Difference between revisions of "CD-ROM² systems"
From NEC Retro
Saulfabreg (talk | contribs) m |
|||
| (16 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | {{stub}}In December 1988 [[NEC]] began to release video games on CD-ROM for its [[PC Engine]] console. These '''CD-ROM² systems''', beginning with the appropriately titled [[CD-ROM²]] would take a number of forms over the coming years, complementing the base system and its range of games on [[HuCard]]. | + | {{stub}}In December 1988 [[NEC Home Electronics]] began to release video games on CD-ROM for its [[PC Engine]] console. These '''CD-ROM² systems''', beginning with the appropriately titled [[CD-ROM²]] would take a number of forms over the coming years, complementing the base system and its range of games on [[HuCard]]. |
The complex nature of the CD-ROM² line has led to NEC Retro grouping all CD-based PC Engine variants under the same umbrella term. In reality there are three CD-ROM² formats; "CD-ROM²" (シーディーロムロム), "Super CD-ROM²" (スーパーシーディーロムロム) and "Arcade CD-ROM²" (アーケードシーディーロムロム). Theoretically all CD-ROM² systems can run software of all three formats, however some require "system cards" to enable this functionality. | The complex nature of the CD-ROM² line has led to NEC Retro grouping all CD-based PC Engine variants under the same umbrella term. In reality there are three CD-ROM² formats; "CD-ROM²" (シーディーロムロム), "Super CD-ROM²" (スーパーシーディーロムロム) and "Arcade CD-ROM²" (アーケードシーディーロムロム). Theoretically all CD-ROM² systems can run software of all three formats, however some require "system cards" to enable this functionality. | ||
| − | Unlike HuCards, PC Engine CD-ROMs are not region locked, and therefore will function on their [[TurboGrafx-16]] equivalent units and vice versa. The system cards however, ''are'' region locked, and so may require extra adapters to function. | + | Unlike HuCards, [https://www.retrostic.com/roms/turbografx16 PC Engine CD-ROMs] are not region locked, and therefore will function on their [[TurboGrafx-16]] equivalent units and vice versa. The system cards however, ''are'' region locked, and so may require extra adapters to function. |
Despite the stylising of the name, "CD-ROM²" is officially pronounced "CD-ROM ROM", as opposed to "CD-ROM squared" or "CD-ROM two". | Despite the stylising of the name, "CD-ROM²" is officially pronounced "CD-ROM ROM", as opposed to "CD-ROM squared" or "CD-ROM two". | ||
| Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
The original CD-ROM² standard debuted alongside the [[CD-ROM²]] hardware in December 1988. All CD-ROM² systems can run CD-ROM² games natively. | The original CD-ROM² standard debuted alongside the [[CD-ROM²]] hardware in December 1988. All CD-ROM² systems can run CD-ROM² games natively. | ||
| − | In North America this format was simply marketed as games for the TurboGrafx-CD (or occasionally "Turbo CD games"), as at the time only one format existed. | + | In North America this format was simply marketed as games for the TurboGrafx-CD (or occasionally "Turbo CD games"), as at the time only one format existed. However, after the release of the [[Turbo Duo]], TTI reverted to the "CD-ROM² System" branding used in Japan. |
====Technical specifications==== | ====Technical specifications==== | ||
====List of games==== | ====List of games==== | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{BulletPointGameList|CD}} |
| − | |||
| − | }} | ||
===Super CD-ROM²=== | ===Super CD-ROM²=== | ||
| Line 25: | Line 23: | ||
The Super CD-ROM² debuted in December 1991 (with the [[Super CD-ROM²]] unit), and quickly became the de facto standard for CD-based PC Engine games moving forward. Initially all PC Engine hardware required the [[Super System Card]] to access the Super CD-ROM² library - the contents of the card were later built into the [[PC Engine Duo]] and its derivatives. | The Super CD-ROM² debuted in December 1991 (with the [[Super CD-ROM²]] unit), and quickly became the de facto standard for CD-based PC Engine games moving forward. Initially all PC Engine hardware required the [[Super System Card]] to access the Super CD-ROM² library - the contents of the card were later built into the [[PC Engine Duo]] and its derivatives. | ||
