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NEC TG-16/TE/TurboDuo => TG-16/TE/TurboDuo Discussion => Topic started by: lukester on October 04, 2015, 09:36:23 AM
Title: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: lukester on October 04, 2015, 09:36:23 AM
Shockman is definitely not a popular game on the Turbografx, and is seen by most as a poor Megaman clone.
EDIT: Shockman created the Mega Buster, before Mega Man 4. Shockman came out in Japan 8 months earlier than MM 4. This is crazy news.
Having already played Megaman 1-4 and X, I think Shockman compares pretty favorably. Better than 1 at least.
It is not an easy game by any means, so here are a bunch of tips to get people started.
1. Always use Turbo in the shooter levels
This is a must. Charge shots will get you through the platforming levels, but not in the shooter levels. Tough bosses will go down much quicker with Turbo fire. It is also a must for the 3rd shooter level.
Keep in mind though that for the squids on the first shooter level, you should use charge shots.
2. Do not be reckless
Unlike Megaman, Shockman is scripted to give health and smart bombs only from specific enemies. You need to take absolute caution when going through any section. Memorization is a must.
There are many parts of the game you can get through without getting hurt, once you practice enough.
3. When should I use the smart bomb?
There are only two bosses that you should use it on. Use a bomb on the giant Ninja boss, because that stage is extremely long and re-starting isn't desirable. Remember, this game only gives you one life per continue and no checkpoints.
The second boss you should absolutely use it on is the re-match with your evil twin in the final level. He uses some very powerful attacks, so finish him off quickly.
When you do reach him, charge the bomb as soon as the fight starts, and release once it is ready. This is the only surefire way to get the boss dead without the attack missing or going through him.
4. If bombs are finite, how do I get more?
Only 4 enemies in the whole game give smart bombs. But if you die and re-start the stage, you get to keep whatever bombs you had, and can get another one from the same enemy. The max amount of bombs is 2.
5. The dragon on the auto-scrolling level is a pain, and he kills me so quickly. What do I do?
This level is weird because when you stand still, your character moves backwards. However, once the boss fight starts you can stand still anywhere.
Right before the fight starts, stand in the left corner of the screen. The dragon cannot touch you. At some point he will go left under the screen. you must jump to the middle, and then go back to the corner once he goes up.
6. Damn this stupid bubble man!
Like I said before, use the Turbo fire. He will go down in half the time it takes using charged shots. If he moves behind you where you cannot fire, you can move under him so he cannot hurt you.
7. Any other boss strategies?
Sure. Generally use charge shots during platforming levels. However, there are certain bosses where Turbo makes life easier.
First encounter with Jeeta, the evil twin. Always duck during this fight. You can corner him pretty easily.
The five floating heads. Destroy the middle 3 heads first. Pretty easy stuff. Turbo just makes it end quicker.
When you fight the four legged beast with the extendable head, crouch under his body. Charge shots are better for this boss.
8. I am getting slaughtered on the 3rd shooter level.
There is actually a safe spot in this level. As soon as you start, fly down into the bottom right corner. You are untouchable by the asteroids, and a few enemy waves. Fly back out to the middle once the big ships appear.
Watch the patterns of the big green enemies in the next section. If one disappears off-screen, be careful for potential bullets coming towards your direction.
Once you get to the high-speed section, you have to deal with 3 individual ships. For each one, fly up to the top of the screen. Once the ship is at your height, quickly fly back down. The ship will crash.
9. What do I do about the vertical sections with the flame-spitting demon heads??
Don't hold the jump button all the way. But if you don't get there with enough health, survival may not be possible.
Since you have to do this section twice, the first time should help you with the second time. Also you can shoot up at the enemies, but remember which ones give health items.
10. **** this final level.
I completely agree. The bouncing lazers are crazy. All I can say is to watch their patterns, and do not move until they leave the screen. This may take 3-4 bounces. Be cautious.
Generally, you want to stay in a bottom corner to hide from the lazers. Use turbo on the lazer generators. Make sure to memorize which enemies give health back.
11. I hate the elephants.
Use charge attacks. Shoot up to hit them. Don't go near them until their turret trunk is facing away from you.
12. Final Boss?
Well when you reach Jeeta, definitely use a bomb on him.
On the evil emperor guy, a bomb helps but isn't necessary. Just reach him with at least half health and you should be okay.
When you have to go under his legs, keep running against the leg until you can pass through, don't stand still and wait.
Use turbo fire when you have to aim up at the bottom circle thingy. Use charge shots for the turrets and the top circle thingy.
I hope these tips really help out some peeps. Shockman is better than people give it credit for, and there's certainly not many Megaman clones anyway. A solid B game.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: NightWolve on October 04, 2015, 10:07:38 AM
All this dedication/interest/commentary for Shockman, enough to write all this ? I'm shocked, actually... Your first sentence was sufficient for me. ;)
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: esteban on October 04, 2015, 10:19:54 AM
I love this post!
Everybody needs to give Shockman a chance, including me!
