Jotego Completes Sega System 18 Core with Final Two Titles
The entire Sega System 18 arcade board roster is now supported in beta on the JTS18 core for platforms like MiSTer FPGA, SiDi128 and the Analogue Pocket, following the recent release of the final two titles. While all games are now available, the core is still undergoing refinement, specifically addressing sound balance, before a public release.
Breakdown
D.D. Crew (1991)
- Status on JTS18 Core: Released as a new beta core, completing the System 18 roster.
- Game Type: A classic side-scrolling fighting Beat em Up game.
- Gameplay & Mechanics:
- The core challenge is that the screen will not scroll until every enemy on screen is defeated, forcing players to clear the area to progress.
- Controls are simple: a joystick and two buttons for Attack and Jump.
- Pressing both buttons together unleashes each character’s special move.
- A double-tap on the joystick triggers a dash, and pressing both buttons while dashing performs a unique super attack for each character. Players must be mindful of the range for this super attack, as executing it too closely will result in the player taking damage.
- Characters: The game features four distinct playable fighters:
- A well-rounded fighter in a leather jacket (who might be a cop).
- A character in a black tank top, described as broad-shouldered and muscular with a no-nonsense attitude.
- A muscular, boxer-like fighter who is skilled at both punching and kicking.
- A veteran with an experienced, disciplined martial arts style.
- Arcade Experience: With detailed character animations (including muscle movements and techniques), punchy sound effects, and a powerful soundtrack, D.D. Crew delivers a truly exciting arcade experience.
2. Hammer Away (1992, Unreleased)
- Status on JTS18 Core: Released as a new beta core.
- Game Type: A vertical-scrolling shooter (Shmup) where the player pilots a combat helicopter.
- History & Context:
- Originally titled Gyrodine II and prepared by Santos, the project was later moved to Sega’s System 18.
- It was exhibited at the 1991 AM Show and underwent several location tests in 1992, but it was ultimately never officially released.
- Its non-release was likely influenced by the remarkable rise of competing shooters at the time, such as Raiden, Trigon, and Thunder Dragon.
- Notable Mechanics: The game is notable for its ability to switch between air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks.
- Current Beta Issue: Some beta users have reported a noticeable bug, a big vertical line going down the middle of the screen.
Other Supported Sega System 18 Titles
With the final two titles added, the full roster of Sega System 18 games now supported in beta on the JTS18 core includes:
- Alien Storm
- Bloxeed / Burokushiido
- Clockwork Aquario
- Clutch Hitter
- D.D. Crew
- Desert Breaker
- Hammer Away
- Laser Ghost
- Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker
- Shadow Dancer
- Where’s Wally!
Core Development Update
The development team is now shifting focus to other demanding cores, with the following updates:
Konami Cores: PCM Chip Implementation
The most challenging task right now is implementing the PCM chip used in Konami’s arcades, specifically X-Men and Run’n Gun. This work is based on Furrtek’s schematics, which have uncovered a wealth of new features never before seen in emulated versions of the chip. This highly demanding task is expected to take up most of the team’s time for the next two to three weeks.
Konami’s Premier Soccer
Other team members are continuing to solve open issues. A full-time collaborator is dedicated to working on the schematics for Konami’s Premier Soccer for the next two months. This game is expected to appear in the next update of the JTRIDERS beta core.
The Road to CPS3
The successful implementation of the Run’n Gun core is considered a crucial stepping stone to the community’s most wanted core: CPS3 (Capcom Play System 3). Due to the demanding nature of the Run’n Gun work, the start of CPS3 core development is now tentatively scheduled to begin around the Christmas holiday.
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