| − | This format also made it to North America, however a change in distributors and the low key nature of the TurboGrafx-16 library made the situation less clear cut. While the Super System Card was still an option for TurboGrafx-16 users, games were often simply marketed as " | + | This format also made it to North America, however a change in distributors and the low key nature of the TurboGrafx-16 library made the situation less clear cut. While the Super System Card was still an option for TurboGrafx-16 users, games were often simply marketed as "DuoSoft" or "Duo CDs", i.e. built specifically for that console, rather than a TurboGrafx-16 + TurboGrafx-CD combo. Standard CD-ROM² games released in North America after the Turbo Duo were also labeled as such to try and alleviate some confusion. |
====Technical specifications==== | ====Technical specifications==== | ||
====List of games==== | ====List of games==== | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{BulletPointGameList|SCD}} |
| − | |||
| − | }} | ||
===Arcade CD-ROM²=== | ===Arcade CD-ROM²=== | ||
[[File:ArcadeCDROM2 logo.png|right|200px]] | [[File:ArcadeCDROM2 logo.png|right|200px]] | ||
| − | A third format, the Arcade CD-ROM² debuted in March 1994, towards the end of the PC Engine's life. Unlike the Super CD-ROM² format, Arcade CD-ROM² technology was never built into hardware, so always requires the use of an [[Arcade Card Pro]] (for older hardware) or [[Arcade Card Duo]] (for systems with Super CD-ROM² support built-in (typically a PC Engine Duo, hence its name)). | + | A third format, the Arcade CD-ROM², debuted in March 1994, towards the end of the PC Engine's life. Unlike the Super CD-ROM² format, Arcade CD-ROM² technology was never built into hardware, so the format always requires the use of an [[Arcade Card Pro]] (for older hardware) or [[Arcade Card Duo]] (for systems with Super CD-ROM² support built-in (typically a PC Engine Duo, hence its name)). |
Arcade CD-ROM² games were only officially released in Japan, although with the correct setup, will also function on North American systems. | Arcade CD-ROM² games were only officially released in Japan, although with the correct setup, will also function on North American systems. | ||
| Line 42: | Line 38: | ||
====List of games==== | ====List of games==== | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{BulletPointGameList|ACD}} |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | }} | ||
| − | |||
| − | In addition, several Super CD-ROM² games can be enhanced by the Arcade | + | In addition, several Super CD-ROM² games can be enhanced by the Arcade Card, but still will work fine with Super CD-ROM²-compatible hardware: |
{{multicol| | {{multicol| | ||
| − | *''[[3x3 Eyes: Sanjiyan | + | *''[[3x3 Eyes: Sanjiyan Henjyo]]'' |
| + | *''[[Asuka 120% Maxima Burning Fest. Maxima]]'' | ||
*''[[Brandish]]'' (1994) | *''[[Brandish]]'' (1994) | ||
| − | *''[[Formation Soccer | + | *''[[Formation Soccer 95 Della Serie A]]'' |
*''[[Linda³]]'' | *''[[Linda³]]'' | ||
*''[[Mahjong Sword: Princess Quest Gaiden]]'' | *''[[Mahjong Sword: Princess Quest Gaiden]]'' | ||
| Line 70: | Line 51: | ||
*''[[Private Eye Dol]]'' | *''[[Private Eye Dol]]'' | ||
*''[[Sotsugyou II: Neo Generation]]'' | *''[[Sotsugyou II: Neo Generation]]'' | ||
| − | *''[[Super Real Mahjong P II | + | *''[[Super Real Mahjong P II.III Custom]]'' |
*''[[Super Real Mahjong P V Custom]]'' | *''[[Super Real Mahjong P V Custom]]'' | ||
*''[[Vasteel II]]'' | *''[[Vasteel II]]'' | ||
| − | *''[[ | + | *''[[Wrestle Angels Double Impact]]'' |
}} | }} | ||
| Line 91: | Line 72: | ||
====List of games==== | ====List of games==== | ||
| − | + | {{BulletPointGameList|LDROM2}} | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Hardware== | ==Hardware== | ||
| Line 115: | Line 86: | ||
*'''CD-ROM²''': Built-in | *'''CD-ROM²''': Built-in | ||
*'''Super CD-ROM²:''' Built-in | *'''Super CD-ROM²:''' Built-in | ||
| − | *'''Arcade CD-ROM²:''' Requires [[Arcade Card | + | *'''Arcade CD-ROM²:''' Requires [[Arcade Card Duo]] |
====PC Engine Duo==== | ====PC Engine Duo==== | ||
