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NEC TG-16/TE/TurboDuo => TG-16/TE/TurboDuo Discussion => Topic started by: Sinistron on January 08, 2008, 03:37:19 AM

Title: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Sinistron on January 08, 2008, 03:37:19 AM
Suggested (by myself) from another thread-
How'z about we list off the best buys for the turbo/pc-engine?  The bang for the buck.  This will help those who want quality games without breaking the bank, and to assure pc-engine newbies that they don't necessarily need isos and emulations- that they can start up a healthy collection of must-haves by spending 20$ or less apiece.  :-"
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: nat on January 08, 2008, 03:51:13 AM
IMO, the best way to do this is have members make suggestions and then you update your original post which will serve as a "Master List."

That said, I'll get the ball rolling here with some titles that can definitely be had on the cheap but are must-owns:

Bonk's Adventure
Bonk's Revenge
Psychosis
Alien Crush
Devil's Crush
Legendary Axe
Legendary Axe II
Wonderboy 3- Monster Lair
Space Harrier
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Necromancer on January 08, 2008, 03:52:38 AM
90% of the titles in the PC Engine library can be had for $20 or less, so it's pretty hard to make a list like this.  Anyway, here's my picks (in addition to nat's):

Bomberman '93 and '94
Tengai Makyou series
Dead Moon
Soldier series (not sure what these would cost)
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Sinistron on January 08, 2008, 04:06:40 AM
ok-

Dream Stars on EBAY loose hucards.
http://stores.ebay.com/DREAM-STARS-JAPAN_PC-ENGINE-HU-CARD-ONLY_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQfsubZ14QQftidZ2QQtZkm

I'm keeping it at must-haves (according to my opinion) and Japanese not required.

GUNHED (Blazing Lazers) 16.50
PC GENJIN (Air Zonk) 15.50
TAKAHASHI MEIJIN (New Adventure Island) 15.50
BIKKURIMAN WORLD 12.50
SALAMANDER 12.00
AERO BLASTERS 12.00
JACKIE CHAN 11.50
IMAGE FIGHT 9.99
DORAEMON NO DRABIAN NIGHT 9.00
FINAL SOLDIER 8.99
BOMBERMAN '94 8.50
GALAGA '88 7.99
MAKYO DENSETSU (Legendary Axe) 7.90
BE BALL (Chew Man Fu) 7.90
BOMBERMAN '93 7.50
BOMBERMAN 7.50
RYUKYU 7.00
ANKOKU DENSETSU (Legendary Axe II) 6.99

and if you're mostly looking for Japanese weirdness and fun-
I'm very fond of these titles on their list-

LOST SUN-HEART 11.00
HANI ON THE ROAD 7.50
OBOCCHAMA KUN 7.50

others would say that Kato & Ken, Alien Crush, Afterburner II, Kyukyoku Tiger, Metal Stoker, Xevious, Don Doko Don, Shubibinman, Space Invaders, R-Type I & II (I prefer having them both on one card ala the American release), Doraemon (Cratermaze), Street Fighter II, Final Match Tennis, Blue Blink, Sidearms, Space Harrier, and Dragon Spirit (only $3.80!!!) are must-haves- they're all at dreamstars for less than 20.  :-"

HOWEVER
HOWEVER I suggest you always check D-lite's list of games first- he has the BEST prices I've seen.  :clap:
HOWEVER
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Sinistron on January 08, 2008, 04:11:18 AM
Sorry Nat- I was posting my list when you posted-

However- perhaps we should all have our own list- I'm sure many wouldn't agree with some of my "must-haves"-
I'm sure Doreamon Arabian Nights and Ryukyu aren't considered must-haves by most of you guys- but they certainly are to me.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Sinistron on January 08, 2008, 04:16:09 AM
and oh yeah Dreamstar's s&h starts at a buck 50 for hucards only- that's s&h from Japan!
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Sinistron on January 08, 2008, 04:44:19 AM
Soldier series (not sure what these would cost)
Don't think I've ever seen Super Star Soldier or Soldier Blade for less than twenty- definitely not the American versions- as for the Japanese- if dreamstars has Final Soldier for 8.99 then I'm guessing it's possible?  :?:
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: runinruder on January 08, 2008, 05:07:13 AM
Don't think I've ever seen Super Star Soldier or Soldier Blade for less than twenty- definitely not the American versions- as for the Japanese- if dreamstars has Final Soldier for 8.99 then I'm guessing it's possible?  :?:

