Konami M2
| |
| Developer | The 3DO Company, Konami |
|---|---|
| Type | Arcade system board |
| Release date | 1997 |
| Discontinued | 1998 |
| Predecessor | 3DO Interactive Multiplayer |
| Emulated | ~ |
- Not to be confused with Panasonic M2, although they do share some history.
The Konami M2, 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
| Name | Platform(s) | Latest Version | Active | libretro | FLOSS | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC / x86 | ||||||
| MAME |    
|
git artifacts[N 1] 0.270 |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
Comparisons
- MAME has preliminary support and requires a high-end rig to get decent performance, as M2 emulation is quite demanding for now. Results vary on a game-by-game basis, with major sound issues being prevalent throughout.
Games
| Game | MAME | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Tryst | ✗ | Intro FMV does not display, stutters throughout and is unskippable.
Major graphical issues, with terrible sound and performance. (JAC) |
| Evil Night / Hell Night | ~ | No major graphical issues, however performance is inconsistent and sound stutters constantly. (UBA) |
| Heat of Eleven '98 | ~ | No major graphical issues, however performance is inconsistent and sound stutters constantly.
Game soft-locks when selecting Japan as a team.[1] (EAA) |
| Tobe! Polystars | ~ | No major graphical issues, however performance is inconsistent and sound stutters constantly. (JAA) |
| Total Vice | ~ | No major graphical issues, however performance is inconsistent and sound stutters constantly. (EBA) |
- Tested as of MAME 0.241
Resources
- Internet Archive
- System-16 (System Specifications, Arcade Board photo)