| Line 132: | Line 103: | ||
====TurboGrafx-CD==== | ====TurboGrafx-CD==== | ||
:''Main article: [[TurboGrafx-CD]]'' | :''Main article: [[TurboGrafx-CD]]'' | ||
| − | *'''CD-ROM²''': | + | *'''CD-ROM²''': Requires [[System Card]] |
*'''Super CD-ROM²:''' Requires [[Super System Card]] | *'''Super CD-ROM²:''' Requires [[Super System Card]] | ||
| − | *'''Arcade CD-ROM²:''' Requires [[Arcade Card Pro]] | + | *'''Arcade CD-ROM²:''' Requires [[Arcade Card Pro]] with converter |
====TurboDuo==== | ====TurboDuo==== | ||
| Line 140: | Line 111: | ||
*'''CD-ROM²''': Built-in | *'''CD-ROM²''': Built-in | ||
*'''Super CD-ROM²:''' Built-in | *'''Super CD-ROM²:''' Built-in | ||
| − | *'''Arcade CD-ROM²:''' Requires [[Arcade Card | + | *'''Arcade CD-ROM²:''' Requires [[Arcade Card Duo]] with converter |
===Both=== | ===Both=== | ||
| Line 148: | Line 119: | ||
*'''Super CD-ROM²:''' Built-in | *'''Super CD-ROM²:''' Built-in | ||
*'''Arcade CD-ROM²:''' Requires [[Arcade Card Duo]] | *'''Arcade CD-ROM²:''' Requires [[Arcade Card Duo]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Saving== | ||
| + | The PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 on their own have no means of saving game data, meaning every game written for the platform prior to late 1988 had to rely on password saves (or ditch any form of saving altogether). With the CD-ROM², that changed - every unit has 2kB of built in memory (recognised as 2,000 blocks) which can be accessed by software both on CD-ROM or HuCard. | ||
| + | |||
| + | However, like many of NEC's memory solutions, the system is not ideal, as save data is kept alive by a supercapacitor, rather than a traditional battery back-up or solid state saving system. The supercapacitors in use in CD-ROM² hardware can retain their charge for a couple of weeks if the PC Engine is not turned on, after which all save data will be erased. NEC used this supercapacitor solution in all of their CD-ROM² systems, up to and including the PC Engine Duo-RX in 1994. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Two options exist for longer-term saving, both introduced some years after the CD-ROM²; the [[Ten no Koe Bank]] and [[Memory Base 128]]. Other options exist for HuCard games, but their use of the rear expansion port means a CD-ROM² system cannot be plugged in simultaneously. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==References== | ||
| + | <references /> | ||
{{CDROM2Systems}} | {{CDROM2Systems}} | ||
[[Category:CD-ROM² systems| ]] | [[Category:CD-ROM² systems| ]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:08, 29 January 2024
This short article is in need of work. You can help NEC Retro by adding to it.
In December 1988 NEC Home Electronics began to release video games on CD-ROM for its PC Engine console. These CD-ROM² systems, beginning with the appropriately titled CD-ROM² would take a number of forms over the coming years, complementing the base system and its range of games on HuCard.
The complex nature of the CD-ROM² line has led to NEC Retro grouping all CD-based PC Engine variants under the same umbrella term. In reality there are three CD-ROM² formats; "CD-ROM²" (シーディーロムロム), "Super CD-ROM²" (スーパーシーディーロムロム) and "Arcade CD-ROM²" (アーケードシーディーロムロム). Theoretically all CD-ROM² systems can run software of all three formats, however some require "system cards" to enable this functionality.
Unlike HuCards, PC Engine CD-ROMs are not region locked, and therefore will function on their TurboGrafx-16 equivalent units and vice versa. The system cards however, are region locked, and so may require extra adapters to function.
Despite the stylising of the name, "CD-ROM²" is officially pronounced "CD-ROM ROM", as opposed to "CD-ROM squared" or "CD-ROM two".
Contents
Formats
CD-ROM²
The original CD-ROM² standard debuted alongside the CD-ROM² hardware in December 1988. All CD-ROM² systems can run CD-ROM² games natively.
In North America this format was simply marketed as games for the TurboGrafx-CD (or occasionally "Turbo CD games"), as at the time only one format existed. However, after the release of the Turbo Duo, TTI reverted to the "CD-ROM² System" branding used in Japan.
