spierce@pnet01.cts.com (Stuart Pierce) (12/11/90)
I have an Amiga computer which I use for many things, but I especially like to
play games on it (all types). Having seen some of the latest VGA games, I'm
trying to decide if it's worth getting an IBM compatible as well.
1) Are there some really good VGA shooters out? Assuming that I buy a fast
386 with an Orchid Prodesigner II, can I expect 60 FPS animation?
2) I know VGA cards don't have sprites or scalers, but won't a fast CPU and
clever software overcome this by sheer processing power?
3) I think analog joysticks are fine for flight simulators, but I don't seem
to get the precision and speed needed for a fast action game. Maybe I need to
get used to the feel of them versus digital joysticks? Maybe there are better
joysticks available that I haven't tried?
4) Are games like NetHack and Moria available in VGA versions?
5) I know the Roland cards produce unbeatable music. Are they adept at
handling speech and sound effects?
Thanks much for any replies!
Stuart W. Pierceschow@bcarh185.bnr.ca (Stanley T.H. Chow) (12/13/90)
In article <6255@crash.cts.com> spierce@pnet01.cts.com (Stuart Pierce) writes: >I have an Amiga computer which I use for many things, but I especially like to >play games on it (all types). Having seen some of the latest VGA games, I'm >trying to decide if it's worth getting an IBM compatible as well. Since I have had an Amiga since its introduction in late '85, and having had 8088/286/386 machines, my advice is to get a PC compatible as well if you want the games. >1) Are there some really good VGA shooters out? Assuming that I buy a fast >386 with an Orchid Prodesigner II, can I expect 60 FPS animation? There are few really good shot-em-up games on the VGA. It is just hard to get the smooth scrolling of the sprites. No, you cannot expect even 10 FPS animation. >2) I know VGA cards don't have sprites or scalers, but won't a fast CPU and >clever software overcome this by sheer processing power? Certainly possible, but I have not seen many games do this. My observation is that the "average" shot-em-up games is smoother on the Amiga. >3) I think analog joysticks are fine for flight simulators, but I don't seem >to get the precision and speed needed for a fast action game. Maybe I need to >get used to the feel of them versus digital joysticks? Maybe there are better >joysticks available that I haven't tried? The problem with analog joystick is first of all, to make it run at an usable speed. IBM followed Apple in using software counting loops, making 386 systems and joysticks not like each other; there are many boards/add-ons that try to address this by change the resistance. On the whole, I suggest getting a mouse. (And there is probably no point in getting a 386/VGA for fast action games if you already have an Amiga). >4) Are games like NetHack and Moria available in VGA versions? These games are all availabe for PC. I don't think they take advantage of the VGA grapics. On the other hand, many commercial games uses EGA/VGA graphics that is better than the Amiga graphics. E.g., Simcity. >5) I know the Roland cards produce unbeatable music. Are they adept at >handling speech and sound effects? I am told (hi Mark) that the Sound-Blaster card is the one to get (since it has the best software support). >Thanks much for any replies! > Stuart W. Pierce I am hoping that my attempt at objective comparision will not produce a flame war. Stanley Chow BitNet: schow@BNR.CA BNR UUCP: ..!uunet!bnrgate!bcarh185!schow (613) 763-2831 ..!psuvax1!BNR.CA.bitnet!schow Me? Represent other people? Don't make them laugh so hard.