GOD-FIGHTER ZEROIGAR [NEC PC-FX] RELEASE!

SamIAm · 08/09/2015, 05:30 AM

Come and get it!

* Zeroigar English Patch Download v1.0.1 (2015-08-08)

pcengine-fx.com/get.php?id=ZeroigarPatch (1.2MB)

~~The file is submitted to romhacking.net, but it's going to take them a while to process it.~~ I'm going to go ahead and give you fine folks here the chance to have it now.

romhacking.net/translations/2451/

Elmer and I poured a lot of effort into making things look as good as possible. We really hope that it helps you get as much enjoyment out of this game as possible.

You may have played or heard about this game briefly in the past and dismissed it as a mediocre shooter packaged with some generic anime. If so, I urge you to give it another shot. When you understand the unique gameplay and can fully appreciate the story, I think you'll realize just what a special game Zeroigar really is. Stay tuned for a beautiful manual from esteban, too!

Let us know what you think of it!

Quote from: Admin* Zeroigar CD ISO Download (Yeah, who cares! ~Everybody downloads, all lie! )

emuparadise.me/./Tyoushin_Heiki_Zeroigar/ (410 MB)

* Zeroigar English Patch Download v1.0.1

ysutopia.net/get.php?id=ZeroigarPatch (1.2MB)

* PROPER NEC PC-FX BIOS Download (This works, others don't!)

NEC PC-FX BIOS (1994)(NEC)(JP)[a].7z

Notes: The Mednafen emulator is the most accurate to play this right on your PC! You need the correct NEC PC-FX BIOS linked above!! To install, unzip it, copy "pcfx.rom" to Mednafen's "firmware" subfolder.

You load CD BIN/CUE or ISO/WAV/CUE images by pointing Mednafen to the CUE file. Simple way, for an example, make a batch file called Zeroigar.bat with this line in it:

Code Select Expand
mednafen -loadcd pcfx "C:\GAMES\PCFX\Zeroigar\Zeroigar.cue"
Where in the Zeroigar subfolder I have the whole CD ISO/WAV/CUE image file set and Mednafen is in the PCFX folder, etc.

pcengine-fx.com/PC-FX/html/pc-fx_world_-_game_reviews.html

We've got not 1, but 2 reviews of it that were lying around. I'm thinking of adding info about the English fan translation project and a downloads folder for additional hosting of the English patch as well, might as well complement them.

pcengine-fx.com/PC-FX/html/pc-fx_world_-_game_reviews_-_s1.html
pcengine-fx.com/PC-FX/html/pc-fx_world_-_game_reviews_-_s2.html

There's also an overview for it:

pcengine-fx.com/PC-FX/html/pc-fx_world_-_game_overviews_-19.html

And the Sound Test Easter egg code:

pcengine-fx.com/PC-FX/html/pc-fx_world_-_codes___faqs_-_s1.html

Random Eye Candy:

This was the cool animated GIF esteban made for the project plus his CD label:

junk.tg-16.com/images/Zeroigar_CD_Label_Color.jpg

Teaser preview:

PunkCryborg · 08/09/2015, 08:00 AM

I can't wait to finally enjoy this game! Thank you guys for all the hard work you put into this. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated!

herr-g · 08/09/2015, 08:07 AM

How great!! Thank you for this and your efforts spent with this project. I highly appreciate it

SamIAm · 08/09/2015, 09:20 AM

By the way, for those who do try it, be sure to switch the Mode 1 Button to "B" in order to enable auto-fire.

Sure wish I had put that in the README.

Duo_R · 08/09/2015, 10:14 AM

Great news!

cabbage · 08/09/2015, 11:56 AM

Congratulations

and many thanks to you fine gentlemen for all your hard work. I look forward to playing it in English!

SignOfZeta · 08/09/2015, 02:47 PM

Cool!

I'm saving my money for a Tobias version. He shouldn't want more than...$300, right? Considering it comes with a gold plated .22 shell casing and a giant case made out of trash can lids, right?

esteban · 08/09/2015, 02:51 PM

Quote from: SignOfZeta on 08/09/2015, 02:47 PMCool!

I'm saving my money for a Tobias version. He shouldn't want more than...$300, right? Considering it comes with a gold plated .22 shell casing and a giant case made out of trash can lids, right?

Awesome. I'm saving up my ice cream money.

jtucci31 · 08/09/2015, 03:13 PM

Thanks so much to everyone involved with this! Now with 2 translations for it, I'll feel more inclined to buy a PCFX, especially with one of those being a cool looking shooter.

