Hello all,
I was in the PS today, and they had about 8 or so Dreamcasts hanging from the wall..and countless controllers...
Since they're $15 for the console, cables, and two controllers, I was thinking about getting one. So here's my question...
Can the Dreamcast emulate games off of a CD? Or am I thinking of another Sega system? Also, if so, how good is the emulation on it?
The Dreamcast has emulators for it. You don't even need to mod it to play burned games!
You should definitely get one and pick up some DC games if they have any. The Dreamcast is one of my favorite systems ever. It can run emulators from disk, but make sure you don't get a later production model, they can't play burned disks. I've never been able to play burned disks on mine, but haven't tried in about 5 years.
How can I tell if it's a later model?
Apparently there is a sticker on the bottom of the console that tells you, I don't know my Dreamcast isn't at school with me.
Ok, I'll look for it...
How's the internet browsing on this thing?
1. Dreamcast: DO GET
2. Check the sticker at the bottom. If it says it was made before October 2000 (most were), you're good to go. If it was made after October 2000, don't bother with homebrew, it won't run.
3. Use Dir2Boot to compile the plain files of a game to use. It's extremely easy to use.
4. Use Discjuggler to burn the software. Also easy to use.
5. Don't use Nero.
6. NESTERDC SE is the best NES emulator.
7. Internet should still work, but most services for games won't.
Thanks Protoman! If I have any questions, I'll be sure to ask you.
I'll get one tomorrow or the next day.
EDIT: How many ROMs can I put on a CD? Can I only have one per CD? Or is there some kind of directory or something for multiple ROMs on a CD?
You can have more than one DC game, but each game needs to be special filetype and you need a certain program to compile them... It's best used if you're making a compilation to put on a website. For personal use, stick to one game per CD.
And, ROMs? However many your CD can hold. It's a question of the emulator, really. Just make sure you use 700MB CDRs. DO NOT USE RW.
So for DC games, one per CD...
But for NES, SNES, etc. it doesn't matter, just whatever my CD can hold...right?
Pretty much, as long as you use one emulator per CD. Unless you want to make a program compilation and spread it across the web. Don't ask me how to do that.
Could you point me to a tutorial on how to get one disc setup with the emu, ROMs, and all?
1. Download emulator on DCEmuUK
2. Download ROMs of your choice
3. Download DiscJuggler
4. Unless you're getting NES games, get Dir2Boot (in which case, get NESTERDC SE, it has a built-in compiler you need to use on the PC)
5. Follow directions on where to place ROMs
6. Compile with Dir2Boot (place all files in one folder with a name all caps under 11 letters, then hit "Create Discjuggler Image")*
7. Burn with DiscJuggler (open up DJ, select "Burn Disc Images", load the game, and click the icon that says "Burn")
*You will need a file called "IP.BIN". Some games/emus have it. Some don't. You can use almost any IP.BIN file. If your game/emulator doesn't have an IP.BIN, then find one! Dir2Boot will not compile any DJ image without an IP.BIN.
Check your PMs :P
Get the dreamcast now!!!
15 dollars? Neat!
Internet browser is really slow, and uses dialup.
Speaking of Dreamcast, my black dreamcast says 'Windows CE compatible' on the front.
What does this mean?
I think that's the software the dreamcast uses.
Quote from: nurd on March 18, 2009, 05:50:16 pm
Internet browser is really slow, and uses dialup.
Good to know..that means the only thing I'll be using the keyboard for is....
DUN DUN DUN
TYPING OF THE DEAD
you can get a broadband adaptor for it... I don't know how expensive they are, though...
Quote from: nintendodork on March 18, 2009, 06:03:00 pm
TYPING OF THE DEAD
The Typing of The Dead.
Great game, voice acting even worse than Resident Evil.
Quote from: nintendodork on March 18, 2009, 06:03:00 pm
Quote from: nurd on March 18, 2009, 05:50:16 pm
Internet browser is really slow, and uses dialup.
Good to know..that means the only thing I'll be using the keyboard for is....
DUN DUN DUN
TYPING OF THE DEAD
And Family BASIC.
