PCEngineFans.com - The PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 Community Forum
NEC TG-16/TE/TurboDuo => TG-16/TE/TurboDuo Discussion => Topic started by: Naniyue on July 19, 2025, 10:48:20 PM
-
While I've never abandoned the Turbo, the growing computational strength of PCs these past 25 years has kept me busy. Now, however, I am revisiting many Turbo/PCE games, as well as experiencing unfamiliar ones. Consider this a mini-log of my adventures. Part review, part reminiscence, part surprises!
Last Alert (TGCD) - I enjoyed my recent playthrough. The game is even easier than I previously thought, but I like that!! It was a stress-free journey, with nice music, TERRIBLE but nostalgic voice acting, and fun gameplay. It made me feel good. I'm thinking of playing the original Red Alert for the better voice acting.
Gate of Thunder (TGCD) - Finished this one just last night. Yeah, I cheated, but it was still the 1900s when I last thoroughly played through this one. No way my skill is as good as it used to be! Anyway, great graphics, music, and gameplay! Can't be beat! This title also shows one of the great strengths of many of the system's CD games: A great opening and a rewarding ending!! Anyone who grew up during the 3rd and 4th console generations knows how so many games gave you lackluster endings for all the soul-breaking effort put into winning them!
More to come!
-
Good stuff. I love threads like this - keep 'em coming!
As much as I enjoy Last Alert, I think I like Final Zone 2 more. The varied play with different mechs and their respective weapons, plus the overhead shewty stage, and just as goofy dialog.
-
Final Zone II is on my shortlist! Expect it soon!
Updates will be, well, whenever. It just depends on what I'm playing.
Dinoforce (HuCard) - Damn, this game is hard! Pretty colors, though! Just as difficult for me as:
Rayxanber II & III (PCE SCD) - My God! I had forgotten how hard these were! I tried them again recently, but DAMN! I'm under the impression these are meant for expert shooter players, which I am definitely not!
Bonk's Adventure (Turbochip/Turbo SCD), PART I - Actually, I don't have the chip, but I do have the 4 in 1 CD that came with my Duo. It's cuter than I remembered, though maybe that's my shift in perception over time. I got to Round 3 on my initial play, but will try again soon, so expect an update for this one!
Speaking of dinos . . .
Magical Dinosaur Tour (TGCD) - Your guide, Lolo (Yeah, that's her name), calls it the Magical Saurus Tour, like in the Japanese title. I can't think of many kids who liked edutainment titles, but nowadays this is a nice little reference guide, right on my TurboGrafx! I wonder how more detailed and expanded the animated parts would have been on a Super CD, or even with the Arcade Card!
My favorite is the Stegosaurus. And yes, I remember the song from that old record:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56PQxT2m4y0
-
BONK, Part II - I'm already running out of patience, and am tempted to cheat! Anyone here who has seen my posts, knows how much I HATE platformers! But there is so much to LIKE about Bonk! Cute graphics, catchy music, and better gameplay than that damned Mario, or Sonic for that matter! Add to that one's freedom of movement, infinite continues, and NO TIME LIMIT (YAAAYYYY!!!!) and I have little excuse not to try again!
So, wait for Part III.
Avenger (PCECD) - As with many games from Telenet, the graphics are okay . . . the gameplay is okay . . . yet I like the game anyway! I've never been able to beat it legitimately, though. The angled shooting while moving is kind of strange, but I got used to it. Branching paths add to the replay value, and the victory scenes are a nice touch. Also, any shooter that gives me a life gauge gets my attention, and having infinite continues is nice.
And don't forget to press SELECT at the title screen to see an advertisement presented by Lim/Babbette from Cosmic Fantasy 2!
-
Bonk 1 has just so much more atmosphere than it's sequels IMO. It's special whereas the others are mearly "video games."
-
I beat both Bonk 1 and 2 a long time ago, but never really got into part 3 for some reason.
Something told me to play Ghost Chaser Densei on the SNES today. Nice game! It's reminding me though, of . . .
Riot Zone (TGSCD) - Not because Riot Zone is good, but because it's so plain. It's not a bad game, but I know the Turbo is capable of better! I don't understand why the Turbo got so few beat'em ups. It had a couple decent fighting games, at least. Anyway, I decided to play as Tony this time instead of Hawk. Tony looks funny when he walks, like he's permanently stuck doing the jerk dance. Man, I'd almost forgotten how limited your moveset is! This just reinforces my "plain Jane" assessment. Still, it's an okay journey to take, once in a long while.
Also, what was the name of that spoof show on YouTube many years ago? TurboGrafx Heroes? Well, something. I remember that Tony died in it, and that Riot Zone cinematics were mixed with a bit of Final Zone II. The acting was poor and silly, but on purpose!
