|
GamePro
Unknown Date - Unknown Issue
NEC FX
Scheduled for a Fall 1994 release alongside the Saturn and PlayStation, NEC is moving on up with the 32-bit NEC-FX. Without using a polygon-generating graphics chip like other next-generation machines, the FX will bring animated characters to life at a scorching 30 frames per second (as fast as a TV cartoon) and will command a maximum of 16 million colors. The unit will refine its eye-catching display with built-in JPEG compression, a graphics processing technique that saps some overall processing speed to put more punch into animation. NEC plans on using the high-quality visuals, CD music support, CD movie-playing capability, and Photo CD support to appeal to an older game-playing audience. Even the FX's controller will sport a sophisticated look with eight action buttons and a standard directional pad, vying with the PlayStation for the "most finger damaging control pad" honors.
One announced game, Battle Heat, combines cinematic Japanese anime-style animation, sophisticated dialogue, and of course, crystal-clear CD sound with fighting-game action. A second game, FX Fighter, features one-on-one combat with a Virtua Fighter look but rendered character graphics.
NEC doesn't appear to be just jumping on the 32-bit bandwagon. The FX could be here to play.
Unknown Date - Unknown Issue
FX (NEC)
NEC broke new ground with its CD-ROM platform, the PC-Engine Duo, but that was over five years ago. Now it has a new system in the work that boasts a 32-bit processor and some NEC-particular enhancements. The system's graphics processors will reportedly run full-screen animation at 30 frames per second (cartoon quality), and NEC will break from tradition by using the JPEG compression system, which produces top-quality still pictures, rather than the ballyhooed MPEG compression. Without getting techie, that should mean higher-quality pictures for more lifelike graphics but lesss animation.
Software support is muddy, but game development seems to be moving forward with 170 developers (including NEC, Hudson, and Hunex) on board. According to an NEC spokesman, the machine will "almost certainly" not be called the "FX" when it's released, but it will be delivered on time to be a part of the Christmas fray this November or December.
Unknown Date - Unknown Issue
TTi has announced it's ditching the 16-bit hardware market but will continue to maintain a software library for the Duo and make repairs though authorized service centers. TTi has selected to use independent companies in the U.S. and Canada to provide for the release of future software for Duo owners.
TTi is leaving the door open to releasing future technologies, such as the oft-rumored 32-bit "Ironman" created jointly by NEC and Hudson Soft in Japan.
|