Well done, it looks great and I can't wait to try it at some point

NightWolve · 08/09/2015, 03:16 PM

This is the ONLY shooter for the system, no ?? And congrats on a completed project!

turboswimbz · 08/09/2015, 03:28 PM

Quote from: SamIAm on 08/09/2015, 09:20 AMBy the way, for those who do try it, be sure to switch the Mode 1 Button to "B" in order to enable auto-fire.

Sure wish I had put that in the README.

Oh 1 more thing. I hadn't had time to mention this to sam and elmer earlier. Using inferiory CD-R's seems to make PC-FX crash during the opening intro movie. (I tried an old cheap one, which was promptly refuted by system. Tried a newer more reasonable disk with no problems)

NightWolve · 08/09/2015, 03:33 PM

Yeah, use imgburn.com for your CD-R burning needs! I had just helped somebody with Ys IV on my site that burned a CD-R that crashed. I told him to use respectable media and to burn it at the slowest speed with ImgBurn. I believe he used the same media, just that burning it with ImgBurn resulted in a working CD-R copy on real NEC hardware.

So yeah, FYI: 1) ImgBurn + 2) Slowest burn speed is best for real hardware and older CD lasers when using CD-R media!

Joe Redifer · 08/09/2015, 04:01 PM

Thumbs down for translating a good game instead of an anime porn game!!!!

But honestly the translation of the screen that appears after a level is over would have done wonders for me. I initially had no idea there was a leveling up system going on. If I knew that right away I would have appreciated it more sooner.

16bitgium · 08/09/2015, 04:18 PM

Many thanks!

elmer · 08/09/2015, 06:24 PM

Quote from: SignOfZeta on 08/09/2015, 02:47 PMI'm saving my money for a Tobias version. He shouldn't want more than...$300, right? Considering it comes with a gold plated .22 shell casing and a giant case made out of trash can lids, right?

Well, I can make you a one-time, never-to-be-repeated, only-for-the duration-of-this-phone-call, offer of a collectors-edition "lost" (behind the couch) "prototype" CD-R, signed by the programmer's dog's paw, for only $249.99!

That's an authentic bargain! You'd be crazy to pass it up!

... Whoops ... you missed it, all sold out.

Quote from: NightWolve on 08/09/2015, 03:16 PMThis is the ONLY shooter for the system, no ?? And congrats on a completed project!

Yep! It's the best game on the system ... in my extremely biased opinion.

Quote from: turboswimbz on 08/09/2015, 03:28 PMOh 1 more thing. I hadn't had time to mention this to sam and elmer earlier. Using inferiory CD-R's seems to make PC-FX crash during the opening intro movie. (I tried an old cheap one, which was promptly refuted by system. Tried a newer more reasonable disk with no problems)

Zeroigar's video playback code is a bit annoying.

If it gets a read error just as it starts playing back a video, then it locks up to console, and you're screwed.

But if it gets a read error in the middle of a video, it just cancels that video and skips on to the next thing, i.e. loading the next level.

It's definitely a game where you want to have your PC-FX's laser working properly.

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 08/09/2015, 04:01 PMI initially had no idea there was a leveling up system going on. If I knew that right away I would have appreciated it more sooner.

Me, too.

It wasn't until I started working on it with SamIAm that I actually had any idea that it was really a good game!

I started just wanting to know what-on-earth the story was ... and have actually ended up really enjoying it as a game.

I absolutely love how the developers went to a lot of effort to "humanize" each of the bosses.

That's not something that I've ever seen done so well in a shoot-em-up.

xcrement5x · 08/09/2015, 10:10 PM

Awesome news guys! Thanks a ton for translating and releasing this! It will give my ol PC-FX a new reason to start moving!

I just ripped my own copy to run the patch on but it gave me an error saying track 3 was not the right length? I will try with imgburn instead of Cdrwin but not sure what the problem is

Aggie Tsubi · 08/09/2015, 11:17 PM

Whoo-hooooo, congratulations, you guys, and thank you so much for your tireless work!

This is definitely on my mental to-play list for when I next pull out my PC-FX. Just gotta rip my copy and see if I have any good blank CD-Rs around.

esteban · 08/10/2015, 02:43 AM

Quote from: Aggie Tsubi on 08/09/2015, 11:17 PMWhoo-hooooo, congratulations, you guys, and thank you so much for your tireless work! This is definitely on my mental to-play list for when I next pull out my PC-FX. Just gotta rip my copy and see if I have any good blank CD-Rs around.

TANGENT:

Forgive me, but I don't remember if you ever wrote about Miraculum PC-FX....

If you have played the game, what did you think of it?

BACK ON TOPIC:
When you do play Zeroigar, you have to tell us what you thought of it. I always enjoy reading your posts.

I think it is safe to say that your quality to crap ratio is unparalleled: a few excellent posts every year.

