[Feature Request] NEC PC98 support!

RaouleMenard commented 2 years ago

Hi and thanks for the amazing job on Win9x support!

I have a request: Can you please consider adding NEC PC98 support in DosBox-Pure?

This hardware is x86 based with a similar DOS OS.

DosBox-X do support PC98, but no core is available on RetroArch.

Neko Project II cores are very buggy and not actively supported, with broken CD support, and no decent OSD keyboard, also a pain when using a gamepad. Adding rewind / savestates would be great too!

Maybe would it be easier to apply the "Pure" formula to Neko Project II Kai?

Thanks!

schellingb commented 2 years ago

Hi there, glad you like the recent update!

Oh man, PC98 might be a big ask. During development of that last update I've been referencing DOSBox-X a fair amount to increase compatibility/stability. And it seems throughout every part of DOSBox there is customization in place for the different behavior of PC98 as opposed to an IBM compatible DOS machine.

I don't want to rule it out because I do love the idea, even though I barely now anything about the platform, but that makes it even more interesting maybe :-)

I wouldn't mind starting other Pure-style cores at some point. Perhaps somewhat similar to PC98, I've been eyeing FM Towns emulator development here and there for a while now. https://github.com/captainys/TOWNSEMU isn't even that old but it seems to be in an impressive state already with lots of software reportedly running.

If Neko Project II Kai has good emulation, a portable code base without a crazy amount of dependencies that might be great as well. But maybe that would be a case were I'd contribute to the existing libretro core instead of creating a new one? Need to think about all this :-)

RaouleMenard commented 2 years ago

Hi there, glad you like the recent update!

Hi again!

The NEC PC98 is my favorite retro Japanese computer.

I mostly enjoy JRPGs and adventure games, and the PC98 library is full of these kind of games.

Already completed a few games such as Yu-No, Kuro no Ken, Words Worth, Metal Eye 2 etc.

Other computers such as the X68k might be better for action / arcade games - even though there are a lot on the PC98 too.

So, a "Pure" PC98 core would be a dream for me. I hope it become a reality one day 😊

Thanks again for your hardwork on DOS / Win9x, this is also a major platform for me and have a crazy backlog to play 😅

By the way, I confirm that Japanese Windows ME works great in the latest DosBox-Pure!

Darknior commented 2 years ago

@schellingb for sure PC-98 is an incredible computer in Japan <3 If you can one day, create a PC98-Pure like write @RaouleMenard , it will be fantastic :) The best DOS games in Japan are on this computer !