Technical specifications
List of games
- The Addams Family
- Avenger
- Bikkuriman Daijikai
- Burai: Hachigyoku no Yuushi Densetsu
- Buster Bros.
- Carmen Sandiego o Oe! Sekai Hen
- CD-ROM Magazine Ultra Box 2 Gou
- CD-ROM Magazine Ultra Box 3 Gou
- CD-ROM Magazine Ultra Box 4 Gou
- CD-ROM Magazine Ultra Box 5 Gou
- CD-ROM Magazine Ultra Box 6 Gou
- CD-ROM Magazine Ultra Box Soukan Gou
- Color Wars
- Cosmic Fantasy 2
- Cosmic Fantasy Visual Shuu
- Cosmic Fantasy: Bouken Shounen Yuu
- Cyber City Oedo 808: Kemono no Zokusei
- Daisenpuu Custom
- Death Bringer
- Dekoboko Densetsu: Hashiru Wagamanma
- Download 2
- Efera and Jiliora: The Emblem from Darkness
- Exile
- Faerie Dust Story: Meikyuu no Elfeene
- Fighting Street
- Final Zone II
- Gambler Jiko Chuushinha: CD-da yo Zenin Shuugou!! Gekitou 36 Janshi
- Gambler Jiko Chuushinha: Mahjong Puzzle Collection
- Gensou Tairiku Auleria
- Golden Axe
- Gulclight TDF 2
- Hellfire S
- High Grenadier
- Hihou Densetsu: Chris no Bouken
- Hokutosei no Jo Nishimura Kyoutarou
- IQ Panic
- It Came from the Desert
- Jack Nicklaus 162 Hole World Golf Tour
- Jantei Monogatari
- Jantei Monogatari 2: Uchuu Tantei Diban Kanketsu Hen
- Jantei Monogatari 2: Uchuu Tantei Diban Shutsudou Hen
- Juuouki
- Kagami no Kuni no Legend
- Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman 3: Ikai no Princess
- Kawa no Nushi Tsuri: Shizenha
- L-Dis
- Last Alert
- Last Armageddon
- Legion
- Lodoss-tou Senki
- Lord of Wars
- Lords of the Rising Sun
- Magical Dinosaur Tour
- Mahjong Vanilla Syndrome
- Mamono Hunter Youko: Makai Kara no Tenkousei
- The Manhole
- Mashou Denki: La Valeur
- Master of Monsters
- Mateki Densetsu Astralius
- Might and Magic
- Minesweeper
- Mitsubachi Gakuen
- Murder Club
- No-Ri-Ko
- Pachio-kun Maboroshi no Densetsu
- The Pro Yakyuu
- Quiz Avenue
- Quiz Avenue II
- Quiz Caravan Cult Q
- Quiz Marugoto The World
- Quiz Marugoto The World 2: Time Machine ni Onegai!
- Quiz Tonosama no Yabou
- Rainbow Islands
- Ranma ½
- Ranma ½: Toraware no Hanayome
- Rayxanber II
- Road Spirits
- Rom Rom Stadium
- ROM² Karaoke 1: Suteki ni Standard
- ROM² Karaoke 2: Nattoku Idol
- ROM² Karaoke 3: Yappashi Band
- ROM² Karaoke 4: Choito Otona!?
- ROM² Karaoke 5: Maku no Uchi
- ROM² Karaoke Vol. 1
- ROM² Karaoke Vol. 2
- ROM² Karaoke Vol. 3
- ROM² Karaoke Vol. 4
- ROM² Karaoke Vol. 5
- Sangokushi: Eiketsu Tenka ni Nozomu
- Seirei Senshi Spriggan
- Seiryuu Densetsu Monbit
- Sengoku Kantou Sangokushi
- Shanghai II
- Shanghai III: Dragon's Eye
- Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
- Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Vol. II
- Side Arms Special
- Sol Bianca
- Space Adventure Cobra II: Densetsu no Otoko
- Space Adventure Cobra: Kokuryuuou no Densetsu
- Splash Lake
- Star Mobile
- The Sugoroku '92 Nari Tore: Nariagari Trendy
- Summer Carnival '92: Alzadick
- Super Albatross
- Super Daisenryaku
- Super Darius
- Super Schwarzschild
- Taiheiki
- Tengai Makyou: Ziria
- Urusei Yatsura: Stay With You
- Valis II
- Valis III
- Valis IV
- Valis Visual Shuu
- Vasteel
- Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair
- Yokoyama Mitsuteru Shin Sangokushi: Tenka wa Ware ni
- Ys Book I & II
- Ys III: Wanderers from Ys
- Zan: Kagerou no Toki
- Zero Wing
Super CD-ROM²
The Super CD-ROM² debuted in December 1991 (with the Super CD-ROM² unit), and quickly became the de facto standard for CD-based PC Engine games moving forward. Initially all PC Engine hardware required the Super System Card to access the Super CD-ROM² library - the contents of the card were later built into the PC Engine Duo and its derivatives.