ADDITIONAL:
Tengai Makyou I (PCE(S)CD) PART I - Looks like I need to set aside my acquired distaste for most JRPGs, and truly play the initial entry of the PC Engine's flagship RPG series. This will be done in increments, so that I don't burn myself out. One thing definitely going for this is the richness of the whole experience. There's plenty of neat graphics, animations, and voice acting. It's also nice to see actual backgrounds when fighting.
What I don't understand is why so many JRPGs use goofy, cartoonish graphics to represent people. It's one of the reasons I like Phantasy Star over Final Fantasy.
-
Galaxy Fraulein Yuna I (PCE SCD) - Well, that was fun! Reminded me of my young otaku days, when nothing could beat the anime sequences of the Turbo! Takes great advantage of the Super CD format, with nice graphics and copious, professional voice acting. If only Yuna wasn't such a doofus! The turn based combat sequences are silly, but it's fun figuring out which attacks cause the most damage to a particular opponent. Worth a playthrough, especially with the quality translation patch.
Yuna has a spaceship that can travel around the galaxy, but she still can't get a license for a car?!
It's interesting how clever use of screen real estate frees up space for these games. Too
bad they had to rely on chiptunes to allow ready CD access, though.
And what's up with the required mazes of these games? They were simple this time, at least.
ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!
Fair and Square!
This is a (growing) list of games I must beat without cheating:
Bonk I - I've done it before, and I can do it again!
Lords of Thunder - I've done it before, and I can do it again!
Sidearms (Turbochip or CD) - I've done it before, and I can do it again!
-
Last Alert, Valis II, Fighting Street, Final Zone II, and Ys I & II were my true hands-on introduction to the Turbo. I knew about the system from TV ads (Games on a CD? Wow!), a video that played regularly at Service Merchandise, as well as a kiosk at Target that had China Warrior set up to play. But, that one weekend when a few of us got together, there it was! I played the Turbo like MAD!
And now . . .
Final Zone II (Turbo CD) -
Even then, I knew the voice acting was bad, but it was still neat to have such in a video game at the time. At first, I played the game with the Turbostick, but I hated it. Such arcade sticks lack the weight, height, positioning, and balance of an arcade cabinet, making them actually harder for me to use!
OVERVIEW:
Final Zone II is actually not all that hard. The cinematics are okay. The music is good overall, but I've come to expect that from Telenet. Actually, the intro song is funny, and Momoko's song is just as silly. Being able to stop in place and shoot in all eight directions is nice, and it's funny but useless to use the turbo switches to slowly walk and fire. Although shooting seems off-center, it works quite well. Infinite continues are always welcome!
And now . . . Stage by stage play, and first impressions after such a long time away!
(I did play through it a few years ago, but it's been long enough for me to sufficiently forget stuff.)
STAGE 1:
I get to control a powersuit? Awesome!
I can take multiple hits, and even increase that amount? Cool!
I like the music.
STAGE 2:
Why can't I ever finish this stage on the first try?
Hanna does not have a beam launcher. She has a beam luncher.
Still like the music.
STAGE 3:
It took me SIX tries to beat this one! It was NEVER that hard in the past!
Graphics are lackluster and rather flat. Gameplay is ok, and provides a little variety.
The music fits, but it isn't particularly interesting.
STAGE 4:
I always chose Momoko, but once, I chose Hansen just to see the differences. I am sticking with Hansen this time, to see how he'll fare on the final level.
OH! OH! Low grade powersuits coming after me!
Hansen's music is just average.
Momoko has a silly pop song!
STAGE 5:
It's fun having character choices! I stuck with Hanna, because I like her secondary weapon better than Bowie's.
They keep their respective music!
Hanna's health didn't start out full!
I've come to understand that gameplay in Final zone II is a little strategic, unlike Ikari Warriors, but not as much as in Gain Ground (We'll come to THAT one later! :) )
STAGE 6:
I remember not liking Velder's short range attack. Sure enough, I lost. Back to Hanna, then!
Let the enemy run away! It's not like you score points!
ALWAYS choose P over S, unless of course your lifebar is at max.
STAGE 7:
Biomonsters?! EEWWWW!! :lol:
In the past, I found this stage relatively easy with Momoko, but I am trying with Hansen this time.
Hansen and the final boss share most of the same colors. Hansen's shots don't always hit the boss's first phase, even though they look like they should.
I tried twice with Hansen, then switched to Momoko. Her turbo-boosted rifle shot led me to victory, as always! But this time, I won even with her health not all that powered up! Yay!!!
CONCLUSION:
A fun romp, as it always was! The ending is decent, too. It has that stereotypical ride into the sunset, but it works. Graphically, Final Zone II is average for the time, maybe even a little underwhelming, but the mildly challenging, somewhat tactical gameplay is appreciated. Not a top tier Turbo game, but one I would still recommend for repeated play by veterans and newcomers to the system alike!
-
Panic Bomber! (PCE SCD) - I'm decent at well puzzles, but LOUSY at battle well puzzles! This was one of the few times I actually got to use the five player adapter. Three of my fellow gaijin at the time beat the crap out of me in this one! I decided to fire this up again and attempt the story mode at easy difficulty. Years ago I ended up cheating, and probably still will, but it's a silly little game with a pretty map screen that's worth trying out.
