New Arcade Core Developments for MiSTer FPGA
A series of early 1980s arcade titles have recently made it to the MiSTer FPGA platform by developer RodimusFVC. These releases represent a significant expansion of the developer’s contributions to the FPGA scene, following their initial work on the game Tutankham. Currently, these cores require manual installation via the developer’s GitHub repository, where users can find the necessary MRA and RBF files to pair with their own ROMs.
The following four titles have been released on GitHub:
Juno First
Juno First is a vertically oriented space shooter known for its pseudo-3D perspective. Unlike static shooters of its time, it allows players to move both forward and backward on the screen, creating a sense of depth as enemies appear on the horizon and move toward the player. This core project was worked on by developer Jimmy Stones.
Blue Print
This port brings the 1982 action-puzzle game to the platform. In Blue Print, players must navigate a maze-like environment to collect various components of a machine. Once all parts are gathered according to the “blueprint” at the bottom of the screen, the player must use the assembled contraption to defeat a pursuing antagonist. Recent updates to the core have addressed previous graphical alignment issues, ensuring the character sprites and map elements render correctly.
Saturn
Saturn is a fast-paced shooter that departs from the traditional “fixed” shooter formula. While it initially appears to follow a standard left-to-right movement style similar to Galaxian, it transitions into a more dynamic experience once the player reaches the Saturn backdrop. The gameplay features two distinct fire modes: a standard shot and a slower, more powerful double fire, neither of which appears to have a limited ammunition count.
Grasspin
Developed by Jaleco, Grasspin is a unique arcade title featuring unconventional mechanics. The game involves a playfield where segments can be rotated or shifted from horizontal to vertical orientations. Players interact with the environment by grabbing specific objects, resembling rings, to navigate the stage and manage enemies. It stands as one of the more obscure additions to the MiSTer arcade library, offering a distinct mechanical challenge.
For more information and to access the core files, visit the RodimusFVC GitHub repository.