ParaJVE
Parabellum's Java Vectrex Emulator, version 0.3.0


DESCRIPTION
    ParaJVE is a Vectrex emulator, written in Java 1.5. Although it is still in an early stage of development (this is only the third release), most parts are now working correctly ; hence, this version is complete enough to enjoy most of the original games set, as well as some extra homebrew roms!

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), and some additional homebrew games. 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 criticism, ...). Even if you don't have anything special to say, just send me an email or post a comment over at ParaJVE's development blog to tell me whether 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.

    • The frames limiter code does not seem to work as expected. Often, the FPS counter displays 60FPS (for instance), whereas the game is clearly running much faster. This is not a top-priority bug as long as the emulator is not complete.

    • Also linked to the previous timing problem, the sound emulation is running too fast... I'll have to investigate later.

    • Every text displayed in the emulator seem to be shifted a bit to the right. It's apparently due to the fact that ParaJVE does not implement any RAMP delay code yet. Many thanks to Chris Salomon for the tip!

    • Clean Sweep cartridge : The graphics rendering of this game is a complete mess. Again, it's likely to be caused by the problem above. 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
  • 18/10/2006 - Version 0.3.0
    Added sound emulation, HTML documentation for included games, and embedded some extra homebrew game roms. Changed the game selector to display more information about the selected ROM. Coded debugging tools (execution backtracing, sound monitoring, rom reloading, ...). Also fixed several bugs (invalid memory accesses, keyboard focus, ...)

  • 10/09/2006 - Version 0.2.0
    Added overlays, rewritten GUI, added persistent configuration. Now embeds the game roms for easier installation.

  • 18/07/2006 - 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.

USEFUL LINKS