Hello TURBO fans! My name is Tyler and I run a YT channel and website called iretrogamer.com (formerly Sega Channel).
I know this is my first post here, but I'd really love to share with you the Air Zonk / Super Air Zonk retrospective we released recently. It's the first episode of our rebranded "VH1" style documentary show Game Scan TV. Previously we were an all SEGA channel but we've recently rebranded so we can talk about all the retro games we love, including the TurboGrafx-16.
Here's a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwZgASY4aR0
I hope you guys enjoy the retrospective. Feedback is greatly appreciated. Air Zonk is absolutely one of my most favorite shooters. I actually have quite a fondness for Super Air Zonk as well.
I'm looking forward to being apart of this community here. So many awesome memories with my TG16 and Duo. Thanks guys!
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: DragonmasterDan on May 26, 2015, 07:58:05 AM
Hello TURBO fans! My name is Tyler and I run a YT channel and website called iretrogamer.com (formerly Sega Channel).
I know this is my first post here, but I'd really love to share with you the Air Zonk / Super Air Zonk retrospective we released recently. It's the first episode of our rebranded "VH1" style documentary show Game Scan TV. Previously we were an all SEGA channel but we've recently rebranded so we can talk about all the retro games we love, including the TurboGrafx-16.
Here's a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwZgASY4aR0
I hope you guys enjoy the retrospective. Feedback is greatly appreciated. Air Zonk is absolutely one of my most favorite shooters. I actually have quite a fondness for Super Air Zonk as well.
I'm looking forward to being apart of this community here. So many awesome memories with my TG16 and Duo. Thanks guys!
So right away you mention the game was released in December of 1992. I'm pretty sure it was released in October or November. In fact I believe it was a rare instance where a Japanese developed game on the platform was released in the US first.
You also mention that Super Air Zonk is a TurboGrafx CD game. While this might seem like an insignificant difference it's actually SUPER CD game. It requires a 3.0 card or Turbo Duo (or Laseractive PAC) to play it on real hardware. However, on Wii virtual console or whatever emulator you used to capture all of your video this probably doesn't seem significant to you.
As far as overall notes on your video goes. Your production values are good. Your video is visually appealing. However, the audio levels of your speech combined with the background audio probably need to be adjusted a bit as your voice doesn't stand out enough over the music.
I'm not so sure commenting on the value of Super Air Zonk added anything valuable to the video besides to let people know if they're looking to buy a US copy they're likely going to pay out the ass for it.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Otaking on May 26, 2015, 08:10:55 AM
I enjoyed the video, I mentioned it here in another thread. http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=1350.5025
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: esteban on May 26, 2015, 09:18:59 AM
I enjoyed the video :)
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Necromancer on May 26, 2015, 09:35:02 AM
Not horrible, but the zooming in on small parts of the screen and rotating stuff for no reason is quite annoying, I could do without the collectardyness, and I'm not sure you know what "ill fated" means. I also disagree with the notion that Zonk was developed to help a struggling system, as it was a PCE game first and foremost; you could argue that TTi chose to bring him over and use him in marketing materials for that purpose, but his creation has little to do with what TTi wanted.
P.S. - Please don't use stock photos of the system with the damn protective plastic still on it.
Title: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: esteban on May 26, 2015, 09:45:09 AM
Protective film!
Also, it goes without saying that I would nix the segment about the value of the game.
Three of us, so far, feel that mentioning the value of the game adds little, if anything.
Unlike Necro, I like that you zoomed in to different items on the screen.
Making connections between "Bonk" as a platformer, and "Zonk" as a shootemup was one of the most creative aspects of your video. I liked that.
Pointing out regional differences was nice, too.
Overall, this video succeeds because I feel that you have actually played these games and are speaking honestly.
I bash Super Air Zonk, but I love reading/watching folks who defend it because I am slowly warming up to it. The simple fact is that I was disappointed by it many, many years ago and it's taken me a long time to forgive and start the healing process.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: lukester on May 26, 2015, 11:32:19 AM
Air Zonk is one of the elite HuCards. It's in a league of it's own, and proves the Turbografx was 16-bit.
I wish I could say the same about the sequel.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: DragonmasterDan on May 26, 2015, 11:58:06 AM
I bash Super Air Zonk, but I love reading/watching folks who defend it because I am slowly warming up to it. The simple fact is that I was disappointed by it many, many years ago and it's taken me a long time to forgive and start the healing process.