Shooter Quickies!
Seirei Senshi Spriggan (PCE CD) - I play through this one every few years because of the graphics, but I have to cheat. The game is too hard for me, and the powerup system just comes down to me choosing red and blue.
Spriggan Mark II (PCE SCD) - Most prefer the first one. I like this one a LOT better! Awesome graphics with lots of color and parallax scrolling, a decent enough story, weapon choices, and a regenerating shield! Unfortunately, I have to cheat through this one as well. Once, after a VERY concerted effort, I got to the last stage fair and square, but that was it.
I DO like that you control a mecha in both games instead of a ship.
Psycho Chaser (PCE HuCard) - You know those games that you like, but will never get far in? This is one of them for me. I like the overall vibe, both graphics and audio, but the difficulty is just too much!
Blazing Lazers (Turbochip) - I've always liked this one, but could never legitimately win. This time, after years of only playing a few minutes of the game, I made it to area 7, then kept dying so much that I simply gave up. I normally use the disruptor wave, but decided to try field thunder instead. I may try again, but with (mostly) my mainstay weapon.
Super Air Zonk (TSCD) - Compared to the original, this one is uninspiring and a chore to play. The music isn't as good either. The only fusion I liked was on the 5th stage, which combines Zonk with the Yamato!
Tengai Makyou I (PCE (S)CD), part II - I admit, I am enjoying myself, but can still only play so much at a time. There are two or three different backdrops for the same terrain, so that's nice, and they almost look like they were scanned in. I'm at the town just past the one in which you rescue the white deer, so I'm not really that far in yet.
-
I also can't handle battle puzzlers. I'm just too dumb to set up good combos, so I get smoked. It's unfortunate, as Panic Bomber and Puyo Puyo are great looking games.
-
I remember buying these clear colored, medium sized bouncy balls with puyo eyes! Gave them to one of my sisters a loooonggg time ago! And a Bomberman B-Daman before they became extra robot-like.
********************************************
Exploring Dungeon Explorer, Part I
After about ten years, I've tried playing DE II again over the last few months. I thought I'd pretend to be new at the game, but ended up dying in places I wouldn't have otherwise, so I lost interest. But, now that I've started this thread, I figured I'd play through both again.
Dungeon Explorer (Turbochip) - I first played this one a very, very long time ago, with the latest run no more than seven years ago.
OVERVIEW:
The next step in the evolution of Gauntlet, in my opinion, though the quest mode of Gauntlet IV on the Genesis could be considered such, too. While not quite an RPG, Dungeon Explorer still has elements of such, with NPC interactions and stat increases.
Thoughts as I play:
Atlus was involved?!
Why does the opening look so damned ugly?
I chose the fighter.
Dummy me went the wrong way and got killed. Starting over.
Okay, NOW I'm going south like I'm supposed to!
I prefer the numerical view of my stats, but that's in DE II.
I'm going to use all of my knowledge of the game(s) to get through.
Farming for potions and stat increases is helpful, but beware those will o' the wisps!
Tried almost every class, but died too easily.
The monsters at the bottom of the status bar remind me of the cacodemons from DooM.
I'm back to the fighter, though I will naturally change to the princess once I can.
I tried several times to rescue the princess without dying, and then that damn munchkin right after that got me! Well, at least I got her password before then!
One day later, after work:
Oohh yeah! Now THAT'S how I play! Finally made it back to town with the fighter without dying! I think my DE skills are back! I still may die at some point, but I wanted to reach that particular point at least.
To be continued!
EDIT:
I swear that the music of Dungeon 2 takes a tiny bit of inspiration from Earth Wind & Fire's "September".
September:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs069dndIYk
Dungeon 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCcQN0o6fPY
While we're at it, I might as well show the similarities between "Willy and the Hand Jive" and the music at one of the bars in Shadowrun for the Genesis:
Willy and the Hand Jive:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvOuTInrue0
Shadowrun, Bar 4:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ34GrIsRls
****************************************************
Exploring Dungeon Explorer, Part II
No, I won't be doing this stream of consciousness approach for every game. It's just a fun little experiment. Like seeing into the mind of a fellow player.
Changed to the princess.
Thought I'd double check with the king and also check out the completed dungeons. I didn't realize the stat increase items would be back, so yay!
Just because I'm using the princess doesn't mean I get to be sloppy!
Took care of the caterkiller again.
The red slimes look like blood cells.
That tiger was a pain, but I got him, barely!
"Witch heads! Witch heads! Roly poly witch heads!"
Damn! Those purple warriors are TOUGH! Thank goodness they can't reach me!
Damn those gnome wizards in Cherry Tower! I had so many on screen at one point that the generators couldn't put out more! The boss was easy, though.
I've invested too much in hitpoints! Need more ATK increases!
