Introduction
In the world of gaming, there are consoles that stand out from the rest, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience their power and capabilities. Among these legendary consoles is the Sharp X68000, a machine so powerful and advanced that it was said to have games indistinguishable from their arcade counterparts. Released in 1987, this gaming behemoth quickly gained popularity and became a must-have for gaming enthusiasts craving the ultimate gaming experience. In this article, we will delve into the incredible world of the Sharp X68000, exploring some of its most awe-inspiring games and discussing why it remains a holy grail for retro gaming enthusiasts even today.
The Mighty Sharp X68000: A Brief Overview
The Sharp X68000 was a computer that took the gaming world by storm upon its release. It boasted impressive features that were unparalleled at the time, including a Motorola 68000 CPU, advanced graphics hardware with support for vibrant colors and numerous sprites on screen, and a wide range of CPU, RAM, and sound upgrades that further enhanced its performance. However, all of this cutting-edge technology came at a hefty price, making the X68000 a luxury item that only a few fortunate individuals could afford.
Unearthing the Gems
Fortunately, thanks to the advancements in technology, today we have the means to experience the wonders of the Sharp X68000 without breaking the bank. In this article, we will be exploring ten of the best games available on this legendary platform, each one guaranteed to leave you in awe of the X68000’s capabilities.
1. Ghouls and Ghosts: A Visual Spectacle
Experience the breathtaking visuals of Ghouls and Ghosts on the Sharp X68000, where every detail, from the colors to the sprites, is drop-dead gorgeous. This version of the game surpasses even the Sega Genesis and Super Graphics editions, showcasing the true power of the X68000. While some mild sprite flickering may occur, it does little to detract from the overall excellence of this port.
2. Final Fight: A Port Like No Other
Prepare to be blown away by the port of Final Fight on the Sharp X68000, which easily outshines its console counterparts. With spot-on color reproduction, flawless sprites, and detailed backgrounds, it’s hard to believe this isn’t the original arcade version. While there may be fewer enemies on screen and some differences in high-resolution mode, the X68000’s impressive performance solidifies its place as one of the best home versions of this classic game.
3. Fatal Fury Special: Neo Geo vs. Sharp X68000
Witness the epic battle between two gaming powerhouses as Fatal Fury Special, originally developed for the Neo Geo, makes its way onto the Sharp X68000. Spread across a whopping nine floppy disks, this visually impressive conversion showcases massive sprites, intricately detailed backgrounds, and animations that do justice to the Neo Geo original. While the music may not shine as brightly as the original, this version of Fatal Fury Special will still leave you impressed.
4. R-Type: Intense Action on the X68000
Get ready for an intense shooting experience with R-Type on the Sharp X68000. With vibrant colors, stunning sprites, and meticulously designed stages and bosses, this port rivals even the TurboGrafx version. Despite some minor sprite flickering, the X68000’s capabilities shine through, proving once again that it is a class above the rest.
5. Salamander: Konami Excellence on Display
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking action of Salamander, a horizontal and vertically scrolling shoot ’em up that originated from the Gradius series. With impressive sprite work, detailed animation, and challenging gameplay, this port of Salamander on the X68000 does justice to its arcade roots. While slight color differences may be noticeable, the overall experience is nothing short of excellent.
6. Street Fighter II Champion Edition: Arcade Perfection at Home
Experience the true power of the X68000 with the port of Street Fighter II Champion Edition. Developed by Capcom, this version faithfully recreates the arcade experience, with gloriously detailed sprites, multi-layered backgrounds, and most of the arcade’s animations. Comparable to the original in every aspect, this port was a dream come true for arcade enthusiasts and remains unmatched by any home version of the time.
7. Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers: Evolving the Arcade Perfect Port
Building upon the success of Street Fighter II Champion Edition, the X68000 also received a port of Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers. This monumental game, spread across seven floppy disks, takes arcade perfection to new heights with its stunning animations and complex backgrounds. While some minor color and arc changes may be present, overall, this is as close to arcade perfection as one could hope for during this era.
8. Strider: A Comic Book Come to Life
Embark on a thrilling adventure with Strider on the X68000, where the futuristic world and wild enemies truly come to life. While the Genesis version showcased the console’s capabilities, the X68000 takes it a step further with its arcade-faithful color reproduction and animations. Although not quite achieving arcade perfection due to some sprite flickering, this port is undoubtedly one of the gems of the early X68000 library.
9. Viewpoint: Triumphs and Disappointments
Explore the challenging world of Viewpoint on the X68000, a game that pushed the hardware to its limits. While the X68000 struggles to handle the intense action and suffers from significant slowdown, it still manages to deliver decent sprites, backgrounds, and animations. However, the constant flashing of the bullets and the impact on gameplay make this version fall short of the high expectations set by other X68000 ports.
Conclusion
The Sharp X68000 remains a cult favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts for its unparalleled power and mind-blowing game ports. From visually stunning graphics to faithful arcade recreations, the X68000 showcased the true potential of home gaming during its time. While it may have been out of reach for many due to its high price tag, the ability to experience these masterpieces through emulation ensures that the legacy of the X68000 lives on. So, if you ever find yourself yearning for a taste of gaming history, don’t hesitate to delve into the world of the Sharp X68000 and witness the true power of this extraordinary gaming platform.