I first played it on virtual console maybe 7 or 8 years ago and was flabbergasted at how much slower paced of a game it was than the first game. I had convinced my self that the game was as bad of a shame on its franchse as Chrono Cross was to Chrono Trigger, that Lunar: Dragon Song was to the Lunar series, or what Rainbow Cotton was to the Cotton series.
Eventually though, I got a copy for a fair price and... after having more time to sit and play it.. I like it. It's nowhere near as good as the first game, but it's an excellent title and a well above average shooter. There's a decent amount of variety to the levels. The graphics are good, the music is pleasant (I still prefer the music in the first game). It's far more lazy in terms of design, this isn't a bad game at all.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: technozombie on May 26, 2015, 02:12:07 PM
I bash Super Air Zonk, but I love reading/watching folks who defend it because I am slowly warming up to it. The simple fact is that I was disappointed by it many, many years ago and it's taken me a long time to forgive and start the healing process.
I first played it on virtual console maybe 7 or 8 years ago and was flabbergasted at how much slower paced of a game it was than the first game. I had convinced my self that the game was as bad of a shame on its franchse as Chrono Cross was to Chrono Trigger, that Lunar: Dragon Song was to the Lunar series, or what Rainbow Cotton was to the Cotton series.
Eventually though, I got a copy for a fair price and... after having more time to sit and play it.. I like it. It's nowhere near as good as the first game, but it's an excellent title and a well above average shooter. There's a decent amount of variety to the levels. The graphics are good, the music is pleasant (I still prefer the music in the first game). It's far more lazy in terms of design, this isn't a bad game at all.
Sorry to go off topic here but Chrono Cross was awesome. And, Technozombie out........
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: esteban on May 26, 2015, 02:16:29 PM
ChronoCross can suck my left one.
:)
Just kidding. I never played ChronoCross.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on May 26, 2015, 06:59:35 PM
Chrono Cross was cool, but, it's no Trigger! Lunar Dragon Song, I still have yet to beat that game. That game was why I bought a DS in the first place! :(
As far as the release date of Air Zonk, I too feel like it was October or November. I have a pretty vivid memory of getting my haircut right after picking it up at Babbage's on day 1 of it's release. For some reason, December doesn't sound right.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Mzo on May 26, 2015, 08:19:29 PM
I really liked the video! Dude's shirt is loud as f*ck.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: DragonmasterDan on May 27, 2015, 02:03:48 AM
As far as the release date of Air Zonk, I too feel like it was October or November. I have a pretty vivid memory of getting my haircut right after picking it up at Babbage's on day 1 of it's release. For some reason, December doesn't sound right.
I believe the TurboDuo launched in the US the first week of October 1992, Air Zonk was released a week or two later.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: iretrogamer on May 27, 2015, 02:06:29 AM
So right away you mention the game was released in December of 1992. I'm pretty sure it was released in October or November. In fact I believe it was a rare instance where a Japanese developed game on the platform was released in the US first.
Honestly I went to wikipedia for this one and just rolled with it.
Quote
You also mention that Super Air Zonk is a TurboGrafx CD game. While this might seem like an insignificant difference it's actually SUPER CD game. It requires a 3.0 card or Turbo Duo (or Laseractive PAC) to play it on real hardware. However, on Wii virtual console or whatever emulator you used to capture all of your video this probably doesn't seem significant to you.
Actually, I've owned a TurboDuo and this game since 1994. I thought about pointing out the fact that it is a SUPER CD title but didn't want to have to explain what a SUPER CD game is in every episode featuring one. Thus why I just called it a Turbo CD game, which it still technically is.
Quote
As far as overall notes on your video goes. Your production values are good. Your video is visually appealing. However, the audio levels of your speech combined with the background audio probably need to be adjusted a bit as your voice doesn't stand out enough over the music.
I hear you. Perhaps it's different on certain playback devices, but I equalize and check the levels on all of my videos (making sure it's not peaking, voiceover, music etc.) I think it sounds fine. I'll think about raising the voiceover levels in the next one. Thanks.
Quote
I'm not so sure commenting on the value of Super Air Zonk added anything valuable to the video besides to let people know if they're looking to buy a US copy they're likely going to pay out the ass for it.
I like it when people mention the value. You have to place yourself in the shoes of an uninformed viewer. If this was my first time discovering the game, I'd definitely want to know if it was something I should actively consider collecting or one that I'll probably never end up owning due to the rarity. I only plan on mentioning value when it warrants a mention (IE Little Samson NES, Halloween Atari 2600)
Thanks so much for your feedback!