This format also made it to North America, however a change in distributors and the low key nature of the TurboGrafx-16 library made the situation less clear cut. While the Super System Card was still an option for TurboGrafx-16 users, games were often simply marketed as "DuoSoft" or "Duo CDs", i.e. built specifically for that console, rather than a TurboGrafx-16 + TurboGrafx-CD combo. Standard CD-ROM² games released in North America after the Turbo Duo were also labeled as such to try and alleviate some confusion.
Technical specifications
List of games
- 1552 Tenka Tairan
- 3x3 Eyes: Sanjiyan Henjyo
- A.III.
- Advanced V.G.
- Adventure Quiz: Capcom World + Hatena? no Daibouken
- Ai Chou Aniki
- Akiyama Jin no Suugaku Mystery: Hihou Indo no Honoo o Shisyu Seyo!
- Akumajou Dracula X: Chi no Rondo
- Alnam no Kiba: Juuzoku Juuni Shinto Densetsu
- Alshark
- André Panza Kick Boxing
- Ane-San
- Aoki Ookami to Shiroki Meshika: Genchou Hishi
- Asuka 120% Maxima Burning Fest. Maxima
- The Atlas: Renaissance Voyager
- Aurora Quest: Otaku no Seiza in Another World
- Auto Crusher Palladium
- AV Tanjou
- Babel
- Baby Jo The Super Hero
- Bakuden Unbalance Zone
- Bakushou Yoshimoto Shinkigeki: Kyou wa Kore Gurai ni Shi Toitaru!
- Basted
- Bazar dé Gozarre no Game dé Gozarre
- Beyond Shadowgate
- Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
- Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Collection
- Black Hole Assault
- Blood Gear
- Bomberman: Panic Bomber
- Bonanza Bros.
- Bonk 3: Bonk's Big Adventure
- Brandish
- Browning
- Builderland
- Burai II: Yami Koutei no Gyakushuu
- CAL II
- CAL III: Kanketsuhen
- Camp California
- Campaign Version: Daisenryaku II
- Cardangels
- CD Battle: Hikari no Yuushatachi
- Championship Rally
- Chiki Chiki Boys
- Chou Aniki
- Choujikuu Yousai Macross 2036
- Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Eien no Love Song
- Cosmic Fantasy 3: Bouken Shounen Rei
- Cosmic Fantasy 4: Ginga Shounen Densetsu Gekitou Hen
- Cosmic Fantasy 4: Ginga Shounen Densetsu Totsunyuu Hen
- Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams
- Davis Cup Tennis
- De-Ja
- Dead of the Brain 1 & 2
- Dennou Tenshi: Digital Ange
- Doraemon: Nobita no Dorabian Night
- Double Dragon II: The Revenge
- Doukyuusei
- Downtown Nekketsu Koushinkyoku: Soreyuke Daiundoukai
- Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari
- Dragon Ball Z: Idainaru Goku Densetsu
- Dragon Half
- Dragon Knight & Graffiti
- Dragon Knight II
- Dragon Knight III
- Dragon Slayer: Eiyuu Densetsu II
- Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes
- Dungeon Explorer II
- Dungeon Master: Theron's Quest
- The Dynastic Hero
- Eikan ha Kimi ni: Koukou Yakyuu Zenkoku Taikai
- Eiyuu Sangokushi
- Emerald Dragon
- Exile: Wicked Phenomenon
- F1 Circus Special: Pole to Win
- F1 Team Simulation: Project F