Dreamcast keyboard. Not famicom Keyboard.
You can run Family BASIC in NESTERDC SE with the DC keyboard.
Only if it's a famicom emulator specifically designed to be able to do that. I dont think there are any FAMICOM emulators for dreamcast, but there are definantly NES emulators.
Good NES emulators are capable of supporting the Famicom expansion port so if this one does I don't see a problem.
Famicom=NES
At least the guts do.
And yes, NESTERDC SE supports the keyboard. And the light gun.
Oh, I did not know that.
The only nes games Ive played on Dreamcast are Joy Mech Fight, Tetris, and Megaman 2.
Make Earthbound Zero the next NES game you play on DC.
DO IT.
I'm going to do that for sure! Hmm...I've been browsing sites..and most of them are dead links for NesterDC SE...so I can't find it anywhere..
I've also heard I need boot programs too?
1. Boot programs? Sure, if you want to do it the hard way. Just burn any .CDI to a CDR with Discjuggler, and you're good. No boot disc necessary! NesterDCSE has a specially-made compiler included in the .RAR, so Dir2Boot isn't necessary.
2. www.dreamcast.dcemu.co.uk
whenever I try to go to that site, it says "the address wasn't found" right away
Try it without the www. Worked for me.
Hey! It worked! Thanks :)
Okay, got a Dreamcast today..
It was manufactured in June 2000, so emulation will work...
Now...
I'm having problems with NesterDC SE
Whenever I try to build a CD, it tries to download the "master library" and always fails
The readme.txt said to ignore it..but it doesn't do anything after it says it failed...
Any help?
Been a while since I burned NES games. Does it compile the game into a CDI? I don't believe the compiler burns the program to disc. If it burns it to CDI, just use DiscJuggler to burn it.
Well, I'm using that CD builder that came with it ... here's a screen of the problem...
[image removed]
EDIT** Fixed the problem, but now I can't use the program because I have a 64-bit system!!!! >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
AGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO???
If you have... pretty much any computer older than the one you're using by like at least 1 or 2 years, it might be 32-bit.
If that's the only option, then I'll do it. Is there any possible way that Vista is 32-bit on some computers? My dad has had his computer for a couple of years..and it's Vista..
My last resort is our desktop computer with XP....
It's slow. Has over 100,000 infections on it :-X
Yes; Vista has 64- and 32-bit versions.
Hmm...
Is there any way to tell which version a computer has? Also, I've just found out about the greatest game on the DC...
Secret link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typing_of_the_Dead)
133mhz or someone might know better than me, but if the computer has 4 GB of RAM or less, it's 32-bit. I'm not really sure how to check it. :S
Should be able to get some information by going in to the start menu and right clicking on "my computer" from the start menu and going to properties. I'm no computer wiz either, so that is the best I can tell you.
Ok, I found out how. In Vista, click Start/Vista icon, type in system at the search bar...click "System", and it'll say 32-bit or 64-bit. My computer has 4 GB of RAM, and it's 64 bit, but my dad's has 2 GB of RAM and it's 32-bit...
So now all I have to do is get all the stuff I need from one computer to the other :-\
Quote from: nintendodork on March 19, 2009, 03:55:28 pm
Secret link
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typing_of_the_Dead)
lol @ the arcade version! I actually have played the arcade! Really! lol. If anyone wants to play it and is in the Los Angeles area, check out the Japan Arcade in little tokyo. They have a bunch of candies with various games too. Not a very big arcade, but fun none the less.
QuoteSo now all I have to do is get all the stuff I need from one computer to the other
Flash drive?
Thought of that...did it....
But now....NO BLANK CDs!! God just doesn't want me to burn games :(
Also, if anyone knows how to get scratches off without a Disc Dr., please tell me...
Does the toothpaste thing work?
Toothpaste works, but some types are abrasive and can scratch the surface. If the toothpaste is "smooth", I'd say try it.
Awesome. I think I will. I have nothing to lose from it. Since the discs don't work now..and if they don't work afterwards, I'll just return them.