And thanks to the others who also left supportive words and constructive criticism. Much appreciated!
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Black Tiger on May 27, 2015, 02:39:56 AM
If someone needs an explantion on what a Super CD is, then they have no reason to be told a percieved value of a game and have no business "collecting" Turbo stuff. Choosing not to inform viewers how to actually run games, yet focusing on perceived collector pricing is strictly catering to collectards and turns the game content portion of a video into Collectibles Roadshow-style collector value ("here's some features that make this attractive to fellow collectors!") supplimentory for casual players, instead of showcasing why a game is enjoyable.
Even if money sinking is more important than game format, it's all the more reason to mention the Super CD aspect and get collectards Super excited at the prospect of hunting down/"chasing" the elusive System 3 Card and getting to pay a perceived collector value for that. The bragging rights of getting to do a haul video and/or post featuring the one-two punch of Super CD Card CIC + Super Air Zonk CIC score will keep them coming back indefinitely to be told what hot items to buy and how much to pay.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: iretrogamer on May 27, 2015, 03:00:42 AM
If someone needs an explantion on what a Super CD is, then they have no reason to be told a percieved value of a game and have no business "collecting" Turbo stuff. Choosing not to inform viewers how to actually run games, yet focusing on perceived collector pricing is strictly catering to collectards and turns the game content portion of a video into Collectibles Roadshow-style collector value ("here's some features that make this attractive to fellow collectors!") supplimentory for casual players, instead of showcasing why a game is enjoyable.
Even if money sinking is more important than game format, it's all the more reason to mention the Super CD aspect and get collectards Super excited at the prospect of hunting down/"chasing" the elusive System 3 Card and getting to pay a perceived collector value for that. The bragging rights of getting to do a haul video and/or post featuring the one-two punch of Super CD Card CIC + Super Air Zonk CIC score will keep them coming back indefinitely to be told what hot items to buy and how much to pay.
I understand. I guess I never thought it important because I've always owned a TurboDuo and never needed the System 3 card. You understand the repetitive nature of having to mention all of those aspects in each video that covers a Super CD game right? I mean, the video is not ABOUT the collecting aspect, it's meant to be a retrospective. But if the majority of the TG16 community feel I should mention this in the future, I will.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Necromancer on May 27, 2015, 03:43:06 AM
I thought about pointing out the fact that it is a SUPER CD title but didn't want to have to explain what a SUPER CD game is in every episode featuring one.
Why would you have to explain what "super cd" means? In a similar vein, should you explain that one needs a CD add-on or Duo to play any cd or that you'll need a controller, ac adapter, etc.? Give your viewers some credit for knowing a little something about the Turbob.... or at least that they're bright enough to use google.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: ClodBuster on May 27, 2015, 04:05:04 AM
Nice review. It is good to see somebody talking about games and systems he actually owned or played when they got released back then decades ago.
One thing that would be worth mentioning on upcoming episodes is if the reviewed game is offered for download on the Wii virtual console or other services, since this opens up possibilities for purchasing and playing the game at way more affordable prices.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Necromancer on May 27, 2015, 04:11:33 AM
One thing that would be worth mentioning on upcoming episodes is if the reviewed game is offered for download on the Wii virtual console or other services, since this opens up possibilities for purchasing and playing the game at way more affordable prices.
Yarr. There's also the PCE version, which is almost identical and relatively cheap.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: iretrogamer on May 27, 2015, 04:18:55 AM
Nice review. It is good to see somebody talking about games and systems he actually owned or played when they got released back then decades ago.
One thing that would be worth mentioning on upcoming episodes is if the reviewed game is offered for download on the Wii virtual console or other services, since this opens up possibilities for purchasing and playing the game at way more affordable prices.
Thanks! I really like this suggestion. In hindsight I should have mentioned it for this episode.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: geise on May 27, 2015, 05:14:30 AM
First I want to say thanks for sharing this. I actually enjoyed the video. After watching this I finally realized that Bonk was actually in the Matrix all along. BTW for the prices you should've said "I can't believe how f*cking stupid collectors are making the game way more than it should be." Seriously though I enjoyed the vid and also welcome to the forums.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Jibbajaba on May 27, 2015, 05:22:19 AM
God damn. I'm having second thoughts about posting my upcoming Turbografx episode here on the forums.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: BigusSchmuck on May 27, 2015, 05:31:15 AM
God damn. I'm having second thoughts about posting my upcoming Turbografx episode here on the forums.
