Let's go into the world of MSX computers, going back to the 80s and 90s. We explore the history, technical characteristics and some of the most famous games, together with Fabio G. Massa, known to friends as BioMassa, in an interview recorded at Varese Retrocomputing 2023.
History of MSX computers
MSX (Machines with Software eXchangeability) was introduced in 1983 as a unified standard for home computers. Designed by Kazuhiko Nishi's ASCII Corporation, with the involvement of Bill Gates' Microsoft for the development of the MSX BASIC and of the MSX-DOS, the MSX aimed to create a standard interface that would allow the sharing of software between different devices brands. This standard has allowed producers such as Philips, Sony, Panasonic and others to create compatible computers, sharing the same operating system and the same hardware characteristics.
The MSX standard has spread mainly in Japan, where it was created, but also in Europe, in particular in the Netherlands (due to the presence of Philips) and in Spain.
Technical characteristics of the MSX models
In the interview, Fabio Massa shows three MSX computer models: the Philips VG-8020, the Philips NMS 8220 MSX2 and finally the Panasonic FS-A1ST MSX Turbo-R.
The Philips VG-8020, produced in 1984, is an early example of the MSX standard, equipped with a Z80 processor and 64 KB RAM. The Philips NMS 8220, from 1987, represents an advanced version of MSX2, because it is equipped with a more advanced graphics chip. Generally, the MSX2 standard included 128KB of RAM, but this model only had 64KB. Finally, the Panasonic FS-A1ST MSX Turbo-R, produced only in Japan, features a more powerful and faster ASCII R800 processor, offering superior performance compared to its predecessors, but there is also a Z80 processor to ensure compatibility with the precedents.
MSX computer games
During the presentation, Fabio Massa also examines some games for MSX. Konami Soccer, one of the first konami football games, is considered the "grandfather" of Pro Evolution Soccer - Pes.
Another game that Fabio showed us is Vampire Killer, the name given in the West for the MSX version of the first chapter of the famous Castlevania saga.
MSX BASIC e Standard MSX
The MSX Basic, developed by Microsoft, was one of the key elements of the MSX standard. It derives from Microsoft Basic and GW-Basic, and has allowed users to be able to exploit a powerful and versatile language in order to create personalized programs and games, contributing to the popularity of the MSX.
In fact, in Japan, MSX computers were widespread in schools for this reason. The MSX standard tried to revolutionize the domestic computer landscape of the time, providing a unified interface and facilitating the development and sharing of software between different computers brands.
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