The sliding tiles are almost more dangerous than the monsters!
Killed Cyclopus! Took a point in ATK!
Karma Castle's "searchlight" traps are interesting.
Killed Death easily! Another point to ATK!
Oh, goody! Rallymaze! Kinda feels like something from Phantasy Star II.
Monsters have become stingy with potions.
Some of you might be thinking, "Of course it's easy with the princess!" Too bad! I'm trying not to die, and her abilities make that more likely. I have gone through DE II without her before, but it's easier in that one to get more powerups, if memory serves.
Got the dragon! NEED MORE POTIONS!
286 HP. How about 386? 486? Pentium?
Wish I had this as the pack-in turbochip with my duo instead of Ninja Spirit.
The Ratonix Dungeon music is my favorite:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGzOz83CycA
I never could get the hang of analog controls. Hooray for the d-pad!
Agility at max! Can't pick up the boots!
With so many generators, I'm afraid of the wisps! One almost got me a dungeon or two ago!
Another old game that suffers from too much palette swapping.
Wisps out the wazoooo!!!!!
Got the Ora orb! That imposter king! Never saw that coming! ;)
Why, that backstabbing Judas! ;)
Oh yeah! Hardcore style victory! I could never do that with any other character, though I wouldn't be surprised if some of you have! I'm just an average player, in comparison.
Conclusion:
Good game! Well worth playing! The ending could have been more rewarding, but DE II will take care of all that! Will explore that one soon!
-
I've got nothing to add but keep it up please.
-
Thank you for your support!
Back to run and gun games, we have:
Mystic Formula (PCE SCD) -
An average game. The graphics are okay, but you've seen better on the same system. The story is basic, with decent cinematics. You get to choose between four characters, each with different weaponry that can be powered up. Similar to The Legendary Axe, you can wait for your shots to charge up, or go in blazing with constant but weaker ones. Scrolling is a bit off, but you get used to it. At least on easy difficulty, you can bum rush your way through most stages, but one hit deaths and start-of-stage continues keep the game from being a complete cake walk. The graphics for the final boss do stand out.
Worth a shot! Get it? :icon_cat_derpy:
If you are a viewer of 80's and 90's anime, the more you play these CD games, the more voices you will recognize. Raiden, the main male character, definitely has a voice I've heard before. I'm not good with voice actor's names, though.
********************************************
!!! NEO NECTARIS !!!
This game is responsible for me losing two consecutive nights of sleep. Not from playing it, but waiting for it to come in the mail! It did NOT disappoint! If you liked Military Madness, then this one is required playing. A true sequel that outperforms the original. And it includes the original game! Of course, the CPU is still a cheating bastard! Almost every time you desperately need a particular attack to work, AND your stats and position are favorable, you'll STILL miss!
WARNING! You can only save after completing a mission, so be sure you can devote the time it takes to beat later stages.
From my blackout/brownout topic:
"I was playing Neo Nectaris, getting things handed to me the way that game does, when after three long hours of edge of your seat play, the tide had miraculously turned! BUT, as I was finally close to winning, I had a feeling that the power would go out. Yup."
NOTES:
There is a PC DOS Military Madness game with additional maps and even new units! I've never finished it, though. I probably should do that . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNipXy-fABI
With better 3D graphics nowadays, the PSX version doesn't look as good anymore. Perfect example of older, less technologically advanced 2D graphics (Turbo) looking better in some ways, especially color, than 3D ones.
***************************************
Peripherals, etc. I (used to) own:
Alas, I sold a couple things when I needed money, or gave stuff away.
For example, I still have the manual for Bomberman '93, but the game is long gone. I gave it to a friend a quarter century ago!
My multiplayer tap is gone.
My 128k memory base is gone! But that thing ate through batteries, anyway! I didn't have an adapter for import hucards, as I was focused on CD games, so the ten no koe bank was impossible for me to use at the time.
I DO still have two 6 button Avenue Pads!! They save you a couple button presses when playing Emerald Dragon.
At a bookstore, I bought a color illustrated guidebook for the first Record of Lodoss War game that came with the game! It was a neat little package that only cost me about 1,000 Yen, or about $10! After beating the game, I gave it to the same person that has Bomberman '93.
I still have one mailer from Turbozone Direct! At one time, they had sent me a free copy of that Hudson 1993 music CD, but I have no idea where that went!
********************************************************
:bonkthis: !!!!! TURBO TRIVIA CONTEST !!!!! :bonkthis:
Over the course of this thread, I will ask ten questions about the Turbografx/PC Engine. The first, second, and third people to PM me all ten correct answers will receive a prize! These are TBD, but will all be Turbo related! Contest good only in the contiguous 48 states, as I will pay the shipping charges.
Question one:
In Ys I, which track number on the CD is the music for the abandoned mines?
***************************************************
More Neo Nectaris!
I was originally going to leave things as they were, but I've decided to play through the whole thing again, and tell you how it goes.