Don't worry about that. You can't make everyone happy all the time. Just make something that you'd like to watch. Don't shut out constructive criticism, but learn to ignore things that may be just a difference of opinion. If they want something different from what you're making, they can go make it themselves.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Gredler on May 27, 2015, 06:51:49 AM
Both of you guys make some of the best content on the youtubes, and I subscribe to you both so if you didn't post here it wouldn't affect me, but don't let the nit pickers get you down the videos are good and I am really thankful you make them.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: iretrogamer on May 27, 2015, 07:28:07 AM
God damn. I'm having second thoughts about posting my upcoming Turbografx episode here on the forums.
Don't worry about that. You can't make everyone happy all the time. Just make something that you'd like to watch. Don't shut out constructive criticism, but learn to ignore things that may be just a difference of opinion. If they want something different from what you're making, they can go make it themselves.
I love you.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: schweaty on May 27, 2015, 08:08:44 AM
i liked it. its clear to me you put in the time to make it as good from a production side as you could and to me that counts a lot.
don't worry about the criticism. some folks on this forum are a little hyper-sensitive when it comes to every detail. i didnt notice any glaring (read: unforgivable to those same folks i mentioned) mistakes. part of the reason for this is that there are so many bad YT videos about the TG-16. there is already a lot of bad information out there and some make it their personal mission to stop any new misinformation (no matter how minor) from spreading throughout the interwebs.
you also took the criticism with thick skin and that bonus points for you too.
keep it up!
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: DesmondThe3rd on May 27, 2015, 08:48:01 AM
Oh yeah, baby! This was a great retrospective on these two gems.
Title: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: esteban on May 27, 2015, 10:56:29 AM
I watched the whole vid. Same complaint that i have with Jib's YT chan:
No tits?
Tits or GTFO.
PCE tits count. PCE tits were present.
Suck Zonk's left one. :)
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: A Black Falcon on May 27, 2015, 07:25:38 PM
Good video, I quite liked it! My only suggestion would be yeah, mention the Wii VC version; that's a LOT cheaper than the physical disc... but otherwise, good work.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: seieienbu on May 29, 2015, 10:40:56 AM
What's your youtube channel anyway, Jibbajaba?
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Jibbajaba on May 29, 2015, 10:56:05 AM
So you signed up at another forum to promote your youtube channel.
Sega Channel must not have obtained enough views for partner status.
Just what we need, more VH1 style shows like The Video Game Years.
A: That's not very "gentle" of you.
B: I'd rather see more well-produced shows like this one on YouTube then more PewDiePie-wannabe Let's Plays produced by people who have zero on-camera personality.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: iretrogamer on May 29, 2015, 01:22:35 PM
So you signed up at another forum to promote your youtube channel.
Sega Channel must not have obtained enough views for partner status.
Just what we need, more VH1 style shows like The Video Game Years.
I don't quite understand what you mean. We're always being asked to join partnership but I turn down the offers as I'm not sure what it's all about. Perhaps I should. Would that increase our exposure?
Sorry you're not a fan of our work. Its fairly obvious that I wanted to inform the turbo community about our new Air Zonk video and there are many here who are happy I shared it.
Love The Video Game Years. We're definitely not that show. My show is very personal featuring lots of home movie footage and unique memories. Not sure what I've done to nag you but hopefully you'll stick around for future vids. I'm sure there will be something you like.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Black Tiger on May 29, 2015, 02:20:28 PM
I finally had a chance to watch the entire video. I very much dislike VH1 and The Video Game Years style "shows", particularly the lame attempts at snarky humour. I was concerned at first when it looked like this was going to be similar and expected a series of random talking heads making irrelevant comments. I was pleased to find instead what I prefer in videos with on-screen human appearances: just a seemingly regular person (instead of an attention-seeking 'personality'), giving their candid thoughts about games and more importantly, games that they are passionate about. I disagree with most of the speculation, but I welcome all kinds of thoughts in videos like this when they're not simply stated as informative facts ("the Turbographics fakes 16-bits by adding together two 8-bit cpus!").
I think that in cases like this, when the games are actually currently available to buy at (today's equivalent of) retail, it would be helpful to let people know, especially when the games are only $6 and $8.