I got the American version of Soldier Blade (card only) for a lot less than twenty.  This was like six or seven years ago, though.  And I don't remember what I paid for Super Star Soldier, but I know I got it cheap because I wouldn't spend much on that crap.

Like Necromancer said, it's hard to make a list like this because there are so many games that would qualify.  But I think one of the best bang-for-the-buck titles is Puyo Puyo CD.  It costs a mere seven-or-so dollars, and I can't imagine anyone not having fun with it.  It's cute, addictive, funny, challenging, and you can play it with another person.  And the music rules. 
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Sinistron on January 08, 2008, 05:19:31 AM
Absolutely agree with Puyo Puyo.  I got that and Bikusho Yoshimoto for like 3 bucks each.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: D-Lite on January 08, 2008, 06:31:12 AM
I'd say any quality game under $10 is the best bang for the buck.  As noted, most games are under $20 anyways and most above that are either rare or DracX (i.e., great but not really rare, only perceived as such, so it's expensive).

Gunhed/Blazing Lazers has to be near the top of this list.  Can be readily had around $10 loose and is arguably the best shooter

Alien Crush - $5 game that I still think is a bit more fun than Devil's Crush/Crash

I insist that World Class Baseball/Power League is a fantastic baseball game and at about $1-3 is certainly worth it.  Played it in 1991 and still play it today. 

In my opinion the sub $5 fun/good game generally falls under the "guilty pleasure" category.  If it was popular, it'd be $10+.  Keith Courage isn't a terrible game and I find it oddly comforting.  At $2, it's definitely a guilty pleasure and has to have a high bang-to-buck ratio.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: SignOfZeta on January 08, 2008, 10:29:43 AM
The vast majority of the PCE library can be had for $10 if you are patient. Nowadays what I consider an "expensive" PCE game is something like Star Parodier, which is barely $40.

Setting aside a very few blue chip games like Dracula X, Sapphire, and Bazzar de Gozaru, most of the "rare" games aren't even interesting to non-Japanese speakers anyway.

So anyway:

Bomberman '94
Hanatakada!?
Kato and Ken
Bakushou Yoshimoto Shinkigeki
Burning Angles
Super Star Solider
Fatal Fury 2 (this game is virtually free)
Fatal fury Special (twice as expensive as FF2...so like $12...maybe)

Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: King_Vidiot on January 09, 2008, 09:38:34 AM
Wow, is New Adventure Island rare?

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Adventure-Island-TurboGrafx-16-Grafx-Turbo-Duo_W0QQitemZ320203472637QQihZ011QQcategoryZ62054QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$50+ for a copy without the box?

I got a boxed copy of it in my turbo duo lot...that lot is looking better and better
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Turbo D on January 09, 2008, 09:40:40 AM
I got a boxed one from a member on here for only $30  :)
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: nat on January 09, 2008, 09:59:19 AM
Yeah, it's not rare.

Do I need to hold another session for our newcomers on eBay Avoidance Plan 101?

Seems like we get into this like every other week.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: King_Vidiot on January 09, 2008, 10:29:32 AM
sounds good to me
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Keranu on January 09, 2008, 01:19:03 PM
J.J. and Jeff, Shape Shifter, Sapphire.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Black Tiger on January 09, 2008, 03:04:14 PM
Lords of Thunder
Tengai Makyou Manjimaru & Kabukiden
Ys I & II + III PCE
SFIICE
Dungeon Explorer
Dungeon Explorer II PCE
Monster Lair
Devil's & Alien Crush
Neo Metal Fantasy
Dragon's Curse
Dynastic Hero PCE
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Necromancer on January 09, 2008, 05:04:50 PM
J.J. and Jeff, Shape Shifter, Sapphire.