Wow, you're having some real bad luck with this. You can't burn DC games on 64-bit Vista?
Apparently not... :(
I'll just use my dad's when I get more CDs...right now, I'm trying to clean Crazy Taxi with toothpaste
I took a "Before" shot of the disc, then, once it's done, I'll take an "After" shot to compare, and see if the game works..
God I hope it works. :-X
EDIT** The results are in....
BEFORE
(http://i44.tinypic.com/20auotf.jpg)
AFTER
(http://i43.tinypic.com/32zqgiw.jpg)
That was a total waste of time >:( :'(
Will GameDRs work on GDs? GDs are slightly different than CDs.
Don't ask me :P I'm willing to try it though..I guess :-\
From what I've heard, they will...it doesn't hurt to try it...but I don't have one yet. How much do they usually cost?
$20-$30. Just don't waste the included disc-fixing fluid.
I dont think you did the toothpaste thing correctly then :X
Small ammount of toothpaste, smooth-ish cloth, circular motion. I've gotten 4 ps2 games to work this way.
Wow...
I wonder what I did wrong ???
How long should I let the toothpaste sit on the disc?
was it mint toothpaste?
It probably doesnt make a difference, but it's what I've always used. And it smells good.
It is indeed, mint toothpaste..none of those BREATH CRYSTALS or any of that...just white, mint toothpaste.
The toothpaste seems to do nothing at all...
I tried it on my Crazy Taxi...it wouldn't even load...like it did before...and then it would go back to the main screen of the DC
I just tried it on my Sonic Adventure...it would get past the first screen...like it did before...and then just stay at a black screen..the whole time, it says Sonic Adventure on the VMU, though...
Hard drive slavery? lol. But bewarned, your hdd may die if you bring it out of its natural habitat. Proof is in the epic fail thread.
Posting from my dad's 32-bit (;D) computer....
Now..
I made an image (finally)
But now, when I open Dir2Boot to burn it, it says it can't find Bin2boot.exe...WHEN IT'S RIGHT IN THE SAME FOLDER AS THE IMAGES AND THE PROGRAM!!! WTF
EDIT***
Made an image...skipped the Dir2Boot, and just downloaded Discjuggler itself...it worked...
But now....I'm stuck at this screen:
(http://i39.tinypic.com/24pm13r.jpg)
Do I press a combination of buttons or what?
Are the ROMs not getting to the disc? I have the right directory set in my computer...and I chose Doperoms.com as the master library...the only options I have are GG codes and title shots..so far I've wasted 5 CDs trying different things.
Yeah this is exactly what I went through years ago trying to do this with my Dreamcast. Hope someone can help you as I'd like to do this too.
Can yours emulate games? I thought you said at one point it couldn't...or did you just say you didn't try? ???
I'm surprised no one has responded...I hope Blue Protoman sees this. He seems to know lots about this.
No I've never been able to get it work, that goes for burned Dreamcast games as well.
Oh...does it turn on at all? Because if it does, you can clean the pins inside that are under the motherboard. Sometimes, that may be the only thing in your way.
I don't know I haven't tried in about 5 years so I can't remember, and my Dreamcast isn't with me at school. Next time I go home I'll grab it though.
Quote from: nintendodork on March 20, 2009, 08:58:07 pm
Oh...does it turn on at all? Because if it does, you can clean the pins inside that are under the motherboard. Sometimes, that may be the only thing in your way.
Hmm I have a DC with problems as well but I kinda of gave up trying to make it work. Anything else I can do to help make it work?
Can you return that one for a different one, since it doesn't seem to work?
I'm thinking since he bought it at a pawn shop they won't take it back. Just like mine the stickers on the games and stuff say sold as is.
Quote from: nurd on March 21, 2009, 11:58:06 am
Can you return that one for a different one, since it doesn't seem to work?
Actually, I can...but I think it works, I'm probably just doing something wrong..since I can get Roadsters to work.. :-\ I may just take it back and try a different one though..
BP to the rescue!
I'd have been here earlier, but I was engrossed in an old game I just rediscovered. :P
Anyway, I got my ROMs working the first time. Show me pictures of every single directory you have on that CD. The ROMs may be in the wrong directory.
