CD ROM necessary?

[Mikeyy00]

Hello all!

First post, so be gentle.

Picked up a CoreGrafx II off of eBay, bare unit only, already RGB modded. Can't wait.

Now that I'm doing more reading, it seems like a LOT of games were made for the CD attachment (I had no idea, I thought it was similar to the Sega Genesis/Sega CD setup.. where the majority was cart, and a minority on CD).

Anyway, I probably overpaid for the CoreGrafx, now I'm seeing that the CD Rom attachment goes for $100-150 on fleabay, and then I need a interface unit (seems $50-75), and Super System card ($25).. PLUS I need a controller.. (I prefer new for controllers, and the 3 button seems to be the best deal, even though the third button isn't ever really used). Shit. This is going to cost me more than a Turbo Duo, or R.

So, if I stick to Hu Cards only, am I really missing out? Or should I get my feet wet there, and then just say fuck it and grab a Turbo Duo vs upgrading my CoreGrafx?

[Otaking]

Roughly half the games are HuCard and half CD.
There are tons of great games on HuCard, so there is no massive rush to get access to CD games.
Saying that though, some of the very best must have games are on CD, games like Dracula X, Winds of Thunder, Spriggan, Ys Book I &II etc..

You can get a Super CD-Rom2 Unit, if you then by an Arcade Card Duo you'll be able to play most of the games.

[wilykat]

^^ that.  Arcade Pro is needed only with older CD system. Duo (all of them) and Super CD-ROM has extra onboard RAM needed for built-in System 3.0 support.

[Mikeyy00]

Thanks for the tip. But I can't seem to find those units for <$300. Is that just the going rate now?

[Otaking]

Thanks for the tip. But I can't seem to find those units for <$300. Is that just the going rate now?

My honest advice is this, stick with HuCards for now, you've got a ton of great games on offer. Whilst working your way through the HuCard library keep an eye out for a cheap Super CD-Rom2 Unit, if one pops up, great, get it.
If one desn't turn up, after you've had your fill of HuCards, sell the CoreGrafx and pick up a Duo.
If you get the cheaper (gorgeous) black Duo, you need to get the capacitors changed.

edit: to get started on HuCards a good way to get a general idea of the better games check this thread
https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=9714.0

[Mikeyy00]

What are your thoughts on my briefcase idea? Not terribly worried if it may need to be maintained.. I can do cap / gear replacement myself. Are there any games I can't play on the briefcase?

[SignOfZeta]

You need CD.

[esteban]

What are your thoughts on my briefcase idea? Not terribly worried if it may need to be maintained.. I can do cap / gear replacement myself. Are there any games I can't play on the briefcase?

If you get the (1) Super System Card, you will be able to play everything except for the ARCADE-ONLY CD games.

So, look at the 12 Arcade-Only CD games. If any title seems interesting, then skip the Super System Card and simply get the (2) Arcade Card PRO.

http://archives.tg-16.com/Dengeki_PC_Engine_1994_03.htm#complete_list_of_acd_games

[EmperorIng]

The Arcade Card doesn't have enough games to really justify its purchase. I know a few people will jump on that statement and say "What about Sapphire?!?!" but the TC is clearly not interested in downing another $400.00 just to play one or two games.

I mean, I guess the, uh, faster loading times in Brandish are nice... 

[csgx1]

I'd say enjoy the Hucards for the time being and wait for a decent deal on either a briefcase set up or a Duo.  Piecing together a briefcase set up is not too expensive if you are patient.

[NecroPhile]

There's a ton of great hueys, but there's too many equally great cds for you to not get a CD player of some sort eventually.  Instead of getting a SuperCD or beefcase, I'd just get a Duo; the cost will probably be about the same.

[schweaty]

sell it and buy a Duo

[esteban]

YOU GUYS ARE CRAZY!

He can totally rock a beefcase. He doesn't have to get Arcade Card, but it is totally worthwhile if a game or two is interesting.

Again, you guys are so damned biased against the beefcase—it makes me sick.

Sure, SuperCD might be too pricey and out of his budget, but not the beefcase.

Damn.

I'm only half-pissed.

[NecroPhile]

I'm not against a beefcase if the price is right, but it's not worth paying more for one over a Duo.

[Mikeyy00]

I'm not against a beefcase if the price is right, but it's not worth paying more for one over a Duo.

That's pretty much the same thing I thought. I like the idea of a briefcase, but not if it costs more than a Duo :/

[wildfruit]

Welcome
Sage advice: Give the coregrafx a few months, get a feel for the NEC world. You can keep an eye out for cheap briefcase parts in the mean time. If no luck and you like the world of obey, sell the coregrafx and tap up one of our reputable sellers for a refurbed briefcase or duo.
More sage advice: Ignore previous sage advice and dive in. Briefcase is sexy. I've never had a duo so can't speak on it's behalf but when I had the choice between beefcase or duo the beefcase spoke to me.
Buy me, I'm hot.

[esteban]

Wildfruit is wild.

[dave_van_damn]

I have the briefcase and it's awesome - I love, love, love it. Sexy beast that it is. I was in a similar situation to the OP and when I was in Japan I was able to pick up a briefcase for a decent price and it's definitely a worthwhile purchase. Lots of good games 👍

[WoodyXP]

So, if I stick to Hu Cards only, am I really missing out?

Yes.  Don't deny yourself the CD experience.  The Hu cards will hold you over until you can secure a unit.

[WoodyXP]

Wildfruit is wild.

Hot wild.

[esteban]

Wildfruit is wild.

Hot wild.

Hot wild

Hot. Wild. (Cold Sea Edit)

_{► /Double_Dragon_II/Track08.mp3}

[Mikeyy00]

Welcome
Sage advice: Give the coregrafx a few months, get a feel for the NEC world. You can keep an eye out for cheap briefcase parts in the mean time. If no luck and you like the world of obey, sell the coregrafx and tap up one of our reputable sellers for a refurbed briefcase or duo.
More sage advice: Ignore previous sage advice and dive in. Briefcase is sexy. I've never had a duo so can't speak on it's behalf but when I had the choice between beefcase or duo the beefcase spoke to me.
Buy me, I'm hot.

Haha. I just might.

[_Paul]

Getting a CD Rom was like the bit in Wizard of Oz where it went from black and white to colour.

[esteban]

Getting a CD Rom was like the bit in Wizard of Oz where it went from black and white to colour.

Hahahhahahajja.

Excellent analogy.