I hope that you're joking, since Sapphire will cost more than the combined cost of every other good PCE shmup.  Even one of the bootleg copies is much less of a bargain than Lords of Thunder, Gunhed, Super Star Soldier, Final Soldier, etc.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Sinistron on January 10, 2008, 01:34:05 AM
J.J. and Jeff, Shape Shifter, Sapphire.
I've always wanted Shape Shifter- but I've read such conflicting reports.  Graphics look great- and I love that kind of Dragon's Cursey quest game- but I've heard so much about horrible controls.  What say the posters on this thread?
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: runinruder on January 10, 2008, 01:51:41 AM
J.J. and Jeff, Shape Shifter, Sapphire.

I've always wanted Shape Shifter- but I've read such conflicting reports.  Graphics look great- and I love that kind of Dragon's Cursey quest game- but I've heard so much about horrible controls.  What say the posters on this thread?


Excellent game.  Here's my review. (http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=2047.msg60685#msg60685)
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: nat on January 10, 2008, 02:44:06 AM
Oh, the controls aren't that bad. There is a definite "learning" process figuring out how to control the cat but it's really quite smooth once you've got it down.

I pretty much concur completely with runinruder.

Although if you get the game, beware. It totally wiped out my save memory without asking. I had a decade's worth of high scores that just disappeared into oblivion. Shortly after another member here complained the same thing happened to him.

The best thing to do is use a Ten No Koe bank memory card and isolate Shape Shifter's save file to it's own bank. That way, the only damage it can do is to it's own.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Necromancer on January 10, 2008, 06:51:33 AM
I've always wanted Shape Shifter- but I've read such conflicting reports.  Graphics look great- and I love that kind of Dragon's Cursey quest game- but I've heard so much about horrible controls.  What say the posters on this thread?

I agree with runinruder's review - it's a pretty darn good platformer, once you get used to the controls.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Sinistron on January 10, 2008, 07:24:42 AM
Moving that puppy high up on the wish list.  Just ordered two cheap hucards- mostly to complete my Taito platformers section- Rastan Saga II and Ninja Warriors.  I'm not expecting much- though I've seen on other threads that Esteban is loving that Rastan.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: King_Vidiot on January 10, 2008, 07:36:17 AM
Is Rastan Saga II a port of Nastar Warrior?
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: spenoza on January 10, 2008, 08:01:27 AM
Rastan Saga II, IMO, is crap in all forms. It just feels... I dunno... crappy.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Sinistron on January 10, 2008, 08:15:14 AM
I'm expecting total crap on a stick so that I won't feel disappointed.  Ninja Warriors looks rather shitty as well.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: nat on January 10, 2008, 08:55:26 AM
I remember the Turbo version of Rastan Saga II to look unbelievably bad. I just remember not being able to believe my eyes the one time I played it.

That was many years ago though.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: D-Lite on January 10, 2008, 09:37:48 AM
I'm expecting total crap on a stick so that I won't feel disappointed.  Ninja Warriors looks rather shitty as well.
Ninja Warriors is decent.  Haven't spent too much time with it yet, but it's playable.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: esteban on January 10, 2008, 10:17:06 AM
I'm not expecting much- though I've seen on other threads that Esteban is loving that Rastan.
Yeah, it's a stinky game, but, you know what? I've had a lot a fun with it. I don't know... each time I play it I want to get farther and farther.

A long time ago I wrote about how "special" Rastan Saga II was. I forget most of the things I said, but I'll never forget how satisfying it felt to kill opponents and have them POP! like balloons. Truly.

This is the sort of game that I'd actually watch a video of (like Athena for NES), because I am so curious about what the final stage(s) look like.

And I didn't bring up Athena randomly -- for it is yet another game in which your opponents POP! like balloons.

Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: vestcoat on January 10, 2008, 12:17:13 PM
Just ordered two cheap hucards- mostly to complete my Taito platformers section...