Arkhan Asylum · 08/10/2015, 05:19 AM

Quote from: SignOfZeta on 08/09/2015, 02:47 PMCool!

I'm saving my money for a Tobias version. He shouldn't want more than...$300, right? Considering it comes with a gold plated .22 shell casing and a giant case made out of trash can lids, right?

Fuckin loled into infinity.

NecroPhile · 08/10/2015, 12:01 PM

Congrats on getting 'er done, so quickly too. You guys gonna tackle another PC-FX game now?

xcrement5x · 08/10/2015, 12:15 PM

Ahh, NecroPhile pointed me to TurboRip here:
https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=1604.0

And NightWolve even says:

QuoteIt will guarantee the same size of every track file across all CD-ROM devices
because it will enforce the PRE/POST-GAP rules for transitions between track
types, something even GoldenHawk's CDRWIN program will not do, nor any other
professional software of that nature.

I will give it a try ripping again tonight.

If I get the patch applied and working fine would you guys be upset if I made a "pre-patched" ISO link on mediafire or something to share with peeps that ask?

Thank you again!!

NightWolve · 08/10/2015, 12:34 PM

If you have an original, please try TurboRip logged in with your Guest account, it should still be able to read a CD drive even then. Just wanting to see that tested.

It should be able to work across the board without Administrator Rights (.reg may be needed for Windows 7), works here on my PC with the Guest account.

xcrement5x · 08/10/2015, 12:39 PM

Quote from: NightWolve on 08/10/2015, 12:34 PMYou have an original, xcrement5x ? If you would, try TurboRip logged in with your guest account, it should still be able to read a CD drive even then. Just wanting to see that tested.

Guest account, like on Windows?

NightWolve · 08/10/2015, 12:53 PM

Yeah, it should be able to work across the board without Administrator Rights and I'm even able to log in my PC with the Guest account and it'll still work.

elmer · 08/10/2015, 01:38 PM

QuoteI just ripped my own copy to run the patch on but it gave me an error saying track 3 was not the right length? I will try with imgburn instead of Cdrwin but not sure what the problem is

I've not actually tried ripping with Cdrwin for many, many years now.

AFAIK ImgBurn seems to give good .bin/.cue rips to use with the patch, which is why we recommend it in the README file.

TurboRip is a wonderful program ... but it didn't recognize PC-FX cds when I was getting the whole patching sorted out, so I came up with a work-around.

Unfortunately ... I've been too lazy since then (sorry NightWolve!) to actually modify the translation's batch file, yet, to directly use TurboRip's output files when you drop them in the "original-cd" directory.

If you don't want to use ImgBurn, then you can ...

Use TurboRip to extract the .iso/.wav/.cue files.
Copy them to the "english-cd" directory as ...

zeroigar01.wav ( 4,132,508 bytes)
zeroigar02.iso (365,950,976 bytes)
zeroigar02.iso.original (365,950,976 bytes)
zeroigar03.wav ( 29,990,396 bytes)
zeroigar04.wav ( 47,277,596 bytes)
zeroigar05.wav (130,472,540 bytes)
Copy "zeroigar.cue" from the "english-patch\cue\" directory.
Open up a command window in the "english-patch\" directory.
Run "zero-mix.exe"
Run "zero-patch.exe"

That's it ... that's all that the batch file does.

The other "benefit" to doing this is that you can play with all the different command line switches to "zero-mix" and "zero-patch" and see some interesting stuff (use "-h" to get a list of the options).

QuoteIf I get the patch applied and working fine would you guys be upset if I made a "pre-patched" ISO link on mediafire or something to share with peeps that ask?

As long as you're not selling it, that would comply with the licensing terms of the translation patch itself.

You'd still be distributing the original game itself ... which is a copyright issue, and is against MediaFire's policy, and which could get your account there suspended.

But I'm sure that you already know that.

JoshTurboTrollX · 08/10/2015, 02:01 PM

Excellent news gents! Congrats on the completion and major props on the hard work that went into this! May it bring many OBEY-FXers much joy!!

esadajr · 08/10/2015, 02:25 PM

Thanks a lot for the hard work. For those of you trying this on Mednafen, use the revision [a] bios. All seems to be well on Win7 x64. As soon as I get a chance I'll try it on a Wii.

xcrement5x · 08/10/2015, 03:08 PM

Quote from: elmer on 08/10/2015, 01:38 PM
Quote from: guest on 08/09/2015, 10:10 PMI just ripped my own copy to run the patch on but it gave me an error saying track 3 was not the right length? I will try with imgburn instead of Cdrwin but not sure what the problem is
I've not actually tried ripping with Cdrwin for many, many years now.

AFAIK ImgBurn seems to give good .bin/.cue rips to use with the patch, which is why we recommend it in the README file.

