Running Snatcher on a real MSX

Supporter (6)

17-06-2009, 01:37

Hi.
I'm newbie in the MSX and I really wanted to play Snatcher on a real machine. I have a Phillips NMS 8245 MSX2. I've been searching, and I have found a translated version of Snatcher (English and portugese). The problem comes when I transfer the files to real diskettes (I use Copia720 to do that). The english version starts running till the main screen, when it let you choose to run the game or install it. Then, the programs get freezed and don't let me do anything.

I have tried the portugese version, and there is no problem with it. It works perfectly.

So... Anyone knows what is the problem here? Is there any solution?

Thanks in advance, and sorry if my english is not very good

By rolins

Champion (418)

17-06-2009, 02:22

Does your computer's RAM top at 128k? The english version actually requires 144k of ram iirc.

By Fudeba

Expert (113)

17-06-2009, 02:47

Yep, at this time Snatcher in English requires 144KB of mapped RAM. Portuguese version requires less RAM due to the fact I am a native speaker and could rewrite the sentences in a shorter form (without loosing information).
The english version is an almost untouched translation from Takamichi. (There were some changes here and there, but these are less than 300 dialogs ... of more than 13000 dialogs in the game).
I am planning a new release in the future, improving the overall experience (including better texts), but I cannot say when. Any modification on Snatcher is a zen-experience which involves several days of exclusive dedication... something I do not have right now.

By Don_Solomillón

Supporter (6)

17-06-2009, 05:15

I see... thank for the answers. But the next cuestion is... Is there any "easy" solution for that? How could I get 144KB?

Fudeba, your translation is a really good work. Congratulations. I'm spanish and I'm thinking on play it on portuguese... more or less, i can understand it.

By rolins

Champion (418)

17-06-2009, 08:37

I see... thank for the answers. But the next cuestion is... Is there any "easy" solution for that? How could I get 144KB?

Easy solution is getting an external Ram cart. A simple 16k ram would bring your total to 144k and they're the cheapest. Personally I'd invest in 512k or 4mb carts from Padial.

If you have soldering skills you can internally upgrade the Ram in your MSX too.

By Erikie

Champion (324)

17-06-2009, 08:50

I don't think a 16Kb cartridge would do the trick as you need the memory all in the same slot
And upgrading a 8245 is not easy at all. Best bet is going for 512Kb or higher cart

By Don_Solomillón

Supporter (6)

17-06-2009, 14:30

Thanks once again

I was wondering if a MegaFlashRom cartridge will work. As I read, It is equipped with 512KB. Here is the site: http://personales.mundivia.es/mpazos/flashrom/index2.html

It says:
"SCC MODEL:

Equipped with 512 Ks of Memory, with Konami SCC mapping.

This kind of Mega Flash ROM is built from a Konami SCC cartridge. It lets us not to use other slot for enjoying the SCC sound when a Konami game is played with those characteristics."

Will it work for play Snatcher?

Thanks!

By muffie

Paladin (933)

17-06-2009, 15:27

AFAIK, Snatcher is a disk game right? No ROM versions...
I think you'll not be able to play Snatcher with a MegaFlashROM
You'll need a memory mapper cartridge.