FM Towns Marty Review - A Forgotten Pioneer of 32-Bit Gaming

The FM Towns Marty, released in 1993 by Fujitsu, holds the distinction of being the world's first 32-bit home console, an achievement often overshadowed by later systems like the 3DO, Sega Saturn, and Sony PlayStation. Despite its historical significance, the Marty remains an obscure piece of gaming history, mostly remembered by enthusiasts and collectors.

Hardware & Design

The console itself is sleek and compact, resembling a hybrid between a computer and a traditional gaming system. It features a built-in CD-ROM drive, a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, and hardware reminiscent of its PC counterpart, the FM Towns computer series. This compatibility allows it to run a vast library of FM Towns games, including arcade-perfect ports and unique Japanese titles.

The controller is simple yet functional, with a design somewhat similar to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis pad but with fewer buttons. However, the build quality of the console and its peripherals is solid, reflecting Fujitsu's high manufacturing standards.

Game Library

The FM Towns Marty excels in its game selection, particularly for fans of arcade ports, visual novels, and adventure games. Thanks to its CD-ROM format, it boasts high-quality audio and impressive (for the time) cutscenes. Standout titles include:

• Splatterhouse - One of the best arcade ports of this classic horror beat 'em up.
• Chase H.Q. - A solid conversion of Taito's popular arcade racing game.
• Galaxy Force II - A visually stunning shooter that showcases the console's sprite-scaling capabilities.
• The LucasArts Collection - Featuring games like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Zak McKracken, bringing Western adventure gaming to a Japanese audience.

However, the library is limited, with few exclusives that justify owning the system over competing platforms. Many of its best games were available on other systems like the PC Engine, Mega Drive, or later on the PlayStation and Saturn.

Performance & Features

For 1993, the Marty's hardware was ahead of its time, offering impressive sprite scaling and rotation effects, strong CD audio support, and high-quality arcade ports. However, the console's CPU (16MHz Intel 386), while powerful for a PC-based system, was outpaced by later 32-bit competitors like the PlayStation and Saturn, which had dedicated 3D hardware.

Another major downside is the lack of support from third-party developers. Since the Marty was essentially a console version of the FM Towns PC, developers focused more on the computer market, leaving the Marty with fewer original titles and a relatively high price tag for consumers.

Final Verdict

The FM Towns Marty is an intriguing but flawed console. It was technologically advanced for its time, offering CD-ROM gaming before it became standard, and had a strong library of arcade and adventure games. However, its high price, limited exclusives, and weak third-party support prevented it from being a mainstream success.

Today, the FM Towns Marty is primarily a collector's item, appealing to enthusiasts who want to explore a unique slice of gaming history. If you're a fan of obscure consoles, Japanese adventure games, or high-quality arcade ports, the Marty is worth checking out-if you can find one at a reasonable price.

Pros & Cons

✅ First-ever 32-bit console
✅ Excellent arcade ports
✅ CD-ROM and floppy drive support
✅ Backwards-compatible with FM Towns PC games

❌ Expensive and rare
❌ Limited exclusive titles
❌ Weak third-party support
❌ Eclipsed by more powerful 32-bit consoles

Final Score: 6.5/10

A fascinating yet niche system, best suited for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.