First things first, I had forgotten how good the graphics are! They really went the extra mile, or is that kilometer, since it's made in Japan. The music is a big upgrade, very military like and appropriate. That opening title sequence with the moon is still awesome and effective!
(This clip cuts off the first and last couple seconds of the title for some reason.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t_zoGKVOC4
今, 命運 は あなた の 手 に!
Ima, meiun wa anata no te ni!
Now, our fate is in your hands!
My hands? We are soooo SCREWED! :-[
UPDATE:
It took me three tries to beat stage three. I never said I was good at the game! Already had one of those BS moments when I should have annihilated the target. Eventually, I was needlessly attacking a surrounded unit, when I saw the way clear to take the enemy base. Tsk tsk. Armchair general my behind! More like below even private!
Stage 4: I am already getting better at predicting the outcome of battle. Now, to predict everything else, so I can actually beat the stage!
I like the factory capture sequence of the original better. The graphic in Neo has a nice anime look, but it's stationary with no special music.
The real skill comes in getting it right the first time! I'll never be THAT good a player, at least not consistently, but it's still fun!
Got it on the second try.
The map graphic for the Grizzly tank looks to me like there's a large guy's upper torso and arms sticking out of it.
Beat map 5 on the first try! Yay! Don't expect THAT to happen often!
And map 6! BED. NOW!!!!
Okay, no more stage by stage! Just highlights.
First, I had forgotten how many new units there are!
Compared to games of today, there are so few animation frames! I think that's one of the reasons Prince of Persia stood out in its time.
It's also interesting how much data such a, nowadays, low spec machine as the turbo can handle. We're looking at multiple units at various coordinates with many different abilities and states of activity and well-being, plus the graphics and sound effects, plus the math played out in an attack, etc. etc. There's a lot of stuff going on!
-
Few games infuriate me more than Military Madness. The game has for the time the best (only?) in-game visual instruction manual on console, yet by map three the computer is so tough I always end up throwing in the towel. I can't imagine how Bucci soldiered through the entire game for his video review. Yet I always come back for more due to the game's thick atmosphere thanks to it's music complimenting its space theme so well.
-
When I first played the original, I made it to map 4. Much later, when I borrowed it from a friend, I accidentally discovered the surround tactic. THAT changed everything! You gain bonuses to atk/def depending on friendly units next to you, and if you can attack from around the back, this greatly hinders maneuverability in the fight, and therefore there is a HUGE reduction in enemy def. Terrain counts as well, of course. And luck. And hopefully, the CPU won't cheat, leaving just one unit of an enemy left that stays in your way at just the wrong time.
Sometimes, your very first moves count. I was just playing stage 9, and only two turns in I knew I had lost.
I can do turn-based. It's real time strategy that I'm terrible at! I just CANNOT keep all that stuff in my head, looking at one end of the map while something else is happening on the other side, and I just can't split my attention because there's not enough time!
In Military Madness, tension is part of the appeal! Did you guess right? Wrong? Played it smart, or just got lucky? Thought you had lost it all just to turn it around? Knew it would happen but wish it hadn't, or in the long run glad that it had? And you sit there, waiting for the units to line up. Then that cannon takes two seconds too long to fire, leaving you on the edge of your seat for the results.
The western name for the series fits MUCH better! Kind of like how Resident Evil sounds better than Bio-hazard.
He he. Just had my max capability, full rabbit squad ANNIHILATED by a 3-star, full enemy rabbit squad on the same terrain. Nigh impossible! WHAT a surprise, indeed!
Have you tried Vasteel? I wasn't as good at that one, strategically, but my arcade skills kept me afloat!
I had forgotten that the game also takes place on Mars. And now, the fate of humanity is in my hands! No, no pressure. No pressure at all . . . . #-o
Contest question 2:
True or False: Space Fantasy Zone was never officially released.
-
Shooter Interlude - Toy Shop Boys
The toys gone awry theme is kind of fun, but again, it's just too difficult for me. At best I can make it to stage 3. I like the music of stage 2. It sounds pleasant, but don't let that fool you into thinking the game is easy!
Stage 2 starts at roughly 4:50.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeZZT50CuOY
!!!! CONTEST QUESTION 3 !!!!
The Cutting Room Floor lists only one cameo in Exile, but I know of two others! Name all three.
Hint: They're only portraits with no onscreen characters.
****************************
"This is NNN (Neo Nectaris News) bringing you a live report. It seems that the Union army has once again beaten back the Guicy, moving on to Stage 16. While Union tactics have been good, it is disconcerting how long it takes for them to finish a mission. Should we continue to trust those currently in command, or should we get someone who can speed their way to victory?"
I think the redness of Mars compliments the colors of the units in battle more so than the light beige color of the moon stages.
"This is NNN with an important announcement! A gigantic bio-mechanical monstrosity has been seen on the battlefield of Saffah! The gargantuan beast has been eliminated, but how much of it was luck versus actual strategy? Stay tuned for further reports!"