The production values are very high and I liked some of the touches like the close-ups of gameplay, but the emulated game footage stands out as jittery in contrast. In the future, if you don't have the means to capture high quality footage from original console hardware, maybe you should try recording footage from Virtual Console or other digital versions if they're available.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Jibbajaba on May 29, 2015, 06:18:40 PM
What's with this trend of the on-camera personalities on YouTube not looking into the camera when they talk? Are you trying to make it look like someone is interviewing you? OP, your video production quality is great (except for the jittery emulation footage, as mentioned by Black Tiger) but for God's sake look into the camera.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Gentlegamer on May 29, 2015, 06:25:55 PM
What's with this trend of the on-camera personalities on YouTube not looking into the camera when they talk? Are you trying to make it look like someone is interviewing you? OP, your video production quality is great (except for the jittery emulation footage, as mentioned by Black Tiger) but for God's sake look into the camera.
That's VH1 style. And yes, the idea is it makes it look like the person is being interviewed, so it gives an air of authority or "officialness."
Joe - next episode of Game Sack do a VH1 parody
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: esteban on May 29, 2015, 10:19:50 PM
What's with this trend of the on-camera personalities on YouTube not looking into the camera when they talk? Are you trying to make it look like someone is interviewing you? OP, your video production quality is great (except for the jittery emulation footage, as mentioned by Black Tiger) but for God's sake look into the camera.
That's VH1 style. And yes, the idea is it makes it look like the person is being interviewed, so it gives an air of authority or "officialness."
Joe - next episode of Game Sack do a VH1 parody
Sadly, I feel that The Video Game Years is *already* a parody...
...but that doesn't mean we couldn't have some fun: (1) hottest male bosses of 1989 (2) hottest alien/non-human male characters of 1989 (3) video games that *should* have been a sitcom on NBC in 1989 (4) video games that should have been a courtroom drama on ABC during the summer of 1989 (5) best ending credit music for a licensed game from 1989 that was also a sugared breakfast cereal.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: iretrogamer on May 30, 2015, 12:05:37 AM
What's with this trend of the on-camera personalities on YouTube not looking into the camera when they talk? Are you trying to make it look like someone is interviewing you? OP, your video production quality is great (except for the jittery emulation footage, as mentioned by Black Tiger) but for God's sake look into the camera.
Well the reason I stick to this style is because we often have multiple speakers, and I interview. I do the same the myself. Its the style ive chosen as yes, i always wanted to come off more like a TV show than traditional youtuber. Check out our Alien Storm, Crazy Taxi or Ghostbusters Sega Channel episodes for example of multiple speakers.
Sega Channel - Ghostbusters - https://youtu.be/bfqHFsQBoAU
Title: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: esteban on May 30, 2015, 05:00:53 AM
What's with this trend of the on-camera personalities on YouTube not looking into the camera when they talk? Are you trying to make it look like someone is interviewing you? OP, your video production quality is great (except for the jittery emulation footage, as mentioned by Black Tiger) but for God's sake look into the camera.
Well the reason I stick to this style is because we often have multiple speakers, and I interview. I do the same the myself. Its the style ive chosen as yes, i always wanted to come off more like a TV show than traditional youtuber. Check out our Alien Storm, Crazy Taxi or Ghostbusters Sega Channel episodes for example of multiple speakers.
Sega Channel - Ghostbusters - https://youtu.be/bfqHFsQBoAU
You don't have to defend your style—it was established decades earlier :)
Long before YouTube, documentary/news/TV aesthetics had been established: the "talking heads" of the earliest shows/films became a stale, cliched format...so new ways to interview were pioneered/developed (looking at an interviewer—who may or may not exist—off-camera, to better communicate the atmosphere of a natural conversation).
As always, when audiences see a style/formula that is overused, it is natural for them to label it as "derivative"...when I first saw your show, I had my misgivings, too. "Oh no," I thought, "not another show like this." Of course, the quality of the content will win over the viewer, even if they find the style/formula of the show hackneyed.
It would be funny, IMHO, if you parodied this style by being both the interviewer and interviewee (of course, this is an old idea). You have to play it completely straight for maximum effect.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Jibbajaba on May 30, 2015, 06:45:12 AM
I understand the point of it. I guess I just want to make eye contact with my audience. I want them to feel like I am talking to them, not that they are watching me talk to a third party. I don't think that either style is right or wrong, but that's what I prefer to do.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: geise on June 01, 2015, 05:10:40 AM
With it being a retrospective and not a game review I have no problem with it being set up documentary style. It fit well if you ask me. Then again, I barely watch youtube game channels or youtube at all. I mostly use it for music.
Title: Re: Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk Retrospective
Post by: Jibbajaba on June 01, 2015, 07:27:00 AM
It would be funny, IMHO, if you parodied this style by being both the interviewer and interviewee (of course, this is an old idea). You have to play it completely straight for maximum effect.