FM Towns Marty
Type Console Developer The Fujitsu Co.
Release Date 20-Feb-93 Region(s) Japan
Initial Price $699 USD Games Released 73
  1. History & Reviews
  2. Models & Clones
  3. Console Ratings
  4. Games & Emulation
  5. Specs & Manuals
  6. Other Media
  7. Web Resources
DW FACTS
     by Dark Watcher
A brief glance at this system, and you might mistake it for a white Turbo Duo, but on closer inspection, you'll notice that the slot on the front isn't for a HuCard, but instead for an actual 3.5" floppy.

The Fujitsu Company decided to make an attempt to penetrate the console games market by taking their popular FM Towns line of computers and adding in some special components to create a stand alone video game console.  The plan was for the software designed for the FM Towns computers to be modified slightly so that the games would work on both the computer and the console.  The FM Towns Marty has the distinction of being the first 32-bit video game console.

This system was compatible with most of the Fujitsu line of computers, so it could use the 3.5" slot to play many of computer games.  The 32-bit system's CD reader was used mainly to play games made specifically for this system, although some computer software at the time also came in CD format.  The system was released in 1991 with a 386SX.  Since the system can play games designed for the FM Towns PC, its library is larger then what you might expect.

It came with a two button controller and had a port for a second controller as well. A mouse and keyboard were also available to play compatible PC games.  If ever there was a system made to play "hentai" games, this was it.  While it may not have been its main purpose, there were many adult anime games available.  Fujitsu supported the units for many years, with many third party developers supporting the systems as late as 1999.  Fujitsu wisely discontinued the console line with the arrival of the more powerful 32-bit Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn.
MODELS
     Officially licensed releases
FM Towns Marty
FM Towns Marty 2
FM Towns Car Marty MVP-1
FM Towns Car Marty MVP-10
CLONES
     Non-licensed hardware releases
No clones were released for this system.
CONSOLE RATINGS
     by Marriott_Guy
Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release.  A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being excellent.

CRITERIA RATING NOTES & COMMENTS
Console Design 08 The sleek, minimalistic design of the FM Towns Marty reminds just screams of class.  Ports and buttons are all easy to access, including the side-mounted floppy drive.
Console Durability 05 Like most belt-driven drives, the console is prone to breakage after time.  These are easier to replace than the Famicom Disk System, but you need to be aware that these will crap out on you at some point.
Controllers 05 The standard controller is comfortable enough, but the action buttons are not located well.  Those with small hands will have difficulty wielding this controller.
Graphics 08 The FM Towns Marty was basically the best the industry had to offer in terms of graphical capabilities of the era.
Audio 07 Overall the audio effects are top notch, but the sound is somewhat 'tinny' at times.  I am not sure if this is common, but nonetheless is worth mentioning.
Media 09 Fujitsu was the first company to incorporate a CD-ROM drive into a home console, which boosts this score considerably.  To top that off, the addition of the 3.5" HD FDD enabled the system to play a huge number of games from their existing line of personal computers.
Gamer Value 07 The FM Towns Marty has a large library with many excellent exclusives.  Due to the high price tag of the system, gamers may want to snag a FM Towns computer which would provide the same experience at a lower investment.
Collector Value 08 Though readily available, the FM Towns Marty still commands top dollar on the open market.  The first release is more desirable from a collectors standpoint (due to the short run), but the FM Towns Marty 2 is the best bet from a gaming perspective (additional Math Co-Processor chip).
FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO
     Interesting facts on software for this system
Software for the FM Towns Marty was distributed on CD-ROMS.  Most games were packaged in large PC-style boxes which featured large colorful graphics.
Sample Game Play
Compatibility information (FM Towns versus FM Towns Marty) was usually listed on the front of carton as well.  See some examples below, provided courtesy of our friends at GamesCollection.
FM Towns Marty Game Boxes
SCREENSHOTS
     Captured in-game images
Amaranth III
 Bubble Bobber
 Chase HQ
Emerald Dragon
 Flashback
 Genocide II
Gunship
 Loom
 Mega Morph
Microcosm
 Rayxanber
Rayxanber Screenshot		 Shadow of the Beast
Splatterhouse
 Tatsujin-Oh
Tatsujin-Oh Screenshot		 Wing Commander II
EMULATION
     First and third party system emulators
UNZ

This is a Windows based emulator capable of running FM Towns Marty games
SPECS & MANUALS
     For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love.
Processor Type  Processor Speed  Other Processor Information RAM \ Video RAM
AMD 386SX (32-bit) 16 MHz None 2 MB
Screen Resolution Color Palette Polygons \ Sprites Audio
352x232 to 640x480 32,768 colors \ 256 on screen 1024 sprites (max) 6 channel FM, 8 channel PCM
Media Format Media Capacity Games Released Other Supported Formats
CD-ROM (1x), 3.5" HD FDD 640 MB \ 1.2 MB 73 (specifically for the Marty) FM Towns (most)
Internal Storage External \ Removable Storage Game Controllers Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
None Floppy disk (1.2 MB) D-Pad, 2 action buttons, Select and Run, shoulder button Keyboard, Mouse, Modem
Controller Ports Network Ports Other Ports Audio \ Video
Two (2) None PCMCIA Type 1 slot, Headphone jack, Microphone jack Composite, S-Video
Power Supply - Internal Other Outputs  Other Details \ Notes
AC 100V, 50\60Hz None Volume control for headphones; Soft \ Normal picture switch
Manuals
Not available.  Can you help us out?  You will definitely receive full credit for your contribution.  Email MG@videogameconsolelibrary.com.
OTHER MEDIA
     Peripherals, Promotions, Commercials, Brochures, Etc.
FM Towns Television Commercials (Japan)
FM Towns Marty Advertisements
WEB RESOURCES
     Highly recommended websites for this system
NFG Games

Disassembly of the FM Towns Marty 2		 GamesCollection

List of FM Towns games that are Marty compatible		  
DISCUSS
     Visitor insights and feedback
Do you have a unique perspective on this system?  Maybe an interesting fact or experience?  Please share your thoughts using the form below.  Postings must abide by our Terms of Use & Policies.  Basically be nice, keep it clean and don't spam or be a troll.  Thank you in advance!
comments powered by Disqus