I dismissed this game years ago, but after reading this, I know I have to give Shockman another chance, and try some different strategies.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: shawnji on October 04, 2015, 10:41:00 AM
I've finished all three Shubi (Shockman) games, and while I'm honestly much more fond of the first and third ones, the second game is still pretty decent. Hard, but decent. They sadly don't come anywhere close to the Mega Man games, though. My co-op speed run (which was sadly done on an emulator instead of hardware) of the first game is still on YouTube thanks to the friend who played it with me:
https://youtu.be/aeDJe8scIrM
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: Gentlegamer on October 04, 2015, 11:07:32 AM
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: NightWolve on October 04, 2015, 11:14:58 AM
Heh. Good pick! Not one of the Sean Connery Bonds I ever saw, either.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: seieienbu on October 04, 2015, 11:44:58 AM
I finally picked up a copy of Shockman earlier this year and I thoroughly enjoyed the game. I still want to play it through with 2 players but haven't had the opportunity to yet.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: Gentlegamer on October 04, 2015, 11:58:14 AM
Go watch Goldfinger right now!
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: sirhcman on October 04, 2015, 01:01:38 PM
Excellent write up Lukester, I need to give this game another shot!
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: lukester on October 04, 2015, 01:46:44 PM
I actually just discovered a real shocking secret.
Shubibinman 2 came out in Japan in April 1991. Mega Man 4 came out in Japan, December 1991.
So Shockman actually created the Mega Buster before MM 4 did...
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: shawnji on October 04, 2015, 02:30:29 PM
I finally picked up a copy of Shockman earlier this year and I thoroughly enjoyed the game. I still want to play it through with 2 players but haven't had the opportunity to yet.
It's kind of neat in co-op, as you can use your charge shot to launch your partner just like in the first game, but now you travel on diagonals and bounce all over the place.
I actually just discovered a real shocking secret.
Shubibinman 2 came out in Japan in April 1991. Mega Man 4 came out in Japan, December 1991.
So Shockman actually created the Mega Buster before MM 4 did...
The first game had a charge shot too, actually; and that was even earlier, as it was released in March of 1989.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: _joshuaTurbo on October 04, 2015, 02:33:07 PM
This game should be more popular for sure! I love the grafx and music. If you can get used to the sloppy controls, it's a very rewarding experience with excellent boss battles and a great ending!
It's actually my favorite of the series! :)
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: Elder on October 04, 2015, 03:25:18 PM
This is one I've heard about for years and years, but have never had the chance to check it out. One of these days I really need to get around to doing so. Thanks for the massive write-up, you have officially piqued my interest.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: VenomMacbeth on October 04, 2015, 03:37:08 PM
This is one of my favorite PCE games :) The controls are regrettably glitchy, but everything else is fantastic. I just wish the turbob version was more affordable
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: johnnykonami on October 04, 2015, 03:51:24 PM
Huh, I always thought that the overall public impression of Shockman was a good one. Count me a fan - I borrowed my friend's copy back in the 90's and played through it and had a great time. I would happily welcome a reasonably priced copy of my own should it ever present itself.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: TR0N on October 04, 2015, 08:41:36 PM
You forgot to mention the game can crash on the final boss.Spida1a has been mention in his review it even happen to me once,beside being pissed off about it.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: Bloufo on October 05, 2015, 12:08:34 AM
I reckon I'm going to give this game another shot as well.
You forgot to mention the game can crash on the final boss.Spida1a has been mention in his review it even happen to me once,beside being pissed off about it.
Yes, I've heard about this. Also, the game has a glitch in emulation, where the ship usually turns back into Shockman.
I played this game on the Wii, which runs perfectly, so I have no experience with actual hardware issues.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: esteban on October 05, 2015, 01:13:18 AM
You forgot to mention the game can crash on the final boss.Spida1a has been mention in his review it even happen to me once,beside being pissed off about it.
Really? Damn.
I will watch his video, but do folks know what specifically triggers the bug/crash?
Title: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: VenomMacbeth on October 05, 2015, 02:21:14 AM
I don't know if it's so much the final boss specifically that causes the crash, as the entire game seems to get a bit glitchier the closer to the end you get. I've had it crash on me before as well. I wonder if it has something to do with my having spammed the life refill cheat lol
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: EmperorIng on October 05, 2015, 04:22:11 AM
So Shockman actually created the Mega Buster before MM 4 did...
The first game had a charge shot too, actually; and that was even earlier, as it was released in March of 1989.
Well, Megaman 2 and a particular weapon (http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/megaman/images/2/23/MM2-AtomicFire-Art.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100724040821) came out in 1988...
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: xelement5x on October 05, 2015, 04:50:41 AM
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: Necromancer on October 05, 2015, 05:01:34 AM
Nice write up, man. Though I've not made a concerted effort to beat it (yet), I really enjoy it. It's tough, sure, but it doesn't feel as cheap as most Mega Man games.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: shawnji on October 05, 2015, 05:52:21 AM
So Shockman actually created the Mega Buster before MM 4 did...
The first game had a charge shot too, actually; and that was even earlier, as it was released in March of 1989.
Well, Megaman 2 and a particular weapon (http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/megaman/images/2/23/MM2-AtomicFire-Art.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100724040821) came out in 1988...
