Dr Johnny Blanchard

https://retrochat.online/@jonn_blanchard

Author of Gaming in the Obscure, technology archaeologist, YouTuber, screenwriter, playwright

Retro/Vintage Gaming and Computing Videos
https://www.youtube.com/@reenthused

Short films and Documentaries
https://www.youtube.com/@roguegunners

PixelFed: https://metapixl.com/jonn_blanchard
PeerTube: https://diode.zone/a/reenthused/

Buy Gaming in the Obscure: https://www.johnnyblanchard.com/product/gaming-in-the-obscure-hidden-gems-failed-hopes-and-buried-mistakes/

Homepage: https://www.roguegunners.com
Re:Enthused: https://www.youtube.com/reenthused
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/roguegunnersproductions
Re:Enthused Blog: https://www.re-enthused.com

Public Key

npub1fteuzy7vkw549s2p4dgvrtvgpa9elhnnqpqj3p09d2qkvtthrv0s9yg6wh

NIP-05 Address

jonn_blanchard_at_retrochat.online@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsy4u7pz0xt822jc9q6k5xp4kyq7julmeesqsfgshjk4qtx94m3k8cx9vmw9

Author Public Key

npub1fteuzy7vkw549s2p4dgvrtvgpa9elhnnqpqj3p09d2qkvtthrv0s9yg6wh

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Last Notes

2024-08-20 23:19:55

I’m basically over it, a lot faster than I thought too, but it is sad to see #RetroComputing #RetroGaming
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/996/906/085/200/097/original/147b675127b59344.jpeg
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/996/906/891/135/692/original/f0c869e5c31c1fa5.jpeg

2024-06-20 21:37:39

I made a mini-box for my Jurl Cartridge #RetroGaming #IndieDev #GameDev
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/651/104/341/697/364/original/83d9709f051e7233.jpeg

2024-06-19 22:00:09

I have a dedicated Jurl cartridge. Not nearly cheap enough to sell, but I’m getting there #RetroGaming #IndieDev #GameDev
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/645/528/745/803/111/original/b6857fd9f90c255c.jpeg
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/645/528/783/258/090/original/9a82f811517021aa.jpeg

2024-06-18 17:43:12

Quite a lot of videos over on the new #PeerTube account, so i've started adding Playlists:
https://makertube.net/c/reenthused/video-playlists
#RetroGaming #RetroComputing

2024-06-18 11:05:45

520 videos process, just one remaining. Obviously, i've given a donation because ... well I imagine i've swamped most of their processing time #RetroGaming #RetroComputing https://makertube.net/c/reenthused/videos

2024-06-17 23:11:15

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you need to setup the SPF records on your domain settings to make sure reverse lookup and everything is working

2024-06-17 23:07:45

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Not done yet, but I needed space back. Definitely looks better #RetroComputing
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/634/470/735/698/024/original/6b34873e13c4f8d7.jpeg

2024-06-17 22:35:32

As part of my commitment to the #RetroGaming / #RetroComputing communities I have multiple resources on the re-enthused website, all free to use:
https://re-enthused.com/keepitalive/
https://re-enthused.com/free-to-use-video/
https://re-enthused.com/the-msx-timeline/

2024-06-17 16:08:09

Well, apologies to the admins of MakerTube, but i've synchronised the RE:Enthused YouTube channel across. Some videos are still processing, but everything i've made - over 500 videos about #RetroGaming #RetroComputing and Retro TV and Toys
https://makertube.net/c/reenthused/videos

2024-06-17 15:47:57

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A bit of glue later, it’s not perfect but it should hold together #RetroComputing
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/632/742/735/971/311/original/136092f3c972fcc5.jpeg

2024-06-17 14:42:34

The rest of the case took some damage in shipping, here’s the remains of the drive cover, time to do some maintenance #RetroComputing
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/632/486/276/759/318/original/b51f257d97a3d536.jpeg

2024-06-17 14:41:03

The latest version of the SMC-777 replacement keycap is basically there #RetroComputing
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/632/479/318/318/702/original/72040caf05d9e14e.jpeg

2024-06-17 12:10:57

I've started the process of migrating from diode.zone to makertube. Videos are still uploading but quite a few are across https://makertube.net/c/reenthused/videos #RetroComputing #RetroGaming

