ParaJVE
Parabellum's Java Vectrex Emulator, version 0.2.0


DESCRIPTION
    ParaJVE is a Vectrex emulator, written in Java 1.5. It is still in an early stage of developpement, so a lot of things are missing (the sounds emulation is not yet implemeted, for instance). However, it is completed enough to enjoy a game or two with this good old console!

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
    The emulator packaging is self-sufficient : it contains all the files needed to run the whole set of original vectrex games (this includes roms and color overlays). Also included are the native libraries needed to use the JOGL api (JOGL is an OpenGL binding for java). Unlike other java archives, these libraries are specific to the execution platform ; that's why you'll have to choose carefully when picking the packaging for download.

REQUIREMENTS
  • An installed Java Runtime Environment, with a version greater or equals to 1.5 (Please note that 1.5 is preferred, since the emulator has never been tested with a JRE 1.6 yet).

  • A Windows Operating System (tested on Windows XP only), or a Linux Operating System (tested on Ubuntu only)

  • Although not strictly necessary, a processor running at 1MHz or more is strongly advised

DOWNLOADING & INSTALLATION
    Select and download the ZIP archive corresponding to your system, and decompress it on your hard drive.

    To run the emulator, depending on the downloaded packaging, click either "ParaJVE.bat" (for windows), or "ParaJVE" (for linux).

SO HOW MUCH DOES THIS THING COST?
    ParaJVE is freeware for personal use.

    The only thing I'm asking for are comments about this program (bug reports, ideas, constructive critisism, ...). Even is if you don't have anything special to say, just send me an email or post a comment over at ParaJVE's developement blog to tell me wether you like the emulator or not! ;)

    Please note that it is not public domain software and may not be sold or used for commercial purposes without the express written permission of the author.

KNOWN ISSUES
    The following bugs have been identified :

    • The timing method using nanoseconds resolution may not work well on the systems run by a multi-core CPU. This is a known java bug and there's no way to resolve it AFAIK. If you have this bug, just open the "Framerate" dialog through the menu, and switch to "Milliseconds" granularity.

    • Every text displayed in the emulator seem to be shifted a bit to the right. No idea about this one, I'll have to investigate later.

    • Space Wars cartridge : The right-most digits on the screen (player's ammunition) is not visible. Likely to be caused by the problem above

    • Clean Sweep cartridge : The graphics rendering of this game is a complete mess. It's apparently due to the fact that ParaJVE does not implement any vector drift code yet. Will work on this later...

    • Hyperchase cartridge : Not a bug per see, but the game is unplayable due to a lack of support for the analogic joysticks (they are implemented as numeric joysticks right now). It looks like I'll have to map the mouse as an analogic joystick (or even map real joysticks). Ideas welcome! :)

    If you find additional bugs, please let me know, and I will add them to this list.

VERSION HISTORY
  • 10/9/2006 - Version 0.2.0
    Added overlays, rewritten GUI, added persistent configuration. Now embeds the game roms for easier installation.

  • 18/7/2006 - Version 0.1.0
    INITIAL PREVIEW RELEASE of ParaJVE

LICENSE & DISCLAIMER
    ParaJVE is Copyright ©2006 by Franck Chevassu.

    Permission to use and copy this software for any non-commercial purpose, without fee, and without a written agreement is hereby granted, provided that this document appear in all copies, unmodified.

    Any commercial use or distribution of this software (on any media such as CD or DVD, or in software bundles, for instance) is explicitely forbidden without first getting the express written permission of the author (contact me).

    IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE TO ANY PARTY FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE AND ITS DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF THE AUTHOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

    THE AUTHOR SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE SOFTWARE PROVIDED HEREUNDER IS ON AN "AS IS" BASIS, AND THE AUTHOR HAS NO OBLIGATIONS TO PROVIDE MAINTENANCE, SUPPORT, UPDATES, ENHANCEMENTS, OR MODIFICATIONS.

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