Jaguar

So the Atari Jaguar turned up yesterday.

First impression are quite good, console is nicely constructed and looks well. Only has a single button probably to keep things simple for the domestic American market. Lack of dust covers over cart slot and exposed edge connectors does cheapen in a bit.

Inside its also a nice simple layout, only a single PCB with no trailing wires. Everything is contained on the motherboard and all wrapped up in a metal shield. No region locking on the carts and only a single link on the PCB to switch the console between 50/60Hz. Supposedly the games are written such that they will detect whether the console is running at 50 or 60Hz and modify timing and screen size as necessary.

Now, the controller is a piece of work.. and not in a good way. Doesn't fit well in my average sized but manly hands. D-pad is ok but the main 3 buttons have no feel whatsoever to them. The 9 button pad and card inserts loses their novelty factor pretty soon.

The software, well the 3 games I got with the console probably aren't the best examples but unfortunately far from the worst by all accounts.

Cybermorph was developed as a prove of concept for the console and somehow it managed to convince people to proceed with the console.

Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story is basic fighter, found it tough going primarily due to the poxy contoller.

Wolfenstein 3D, is ok can't see it being any better than the multitude of other ports out there.

Must try and get Tempest 2000 and Alien Vs Predator for it as these would seem to be the best games.

To be honest , I have more of an interest in the hardware architecture in some of these console rather than the actual game play. The Jaguar actually has a decent enough design (even 64bit in places ) but hampered by a few serious hardware bugs and poor development kit. Still has a very active homebrew scene so might try and get a 'hello world' out of it at some point.