector. Urgh. Did you enjoy strained eyes, being zapped by static electricity or having a 10 pound monitor taking up valuable deskspace when you lovingly speak of obsolete screen technology?
Yeah, seeing an old computer in a musuem or something is amusing. Not worth the details for enjoying older games imho however. It's the same as how I really don't understand how people could seriously long for a grammaphone player... And the special quality the music has when played on it.
I have no idea whether that is imagined or real, or whether it really can't be emulated.
CRT monitor only 10 pounds, you must be kidding. Try lifting up my 19" Dell Trinitron crt if you want. I've never ever been zapped from a crt. I personally love the hands on tactility of working on old kit. Something you cannot get from emulation. Serial, lpt etc ports were pretty standard for a long long time and are not a problem at all if you actually know what you are doing. I have no problem at all using ball mice on my XT-Turbo, Zenith 286LP Plus, other x86 systems or my Acorn A410, A4000s or RiscPCs or Amiga A600s and Mac SE systems. They work and work well as intended. Just like my 1976 Honda CB550H Super Sport motorcycle. They can still accomplish exactly what they were designed to do 20 plus years later.
Also with new tech continually being made for the older stuff, XT bios hdd, CF adapters, new sound cards etc they are bound to last a bit longer.
Let's get back on topic. What is your favorite game used on a 486? Where you even born when they were put on the market?
Alright, I was a bit on the conservative side, I have seen and dealt with CRT's that were heavier. Hah, try some older/low end model - you could hear the thing crackle with static electricity and even feel it if you weren't careful. Personally I don't want to have to deal with older stuff. A few exceptions are for a hobby or when I must. If I have the time, energy and other resources that is. And alright, so you have an older motorcycle that still does its job fine. It's very nice you have the time and skill to maintain it. Perhaps others don't?
Back on topic? Okay, while not specifically for the 80486 - one game that comes to mind is Leisure Suit Larry 1 VGA (the 1990 remake) - It's not the most beautiful in graphical terms, but it's a riot if you're in the mood to appreciate its brand of humor. I believe Leisure Suit Larry 7 - Love For Sail is specifically for the 80486. It also has better graphics imho. It's humor is a bit less cartoony but definitively not for everyone.
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