TurboRip is a wonderful program ... but it didn't recognize PC-FX cds when I was getting the whole patching sorted out, so I came up with a work-around.

Unfortunately ... I've been too lazy since then (sorry NightWolve!) to actually modify the translation's batch file, yet, to directly use TurboRip's output files when you drop them in the "original-cd" directory.

If you don't want to use ImgBurn, then you can ...
Use TurboRip to extract the .iso/.wav/.cue files.
Copy them to the "english-cd" directory as ...

zeroigar01.wav ( 4,132,508 bytes)
zeroigar02.iso (365,950,976 bytes)
zeroigar02.iso.original (365,950,976 bytes)
zeroigar03.wav ( 29,990,396 bytes)
zeroigar04.wav ( 47,277,596 bytes)
zeroigar05.wav (130,472,540 bytes)

Copy "zeroigar.cue" from the "english-patch\cue\" directory.
Open up a command window in the "english-patch\" directory.
Run "zero-mix.exe"
Run "zero-patch.exe"

That's it ... that's all that the batch file does.

The other "benefit" to doing this is that you can play with all the different command line switches to "zero-mix" and "zero-patch" and see some interesting stuff (use "-h" to get a list of the options).

QuoteIf I get the patch applied and working fine would you guys be upset if I made a "pre-patched" ISO link on mediafire or something to share with peeps that ask?
As long as you're not selling it, that would comply with the licensing terms of the translation patch itself.

You'd still be distributing the original game itself ... which is a copyright issue, and is against MediaFire's policy, and which could get your account there suspended.

But I'm sure that you already know that.

Thanks for the info! When I tried to rip it with IMG burn it would do the analysis on the disc and then just kind of got stuck on track 2. I let it sit there for like 30 minutes but it never finished so I figured it was just hung.

My computer is pretty old but I've normally never run into issues. Oh, and the disc looks immaculate so I don't think it's damaged. I will try messing around with it again later tonight.

TurboGrafx Retrogaming · 08/10/2015, 03:19 PM

Well, I downloaded the Zeroigar .zip to my Mac to burn, realized this Imgburn that everyone is talking about only supports PCs, so I moved the .zip to a PC, downloaded Imgburn and now my browser is hijacked with some Cassiopesa search malware (instead of Google or other search engines)...

I have no idea what this is as I'm a Mac guy, nor what to do -but it's just unfortunate that this is what happens when I try to download something from an unknown source/link that seems safe, to a PC. And since ImgBurn won't open, I have no chance of creating an ISO from the Zip and creating a CD with Zeroigar. Poor.

If anyone knows anything about what I'm talking about, either I can start a new post or please email me at jszkutek@gmail.com.

So sad.

elmer · 08/10/2015, 04:00 PM

Quote from: TurboGrafxRetrogaming on 08/10/2015, 03:19 PMWell, I downloaded the Zeroigar .zip to my Mac to burn, realized this Imgburn that everyone is talking about only supports PCs, so I moved the .zip to a PC, downloaded Imgburn and now my browser is hijacked with some Cassiopesa search malware (instead of Google or other search engines)...

I'll be interested to hear how you get on trying to do this on the Mac.

I don't personally know of any Mac-based program that will rip/burn this kind of image, but that's probably because my Mac Pro usually runs Windows.

I take it that you were either ...

Unwise enough to download ImgBurn from somewhere other than the official ImgBurn.com website (http://download.imgburn.com/SetupImgBurn_2.5.8.0.exe)
Unwise enough to install the crappy adware that it tries to get you to agree to install (which can be disabled with the "Custom Install" option).

If you installed the adware, you should just be able to uninstall ImgBurn and then uninstall the adware.

Sorry ... but people infesting "free" software with this kind of advertising B.S. if part of the price that PC users pay for getting useful software for "free". You get used to figuring out how to avoid installing the bundled crap.

The ImgBurn guys are reputable ... AFAIK, none of the stuff that they bundle into that installer is actually Malware ... but it is definitely unwanted junk, which is why they allow you to disable installing it.

I'm sorry that it's caused you such a problem, it is so long since I actually installed/updated ImgBurn that I'd forgotten that they'd even started bundling adware with it.

It's a good warning, folks ... if you do install ImgBurn, then please don't just blindly click "Yes" on everything!

Look at the dialogs, and when it "recommends" installing some additional adware program, just select "Custom Install (Advanced)" and disable it!

I'll contact you by email and try to help.

[EDIT]

Huh ... I just remembered you from another thread ...

You're a guy that doesn't actually have an original Zerogiar CD, so why-on-earth are you installing ImgBurn???

MotherGunner · 08/10/2015, 04:07 PM

I have never played this game. I don't own an FX so it might be time to get a hold of one...

