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CBM4WIN!
Posted by Gaia on 2004-11-30
Pause for a historical moment: at last Windows NT4/2000/XP have taken their seat in the theatre of operating systems that are capable of using a genuine Commodore serial drive. After cbm4linux having been available for some time already, Spiro Trikaliotis has taken up the challenge to write a kernel level driver for the parallel port and at the same time, convert the complete cbm4linux package to the Windows platform.

The recommended transfer cables for use in CBM4WIN are the XA1541 and XM1541 multitask enhanced cables.

Important though that one must read the instructions and follow the installation steps dutifully to make sure not to screw up anything. Note, that although this package has already been tested by a couple of people, it is still not matured as the version number also suggests it. Don't be surprised thus, it may happen that your computer ends up with a BSOD.

There's a lot you can do with this package from transfering single files, complete disks, reading drive memory and issuing IEC commands. Developers can use the included opencbm library to add support for Commodore drives in their Windows programs. Kudos to Spiro for his excellent work!



New Covers!
Posted by Csabo on 2004-11-29
DizasterBlasterBlazePlus4Vampyre is here with some important new covers. (We consider them important, because they have been missing for a long time.) Check out DizasterBlaster, Don Paint / Surround and Blaze. Blaze is the second (and final) Romik game to get its cover - however it's nothing more than a C64 cover with a C16/Plus4 sticker on it. Finally we have added Joe and the Seriff and Operation Thunderstorm, there two have got to be some of the cheapest looking covers out there, nevertheless, it's good to have them. There's lots more to come. So many covers, so little time. Big thanks for these, enjoy!


New Stuff Alert!
Posted by Csabo on 2004-11-28
Killer DemoDemo lovers rejoice: a brand-new release is here. Killer Demo comes from Skoro/Assassins with Kichy graphics and SID-music. It's a single file demo with four parts, including a 320*800 picture! Make sure you have 10-15 free minutes free, then sit back and enjoy the ride... Respects to Skoro and his crew for being a doer, not just a talker. Remember to Keep The Plus/4 Alive!


Ultimate ROM Map Updated!
Posted by Csabo on 2004-11-24
Ultimate ROM MapSVS just released an updated version (V1.2) of his Ultimate ROM Map, the must-have list for any programmer and hacker. Here's what's new and improved:
  • Clearer and more detailed descriptions of math routines
  • All Kernal routines now have complete info about parameters, flags, registers usage and outputs
  • More info added to lots of existing lines
  • A few more new lines added
  • New folder with I/O tables (ST flags, Devices IDs, Kernal errors)
  • ... and many other smaller fixes and improvements.

SVS sends big thanks to everyone who has contributed to the list. Remember, this project is still open for improvement, so send your requests, ideas and any info to the author. And Keep the Plus/4 Alive!


New Stuff From Sidius!
Posted by Csabo on 2004-11-23
DemolitionSidius sent us a little carepackage stuffed with goodies. It's been all uploaded and added to our database for everyone enjoy. Let's have a little rundown on what's new: cover scans of Compute Mit 1988 (issues 2, 5-8). Demolition Kingsoft Cassette cover scan. Two promo items: The Hulk, World Cup Carnival. Finally there's Pensoft C16, which is the software pack released with Optelpen 16 - a lightpen from Germany. Thanks to Sidius for these, enjoy!


5000!
Posted by Csabo on 2004-11-21
Break out the champagne, it's five-to-da-thousand, baby! Okay, fine, it's unlikely that anyone will actually celebrate the fact that the database now contains over 5,000 programs, but since you are reading this, you're probably somewhat interested, so take notice. The last push came from a CD Jim Hehl sent me a long time ago, apologies for the huge delay, but better late than never. Once again there are many cool programs (games, demos and utilities) for you to browse through, including long-lost TCFS games, and such classics as Demo of '88/TTL (true retro feel!). Thanks to everyone who contributed for their hard work, and keep it going!


Ghosts 'n' Goblins Nailed on the Head!!
Posted by MIK on 2004-11-21
One of the most unusual games of the past was this, Ghosts 'n' Goblins. It was one game that so many of us believed could not be completed, so many of us got stuck on level 2 faced with 'the' Cyclops from hell. We knew the tape was all but run out and with the C16's limited memory we also knew the actual game had come to a sorry ending at this very point but we still never knew the true story.... Did the good Knight Arthur save his Princess?

