Konami M2
| |
| Developer | 3DO, Matsushita, Konami |
|---|---|
| Type | Arcade system board |
| Release date | 1997 |
| Discontinued | 1998 |
| Predecessor | 3DO |
| Emulated | ~ |
- Not to be confused with Panasonic M2, although they do share some history.
The Tarantula (タランチュラ), also known as 3DO M2 or Konami M2, The Tarantula, commonly referred simply as M2, is an arcade system board released by Konami in 1997, using system specifications developed by The 3DO Company. Originally developed as a home console follow-up to the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, the system specifications for M2 were later sold to Matsushita (Panasonic) in early 1996, who in turn licensed the technology to Konami for use in arcade development.
M2 runs on dual PowerPC 602s acting as a CPU, alongside a custom ASIC chip codenamed "Bulldog", which handled several audiovisual elements. The system uses CDs as its media format, with a 4x Speed CD-ROM drive built-in. This was a major point of contention, as it resulted in noticeable load times and high failure rates.
The system was discontinued in 1998 with only five games released, them being: "Tobe! Polystars", "Total Vice", "Evil Night" (Also known as "Hell Night"), "Battle Tryst" and "Heat of Eleven '98".
Emulators
edit| Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | Active | libretro | License | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC | ||||||
| MAME |    
|
git artifacts[N 1] 0.289 |
GPLv2 BSD-3-Clause |
✓ | ✓ | ~ |
Comparisons
editMAME has preliminary support for the M2, but because emulation is currently highly demanding, it requires a latest-generation CPU to achieve even marginally acceptable performance. Results vary on a game-by-game basis, with major sound issues being prevalent throughout.
Games
edit| Game | MAME | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Tryst | ✗[1] | Intro FMV does not display, stutters throughout and is unskippable.
Major graphical issues, with terrible sound and performance. (JAC) |
| Evil Night / Hell Night | ~[1] | No major graphical issues, however performance is inconsistent and sound stutters constantly. (UBA) |
| Heat of Eleven '98 | ~[1] | No major graphical issues, however performance is inconsistent and sound stutters constantly.
Game soft-locks when selecting Japan as a team. (EAA) |
| Tobe! Polystars | ~[1] | No major graphical issues, however performance is inconsistent and sound stutters constantly. (JAA) |
| Total Vice | ~[1] | No major graphical issues, however performance is inconsistent and sound stutters constantly. (EBA) |
- Tested as of MAME 0.241
Hardware features
edit| Name | Emulator |
|---|---|
| 3-button 8-way joystick Used in Battle Tryst, Heat of Eleven '98, Tobe! Polystars. |
|
| 1-button lightgun Used in Total Vice and Hell Night for pistols. |
|
| 2-button lightgun Used in Hell Night for shotgun. |
|
| 1-button lightgun audio speakers Used in Total Vice pistols for sound output. Unknown if the speakers were present in Hell Night shotgun and pistols. |
Resources
edit- Internet Archive
- System-16 (System Specifications, Arcade Board photo)