- Faceball
- Farjius no Jakoutei: Neo Metal Fantasy
- Fausseté Amour
- Fiend Hunter
- Flash Hiders
- Forgotten Worlds
- Formation Soccer 95 della Serie A
- Fray CD: Xak Gaiden
- Fushigi no Umi no Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water
- FX-Unit Yuki: The Henshin Engine
- Gain Ground SX
- Galaxy Deka Gayvan
- Gate of Thunder
- Genocide
- Ginga Ojousama Densetsu Yuna
- Ginga Ojousama Densetsu Yuna 2: Eien no Princess
- Go! Go! Birdie Chance
- God Panic: Shijou Saikyou Gundan
- Godzilla
- Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou
- GS Mikami
- Götzendiener
- Hataraku Shoujo: Tekipaki Working Love
- Hatsukoi Monogatari
- Hawk F-123
- Himitsu no Hanazono
- Horror Story
- Human Sports Festival
- Hyaku Monogatari: Hontou ni Atta Kowai Hanashi
- Hyper Wars
- Hypernova Blast
- Iga Shinobu Den Gaiou
- Image Fight II: Operation Deepstriker
- Implode
- Inoue Mami: Kono Hoshi ni Tatta Hitori no Kimi
- Insanity
- J.League Tremendous Soccer '94
- Jantei Monogatari 3: Saver Angels
- Jim Power in "Mutant Planet"
- John Madden Duo CD Football
- Kakutou Haou Densetsu Algunos
- Kaze Kiri
- Kaze no Densetsu Xanadu
- Kaze no Densetsu Xanadu II
- Kiaidan 00
- Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor: Griffon Hen
- Kisou Louga
- Kisou Louga II: The Ends of Shangrila
- KO Seiki Beast Sanjuushi: Gaia Fukkatsu Kanketsu Hen
- Kuusou Kagaku Sekai: Gulliver Boy
- Lady Phantom
- Langrisser: Hikari no Matsuei
- Laplace no Ma
- Lemmings
- Linda³
- Lodoss-tou Senki II
- Loom
- Lords of Thunder
- Magicoal
- Mahjong Clinic Special
- Mahjong Lemon Angel
- Mahjong on the Beach
- Mahjong Sword: Princess Quest Gaiden
- Mamono Hunter Youko: Touki Yobigoe
- Martial Champion
- Megami Paradise
- Metal Angel
- Metal Angel 2
- Metamor Jupiter
- Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra
- Mirai Shounen Conan
- Monster Maker: Yami no Ryuukishi
- Moonlight Lady
- Moto Roader MC
- Motteke Tamago
- Mugen Senshi Valis: The Legend of a Fantasm Soldier
- Mysterious Song
- Mystic Formula
- Nekketsu Koukou Dodgeball Bu: CD Soccer Hen
- Nekketsu Legend Baseballer
- Nemurenu Yoru no Chiisana Ohanashi
- Neo Nectaris
- Nexzr
- Nobunaga no Yabou: Bushou Fuuunroku
- Nobunaga no Yabou: Zenkoku Ban
- Pachio-kun 3 Pachislot & Pachinko
- Pachio-kun Warau Uchuu
- Pastel Lime
- Police Connection
- Pop'n Magic
- Popful Mail
- Populous: The Promised Lands
- Power Golf 2: Golfer
- Prince of Persia
- Princess Maker 1
- Princess Maker 2
- Princess Minerva
- Private eye dol
- The Pro Yakyuu Super '94
- The Pro Yakyuu Super
- Psychic Detective Series Vol. 3: AÝA
- Psychic Detective Series Vol. 4: Orgel
- Psychic Storm
- Puyo Puyo CD
- Puyo Puyo CD Tsuu
- Pyramid Plunder
- Quiz Avenue III
- Quiz de Gakuensai
- Quiz no Hoshi
- R-Type Complete CD
- Ranma ½: Datou, Ganzo Musabetsu Kakutou Ryuu!
