pouët.net

"Why do all C64 demos need a disk drive ? "

lol

thats like asking why do all PC demos need a hdd, or why do all A500 demos need an fdd.

Valid question. Other can also do without such things. But...hey, why does it need a 9V block?

Some modern c64 demos use the diskdrive as a kind of co-processor, to run code for fx and music drivers. I think Panta Rhei is an example of that. (which is why switching the drive off gets you the hidden parts)

I must say I'm impressed by the CRTC.

I had a CPC for a while but am more familiar with the Atari STf and STe, and the STf can not do all the tricks the CRTC can do.

Just for that the CPC looks like a very good demo machine.

Of course, there are some demos running on 64k on CPC too (http://pouet.net/prod.php?which=8575 comes to mind). This one even runs on CRTC2 ! There's also climax and all the other demos from Sylvestre. The disk drive is often required, not for technical reasons, but who still uses tape, these days ? Even on Oric they share their demos on floppies !

As for identifying a machine, it's hard to tell, because some people swapped motherboards over the years too... Run the test if you can. It's also possible to open the machine and check the chip markings.

Anyway, the CRTC2 is the oldest one and it is not very common on the 6128 machines, more often in the 464/664.

yap, and not only some "modern" c64 demos :))

besides.. CPC is a machine to be properly discovered, while some people speak of 3DS or something as new demo-device...

fuckings to crosbow btw!! he trashed some CPCs lately as he stated.

3ds is really interesting cause it has some nice GPU power and a 3d screen. That's a fun and new combination.

Basically, there's some new stuff to discover + exploit. CPC it seems also has some stuff to discover and exploit :) It's just down to whether you want to use new stuff or old stuff, or both.

And huge thanks to everyone posting some good info on these machines, it's good reading.

for adjustment: 3DS is a promising demo-platform as CPC is :)

Thankfully agreed.

I'll probably get a CPC 6128 in the next weeks. Can somebody bring a Batman Forever on 3" disk to Revision? jac at wudsn.com

There will be a truckload of CPCists at Revision, chances are you'll find what you're looking for...

Rhino (programmer behind Batman Forever) has been interviewed here : NoRecess.net (Amstrad CPC community oriented, and interest for nothing else than CPC!)

There is a news entry on pouet homepage about it already :)
You're famous, you know ?

@norecess: Cool interview. Perhaps you should interview Mac/BG too. He is also an awesome guy! :)

"the modern spectrum/amstrad AY musicians just don't write memorable tracks"


F6: "AY tunes not memorable? Eh? That must have written an idiot".


So it have been.
I don't know any memorable song by him, although he wrote them as many as flies over the shit. But I remember well a lot of AY song.
Does it mean his songs are not "memorable"? Not necessarily. But with his infantile childish logic - they probably are.

Didn't read the whole thread, but for the record, stuff by Inward/Tpolm is memorable.

I love the nasty growly bass that comes from AY, reminds me of the Ensoniq ESQ-1. Shitty digital synths have a more characteristic sound than extra special analogue modelling synths, sometimes.

There were a few really nice tones in the batman forever demo too, around 2:25 in this vid. Wish he would have elaborated on that part.

Exin, how did your flea market visit go?