Also, each ROM file name must be less than 48 characters.
Okay, here we go
This is where I have ALL of my DC Emulation stuff...
I have my all my ROMs in the folder that says "Dreamcast Emulator R..." They are not zipped. Once you open the folder, they are all there
(http://i43.tinypic.com/6ssyab.jpg)
Here's a screen of NesterDC SE when I'm about to make an image. Notice I have my ROMs path set to the correct folder mentioned above. The master library is set to DopeRoms.com/roms/nintendo_nes.html because I don't know what else to put. The image format is set to DiscJuggler, and I'm only using title shots and GG codes.
(http://i44.tinypic.com/20j0ft2.jpg)
If only Sega would again the production of this great console!!
I believe there's a folder somewhere that says "roms". Also, leave the Master Library URL blank. That's what I did. And, the file name of each ROM must be less than 48 characters. And, the process of assembling the file may take a while. This is normal.
Found the ROMs folder...do you have to provide your own title shots and Game Genie codes?? If so, how is NesterDC SE supposed to know to match the correct title shot with the correct ROM?
They need to have the same filename.
Ok. It doesn't matter what kind of image it is right? Because some of mine are .JPGs and others are .PNGs
NESTERDCSE has an online database with all that stuff. If there are any, the NESTERDCSE builder will automatically download screenshots, GG codes, whatever during the build process. You only have to provide the ROMs. Games without info on the NESTERDCSE database will run like normal, but you don't get manuals, NSFs, scans, codes, or screenshots. You can add in your own GG codes when using the emulator itself, if you have the VMU space.
Oh ok, well I guess I'll take all this to my dad's computer again and see what happens!
EDIT** It still doesn't work. I'm still getting stuck at the same screen with no ROMs showing up. Does it matter if I'm working off of a flashdrive? Because that's what I've been doing.
My ROMs: Removable Disk (F:) > Documents > Dreamcast Emulation > NesterDCSE > local_library > roms
Try taking it out of the flash drive. Also, are the filenames of all the ROMs 48 characters or less?
The ROM names are less than 48 characters. The biggest one I have is under 30.
Here's a question...would it matter if I used Dir2Boot? Because I'm not. I'm getting a DiscJuggler CDI image made in NesterDC SE, and then I burn it through the Discjuggler program.
You don't need Dir2Boot for NESTERDCSE. Hm... E-mail me the whole folder. Compiler, ROMs, everything. I'll compile it for you.
Hmm...I'll try...but my connection is horrible...I'll tell you if I actually get it sent or not.
EDIT** GRRRRRR
Nevermind, I'll just put it on MegaUpload.
Another edit** GRRRRR AGAIN...
Blue Protoman can't even get it to work.. WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG HERE???
Yeah this is exactly how I felt years ago. Thank god the Wii is very easy to run homebrew on.
Nintendodork, did you get my PM? Do that thing, it will probably work.
damn you nintendork, you got me back into dreamcast! heh. Now, the only problem is that I've killed all of my cdrs trying to make a nester disk! Help me! I also purchased my own copy of the typing of the dead. 8)
Quote from: nurd on March 23, 2009, 08:08:28 pm
Nintendodork, did you get my PM? Do that thing, it will probably work.
Yes I did, but it has none of the games I wanted :-\
Quote from: turbo D on March 23, 2009, 09:16:07 pm
damn you nintendork, you got me back into dreamcast! heh. Now, the only problem is that I've killed all of my cdrs trying to make a nester disk! Help me! I also purchased my own copy of the typing of the dead. 8)
Same here, have you ever been able to sucessfully make one? Apparently, you need the secret of the universe to do it. Because only BP has done it...
And I'm jealous :P I'm gonna get TotD and a keyboard, but I'm not sure when. I found a couple of auctions for them that total to a little over $20 for both.. If TotD had online play, we could type each other to the death :P
That would be cool! I picked it up today for $14.95 new/sealed at a local gamestore. I've had the keyboard for awhile, bought it from another local gamestore. Not sure how much I paid for the keyboard though. heh. But ya, I've never successfully made any dreamcast homebrew/bootable disks. I have however used one that a friend had, so I do know that my dreamcast supports bootable disks. I hope that we can unite to find the way!