NightWolve · 08/10/2015, 04:17 PM

Quote from: guest on 08/10/2015, 03:08 PMThanks for the info! When I tried to rip it with IMG burn it would do the analysis on the disc and then just kind of got stuck on track 2. I let it sit there for like 30 minutes but it never finished so I figured it was just hung.

My computer is pretty old but I've normally never run into issues. Oh, and the disc looks immaculate so I don't think it's damaged. I will try messing around with it again later tonight.

Ah, hm, yeah, it's probably failing on that [post] gap transition area from track 2 to 3 - that's what TurboRip was designed to handle. That is strange though, normally that's a problem with CDRWIN and other software when trying to rip tracks individually. But yeah, give the new version of TurboRip a shot with your original; I want someone with an original CD to test it out, and if you can, by logging in with your guest account and seeing if you can still rip it.

It's updated more, even more stable now, so download again:

ysutopia.net/get.php?id=TurboRip

TurboGrafx Retrogaming · 08/10/2015, 04:31 PM

Ah "original Zeroigar CD"! Now these "patches" and .iso files make all the sense in the world. I was like "where is the original game???" - feel so dumb. I need to get an original Zeroigar CD first - I totally understand how all this works now. So sorry and thanks for explaining it to me

1. I just finished uninstalling all the weird stuff that I blindly installed and fixed that issue.

2. Now I will get a copy of an original Zeroigar CD first before I attempt to burn the translated ISO again, properly.

3. Please disregard my noob posts on this thread. I will now go watch the GameSack PCFX episode, laugh alone in the corner and play more Team Innocent until I figure out this Zeroigar thing

Thanks guys!

NightWolve · 08/10/2015, 04:51 PM

Ah, he's right, one of the mirror links from ImgBurn redirects you to Digital Digest and when I downloaded it from there, my free AVG scanned it and popped up a window to save the day claiming it detected "MalSign.OpenCandy.7AF" in the executable...

http://www.avgthreatlabs.com/ww-en/virus-and-malware-information/info/opencandy/

EDIT: Hm, even the direct link elmer posted results in getting an anti-virus block - OpenCandy.7AF is in the official link. I guess that's just the default crap that I mentioned which it tries to install by default unless you uncheck it... It's the price to pay for free software - somebody else pays the bill, the sponsor, and you, the freeloader, still get to use the software for free. ;)

EDITx2: WAIT, I don't think we can trust this EXE at all - I will try to find an old version on my PC and upload it to my MediaFire account... Stay away from it for now!

Yeah, this warrants clarification to people and to pay attention to the installer which will by default check-on some sponsor's software as a means of monetization... Ah well...

(Even TurboRip, IF it succeeds, opens a link to my site so you get Google ad-spammed... Sorry.

)

Dicer · 08/10/2015, 05:11 PM

Well, shit...Mednafen doesn't want to run on windows 10...

elmer · 08/10/2015, 05:31 PM

Quote from: NightWolve on 08/10/2015, 04:51 PMEDIT: Hm, even the direct link elmer posted results in getting an anti-virus block - OpenCandy.7AF is in the official link.

Oh, crap!

I guess that we should put some warning in the README to be really careful what you agree to, if you decide to install ImgBurn.

QuoteEDITx2: WAIT, I don't think we can trust this EXE at all - I will try to find an old version on my PC and upload it to my MediaFire account... Stay away from it for now!

I can't find any panic online from people about that ImgBurn download, or about the fact that a competing antivirus provider, Avast, actually ships OpenCandy with their free software.

The only people that seem to be freaking about it are AVG ... who want you to install their antivirus browser plugins instead.

From what I can see, it's not actually malicious, just one of those typical annoyances that should be avoided if possible, and checked with MalwareBytes if you're worried that it didn't fully remove itself when you realize your mistake and uninstall it.

Quote(Even TurboRip, IF it succeeds, opens a link to my site so you get Google ad-spammed... Sorry. )

Hahaha ... and you even force your program to stay as the top window when I'd rather do something else at the same time and bury it under my browser window ... you naughty developer, you!

elmer · 08/10/2015, 05:36 PM

Quote from: Dicer on 08/10/2015, 05:11 PMWell, shit...Mednafen doesn't want to run on windows 10...

Doh!

Another reason to avoid Windows 10 for 6 months, to give if time to finally stabilize and for everyone to "fix" their "broken" software.

Have you tried the "compatibility" settings (unless Microsoft decided to remove those)?

Dicer · 08/10/2015, 05:57 PM

Quote from: elmer on 08/10/2015, 05:36 PM
Quote from: Dicer on 08/10/2015, 05:11 PMWell, shit...Mednafen doesn't want to run on windows 10...
Doh!