It's funny how the monitors in factory view look like CRTs, when odds are, by the time Neo Nectaris takes place, they'd likely have better viewing technology.
I'm on the last stage! Well, of the normal campaign anyway. I don't remember ever playing the advanced one. I think I was worn out by then, like I am now. I have played a LOT better this time, though!
The last stage is a PUZZLE!!! Soooo many monsters! Will have to try again tomorrow!
!!!! OMEDETOU !!!!
FINALLY! I must have started the last level twenty times! FINALLY got it right! Talk about cat and mouse! I don't think I'm ever going to play that level again without cheating!
Decent enough ending. Definitely a sequel that outdoes the original in EVERY way! PLAY IT!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V38MQXHcOJk
My favorite music tracks are at:
9:37
16:50
21:40
31:55
35:20
**************************************************
Tengai Makyou I (PCE(S)CD), part III - Defeated the first of the 13 cultists! My strategy actually worked: RUN from enemies to save your strength for the boss! Problem is, in most JRPGs I've ever played, running is, more often than not, PUNISHED! And yet, here I can, at least so far.
Got Tsunade and let her get killed, since I was in a lazy rush, yet Ziria survived and won the battle. Apparently having any fallen party member means loss of money. As long as we ultimately win the battle, I won't care too much.
***************************************************
Shooter Interlude: Kiaidan 00
I might as well play this one again, since it's game of the month.
If you like 1970's giant robot anime, you'll feel right at home with this one!
"Rocket punch!" . . . uhh. . I mean . . . "Kiai smash!"
Alas, I am terrible at this one too, even with a shield gauge!
Stage 1:
The jets kind of look like F4 Phantoms, and can even be spared destruction if you keep the enemies off of them!
I like how the gerwalk-ish robots come in from the background.
Had to use a cheap tactic to beat the boss!
Stage 2:
Already palette swapped enemies. Yeah, I know, memory and all that.
Interesting backgrounds!
Again, Gravity Form!!
Stage 3:
Classic cloud stage!
The green orbs barely give any shield energy back! Talk about STINGY!!!!
The small pterodactyls remind me of Laserbeak from Transformers.
I can manage the first two stages with practice, but this one? Sheesh!
"Breast Fire!" Uhh ... I mean ... "Burning Wave!"
Stage 4:
"Fighting in a winter wonderland!"
Giant, robotic dust mites! Oh my!
In Japanese video games, there seem to be a lot of enemies that are, or are inspired by, red and blue oni, or even acala/fudou:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oni
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acala
Stage 5:
How can you NOT get hit?!
Nice bio midboss!
Why do so many shooters make you go too fast?!
Stage 6:
MAN! The bosses!
Stage 7:
FREAKING IMPOSSIBLE!!! How do you guys and gals manage to legitimately beat these games?! My GOD!
Conclusion:
Nice homage to Mazinger and the like, but the gameplay is TFD! Not so much the stages themselves, but the bosses! I'll never beat this one fair and square!
TFD = TOO FREAKING DIFFICULT!
****************************
Requests, anyone?
Is there a particular game you would like me to (re)try, cheat, not cheat, get insanely frustrated with, or have a pleasant time playing?
Coming soon: Ys I & II!!!!!
-
Tried Avenger again. DAMN! I can't even beat the first stage!
Okay, then. With that failure, let's switch to something dear to all of us:
Ys Books I & II!!
This was the game that cinched the deal. Valis was cool, Last Alert and Final Zone II were fun, but that opening music, the anime sequences! Ys sold me on the Turbografx!
Actually, I've played the game in just this past year, but got no further than Darm Tower, as I just honestly prefer Ys IV. But there's still so much I haven't seen since the turn of the century, so let's go! From the beginning! Or is that, "In the beginning . . ." ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWBYtLmiRuM
Fun fact! When I FINALLY got my Duo and was playing Ys, I bought arms and armor, but forgot to equip them! I was butting heads with enemies for a good couple of levels before I realized how stupid I was!
Update:
I have always sworn that Pim looks like Exedore from Macross/Robotech.
Last year and recently, I played in a hurried fashion. This is okay for me when it comes to JRPGs, as I hate wasting time with all that grinding, but for this game I think playing at legitimate speed is worthwhile. So, I've started over, and am actually having a good time!
Fun Fact! I sold my English copy of Ys years ago (I REALLY needed the money!), yet I still have the Japanese one in my collection.
It's interesting how I could run away from the first boss if need be. Most games don't have any boss you can run away from!
I usually play (action) RPGs hardcore style, meaning if I lose, I have to start over. It's kind of a personal test of brains and/or reflexes for me. Ys is an exception, simply because bosses can sometimes be more arcade-like and hard to defeat in such fashion. I will, however try to get through as much as possible without dying. I've already messed up twice and started over. Third time's the charm, so far!
Update:
I've always hated that bat boss!
Anyway, back in Darm Tower. Oh, goody . . .