Oh yeah, that's right! Good catch!
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: lukester on October 05, 2015, 05:53:40 AM
So Shockman actually created the Mega Buster before MM 4 did...
The first game had a charge shot too, actually; and that was even earlier, as it was released in March of 1989.
Well, Megaman 2 and a particular weapon (http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/megaman/images/2/23/MM2-AtomicFire-Art.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100724040821) came out in 1988...
Forgot about this, haha.
Though it still isn't unlimited and most people use metal blade as their main weapon
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: A Black Falcon on October 05, 2015, 04:57:13 PM
I have Shubibinman 1 and 3, but not the second game yet, unfortunately... I have played it a bit in emulation and it seems good, but I definitely want the real thing. The issue is that I'd rather have the US version since the game does have some story, but it's very expensive.
As for the two I do have, I like the first game quite a bit really, it's a pretty fun and quite challenging platform-action game. The third game, on CD, is great fun while it lasts, but it's sadly insanely easy; I beat it very quickly. The first game is a lot harder because you lose a lot of powerups when you die, meaning that if you want to win you kind of can't die at all. The best I've done so far is to get to the final boss... but then I died, and while you can technically continue, in reality it was hopeless because of the loss of powerups and health. I like the branching level tree, also. The choices, and number of levels, is great; even if there are only a handful of different visual themes for levels, there are a good number of different actual stages. Shubibinman 1 is a lot of fun and I quite like it.
Of course the third game has more polished gameplay and much better visuals, but with its seriously lacking challenge and short length I don't know if it's as much better compared to the first one as most people say. Yeah, it looks good, has some cool scenarios along the way, has CD audio music, cutscenes instead of just text boxes, has some gameplay variety, and more... but it's over almost before it begins! What happened to the challenge of the first game, there is almost none. Too many of the levels are just linear corridors, too -- 3 has almost no jumping puzzles outside of maybe two segments, and that is unfortunate and hurts the game a bit. The first game has plenty of jumping-puzzle segments, why are they almost entirely absent in 3? This kind of game is better with them. The third game is entirely linear too, with none of the first games' branching paths, and doesn't have the shops to buy items from either, just regular powerups. I have nothing against a strong linear experience, but the first game probably has more content, and I do like the powerup store and alternate routes even if they aren't essential. So, overall, as fun as 3 is, I like the first game more. I think the first Shubibinman is quite under-rated, it's a good game.
Isn't the second game a bit more shooting-focused, though? In the first and third games, really the sword is your main weapon most of the time.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on October 05, 2015, 06:37:41 PM
Yeah, it's more of a run n' gun compared to the 1st & 3rd. And then Shubibinman Zero on SFC leans maybe more towards a brawler if memory serves. That's the one I haven't spent much time with.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: TR0N on October 06, 2015, 12:39:24 AM
You forgot to mention the game can crash on the final boss.Spida1a has been mention in his review it even happen to me once,beside being pissed off about it.
Yes, I've heard about this. Also, the game has a glitch in emulation, where the ship usually turns back into Shockman.
I played this game on the Wii, which runs perfectly, so I have no experience with actual hardware issues.
You forgot to mention the game can crash on the final boss.Spida1a has been mention in his review it even happen to me once,beside being pissed off about it.
Really? Damn.
I will watch his video, but do folks know what specifically triggers the bug/crash?
Good question i don't know what triggers the bug it's rather random.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: Bardoly on October 08, 2015, 06:48:16 AM
Nice review, lukester!
I've tried playing this game a few times, but I've never been able to beat it. ](*,)
I should try it again.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: reno5 on October 08, 2015, 06:55:49 AM
Thanks for all the tips. I'll get back to that game as soon as i have some spare time.
Title: Re: Shockman Thread (Shocking Secrets Revealed!?!)
Post by: EmperorIng on January 05, 2016, 08:43:58 AM
I'm playing some Shubibinman 2 now that I scored a cheap JPN copy in a lot.
While I like the graphics (some great boss designs!), having three slow auto-scrolling sections in the first three levels has a way of killing my enthusiasm right off the bat. What were they thinking with that lousy sewer level? That players wouldn't mind doing the same thing, except duller and longer, a third time? ](*,)
I am also not a fan of how weak and small your normal shot seems to be. It rarely hits small enemies, who don't seem to die in less than 3 hits anyhow. it leaves you always charging your shot, which wears on the thumb (and subjects you to that annoying SHUBI! scream every time). Is there something I'm missing with the attacks? I doubt it. Mega Man games feel like the bullets are faster, larger, and do more damage to speed the pace of the game up. Here it feels much more haphazard. The one-life rule doesn't feel like it adds much outside of the annoyance of returning to the title-screen to try again.
I feel like I've gotten halfway through (made it to fighting the rival dude robot), and I'd like to like this game more than I am. :evil:
Is the first game even worth vouching for? It seems even slower than the second. If the third weren't so lacking in challenge, it'd be one of the best games evar.
EDIT: I'll have to take some of lukester's tips into consideration when it comes to the game. Maybe that will make things a -little- better.