Another reason to avoid Windows 10 for 6 months, to give if time to finally stabilize and for everyone to "fix" their "broken" software.

Have you tried the "compatibility" settings (unless Microsoft decided to remove those)?

Yep, tried 8 ans 7 and no dice...

NightWolve · 08/10/2015, 06:02 PM

OK, here's a clean install of ImgBurn 2.5.8.0 - it's justifiable as Anti-Virus software will now try to block it and the way it's done tricks people into installing toolbar crap when they don't pay attention. It's a Potential Unwanted Adware block, you can ignore it, but you must pay attention to the installer's default attempt to install the adware!

http://www.mediafire.com/download/b25ajajgacr6rrm/ImgBurn2580.zip

So my link will unzip to an ImgBurn folder, and simply clicking ImgBurn.exe works - that's the extent of the install, copy it to where you like and add your own shortcuts, that's it!

Quote from: elmer on 08/10/2015, 05:31 PM
Quote(Even TurboRip, IF it succeeds, opens a link to my site so you get Google ad-spammed... Sorry. )
Hahaha ... and you even force your program to stay as the top window when I'd rather do something else at the same time and bury it under my browser window ... you naughty developer, you!

Oh, well, you can use the minimize button.

Quote from: elmer on 08/10/2015, 05:31 PMI can't find any panic online from people about that ImgBurn download, or about the fact that a competing antivirus provider, Avast, actually ships OpenCandy with their free software.

The only people that seem to be freaking about it are AVG ... who want you to install their antivirus browser plugins instead.

I did find anger on the ImgBurn forums actually when he started doing this. I've been tricked by that style of making it the default setup and not paying attention myself - it's deceptive and they know it!

http://forum.imgburn.com/index.php?/topic/21629-wtf-adware-delta-searchcom-in-setupimgburn-2580exe-downloaded-from-imgburncom/
https://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?/topic/127903-adware-in-install-of-imgburn-cddvdbd-burning-tool-delta-searchcom-in-setupimgburn-2580exe/

Not sure what you mean about free AVG, it just detected what's in there (aggressive adware); the panic, I guess, was on my part. It could've better separated the concept between spyware, adware, malware, etc. though, but maybe I jumped to more concern about it than warranted.

As for AVG's browser plugins, they're if you want extra protection to scan links and so forth at the expense of some slowdown to your browser - it's not extra adware... This also lets it scan HTML pages for JavaScript and other exploits, etc. I never really install that though because the Resident Shield aspect catches something after you finish downloading it and I don't want the slowdown - but it is technically a good idea for even further protection!

Now, true, if you're using the free-for-personal-use version (not commercial!), they spam you on rare occasion to buy the full version and will compare all the benefits versus the trimmed-down free one - I get that. So the actual installed executables already advertise the full version if you haven't paid. They didn't need to install browser plugins when you already gave permission to install full executables that can have a lot more power over your computer, etc.

Nonetheless, it's great software, a necessary evil in modern times, and I wish I had it installed way back in 2007 as I caught a real virus from a JavaScript exploit that led to a hidden download of an EXE and immediate execution, then reboot... FreeAVG had that virus in its database at the time and could've protected me - instead, the virus took over my PC at the system level and it then led to a complete HDD disaster (almost lost all of my projects were it not for GetDataBackforNTFS) for me because of my panic on the situation and attempt to rebuild my system as a result... Long story how I almost lost all my legacy... But yeah, I've been using it ever since!

No matter how smart you think you are, you NEED to have anti-virus software installed on your PC. I used to think that was for dumb people who click on I-love-you email and what not... I had no idea just a simple visit to a website by clicking could lead to a quick, *hidden* download of an EXE, execution, and reboot, etc. That's kind of when I stopped using Internet Explorer, but that doesn't mean all other browsers are free of exploits - just means hackers go after the most popular ones until they eventually find a security hole that then needs to get plugged, etc.

elmer · 08/10/2015, 07:07 PM

Quote from: NightWolve on 08/10/2015, 06:02 PMOK, here's a clean install of ImgBurn 2.5.8.0 - it's justifiable as Anti-Virus software will now try to block it and the way it's done tricks people into installing toolbar crap when they don't pay attention. It's a Potential Unwanted Adware block, you can ignore it, but you must pay attention to the installer's default attempt to install the adware!

It's definitely sad that the ImgBurn now developer feels that he needs to include OpenCandy in order to generate revenue ... presumably because not enough people are donating.

I've been using ImgBurn for years, and after thinking about this today, I finally felt shamed enough to donate.

QuoteI did find anger on the ImgBurn forums actually when he started doing this. I've been tricked by that style of making it the default setup and not paying attention myself - it's deceptive and they know it!

Yep, I won't disagree ... it sucks as a tactic.