- Rayxanber III
- Renny Blaster
- Riot Zone
- Ruin: Kami no Isan
- Sangokushi III
- Seisenshi Denshou: Jantaku no Kishi
- Seiya Monogatari: AnEarth Fantasy Stories
- Sexy Idol Mahjong
- Sexy Idol Mahjong: Fashion Monogatari
- Sexy Idol Mahjong: Yakyuuken no Uta
- Shadow of the Beast
- Shape Shifter
- Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Vol. II
- Shin Megami Tensei
- Shin Onryou Senki
- Shogi Database Kiyuu
- SimEarth: The Living Planet
- Slime World
- Slot Shoubushi
- Snatcher CD-ROMantic
- Sol Moonarge
- Solid Force
- Sorcerian
- Sotsugyou II Neo Generation
- Sotsugyou Shashin: Miki
- Sotsugyou: Graduation
- Space Invaders: The Original Game
- Spriggan Mark 2: Re-Terraform Project
- Star Breaker
- Star Parodier
- Startling Odyssey
- Startling Odyssey II: Maryuu Sensou
- Steam-Heart's
- Summer Carnival '93: Nexzr Special
- Super Air Zonk: Rockabilly-Paradise
- Super CD-ROM² Taiken Soft-shuu
- Super Darius II
- Super Mahjong Taikai
- Super Raiden
- Super Real Mahjong P II.III Custom
- Super Real Mahjong P IV Custom
- Super Real Mahjong P V Custom
- Super Real Mahjong Special: Miki Kasumi Shoko no Omoide
- Super Schwarzschild 2
- Sword Master
- Syd Mead's Terraforming
- Sylphia
- Tadaima Yuusha Boshuuchuu
- Tanjou: Debut
- Tecmo World Cup Super Soccer
- Tenchi Muyou! Ryououki
- Tenchi o Kurau
- Tengai Makyou II: Manji Maru
- Tengai Makyou: Deden no Kabuki-den
- Tengai Makyou: Fuun Kabuki Den
- Tengai Makyou: Ziria
- Tenshi no Uta
- Tenshi no Uta II: Datenshi no Sentaku
- The TV Show
- Tokimeki Memorial
- Top o Nerae! GunBuster Vol. 1
- Top o Nerae! GunBuster Vol. 2
- Travel Epule
- Travellers! Densetsu o Buttobase
- TurboDuo 3-in-1 CD
- Uchuu Senkan Yamato
- Vasteel 2
- Virgin Dream
- Wizardry I.II
- Wizardry III.IV
- Wizardry V: Heart of The Maelstrom
- Wrestle Angels: Double Impact
- Xak I.II
- Xak III: The Eternal Recurrence
- Yamamura Misa Suspense: Kinsenka Kyo Ezara Satsujin Jiken
- Yami no Ketsuzoku: Harukanaru Kioku
- Yawara!
- Yawara! 2
- Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys
- Yuu Yuu Hakusho: Yamishoubu!! Ankoku Bujutsukai
- Zero4 Champ II
Arcade CD-ROM²
A third format, the Arcade CD-ROM², debuted in March 1994, towards the end of the PC Engine's life. Unlike the Super CD-ROM² format, Arcade CD-ROM² technology was never built into hardware, so the format always requires the use of an Arcade Card Pro (for older hardware) or Arcade Card Duo (for systems with Super CD-ROM² support built-in (typically a PC Engine Duo, hence its name)).
Arcade CD-ROM² games were only officially released in Japan, although with the correct setup, will also function on North American systems.
Technical specifications
List of games
- Fire Pro Joshi Dome Chou Jo Taisen Zenjo vs JWP
- Formation Soccer 95 della Serie A
- Garou Densetsu 2: Aratanaru Tatakai
- Garou Densetsu Special
- Ginga Fukei Densetsu Sapphire
- Janshin Densetsu
- Kabuki Ittou Ryoudan
- Mad Stalker: Full Metal Force
- Madou Monogatari I: Honou no Sotsuenji
- Ryuuko no Ken
- Shin Nihon Pro Wrestling '94 Battlefield in Tokyo Dome
- Strider Hiryuu
- World Heroes 2
In addition, several Super CD-ROM² games can be enhanced by the Arcade Card, but still will work fine with Super CD-ROM²-compatible hardware:
- 3x3 Eyes: Sanjiyan Henjyo
- Asuka 120% Maxima Burning Fest. Maxima
- Brandish (1994)
- Formation Soccer 95 Della Serie A
- Linda³
- Mahjong Sword: Princess Quest Gaiden
- Popful Mail
- Private Eye Dol
- Sotsugyou II: Neo Generation
- Super Real Mahjong P II.III Custom
- Super Real Mahjong P V Custom
- Vasteel II
- Wrestle Angels Double Impact
Duo-only games
Some titles built to the Super CD-ROM² standard, particularly unlicensed games, require the use of the HuCard slot in order to bypass security features(?). As no PC Engine derivative contains more than one slot, this effectively writes off the use of a Super System Card, and therefore makes these games incompatible with older PC Engine hardware. Systems such as the PC Engine Duo and TurboDuo have Super CD-ROM² support built-in without the need for system cards, meaning a small number of titles are only compatible with these Duo systems.