2024-06-16 22:17:37

With diode.zone, seemingly, scaling back (possibly to close), I started looking at where I can move my videos. I've made an account on dalek.zone - alas the account quota is a bit low, so i've maxed it out with not even half uploaded
https://dalek.zone/c/reenthused/videos
#RetroGaming #RetroComputing #PeerTube

2024-06-16 19:48:54

Making replacement keys for my remaining SMC-770, dimensions are a tiny bit out, but pretty close #RetroComputing
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/628/027/513/966/845/original/657eaec7cc7b0c1a.jpeg

2024-06-13 21:58:59

It’s not the entire Jurl family, Atari 2600, GP2X and modern PC are missing, but these are the latest additions #RetroGaming #GameDev #IndieDev
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/611/551/297/066/604/original/b22e45755eceba2f.jpeg

2024-06-13 21:26:52

Right, Jurl SMS edition hits early access. Quite a few bugs, and it's a tiny bit sluggish. Plus, like the other versions, I need to add sound - but it's playable. It's pay what you want, even nothing https://tonsomo.itch.io/jurl-sms-edition #RetroGaming #IndieDev #GameDev
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/611/430/226/112/533/original/dead2f1306b5ece0.jpg

2024-06-13 20:00:52

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First two levels are playable on the SMS/GG #RetroGaming #IndieDev #GameDev
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/611/087/674/783/908/original/2b4e3a0925c5472d.jpeg

2024-06-11 22:40:51

Here we are again, this time it's early days for the SMS/GG version #RetroGaming #GameDev #IndieDev
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/600/390/664/762/948/original/ad92906a784cac84.png

2024-06-11 13:38:33

Ahahahahahahahahahahaha https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/355783643996?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=e9x1rg_yq_k&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=ItwsW72bQgC&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY #RetroComputing

2024-06-09 13:25:11

The PC Engine version of Jurl is now at the same level as the GameBoy and Lynx versions. Just the spit and polish needed. Improvements on graphics, music and sound and some cleanups #RetroGaming #IndieDev #DevLog
https://tonsomo.itch.io/jurl-pc-engine-edition
https://youtu.be/ZPN8TMLAVj4
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/586/883/599/599/317/original/0f862adc15ae06c7.jpg

2024-06-09 10:40:58

A bit of a Jurl family photo #RetroGaming #IndieDev #GameDev
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/586/236/893/778/431/original/466a54eb1fa8d35b.jpeg

2024-06-09 00:00:26

Testing Jurl on my recreated PC Engine LT - it works, if anything it’s faster on actual hardware #RetroGaming #IndieDev #GameDev
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/583/716/649/399/092/original/3055b1959efbc494.jpeg
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/583/716/630/468/949/original/ca56ae2bcc0cfe1b.jpeg

2024-06-08 23:09:15

And Jurl is 'functional' on another platform, this time the PC Engine.
As with the GameBoy and Lynx versions there's still cleaning up to do and I still have no music or sound for any of the 'retro' versions (except for some simple noises on the GameBoy). #RetroGaming #IndieDev #GameLog
https://youtu.be/L1ZQmXXk2zo
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/583/517/488/790/009/original/f979e8e2c9443962.jpg

2024-06-08 20:58:00

Is he taking about the video, is he talking about the game or is he talking about me? This is why it’s a terrible bit of trolling
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/582/998/043/423/033/original/9f8d4a45ee436cfc.jpeg

2024-06-08 11:28:27

Finally managed to test the Atari Lynx on actual hardware and, it works! https://youtube.com/shorts/heOJTy1eI6E?si=hGK8Mjxnk3gx6Ygq #RetroGaming #RetroDev #IndieDev #GameDev

2024-06-07 22:51:03

Now the GameBoy edition is near a final release and the Lynx version has made good progress, it's time to look at the next platform. This time it's one of my all-time favourites, the PC Engine #RetroGaming #IndieDev #GameDev https://youtu.be/2olmfBDznY8

2024-06-07 18:55:56

Once again, with the Lynx version of Jurl advancing - it’s time to look towards a different shiny platform, but which is it? #RetroGaming #Indiedev #GameDev
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/576/858/262/529/504/original/f46ec194bbdf3e00.jpeg