I've just looked myself, and there do, indeed, seem to be a slow-but-constant stream of complaints on the ImgBurn site, especially now that OpenCandy is getting flagged as a problem.

QuoteNot sure what you mean about free AVG, it just detected what's in there (aggressive adware); the panic, I guess, was on my part. It could've better separated the concept between spyware, adware, malware, etc. though, but maybe I jumped to more concern about it than warranted.

The complaint that I read specifically pointed out that AVG had used exactly the same bundled adware tactic to get their own product onto people's desktops.

What really makes the difference, to me, is that OpenCandy platform can offer up a wide variety of gawd-knows-what different software, and you never know how well they've checked it for malware, or if their servers have been hacked to distribute trojans.

=================

Anyway, back to Zeroigar!

I'll update the patching process to switch it over to TurboRip, and away from ImgBurn, so that this ceases to be a potential problem in the future.

elmer · 08/10/2015, 07:21 PM

QuoteCongrats on getting 'er done, so quickly too. You guys gonna tackle another PC-FX game now?

I have a sneaking suspicion that I know what SamIAm would like to look at next.

For myself, I'm still more interested in homebrew, and in opening up the PC-FX for new development, than I am in translating old games; but I'll spend a little time looking at Team Innocent to see if there's something that I can do quickly to help Filler and EsperKnight out with the PC-FX-specific knowledge and code that I've accumulated from doing Zeroigar.

NightWolve · 08/10/2015, 07:37 PM

Quote from: elmer on 08/10/2015, 07:07 PMIt's definitely sad that the ImgBurn now developer feels that he needs to include OpenCandy in order to generate revenue ... presumably because not enough people are donating.

I've been using ImgBurn for years, and after thinking about this today, I finally felt shamed enough to donate.

Yeah, I'm sure he was experiencing the 99% freeloading rate we all are, those of us that keep count of such things with our freeware-but-please-purty-please-hit-that-Donate-icon... ;)

QuoteI'll update the patching process to switch it over to TurboRip, and away from ImgBurn, so that this ceases to be a potential problem in the future.

Hm, well, I REALLY do recommend it for burning CD-Rs! For those that wanna burn one to play on a real NEC PC-FX, it's one of your best shots... Those of us that downloaded an image and use emulators (and I presume that equals most of us, heh-heh) can just make do with a good CD/DVD emulator to mount the CUE file. Anyhow, I would maybe use a permanent link to something like my Zip file or clearly warn the user it will try by default to install that adware and that your anti-virus software WILL flag it as unwanted, etc.

I guess I have to edit old posts now myself to warn about this adware where I threw the recommendation for it out there... :/

esadajr · 08/11/2015, 08:18 AM

Quote from: Dicer on 08/10/2015, 05:11 PMWell, shit...Mednafen doesn't want to run on windows 10...

xcrement5x · 08/11/2015, 11:30 AM

So I used TurboRip last night and it extracted everything fine, then manually ran the patches on the ISO and it seems good. I couldn't figure out Mednafan so I need to unbox my PC-FX to try it on legit hardware, hopefully I should have some time soon. Unfortunately NightWolve I don't have a guest account on the machine due to domain policy.

If I can get a solid rip figured out and tested I'm happy to share a link with others.

If the patches complete successfully on the track 2 BIN I am assuming all is fine?

esadajr · 08/11/2015, 12:00 PM

I have a "solid rip" figured out. The final product is a nice Cue+Bin. If someone is interested I'd be happy to help. Also I have Mednafen (Win7 x64) figured out.

Dicer · 08/11/2015, 12:23 PM

Quote from: esadajr on 08/11/2015, 08:18 AM
Quote from: Dicer on 08/10/2015, 05:11 PMWell, shit...Mednafen doesn't want to run on windows 10...

Good thing I've got an SSD with Linux Mint, where it runs flawlessly, so ha ha indeed...

EvilEvoIX · 08/11/2015, 12:27 PM

Man I need a PCFX now.

NightWolve · 08/11/2015, 12:43 PM

Quote from: guest on 08/11/2015, 11:30 AMSo I used TurboRip last night and it extracted everything fine, then manually ran the patches on the ISO and it seems good. I couldn't figure out Mednafan so I need to unbox my PC-FX to try it on legit hardware, hopefully I should have some time soon. Unfortunately NightWolve I don't have a guest account on the machine due to domain policy.

Cool! And that was the same computer where ImgBurn would hang on track-mode analysis ?

