Anonymous asked: Literally the only thing I would ask of you is this: include one tag or a bit in the link for each post denoting what *system* a given game is on. It'd be interesting information for comparison (since I know, despite the blog name, not every game on here is taken from an FM Towns :V)

I guess i’m not opposed to doing something like that for images that aren’t from PC-98 or PC-88 games. (IMPORTANT: Most of the images on this blog are from PC-98 and PC-88 games. Remember that the name fmtownsmarty is more connotative than descriptive).

The following are some helpful tips and hints from the pros. Spot the differences! Develop strategies and internalize them! Share them with your families!

image

Here are some comparisons between PC88 and PC98 versions of games. 

Imitation wa Aisenai, Great Soft: [PC88] vs [PC98]

Graphics are identical, but the PC98 version uses that machine’s built-in fonts, which are smoother and easier to read compared to the chunky, pixelated PC88 text. (Important to note that the PC98 had dedicated hardware for displaying text whereas the PC88 did not).

Paragon Sexa Doll, Heart Soft: [PC88] vs [PC98]

Again, identical graphics, PC98 version has clearer text.

Pias, Birdy Soft: [PC88] vs [PC98]

PC88 version is restricted to displaying 8 colors while the PC98 version uses 12 (out of a possible 16). Notice again the fonts. *Usually* this’ll be the clearest indicator.

Trilogy, Hard Soft: [PC88] vs [PC98]
Wow! Yeah! 

Dragon Knight 2, ELF: [PC88] vs [PC98]

PC98 has a slightly clearer resolution, but ELF stuck with their own fonts for both versions. 

Dragon Eyes, Technopolis: [PC88] vs [PC98]
Direct port from the PC88 version, no noticeable differences.

Important to remember that these two computers co-existed through the mid 80s up to the early 90s (when the PC88 was phased out), and therefore many older games were released for both systems simultaneously.

Regarding FM Towns Games:

Many of the graphic adventure games/visual novels released for the FM Towns have been ports of PC-98 versions, and therefore are often identical, (sometimes with the inclusion of CD Audio).

Otherwise, a good indicator of a native FM Towns image would be the 640x480 resolution compared to the NEC-PCs’ 640x400.

Some Examples:

http://fmtownsmarty.tumblr.com/post/36214769414/game-technopolis-super-collection-1
http://fmtownsmarty.tumblr.com/post/35288902603/rejection
http://fmtownsmarty.tumblr.com/post/80198379045/can-ii-my-fair-lady
http://fmtownsmarty.tumblr.com/post/83468481446/uwaki-na-anata

*[I’m excluding arcade games and western point-and-clicks ported to the system here, as I haven’t really posted any of those]


Similarly, Sharp X68000 and MSX games will usually have different resolutions and color palettes. I don’t have as many examples for these. Maybe I’ll add them here later.

Kagerou Meikyuu, Heart-Soft [MSX] [PC98]
(obviously not ports, totally different games)

Slime Master, Slime Soft [X68000] [PC88]

Princess wa Street Girl?, Zenryuutsuu [X6800] [PC88]

Hopefully this was somewhat illuminating. Keep in mind i’m making some generalizations here but you can use this at least as a starting point. 

I care for you and pray for you.
YR PAL,
TWNSMRTY