Footage has surfaced on Twitter/X showcasing the newly expanded speedrunning platformer remaster, Sonic X Shadow Generations. While the initial reveal might seem typical, the standout moment comes from a clip demonstrating gameplay being controlled by a TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator, complete with a surprisingly low 2 FPS on-device video stream. The two-minute segment, partially shared in a tweet by @DomDaTurtl, is actually a six-minute full upload available on the YouTube channel @Barcadepod. This footage highlights the first two acts of Space Colony Ark, the opening stage of Sonic X Shadow Generations, which serves as an HD remix of the Ark stages from the classic 2001 title, Sonic Adventure 2, marking Shadow’s debut.
Impressive Performance Amidst Limitations
Despite the evident challenges posed by such unconventional hardware, @DomDaTurtl achieved A ranks in both acts of Space Colony Ark. While this falls just short of the coveted S rank, it is a commendable accomplishment given the limitations of the setup.
The gameplay was made possible through Calc2KeyCE, an open-source application that enables TI-84 Plus CE users to send keyboard inputs and receive video streams from a connected PC. This innovative approach raises the question of feasibility; however, it is clear that the gaming experience is far from optimal. Relying solely on the calculator’s screen would be impractical, but the input lag appeared manageable when playing on the PC’s monitor.
Key bindings presented their own set of challenges during gameplay, likely exacerbated if @DomDaTurtl was accustomed to a traditional controller, which is the preferred choice for many platforming enthusiasts. Nevertheless, this endeavor stands as a captivating proof of concept. For slower-paced games, such as classic text adventures or point-and-click adventures, a setup like this could potentially become more viable.
It is important to note, however, that the finest native handheld gaming experiences are still best enjoyed through dedicated devices rather than a TI-84 Plus CE. For instance, the Steam Deck not only supports Sonic X Shadow Generations, complete with Shadow’s new Doom Powers, but it can also run the entire Doom series up to Doom Eternal at low settings, achieving 30 FPS with ray tracing enabled. A smooth 60 FPS is achievable without ray tracing, showcasing the capabilities of modern handheld gaming devices.