Still one of the best soundtracks of any kind to bless your ears!
The psg music sounds very close to the original PC88, in spite of the different sound chips.
The pink bastards in Darm Tower kicked my teeth in after I lost my silver gear. I started over, as I felt this was just bad luck. Quickly got back again, and through white knuckled play I did better, only to die at the hands of those flaming bastards when reclaiming my silver shield. Of course, when I redid the battle, it went easily in my favor. OF COURSE! Kind of like in a beat 'em up when you die just before getting a health refill. So yeah, no more hardcore style at this point.
That unlucky loss really turned me off to playing fair. I'll keep playing, but will make it a QoL trip.
UPDATE:
The mask of eyes doesn't just make things grayscale. Put it on while outside the tower and there is some loss of color gradient detail at the bottom of the balconies.
The pink monster in the mirror maze looks like a face hugger. The knight in the same maze might be a palette swap with the one in the abandoned mine, but I'm not sure.
Decided to bum rush the rest of the tower and am actually having fun.
Red and blue oni/fudou again at the end of the second mirror maze.
I swear strings bring out more emotion than any other source of music. The music in Dark Fact's chambers is a prime example.
Dark Fact was a TOTAL PUSHOVER! His minions were stronger!
The mid-game cinema is rewarding. Time for Book II!
Something I've never done before: changed the font!
Hmm, now I must check status to see next xp level.
The CD audio seems to pause rather than restart when transitioning between Rance Village and the ruins.
The purple monsters in Mine 2 kind of look like they are wearing bonnets.
I've always had a special memory of Jira's basement for some reason. I know it's a good grinding spot, but this time I found a MUCH better one not that far away!
Boy does that fire spell help!!!!!!
I've NEVER noticed this before!!! The bottom left pixel of the enemy bar outline is black instead of white!
Strange. I'm finding the bosses easier than some of the minions!
How many other video games call the monsters "goons"?
-
***********************************************
Here is an important announcement from NEC (Naniyue Entertainment Corporation):
The Shooter Interlude program will henceforth be titled: Shooter Failures!
Shooter Failures - Override
I like the graphics and overall feel, and of course, being able to take multiple hits! Once again, however, my insanely insufficient shooter skills prevent me from beating this one in any legitimate fashion. The lack of a screen clearing bomb facilitates further hardship and exasperation. Still recommended!
Oh, and I swear the default speed is more than fast enough. Should have given that function to a bomb!
********************************************************
And now . . . back to Ys!
Well, I've made it to the ice park! I'm finding Ys II more fun than Ys I, probably in part because of the magic. I feel the music is better in Ys I, though I do like the mine/Jira's basement tune.
Adolbot . . .transform!
Okay, the ice park boss got me! His pattern is simple, but I just wasn't good enough. I did ultimately pass, though.
!!!! CONTEST QUESTION 4 !!!!
What does the yellow goon with the blue face, first encountered in Burnland West, say to Adol in monster form?
Ahh . . the shrine. And I thought the tower was devious.
No real combat problems, except for that boss with the damned wavy dragons. Got me a couple times before I decided to level up twice.
I haven't heard that belfry music in forever, yet I knew how it would go almost instantly!
The parallax of the belfry background moves with the same stutter as in Ys III.
I was reminded of the song by Electric Funstuff called, "Has anybody here seen my corpse?"
"Those trains just keep chasin' . . ." That's what happens in the shrine when adol is in monster form. The goons stick like glue and keep talking to you!!!! ARRGhh! ;)
-
:adol: Now THAT'S how you end a video game! :adol:
REWARD THE PLAYER WITH A CELEBRATION OF THEIR HARD JOURNEY!
Even during the credits!
None of this black screen with the misspelled word, "Congraturation" nonsense!
Well, Ys I&II is still worth the journey! I will always prefer IV, but will play through the original again at least one more time in my life.
What's next? I'm not sure. I will play Ys IV eventually, as well as some other known games, but I kind of want to do something more obscure. I'm terrible at mahjong, so that rules those games out. I also need to continue with Tengai Makyou I. We'll see . . .
-
What's next? Hatris!
:cook:
-
NPC (Naniyue's Puzzle Corner):
Bazaaru de gozaaru no geemu de gozaaru
"Bazaaru de gozaaaruuuuu!!!!"
Yup, it's that game. I've never beaten it, because I always get bored with puzzle games after a while. At least it's not another puzzle game involving blocks!
You don't really need the translation to play this one, as you can figure everything out readily enough.
With it's simple graphics, it's almost an NES game!
I like the little white dog. It's cute.
I'll attempt to beat it this time! I'll post the gist now and then.
Hatris will soon appear in the puzzle corner, so stay tuned!!!
***************************
KFC (Kusoge Fudge Corner)
The games that really are, really bad!!!!! Cheat away!!!!!!!!!!!!