Edit:
Just killed another cdr >:(
Quote from: nintendodork on March 23, 2009, 09:43:41 pm
And I'm jealous :P I'm gonna get TotD and a keyboard, but I'm not sure when. I found a couple of auctions for them that total to a little over $20 for both.. If TotD had online play, we could type each other to the death :P
TotD for the PC has LAN play built in. I've played it with a couple of friends ;D.
Wowee, I forgot they released it for the PC :D I may get it somewhere then..but I really want it on my Dreamcast :P It's at the top of my want list now, since I just got Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2. ;D
Soul Calibur should be top of your list as it's the best Dreamcast game ever made.
Oh yeah!! I totally forgot about Soul Calibur..I love fighting games for the DC! BTW: If anyone is selling Marvel VS. Capcom 2, don't be afraid to shoot me a price :P
Just got Utopia bootdisk V 1.5 burned and working! Now if I could only get that Nester burned and working. haha. Currently using the bootdisk to play my 2 imports: Chaos Field and Fire Pro Wrestling D! Awesome games, got them the other day from an import game store in my town. If you need the utopia image, let me know. It's in Nero .nrg format, found it on the web.
I don't wanna waste anymore CD-Rs...tell me if you are able to play ROMs on your Dreamcast..then I'll get it :P
Ya, I know your pain! Give me a week and I'll have a nes rom disk working for us. 8)
Street Fighter III. Now.
Also, about NESTERDCSE? So werid. Two people here are having trouble with it, and yet I got it working the first time I burned it.
Have you guys tried self booting disk images with the emulators and rompacks? If not check out http://dcisozone.com/downloads/964/NesterDC-(With-Complete-Romset).html (http://dcisozone.com/downloads/964/NesterDC-(With-Complete-Romset).html)
The thing is...I doubt any of these rompacks have the ones I'm looking for...
That one has 964 roms, what are you looking for? Famicom? I'm sure someone out there has made a rompack with Famicom games. As for pirates or what have you good luck.
There's a few Famicom games..and yeah..a lot of pirates :P
I didn't need a rompack or whatever. ND, please. Try downloading the ROMs again, but this time from the site I gave you. That's where I got my ROMs, and they all worked.
It hardly has any of the ones I want...
(Site)? No, (Site)'s got, like, every NES game. I don't think they carry FDS games, but then again I don't think NESTERDCSE supports the Famicom Disk System.
I don't have any FDS games...
I had games like Action 52, Somari, a couple of multis, more pirates, and a few licensed games as well
Just try (site). Please.
Okay, I downloaded like 10 ROMs and burned it...
Same thing happened...
Dammit. Did you re-download the emulator? Try that.
Yeah...I tried that too :(
Ok. Scrap EVERYTHING and try again. ROMs, files, compiler; the entire folder, and try again. Use ROMs from both your source and mine.
It wouldn't matter. I already downloaded the emulator again, got a few ROMs, and then tried a few of mine too...
I don't get it at all...
Just try it. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Ok...
It still didn't work...I think I'm fit to give up :-X :-\
On an unrelated note...I got Typing of the Dead in the mail today, and the keyboard is on it's way...
Hey 133MHz,
Does yours play ROMs from CDs that you burned fine?
Yes. I use Alcohol 120% to burn .CDI files, at 8x speed and RAW DAO writing method.
I just use DiscJuggler. No need to change any fancy settings.
I'm playing Mega Man 2 on my Dreamcast right now.
Me too! :O
Okay...the emulation didn't work out so well for me...so I want to try something else now...
Burning DC games to a CD-R....
Any tips?
DiscJuggler or Alcohol 120%
I burned Sonic Adventure last night with Alcohol 120% it worked fine.
I think this will be easier, since all I have to do is burn one thing..instead of compile a bunch of ROMs and whatnot..