2024-06-05 19:03:40

To celebrate the start of the Atari Lynx version of Jurl, here's a coupon code to get all the current versions of Jurl (Atari 2600, GameBoy and PC) for $2 (first 5 redemptions only) https://tonsomo.itch.io/PGUVVBR7YJ

2024-06-05 18:52:55

Lots of work still to do on the Atari Lynx version of Jurl - but i've stuck it on itch.io as a pay what you want because it should be playable now. Although I haven't tested it on an actual machine yet
https://tonsomo.itch.io/jurl-atari-lynx
#RetroGaming #IndieDev #DevLog

2024-06-05 09:34:00

Still a fair amount of work to do, but the Atari Lynx port of Jurl has made great progress. I'm still hitting up against a memory issue, and banking on the Lynx is not trivial - not helped by none of the examples being that great. #retrogaming #indiedev #devlog https://youtu.be/RrIS7ErajFQ

2024-06-03 21:06:35

Seeing as the GameBoy version is approaching version 1, I figured i'd do some more work on the Atari Lynx version of Jurl. I've got the basic engine running - but i'm already hitting memory issues - so looks like i'm investigating banking already. https://youtu.be/ks3HL6h6WHs
#DevLog #IndieDev #RetroGaming

2024-06-02 14:12:33

Released another update to Jurl: Gameboy edition. Much more stable graphics, a win screen and an instruction screen.
https://tonsomo.itch.io/jurl-gameboy
#IndieDev #GameDev #RetroGaming

2024-06-02 00:36:21

A little update on the previous #devlog i've managed to fix the bank loading on the sprites (mostly) https://youtu.be/r5YcCMZ7PC8 #GameDev #RetroGaming
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/544/224/108/038/209/original/96d0d91311d9200c.jpg

2024-06-01 21:59:54

It's the first time since falling ill that i've been able to sit at my laptop for more than a few minutes, i've made a little progress on Jurl - but it's sort of two steps forward, one back.
https://youtu.be/mw6scTTZV3k
#IndieDev #GameDev #RetroGaming
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/543/607/095/444/257/original/b7f4bbfaf844d286.jpg

2024-05-31 01:49:52

Whilst my channel is mostly #RetroComputing and #RetroGaming I have other #Retro stuff too, like this playlist which has videos about TV shows
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtUQIrRochl8u3OV_aJpdjdcLh7IUAKmw

2024-05-30 23:07:33

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It works on the Gameboy Advance - not the sound though, so I have to work on that
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/532/548/240/090/860/original/9e2849e9c7186387.jpeg
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/532/548/261/681/113/original/cb1f1faf810d74d2.jpeg

2024-05-30 22:52:38

New release of Jurl, the first time i've been able to do any real development for almost a week.
https://tonsomo.itch.io/jurl-gameboy #IndieDev #GameDev #RetroGaming
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/532/491/162/849/585/original/b15205f250f61d13.jpg

2024-05-30 21:13:05

A brief update on Jurl for the GameBoy. I've been struggling to get the Gameboy Colour palettes working ... turns out I forgot a compile flag to set the right header value. Ah well, got there eventually #DevLog #IndieDev #GameDev #RetroGaming https://youtu.be/dzoGUajRTdw

2024-05-29 20:34:42

Animation test on the Atari Lynx https://youtu.be/HKA4uZOOkEg #RetroGaming #IndieDev #GameDev

2024-05-29 12:03:00

I've put Jurl for the GameBoy into early-access. There are still a few things needed in terms of cleaning up, a couple of bugs, some palette issues and collision detection tweaks. But there's enough of a game there now https://tonsomo.itch.io/jurl-gameboy
Obviously, anyone grabbing this version will get any updates I make (after this damned illness is gone) for free.
#RetroGaming #GameDev #IndieDev
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/524/275/090/028/660/original/78c215927670b88d.jpg

2024-05-29 00:13:16

Whilst i've been too ill to do any #GameDev - I am at least well enough now to post the dev log from before I was ill. I finished the last two alien types (I think) so just cleaning up left https://youtu.be/Yh6WVEh6s_Y #IndieDev

2024-05-22 16:52:41

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indeed, by if they can beat I should have said most likely to beat. In some areas it’s the Lib Dem’s and Green party

