Have you ever wanted to try XeGrader on a classic MSX2? I recently ported my original game XeGrader to MSX2, adding another chapter to its series of ports. Development kicked off on January 1, 2025, and with help from MSX2 users, I released the demo in about 40 days. Though thoroughly tested, please check the instructions below before diving in.
Trial version title screen

  • Target machine
  1. MSX2 / MSX2+ / MSXturboR / 1chip MSX
  2. MSX2 emulators (e.g., openMSX, blueMSX)
The system requires 128KB of VRAM.
The following are confirmed to work:
  • Actual models
I’ve verified compatibility with all MSX2 consoles available to me. The official version will come on a ROM cartridge. If you cannot use cartridges, only the demo is available.

Note:
* MSX0: ROM type: ASCII8, A.I. level: 0
* On some FDD-equipped machines, hold SHIFT during startup.


  • Emulator
openMSX_oversea


blueMSX_oversea


I am sure that most other emulators will also work, but for now I have introduced the two major emulators that I think will work. Development is done with openMSX C-BIOS.

  • Required Peripherals/Software
  1. MSX2 standard PC (or equivalent 1-chip microcontroller)
  2. A monitor displaying the main unit’s output
  3. Cartridge for burning binary files
Analog RGB input is recommended for monitors. CRT TVs support NTSC only, not PAL.
Compatible with joypads on joystick port 1.

  • Startup
After downloading and unzipping, you’ll get a 56KB binary file, XGR1Trial.rom. Write it to your cartridge’s ROM bank (methods vary by cartridge; check independently—I cannot explain cartridge writing). Only ASCII 8K ROM bank switching is supported; use compatible cartridges.

ROM bank switching is available only for ASCII 8K. Please use cartridges compatible with this function.
Xgr1trial 0003
For emulators, please refer to the manual of the respective emulator. The development was done using openMSX. Whichever emulator you use, specify ASCII 8K for the ROM cartridge format.

  • Operation
Use cursor keys to move up, down, left, or right. Space and Shift keys are triggers; Shift fires repeatedly. With a joypad, controls feel intuitive, so no explanation is needed—one button fires repeatedly.

During gameplay, ESC pauses the game. Unpause with the trigger button. To prevent frame advance cheating, continuous pausing is disabled.
LV02
  • Restrictions
LV06 forces a quit after clearing the stage. Playful features like music mode and name entry are disabled. Otherwise, the contents are the same as the official version.
LV03
  • Mystery
At least one secret is hidden in each stage, similar to those in "The Tower of Druaga" or "GAPLUS". Uncovering them is part of the fun. Check out more game details here, including a brief guide on uncovering the secret.
* Sorry, but the linked page is in Japanese.
LV05
Sanwa Supply Power Extension Cord 0.1m Swing Plug with Tracking Fire Prevention Insulation Cap TAP-EX21001

[Amazon Japan]
Sanwa Supply Power Extension Cord 0.1m Swing Plug with Tracking Fire Prevention Insulation Cap TAP-EX21001
Sanwa Supply
2017-02-10
* Use this when the AC adapter is in the way and the power outlet is under pressure.
  • Download
Grab it from the link below. Redistribution is prohibited, but feel free to share videos or screenshots. Please tag #XeGrader when posting on X (Twitter).

XGR1Trial_MSX2_20250319-1030_TRIAL

20250211-1020 post
You can play on Windows at the following link!

<! > Caution
Avoid bookmarking the WebMSX URL—it’s a direct ROM link. When playing in a browser, always start from this page. Stop linking ZIP files directly from external sources too!

Release history
- 20250319-1030
* Holding [E] key on Japanese MSX2 at startup enables English mode.
* Holding [J] key on non-Japanese MSX2 enables Japanese mode.
* Changed the fade-out processing from a data table to programmatic processing.
* Added a fade-out effect to the transition after defeating the LV06 boss.
* Fixed a bug where the logo outline in the name entry screen had strange colors.
- 20250311-0900
* Adjusted the position of the always-displayed LV slightly to the left.
* Fixed a bug where the black palette didn’t fully revert to black after defeating the LV06 boss.
* Updated the post-clear message to the March version.
- 20250226-0800
* Modified the VDP#9 settings to reference RG9SAV, changing only LN=1 and NT=0.
- 20250223-2030
* Fixed a bug where garbage was displayed on the player.
* Reverted unconditional NTSC setting due to sync issues on some domestic machines.
- 20250222-1555
* Changed the copyright notice at startup to SKIPMORE.
* Set the system to use NTSC settings unconditionally.
- 20250213-1730
* Removed support for the SELECT button.
* Initialized the contents of the function keys.
- 20250213-1435
* Changed the detection method for the SELECT button.
- 20250212-1855
* Fixed a bug where trial version text remained as garbage in the ranking display.
- 20250212-1125
* Enabled the name entry function in the trial version.
* Made it possible to operate the continue function with the START button.
* Made it possible to make selections with the SELECT button.
* Noted garbage remains when hit in armor in normal areas (confirmed this time!).
- 20250211-1920
* Added support for the TOWNS pad, allowing pausing with the START button.
* Noted garbage remains when hit in armor in normal areas.
* In LV04, snake spawns off-screen if player is at the top.
* In LV01, the first red slime was 2UP if you hit it with two shots.
- 20250210-2130
* Released the initial trial version.
タグ ：
#MSX2
#XeGrader