I realize this probably comes up a bit around here, but, I am in the market to buy or trade things for an MSX system capable of running either/or Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2.

If anyone has such a system (or even one or both of the games) and would be willing to negotiate a price or any other type of trade, please let me know.

I will check this thread frequently and email, MSN Messenger, and ICQ. All three of those ways are perfectly acceptable ways to contact me!

Thanks! I'm looking forward to finding out what I can.

EDIT - Japanese versions of the games or computer are absolutely OK.

jow.... i have a system that could run that games, one problem, the joystick ports are fucked up....... its a philips NMS8245... So if you want to buy/trade it....

Do you want originals or just want to play? Because it influences a lot in your choise:

legit way: buy both original carts and any MSX2 will do... I didn't seen many original Metal Gear or Metal Gear 2 carts for sale on eBay... The two together could easily jump over 300 euro for the games only... In total about 350 euro (50 for any MSX2, Philips 8245 being one of the cheapest)

bloody pirate way: any MSX2 with 512K SCC flash (50 euro + 100 euro = 150 euro), or you need MSX2 with at least 512K RAM and any modded SCC game cart (50 euro + 60 euro + 30 euro = 140 euro)

All the estimates are approximate. All depends from your area. If you're in Netherland, chances are good you'll find two-three MSX2 systems in bargain shops or in a big city dumpster.

In US expect to pay at least ~100 US$ for any MSX2 (this includes delivery)

PS: I have original european Metal Gear in original package with instruction in fair condition, but I don't think I will ever sell it. It's a cornerstone of my MSX cult

Or, if it's just for the Metal Gear 1/2 way --> use an emulator. Preferrably NLMSX, BlueMSX or openMSX.
And erm... Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake does about €200 for the game alone, at the moment... So, have a nice and empty purse

Heh, may be he's stinky rich and cab buy 100 MG2 games to decorate walls

Maybe, indeed. But then, re-sell them to MSX-users who don't have huge stacks of money piled up! For a nice price, of course

Well, if I will get my Konami MSX cartridge games collection near complete, I might actually pay this crazy price (~200 euro)

Quote:

jow.... i have a system that could run that games, one problem, the joystick ports are fucked up....... its a philips NMS8245... So if you want to buy/trade it....

I'm willing to buy...

But I also want to keep it open to other offers, especially since your joystick ports aren't working.

You wouldn't happen to have either of the games, too, would you?

Where do you live? In the US or in Europe. This much affects what type of machine you should buy. If you live in Europe, a philips NMS8245 computer would do just fine. You could buy the 8245 from the guy that mentioned it here if it's not too expensive. If you live in the US however, you're better off buying a Japanese MSX2+ since it uses the same voltage (well, 100V) and the same television standard (NTSC)

I'm in the US.

Any help with the Japanese system would be great... and side note - don't forget the games!! Thanks for the help so far, everyone.

Yeah... For the US you'd need a Japanese system. I've seen a couple of Japanese MSX2+ computers on ebay.nl for around 75 euros. (about $90) The games aren't all that easy but aren't impossible to find. The only thing you could do is check on auction sites from now and then. Not too long ago ebay.nl saw a Solid Snake (MG2) go for around $100 if I remember correctly. Not cheap, but that's mainly because of the current hype. Metal Gear one goes for a lot less, but is a little more difficult to find. Maybe if you also post a message here from time to time you can find one. Be sure to coordinate the shipment of the computer well, you don't want to end up paying import duties in the US.

OK...

Can anybody here help me out with the Japanese MSX2+? I mean, does anybody here have one they'd be willing to sell, etc?

Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 do not use any new features in MSX2+ that are not present in MSX2. And usually MSX2+ is at least two (more like three) times more expensive.

Panasonic MSX2+ and TurboR systems are notorious for the complexity of floppy drive repair. In Sony computers all you have to do is find XT compartible 3.5" floppy drive and replace defective. In Panasonic systems you need soldering skills or money to buy compatible drive (from Ikeda for example).

MSX2+ comes with 9958 VDP. The only two games I know about that use 9958 specific enhancements are Space Manbow and Super Laydock 2. Those use smooth v+h scroll feature, which is not available in 9938 (MSX2).

It is possible that fan-made games (i.e. eurotrash '92-'04) use 9958, but I doubt they will be of any interest to anyone but most hardcore MSX geeks.

Recently I sold a japanese MSX2 system to a guy in NY (I'm in Canada, hence cheaper shipping costs). I still have three spare MSX2 systems (2 x Sony jap NTSC and 1 x Philips euro PAL).

If you want more info, ask, may be we'll strike a deal.

PS: aside of big hits like Metal Gear 1/2 and Vampire Killer, and lesser known but still well recognized titles like King's Valley and Knightmare, I strongly recomend an incredibly addictive and fun game "Breaker" (c) 1987 RadarSoft (great german MSX software company). It's disk based, and it works fine on any MSX2 with 64K RAM. Try plaing it with a friend using two MSX mouses! Unforgettable

ehm, Radarsoft is not German, it's Dutch!

I say MSX2+ because they are simply easier to come by. Since it's not likely you'll find a Japanese seller that is able to understand you and willing to ship internationally the 'best' alternative is often to buy the machine in Europe. In Europe there are no Japanese MSX2 machines. Hence the suggestion of a Japanese MSX2+. Drive repair is really not that much of an issue if you're mainly going to play MG and MG2 on ROM.