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NEC TG-16/TE/TurboDuo => TG-16/TE/TurboDuo Discussion => Topic started by: Gentlegamer on March 15, 2015, 10:33:05 AM
Title: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: Gentlegamer on March 15, 2015, 10:33:05 AM
The Turbografx-16 was always the "other system" in the states, seeming to not have the popular titles that the Genesis and Super Nintendo had, while many of its popular titles were either already on or ported to other systems. However, looking through the something-hundred game library can net some interesting gems, and Chew Man Fu is certainly one of them. With its frantic ball-kicking and maze-running mechanics and oriental flavor, it's certainly one of the more enjoyable non-shmup titles for the TurboGrafx-16.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: Black Tiger on March 15, 2015, 02:42:55 PM
While reading the quote you posted, I thought, "Wow, maybe an hcg101 article will actually cover a game without the usual biased commentary about the platform". Then I got to that last line and again while reading the article I learned that, aside from the Turbo having only having a few good games that aren't shumps, the system sucks at sound as well. No wonder it bombed and only the truly hardcore, such as the author, have bothered to spend any time with the library.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: esteban on March 15, 2015, 05:00:05 PM
While reading the quote you posted, I thought, "Wow, maybe an hcg101 article will actually cover a game without the usual biased commentary about the platform". Then I got to that last line and again while reading the article I learned that, aside from the Turbo having only having a few good games that aren't shumps, the system sucks at sound as well. No wonder it bombed and only the truly hardcore, such as the author, have bothered to spend any time with the library.
Yeah, that line about the tunes/sound was hilarious. Of course, I am guilty of being harsh on Mega Drive because I have heard a lot of bad soundtracks pumped out of it...but I acknowledge that Mega Drive is capable of producing some of the greatest music ever, too.
So, this reviewer needs an education.
:)
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: ClodBuster on March 16, 2015, 01:43:18 AM
I do not have interest in puzzle games like that one, so I don't care if that review says positive or negative things, or if it is well written at all.
I just think that reviews on HG101 often reflect my own opinion well and I find their articles more entertaining to read than other gaming review sites.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: Punch on March 16, 2015, 02:05:30 AM
Even games as early as J.J. & Jeff have great music, I'm not sure why people are so insistent on criticism of the PCE's sound chip.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: esteban on March 16, 2015, 02:13:20 AM
Even games as early as J.J. & Jeff have great music, I'm not sure why people are so insistent on criticism of the PCE's sound chip.
I am just speculating, but it is rooted in the false belief that "more channels" and "more ______" magically creates better-sounding music, ignoring the role of the composer/arranger and how knowledge/skill can make most hardware sing beautifully (even if you only have a piezo speaker to work with).
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: ClodBuster on March 16, 2015, 02:20:15 AM
Salamander and Gradius have both great music on the PCE. Bomberman 94 too.
I'm not that fond of the majority of the Mega Drive soundtracks, but there's the occasional track here and there that I think is sounding very nice.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: VenomMacbeth on March 16, 2015, 04:33:11 AM
My speculation is that the PCE's sound, without tweaking, tends to resemble lesser 8-bit PSG tones. Case in point, the soundtrack for Eternal City totally sounds like it could have been pulled off by the Famicom.
However, I find the PCE typically has more FM-like sounds & while they're not quite to the level of actual FM, it still sounds unique and interesting. Go listen to the soundtrack of Shubibinman 2 & you'll see what I mean.
Like Esteban said, it's all about how ambitious the music programmer is wanting to get with the hardware, and really nothing to do with the hardware itself. Even the Famicom can sing thanks to its versatility with extra chips and stuff. The master system PSG I think pretty much sucks though...it's not impossible to listen to like Atari chip sound, but still quite basic.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: Necromancer on March 16, 2015, 04:39:30 AM
I guess the author didn't play long enough (or isn't bright enough) to figure out that the ball's have different strengths.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: Gentlegamer on March 16, 2015, 05:20:49 AM
One need only listen to the music of Dungeon Explorer to know what TG-16 can do.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: geise on March 16, 2015, 05:50:13 AM
Even games as early as J.J. & Jeff have great music, I'm not sure why people are so insistent on criticism of the PCE's sound chip.
...because they've never played Dungeon Explorer.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: esteban on March 16, 2015, 06:29:15 AM
Can we all agree that CHEW MAN FU is simultaneously a ridiculous and awesome name for this game?
It is offensive, heartwarming and fun at the same time.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: xelement5x on March 16, 2015, 10:43:40 AM
BeBall was actually one of the first PC Engine titles I ever played, and I played quite a lot of it and really enjoy it. It's a good way to waste some time and have some fun :D
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: Black Tiger on March 16, 2015, 01:59:35 PM
Like Esteban said, it's all about how ambitious the music programmer is wanting to get with the hardware, and really nothing to do with the hardware itself. Even the Famicom can sing thanks to its versatility with extra chips and stuff. The master system PSG I think pretty much sucks though...it's not impossible to listen to like Atari chip sound, but still quite basic.
You can't even appreciate stuff like the Shining Force games?
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: VenomMacbeth on March 16, 2015, 02:19:18 PM
Like Esteban said, it's all about how ambitious the music programmer is wanting to get with the hardware, and really nothing to do with the hardware itself. Even the Famicom can sing thanks to its versatility with extra chips and stuff. The master system PSG I think pretty much sucks though...it's not impossible to listen to like Atari chip sound, but still quite basic.
You can't even appreciate stuff like the Shining Force games?
Obscure VGM #1 Great Cypress War (Game Gear version) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QYiWBV0gX8#)
I didn't say I don't appreciate it. That track is nice, and GG Aleste II has a great soundtrack, but it doesn't change that it's still very basic in comparison to the Famicom & PCE.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: DarkKobold on March 16, 2015, 04:10:34 PM
One time, while down with a cold, I played through the first loop of the game. Incredibly fun, but I can't imagine going through the absurd number of loops the game requires, to reach the actual end.
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: DarkKobold on March 16, 2015, 04:11:52 PM
Like Esteban said, it's all about how ambitious the music programmer is wanting to get with the hardware, and really nothing to do with the hardware itself. Even the Famicom can sing thanks to its versatility with extra chips and stuff. The master system PSG I think pretty much sucks though...it's not impossible to listen to like Atari chip sound, but still quite basic.
You can't even appreciate stuff like the Shining Force games?
Obscure VGM #1 Great Cypress War (Game Gear version) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QYiWBV0gX8#)
Interesting choice, since it has a CD audio remix:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWZseC6umcI
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: Arkhan on March 16, 2015, 05:27:59 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEsE42YRtws
SAY SHIT ABOUT MASTER SYSTEM MUSIC ONE MORE TIME BICHTRCETCH
Title: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: VenomMacbeth on March 17, 2015, 02:17:17 AM
Sorry, it's very basic-sounding. That doesn't mean I don't like it (I especially enjoy the GG Aleste II soundtrack) but it still seems quite inferior.
I wonder if the SMS would have sold any better in the US if it had shipped with the FM unit..
Title: Re: Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101
Post by: BrosephPCE on March 17, 2015, 07:08:25 AM
I think Wonder Boy III's PSG tunes in particular are a good example of how skillful composition can transcend the limitations of a sounchip to produce something great. I don't think the inclusion of the FM chip would have helped sales much at all, simply because how tight Nintendo's grip on the market was at that time.