You have a "Taito platformers section"?  :-s
I don't know why I find it so funny, but I just got a really strange mental picture of your organizational method:

"Last Alert?  No, you nincompoop! That's under 'B' for 'Bad Voice Acting.'"

"Icom Simulations?  They're over in the West Wing."

"Of course Cosmic Fantasy isn't with the RPGs!  It's in the Bankrupt Game Company section under Working Designs!"
 :)
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: vestcoat on January 10, 2008, 12:24:44 PM
*yawn*
Well..ah, I have to go buy Samurai Ghost and Time Cruise to complete my Lame-Games-Whose-Sequel-Status-Wasn't-Recognized-In-Their-North-American-Release section.:-"



sorry, I'll stop.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: _joshuaTurbo on January 10, 2008, 12:36:59 PM
Quote
"Last Alert?  No, you nincompoop! That's under 'B' for 'Bad Voice Acting.'"

"Icom Simulations?  They're over in the West Wing."

"Of course Cosmic Fantasy isn't with the RPGs!  It's in the Bankrupt Game Company section under Working Designs!"

Lmao....

wait thats not funny... I keep my games in order somewhat similar.  Like NAMCOT games are next to each other, Konami titles with the cool Konami symbol on the spine together etc etc.

Did Taito put their name/symbol on the spine of any PCE games?
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: vestcoat on January 10, 2008, 12:47:06 PM
Like NAMCOT games are next to each other, Konami titles with the cool Konami symbol on the spine together etc etc.
That's nothing, IIRC, Joe Redifer claims to have separate sections for both Namco and Namcot.

 =P~ :roll:
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: spenoza on January 10, 2008, 01:18:30 PM
OK, so, let's say someone has an outstandingly poor sum of money with which to start their collections. Let's say, arbitrarily, $35, $50, and $100. What should people buy for these different categories, generally speaking, to get the most of their startup funds?
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Sinistron on January 11, 2008, 01:33:00 AM
Just ordered two cheap hucards- mostly to complete my Taito platformers section...

You have a "Taito platformers section"?  :-s

Well I use a binder and baseball card sheets that hold 9 for the hucards-
so now my Taito platformer page will be as follows-

Bonze Adventure
Cadash
Don Doko Don
Kiki Kaikai
Liquid Kid
New Zealand Story
Ninja Warriors
Parasol Stars
Rastan Saga II

but it's always tricky changing it up- because then practically ALL of the pages change- for example- Cadash will have to come out of the quests and 1st person RPG page, Kiki Kaikai will have to come out of the overhead action and overhead quests page, and I'll have to painstakingly devise another genre system to make sure that 9 fit snug in each page again.  I have 8 hucards sitting on the side waiting to be included and three more on the way. 

I don't order the CDs as meticulously- just by CD, SCD, and then ACD- alphabetically.

Sometimes the system works perfectly- for example- though I only have four of them so far- there are exactly 9 Sega hucards- and I'll eventually have an all Sega page with:

Afterburner II
Altered Beast
Columns
Fantasy Zone
Out Run
Power Drift
Shinobi
Space Harrier
Thunder Blade

Nice and forking tidy, eh?  :-"
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: Sinistron on January 11, 2008, 01:55:48 AM
OK, so, let's say someone has an outstandingly poor sum of money with which to start their collections. Let's say, arbitrarily, $35, $50, and $100. What should people buy for these different categories, generally speaking, to get the most of their startup funds?

well that all depends on what genres the someone feels most akin to.  Maybe it should be broken into five main genres- Action Puzzle, Platform, Quest/RPGs, Shmups, and Sports- with all other genres as subgenres.

If we can agree on a top five bang for the buck for each genre- one in hucard and one in CD- we may have accomplished the task.
Title: Re: BANG FOR THE BUCK
Post by: D-Lite on January 11, 2008, 02:25:21 AM
OK, so, let's say someone has an outstandingly poor sum of money with which to start their collections. Let's say, arbitrarily, $35, $50, and $100. What should people buy for these different categories, generally speaking, to get the most of their startup funds?
Smells like a new thread.