2024-05-22 16:35:59

Right UK, let’s do this right. The one and only priority is to get rid of the Tories. Yes you might not like Starmer and, yes - he is an absolute wanger, but you’re voting for Labour not him and if they can beat the Tories in your neighbourhood then it’s the only sensible option

2024-05-21 16:34:11

How to decide that you should avoid a retro auction #RetroGaming
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/480/040/183/177/344/original/ee1b338bed2be307.jpeg

2024-05-20 11:00:36

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It’s a full Sony computer - not a Sony branded Roomba. This is quite recent for me, I.e. not made in the 80s, but it just looked so cool I had to get it. And yes, I’ll make a video about it and yes, it’ll be added to the pile being sold.
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/473/062/670/977/145/original/b01e744a781cb1cc.jpeg

2024-05-20 10:58:05

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I’ll do the only unrelated thing first - it’s a Floppy controller for the PC88, I’d still need the drive cage for this to work properly (much of the drive electronics is in the cage) but that’s not going to happen now (see post about selling up)
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/473/052/368/997/587/original/6fc5aac4a34aa686.jpeg

2024-05-20 10:55:37

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Well, we have a stack of bubble wrap
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/473/047/632/401/788/original/221371be1be6c3b4.jpeg

2024-05-20 10:53:20

Well, it only took a month for FedEx to get it to me - and by a month, I don’t mean from Japan to me, it’s been sitting in Feltham for a month - let’s see if it got smashed up in that time #RetroComputing
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/473/038/897/550/424/original/861be97e5515d4e8.jpeg

2024-05-18 22:56:21

Do I know anyone who can make GameBoy music and/or sound effects? I don’t have much of a budget but I can pay some #RetroGaming #GameDev #IndieDev

2024-05-18 22:47:16

Aha, found my Gameboy Advance - much better #RetroGaming #GameDev #indiedev
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/464/518/793/570/963/original/a4c1bf9f85d4ddba.jpeg
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/464/518/816/438/731/original/9b7f11a98040c06d.jpeg
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/464/518/830/675/739/original/ed5c8f3196605ddf.jpeg
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/464/518/847/559/914/original/be2162dfa2aea82e.jpeg

2024-05-18 20:09:29

Quite hard to see - but I’ve tested the latest build of Jurl on an actual Gameboy - it works beautifully #RetroGaming
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/463/900/636/561/144/original/ad780133db7b884b.jpeg
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/463/900/652/883/308/original/5b81f38ef7f93331.jpeg

2024-05-18 13:54:38

Unbearably cute #DogsOfMastodon
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/462/427/247/563/270/original/44d5d771c1616858.jpeg

2024-04-14 16:58:30

Bleurgh - removing horribly sticky PC Engine HuCard covers. Don’t forget to remove yours, as they break down they can cause issues with the game cart itself
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/112/270/632/142/641/159/original/82064cb1239f388d.jpeg

2024-04-10 19:30:58

It’s odd when people look back on the Spectrum with zero context. “Well this was just built cheap - it doesn’t have x, it doesn’t do x” yes, that was the point - it was designed to allow as many people as possible to get access to a computer. No way could my family have afforded anything else

2023-11-11 17:10:04

Gaming in the obscure is kind of available to buy https://www.johnnyblanchard.com/product/gaming-in-the-obscure-hidden-gems-failed-hopes-and-buried-mistakes/ #books #RetroGaming
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/111/437/223/820/252/804/original/52aa87c8ab68f40c.png
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/111/437/225/009/612/173/original/5880534a2decd6c5.png
https://cdn.masto.host/retrochatonline/media_attachments/files/111/437/225/652/772/197/original/60a655e635638170.png

2023-01-13 20:21:52

#introduction
Screenwriter, Playwright, author of Gaming in the Obscure, technology archeologist (hoards old stuff)
Into #RetroGaming / #VintageGaming and #RetroComputing / #VintageComputing
For #Retro videos see:
https://www.youtube.com/reenthused
For #Film and #Documentary see:
https://www.youtube.com/@Roguegunners
Or on PeerTube:
https://diode.zone/a/reenthused/video-channels
Software Development Manager, specialising in Mobile technology