The blue print to that very question has been beautifully turned into a map by none other Sidius, who took up the challenge of finding out the truth once and for all this week! Although his map is truly superb you may not like what you see. We've been in the dark for so long that seeing the light may make your worst nightmares may come true. Indeed this is not for the faint hearted!! ;-)

Many thanks to Sidus once again and for supporting our unique map archive with another cherished map!!

Step this way with caution: Ghosts 'n' Goblins Map.


New Programs Added
Posted by Csabo on 2004-11-20
Big thanks to Lacus, who sent us a boatload (okay, not boat... folderload?) of previously unlisted programs. It took 4 days to sort through and upload, check the New Uploads page. Many of them are from the Hungarian scene, but there's some good stuff in there for you to check out (and for the editors to go through in detail). With these ~70 programs, we are very near to the big 5. Again thanks for these, and remember: check those old disks and tapes, you never know what you might find.


It's all done!
Posted by Csabo on 2004-11-14
HerculesThe HulkThe collection is complete, we have everything. Wait a minute, that's not quite true. It's a good thing then that people like Ulysses777 still take the time to scan or digitize stuff and send it in. Here's what his latest pack included: Hercules cover scan, The Hulk USA disk release box cover (finally!) along with an original G64 file and World Cup II cover scan. This last one is just a World Cup re-release. The list doesn't stop: we have the Splitz TAP file, plus the free audio soundtrack from H.E.X. that comes with the tape. (Check out the page for the original MP3 and a shorter - but still enjoyable - version for modem users.) We also have 4 TAP files for Easy Match/Easy Count: two tapes, two sides per tape. So maybe it's not ALL done, but we're one step closer. Thanks to Ulysses777 for these!


Snooker & Pool?
Posted by Csabo on 2004-11-10
Snooker And PoolWell it certainly looks like it! This previously unknown title is getting some attention. We've recently received an email from Sidius. He found an advertisement in an old Compute Mit magazine, listing this game for 9,90 DM, published by Gremlin. He even created a possible cover - by modifying the C64 cover. (The game apparently got published on the C64 as well.) Well, we can do even better, since meanwhile RĂ¼diger sent us an original cover! Check it out, it's complete with huge instructions in multiple languages. Thanks guys for hunting this title down. We'll see what happens once we find a program file, and we'll keep you posted.


Feindfahrt and Kroesus
Posted by Csabo on 2004-11-09
Two original D64 files were uploaded today, Feindfahrt and Kroesus. Both are german disk-based games by R. Lindenschmidt. They are equipped with software copy protection, you must press a specific letter to bypass it. For the second one, we don't yet have a cracked version: if anyone has the time, go for it! Otherwise you could simply work on the codes-list, we already have a partial list compiled and posted. With YAPE, saving/reloading snapshots is a snap, and you only have 26 letters to try per combination... (The game asks to press a letter or number, but so far they are all letters.) Thanks to Plus4Vampyre for these!


New Covers Added
Posted by Csabo on 2004-11-09
Jump JetXcellor8Project NovaWe're back in business... This time Crown sent us some high-quality coverscans. We have an alternative cover for Jump Jet, followed by a replacement cover for Xcellor8. Finally we have Project Nova, complete with English and German instructions. Thanks for these!


Quadrillion comes 2nd!
Posted by Ulysses777 on 2004-11-03
The results of the 2004 Minigame compo have finally been released, and Quadrillion, Csabo's excellent adaptation of Crillion, came in an amazing 2nd place out of 42 games in the 4K category! And judging by the comments (with particular praise for the great use of the Plus/4's colour), the game was very well received by all those who played it. And if that wasn't enough, the C64 entry Little Sara Sister (also 4K), with graphics and a great tune by Luca, came 3rd!. Big congrats to Csabo and Luca for doing our scene proud! :)


The Commodore 16 Games Book
Posted by Csabo on 2004-11-03
Today brings us a big update - the addition of The Commodore 16 Games Book. Not only Ulysses777 scanned the covers, but he also took the time to type-in all 24 programs published in this book. It breaks down to 22 games and two utilities, and that's a lot of neat stuff for you to go through. The games include the elusive Marie Celeste adventure, hardcore adventure fans will be happy to see this game - which we knew about, but did not have - finally in our database. One of the two utilities is Sequential Circuit, a music editor by David Whittaker. Big thanks to Ulysses777 for his effort!

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