I think the codebase is pretty solid now and it could probably even run on Windows 95 - I'll probably test the EXE some time on my first PC, a Pentium MMX 200Mhz which I still keep around. Still have a few little tweaks to do though before I attempt a real track analysis with the Q Subcode/subchannel data stuff.

http://perfectrip.cdfreaks.com/ - This app was something I wanted to learn from, especially when I go forward to design a GUI version, but it's broken as shit on my Windows Vista. It gets stuck in an infinite message box error crash about "NTDLL.dll," etc. And when I got to the drive selection screen, it couldn't detect my CD/DVD drives. They have the right idea, but they stopped development long time ago - it's been abandoned.

And how about this, Ryphecha's last Mednafen release addressed a bug for Zeroigar!

http://mednafen.fobby.net/

QuotePC-FX: Fixed a bug causing a graphical glitch in "Sakuraigar Mode" in "Tyoushin Heiki Zeroigar".

Was that coincidence, elmer ?? Or you asked her to look into it ?? ;)

Quote from: Dicer on 08/10/2015, 05:11 PMWell, shit...Mednafen doesn't want to run on windows 10...

Try the MAGIC-ENGINE FX emulator, just to see. I think the "F1 save, F5 load" trick works when your 5 minute timer is about to run out since it's payware - that's a tip David Michel himself mentions to reset the timer and keep playing when in demo-mode.

http://www.magicengine.com/uk_download_main.html
http://www.magicengine.com/files/mefx111-demo.zip

elmer · 08/11/2015, 01:12 PM

Quote from: guest on 08/11/2015, 11:30 AMI couldn't figure out Mednafan so I need to unbox my PC-FX to try it on legit hardware, hopefully I should have some time soon.

The big thing for Mednafen is that you need to put a copy of the PC-FX BIOS in your Mednafen directory as "pcfx.rom".

It should be 1MB when you uncompress it (1,048,576 bytes).

There are 2 versions that I've seen floating out there ...

"NEC PC-FX BIOS (1994)(NEC)(JP).7z" 726.38 KB
"NEC PC-FX BIOS (1994)(NEC)(JP)[a].7z" 738.13 KB

You need to get the "NEC PC-FX BIOS (1994)(NEC)(JP)[a].7z" one, the other one doesn't work with Mednafen.

After that, it's as simple as running "mednafen zeroigar.cue" from the command line ... or dragging the .cue file onto the mednafen.exe file in Windows Explorer.

QuoteIf I can get a solid rip figured out and tested I'm happy to share a link with others.

I just mounted zeroigar.cue with Deamon Tools Lite and then used ImgBurn to rip a .bin/.cue image from the virtual CD.

FYI, the new zeroigar-english.bin that I just ripped is 645,393,504 bytes.

!!!Warning!!! ... If you do install Deamon Tools Lite, it also uses OpenCandy, just like ImgBurn, and so you've got to be careful to deselect the junk adware that it offers you by using the "Custom Install (advanced)" option.

QuoteIf the patches complete successfully on the track 2 BIN I am assuming all is fine?

Yep ... both zero-mix and zero-patch do at least some checking on the original file as they patch the other copy of it.

They're just checking for accidental mistakes, not malicious acts, so they can be tricked if you really want to create a non-working CD!

zeroigar02.iso should be 377,487,360 bytes long, with MD5 0f8de09a7067a7edd725631351620b98

elmer · 08/11/2015, 01:31 PM

Quote from: NightWolve on 08/11/2015, 12:43 PMAnd how about this, Ryphecha's last Mednafen release addressed a bug for Zeroigar!

http://mednafen.fobby.net/

QuotePC-FX: Fixed a bug causing a graphical glitch in "Sakuraigar Mode" in "Tyoushin Heiki Zeroigar".
Was that coincidence, elmer ?? Or you asked her to look into it ?? ;)

No coincidence at all!

That's the missing "filmstrip" background in the Sakuraigar story slideshows that I reported to Ryphecha, and that she kindly diagnosed and identified what the problem was.

Zeroigar is setting one of the background screens to an illegal size that real hardware is correcting, but Mednafen was rejecting and failing to display.

I fixed Zeroigar in the patch to set the proper values, and Rypheca fixed Mednafen to "correct" the value (just like the real hardware does).

That way , the patched game will work on old versions of Mednafen, and the original unpatched game will work on the new version of Mednafen.

QuoteTry the MAGIC-ENGINE FX emulator, just to see. I think the "F1 save, F5 load" trick works when your 5 minute timer is about to run out since it's payware - that's a tip David Michel himself mentions to reset the timer and keep playing when in demo-mode.

The problem with that is that Magic-Engine FX doesn't actually emulate the PC-FX accurately enough to play Zeroigar 100% correctly.

Only Mednafen gets all the graphics and sounds correct.

I really can't recommend Magic-Engine FX for playing this translation, especially since David is asking you to pay money for it ... and it doesn't fully work, and Mednafen is free ... and it does.