Raise your hand if you remember the MSX computer. I know there won’t be many hands raised and that is okay, it is part of why retro gaming is so awesome. We never know when we get to learn about something we never heard of before. The MSX computer was developed by Microsoft and ASCII Corporation in an attempt to standardize computers, in 1983. It was an 8-Bit computer based on the Z80 CPU and came in various memory configurations depending on manufacturer you bought it from. The reason for this article, The Rise, is a new upcoming game for the MSX that shows just how powerful it is and will make you scratch your head as to why the MSX was not more popular.
Modern Gaming Tropes on Classic Hardware
Obviously, during the short time the MSX was popular gamers and developers had no idea about a “Metroidvania” style game.
I do want to say, if you are not familiar with the MSX1, or just MSX, computer please keep in mind, this is an 8-Bit computer. When you watch the embedded video below, you will know what I mean.
Graphically The Rise can hold its own against late generation Nintendo Entertainment System games that require MMC add-ons to achieve their graphical prowess. This is running on similar hardware from about the same era (Japan got the NES/Famicom in 1983).
The Rise will feature huge sprawling levels that are connected. It looks stupidly impressive already.
Free Performance Upgrades Built-In
The video above is running on an MSX2 computer, featuring a newer Z80 CPU and more base RAM than the original MSX. In the YouTube video we are told that the only improvements in this video are the sprites on a scanline increasing. Colors and such are apparently true to what you could expect on the original MSX.
That makes me want to see The Rise running with full upgrades afforded by the MSX2 hardware now. It already looks impressive; it could look better. I hope we can get a comparison of the two computers running The Rise to better understand the improvements.
If you are a fan of Metroidvania style games then you will definitely want to add The Rise to your radar/want list. It looks great, has huge bosses and appears to stay true to the formula.
What is your favorite Metroidvania so far? There have been so many over the years that I cannot pinpoint one that I enjoyed far more than the others. Let me know yours in the comments below.