BitKit Jamma-based FPGA multi-game

[1500points]

Did you guys know there is a new jamma-based FPGA multi-game out there?
It is rather clever and going to continue to grow.

It plays some obscure Rockola games to start like Nibbler, Fantasy, Pioneer Balloon.
It plays a classic old space shoot called Zarzon.
And the arcade game better known from Atari consoles, Vanguard.
Upcoming will be Rockola Eyes which will lead into other quirky hard to find titles like The Glob.

He is working on a high score uploader feature soon so people can compete globally.
It outputs CGA so it'll play on any arcade monitor, or it works fine with a CGA-VGA converter like the Gonbes if you need to use a flat panel.

Clever and innovative stuff Crafty/Aaron has been doing the past 18 months.

I did Beta testing for it, then made a mini-Rockola cab to house it.  Seems to be a hit at our local arcade.
cheers-

http://craftymech.com/

[wp34]

Mine came in the mail yesterday. I'm just trying to decide what cabinet to build for it.  Most likely it will be a Nibbler replica as my family loves that cabinet.  Just not sure what to do with the control panel yet because I would like to play Vanguard on it is as well.

[pbj]

Why not just use a Pi? 

[1500points]

actually Nibbler isn't designed properly in MAME.
It's a very fast game in general so it is easy to pick out the timing problems because the game quickly becomes overly difficult.
I'm a master level player of that game and MAME is wicked to survive.

The MAME devvies showed up in the KLOV thread to take note of what they have messed up.

Even if it was emulated as well as MAME can accomplish the slight inherent lag of the pi would make it not quite accurate to real boardsets, which nowadays are going for $350.

[pbj]

Fair enough.  I'm in shock seeing Zarzon on a multiboard.  I've been clowning on that game since I saw it at a Super Auction 15 years ago.

[1500points]

Aaron loves dissecting these old games.
That first set of games all share similar hardware.

I've tried to play it but the play balance is tough, the enemy shots are rather unfair immediately in the gameplay.
I haven't yet gotten past the first wave of crawlies that look like ram chips.
The space background is iconic, though.

[wp34]

Why not just use a Pi?

Honestly because I'm in IT for a living and I've found the last thing I want to do when I get home is dink around with anything computer-related.  I love these new multi-boards for that reason.  Plug and play.  Your point is fair though.

[pbj]

Yep, I don't game on PC for similar reasons.  I get it.

 

[CraftyMech]

Just wanted to drop by and say thanks for 1500points for being my QA during this project. He has put it a lot of time testing the board and making suggestions for improvements!

I have details on my website: http://craftymech.com

and on my Facebook page: http://facebook.com/craftymech

After Christmas I'll be adding Eyes, Mr TNT, The Glob/Beastie Feastie, Eggor and possibly a couple others that all run on Eyes (pac) hardware.

I love the fun, quirky games that are off the beaten path.

[Malenko]

After Christmas I'll be adding Eyes, Mr TNT, The Glob/Beastie Feastie, Eggor and possibly a couple others that all run on Eyes (pac) hardware.

Can I make a suggestion? Sell an alt board with the PAC pinout, I'd love to revert my MsPac back to MsPac and get rid of the 96 in 1 kit, then I could just swap in your board for all the goofy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---

[morton]

I must admit, a board that does eyes and nibbler makes me wish i grabbed the rockola cab that came up this summer around me. This is on a wish list. Love me some eyes and nibbler... But it's impossible in MAME as someone pointed out.

[paigeoliver]

I unfortunately ran out of room and ending up selling my converted Rockola cabinet about 6 months before this came out.

[redfivexw]

Sounds awesome!  I want one!

[1500points]

BitKit got Eyes, Eggor and Mr. TNT awhile  back.

Today it got Pirahna and Titan

Titan is a game that isn't yet in MAME.  Kinda cool.

The BitKit now has multiple platforms support and soon will have a 3rd and 4th!

[CraftyMech]

I meant to post an update earlier, but the first day of 2019 seems a good time!

The BitKit FPGA is now $175, and plays 20 games including Anteater, Frogger, Jump Bug, Pengo, Eyes, and The Glob/Beastie Feastie.

http://craftymech.com/