List of games
LD-ROM²
The LD-ROM² format is a similar format to the above but is this time distributed on LaserDisc, specifically for use with the LaserActive by Pioneer using the NEC PAC (PAC-N10/PAC-N1) add-on.
Only a small handful of games were released in this format; fewer than the other format supported by the LaserActive, Mega LD, which does a similar thing with the Sega Mega Drive.
List of games
- 3D Museum
- Akuma no Shinpan: Konseiki Saigo no Shinri Game
- Angel Mate
- Bi Ryojon Collection Vol. 2: Yuko Sakaki
- Bi Ryojon Collection: Minayo Watanabe
- Dora Dora Paradise
- Goku
- J.B. Harold Blue Chicago Blues
- Manhattan Requiem
- Melon Brains: Exploring The Mind Of The Dolphin
- Quiz Econosaurus
- Vajra
- Vajra Ni
- Zapping "Satsui"
Hardware
Japan
CD-ROM²
- Main article: CD-ROM²
- CD-ROM²: System Card
- Super CD-ROM²: Requires Super System Card
- Arcade CD-ROM²: Requires Arcade Card Pro
Super CD-ROM²
- Main article: Super CD-ROM²
- CD-ROM²: Built-in
- Super CD-ROM²: Built-in
- Arcade CD-ROM²: Requires Arcade Card Duo
PC Engine Duo
- Main article: PC Engine Duo
- CD-ROM²: Built-in
- Super CD-ROM²: Built-in
- Arcade CD-ROM²: Requires Arcade Card Duo
PC Engine Duo-R / PC Engine Duo-RX
- Main article: PC Engine Duo-R
- CD-ROM²: Built-in
- Super CD-ROM²: Built-in
- Arcade CD-ROM²: Requires Arcade Card Duo
North America
TurboGrafx-CD
- Main article: TurboGrafx-CD
- CD-ROM²: Requires System Card
- Super CD-ROM²: Requires Super System Card
- Arcade CD-ROM²: Requires Arcade Card Pro with converter
TurboDuo
- Main article: TurboDuo
- CD-ROM²: Built-in
- Super CD-ROM²: Built-in
- Arcade CD-ROM²: Requires Arcade Card Duo with converter
Both
LaserActive
- Main article: LaserActive
- CD-ROM²: Built-in
- Super CD-ROM²: Built-in
- Arcade CD-ROM²: Requires Arcade Card Duo
Saving
The PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 on their own have no means of saving game data, meaning every game written for the platform prior to late 1988 had to rely on password saves (or ditch any form of saving altogether). With the CD-ROM², that changed - every unit has 2kB of built in memory (recognised as 2,000 blocks) which can be accessed by software both on CD-ROM or HuCard.
However, like many of NEC's memory solutions, the system is not ideal, as save data is kept alive by a supercapacitor, rather than a traditional battery back-up or solid state saving system. The supercapacitors in use in CD-ROM² hardware can retain their charge for a couple of weeks if the PC Engine is not turned on, after which all save data will be erased. NEC used this supercapacitor solution in all of their CD-ROM² systems, up to and including the PC Engine Duo-RX in 1994.
Two options exist for longer-term saving, both introduced some years after the CD-ROM²; the Ten no Koe Bank and Memory Base 128. Other options exist for HuCard games, but their use of the rear expansion port means a CD-ROM² system cannot be plugged in simultaneously.
References
| CD-ROM² systems |
|---|
| CD-ROM² (1988) | Super CD-ROM² (1991) | Arcade CD-ROM² (1994) |
| Hardware |
| CD-ROM² (Interface Unit | RAU-30) (1988) | TurboGrafx-CD (1989) | PC Engine Duo (1991) | Super CD-ROM² (Super CD-ROM² Adaptor) (1991) | TurboDuo (1992) | PC Engine Duo-R (1993) | LaserActive (1993) |
| System Cards |
| System Card | Super System Card | Arcade Card Pro/Duo |
| Games Express CD Card |