Don't burn commercial DC games! First of all, the graphics and sound have to be downsized to fit on a 700MB CDR. (DC games are usually over a gig) Second, the laser is designed to read GDs, but not CDRs, so burned DC commercial games will wear out the laser sooner, breaking your DC. With DC homebrew and emulators, the disc stops spinning after a while, giving the laser a rest.
Quote from: Blue Protoman on April 05, 2009, 09:42:34 pm
Second, the laser is designed to read GDs, but not CDRs, so burned DC commercial games will wear out the laser sooner, breaking your DC.
Wrong. A GD-ROM is nothing more than a standard CD-ROM with a finer track pitch. Following your logic, using GDs instead of CDs should wear out the laser sooner, because a GD puts a greater stress on the laser than a CD.
BTW, the Dreamcast laser pickup is pretty strong so don't worry too much about it.
The graphics and sound are slightly worse than a real copy but it's barely noticeable.
I'll take that into consideration, also, when I get the CDI from the internet, do I just burn it from there using DiscJuggler, or is there a step in between?
That's all you do.
I just burned Soul Calibur and damn I forgot how great this game is. I really can't see any difference in graphics from this to the later ones on the PS2, Xbox, or GC. I miss 1999 when the Dreamcast was the shit.
I'm downloading Soul Calibur right now...I can't wait till it's done....
My computer is slow :(
I'm not interesting in using my Dreamcast for homebrew (the Xbox would do a far better job at that) but I am sorta curious what you guys recommend I check for as far as good DC games. I picked up a Dreamcast only in January because my buddy wanted to get rid of his. What's worthwhile on the DC? So far, I've got
Soul Calibur
Dead or Alive 2
Cannon Spike
Sonic Advenutre
Jet Set Radio
What else should I burn pick up?
Marvel VS. Capcom (1 or 2) 1 has Megaman..I'm not sure about 2
Crazy Taxi 1 and 2 are both good. If you ever get a keyboard, get Typing of the Dead. You'll like it's..unique gameplay
Resident Evil Code: Veronica
Shenmue 1 and 2
Rez
Ikaruga
Power Stone 1 and 2
Capcom vs SNK 1 and 2
Chu Chu Rocket
Street Fighter III
South Park: Chef's Love Shack (if you have friends)
I just tried to make my own NesterDC SE CD with NesterDC SE CD Builder (version 1.0 - 2005/02/10) with approx. 2500 NES ROMs and I had no problems at all.
I used http://dcevolution.net/nesterdcse/master_library as the Master Library URL, selected DiscJuggler format and used Alcohol 120% to burn the resulting image, at 8X & RAW DAO writing method.
I thought it didn't add in ROMs that weren't in the database.
what speed in discjuggler do I use to burn DC games..I burned Super Street Fighter 2X at 16X..it worked , but my picky white D didn't read the 16X one..I burned another copy at 4X & it read it..
I always burn at a pretty low setting (4X-8X). I think it's better than burning at high speeds, but I don't really know. ::)
I burn them at 8X, the rationale behind low-speed burning is that it produces less errors, and console optical mechanisms tend to be really picky about that.
My white DC is picky
It loads real copy of Dead or Alive 2..then 5 mins later, sound skips & it dosn't load
But on a Bured DC game like SA2, SSF2X it's fine..if I bured it at 4X
I burn at 1X. I only have the DJ trial anyway. All the features you get from the full version are features I'd never use.
If anyone wants, ThinkGeek is now selling sealed Dreamcasts for $100 each.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/retro-gaming/ba52/
Oh I want one but can think of better ways to spend 100 bucks then on a console I'll never play.
But Dreamcast is great!
Quote from: son_ov_hades on June 05, 2009, 07:48:50 pm
Oh I want one but can think of better ways to spend 100 bucks then on a console I'll never play.
Why do you want one if you'll never play it? *confused*... As a collector's piece?
It's sealed, I couldn't open a sealed console just to pretty. That's why I don't collect CIB or new, I actually want to play my games.
When buying games, I look for the game itself, and very preferably the manual, unless it's an import, in which case I don't care. The box means nothing to me.