Browning
I really wanted to like this one. The cutscenes are nice, with vocals in English for some reason, and the various mecha look cool, with sound effects straight out of mecha anime. The gameplay, however . . . Ohh boy. No powerups, flight control problems, slowdown, TIME LIMIT . . . sheesh.
I can't legitimately make it past the second stage!!!!
Again, a Telenet related release with interesting music. Now why couldn't they give the rest of the game that much attention?
*******************************
NPC - Bazaru, Part 2
Stuck on 5-10. Also, if you buy different furniture from the same group, your previous one is replaced!
On 6-6, and starting to lose patience. It's a nice game, and I haven't been stumped for long, but still . . .
On 7-3. Going back to old levels to pick up money I couldn't before. I'm hoping my mistake of buying a crate that ended up replacing the table does not prevent me from filling the house with the most expensive stuff. I like the game, but I just don't want to start over.
Played a couple levels of the original Military Madness to get away from Bazaaru for a little while. Also considering another entry in Shooter Failures before tackling another puzzle game.
On 7-7, and getting a headache. Then again, I've been up almost 15 hours.
It's interesting how the physics of a particular move can make the difference in things like stopping distance or the time it takes to turn around.
8-2! PIGS IN SPAAACEEE!!! Uh . . . Monkey in Space! That's it for now. A little more British sitcom watching and then bed.
-
i beat Browning a long time ago. definitely low quality but it wasnt too difficult. helps that its a very short game.
havent played any pce in a while but i plowed through the original bonk's adventure today. still a classic. has a real unique crudeness and "vibe" to it that the other games in the series dont have, the soundtrack is a big part of the charm
-
You beat Browning?! I will NEVER challenge you to a game! I will lose my @$$!!!!!
Yeah, the first Bonk is good, and I do recommend the soundtrack. I will try to beat it again legitimately in the near enough future.
*******************************************************
NPC - Bazaru, Part 3 -
8-5, and taking a break!
8-10!!
Yatta! Got through all the stages and bought all of the expensive stuff! I didn't get every moneybag, but damn close!
The game is worth a play through, though admittedly I took a brute force approach to figuring the levels out.
*******************************************************
NPM (Naniyue's Platform MADNESS) - Ninja Spirit
Remember being young, and playing a game a lot because it's what you had? That's Ninja Spirit for me! As I've said before, Dungeon Explorer should have been the pack-in Turbochip with my Duo, but nowadays I guess it doesn't matter. Anyway, I actually beat this one TWICE back in the day, but only in PC Engine mode. There's NO WAY I could have done it with just one hitpoint!
The graphics are fairly faithful to the arcade. The music is not exactly the same, but is still good. I think I was able to win because those floaty jumps actually worked in my favor, and I got lucky with the final ninja gauntlet.
**********************************************************
NFT (Naniyue's Fightin' Tales) - Black Hole Assault
The cinematics are nice enough, and in English for some reason. The acting itself is okay. Not perfect, but much better than Last Alert or Final Zone II. The game graphics could have used more animation frames. As for the gameplay . . .
This IS kusoge, but still playable, at least in story mode. My limited experience in the other modes wasn't as good. I mostly got close and stayed close, or got the enemy into a pattern, and stuck with (jump) kicks. There are special moves, but good luck with those! And don't bother trying to throw, as only the enemy is good at that. The differences between the player robot choices aren't much, but some enemies seem easier depending on which you pick.
So, yeah, I'll play it again, but with no real frequency.
!!!! CONTEST QUESTION 5 !!!!
In the third in-game cinematic of Black Hole Assault, Captain Grey stands to the left of a screen that has something in roman letters in the bottom right corner. What does it mean?
********************************************************
NSF (Naniyue's Shooter Failures!) - L-Dis
A cute'em up that's tough as nails! I'm lucky if I legitimately pass the first stage! But the graphics and overall silliness are still worth a look.
NPC - Tricky Kick!
I remember winning at least two scenarios many years ago, but again, I got tired of playing. Well, since I made it through the last puzzle game, why not another! I will take my time with this one, though, so expect more focus on other games.
NAG (Naniyue's Adventure Games) - Yuna 2
Taking a little break with something that's more an experience rather than a game.
Damn! That intro was HARSH!
Yuna is her usual goofy self!
So far, more a typical non-interactive adventure title than something of substance. At least every line is voiced so far, though!
Oh no! It's the Erika 7! The most ruthless team ever!!! :P
Tiny interactive segments so far.
MY GOD! STOP IT WITH THE HIGH-PITCHED VOICES!!!
Yeah, they were there in the first game, but here, they're even WORSE!!!
Thank God for some normal voices! I'll even take the slow talker from the first game!
So, basically, a game-long date, with minor interactive moments and silly, card based fights that tend to take too long.
Shows what the Turbo can put forth in terms of graphics and sound, but the original is definitely the better game!
NPC - Tricky Kick! Part II
"Doctor! My brain hurts!"
Completed nine of the first scenario, and three of the second. It's driving me crazy, so yeah, I'm going to work on this one here and there.