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NEC PC-Engine/SuperGrafx => PC Engine/SuperGrafx Discussion => Topic started by: SuperDeadite on April 23, 2011, 09:44:20 PM
Title: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: SuperDeadite on April 23, 2011, 09:44:20 PM
Well considering half the board is now LaserActive crazy, might as well have a topic. Sadly, PC-E LD library is mostly edutainment crap and pr0n. I have Vajra, Vajra 2, and Angel Mate.
Vajra and Vajra 2 are FMV shooters. Like other titles such as these, gameplay is limited. More like a "visual roller coaster" then games. Angel Mate is just strip poker with boobies.
Vajra 2 is the best of the PCE titles IMO.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: esteban on April 24, 2011, 12:55:32 AM
Great video, thanks! Don't forget about H.B. Harold when discussing the "best" PCE LD titles :)
Vajra 2
While I liked that the first boss fight was confined to a small, tiny compartment (creating a sense of claustrophobia), it was the second boss (the crab with swinging pincers) that seemed much more impressive. If only the first boss was less passive--it would have made the confrontation a bit more exciting to watch.
I liked that the second stage has our hero walking everywhere--it certainly adds a sense of "variety" to the gameplay and reinforces that our hero is a mecha, not simply a glider or a mosquito. Accessing the doors to the "HVAC" ducts was kinda nice, too.
I was hoping that there would be a greater variety of enemy designs (I counted 3-4? thus far) with a bit of variety in their offensive/defensive AI...but I am a simple man who can be content with a basic rails shooter.
GOAL: I hope that one day, I will be able to play Vajra and Vajra 2. I know it will provide some fun for me.
Aside: I am so envious of all the LazerAktiv ownership on the board.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: BlueBMW on April 24, 2011, 01:53:36 AM
You're making me jealous with that Vajra 2 video :P I've only got Manhattan Requiem and Quiz Econosaurus on LDROM2. I haven't played Manhattan Requiem yet, though I hear it is pretty good. On the other hand, I have played Quiz and its absolutely awful :P
I've found that the Laserdisc games are unique. While they're mostly FMV games, the clever use of LD video playback plus game graphics overlay produces some very unique and graphically stunning titles! I've been playing Hyperion (Mega LD) and am blown away by the how beautiful the game is. When I think of what else was available in 1993, the LD based games have got to be the most graphically advanced. Of course modern systems blow them away, but the technical achievement is admirable.
I've always known about the Laseractive, but I never thought I'd ever actually own one. It was on a whim that I picked up my first one from Saibot. It is definitely unique. If you can afford one, definitely pick one up. Maybe we can setup up a game exchange for the people on here so that not everyone has to buy all the games.
For reference, this is what seems to be the average pricing of the hardware:
Some of the PACs are prone to capacitor leakage like our Duo systems. So beware if one starts to get a little wonky. The Sega PACs seem to be more susceptible to this.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: TheClash603 on April 24, 2011, 02:24:45 AM
"Angel Mate is just strip poker with boobies." How come this sounds so awesome to me?
The US TG16 based LD games are so few, it is hard to even get a good coversation going. Vajra is a decent amount of fun, and its fakes Virtual On type gameplay is rather neat, but the other on rails shooters of the system are better.
Quiz Econosaurus is at least better than the TG16 dinosaur game, but there's not much of a reason to play unless you like dinosaurs.
Manhattan Requiem (JB Harold) is pretty bad ass, and the medium definitely made it the definitive version of the game.
...and that's it. I hope to pick up some JP games at some point to be able to expand on the conversation. The Mega LD (Sega) stuff on the other hand, some of it is awesome.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: SuperDeadite on April 24, 2011, 02:35:28 AM
Angel Mate is certainly one of the better adult titles. Easy to play, has an English text option, and it's poker. It's certainly more fun then the Virtual Cameramans at least. :)
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: Tatsujin on April 24, 2011, 02:45:22 AM
even better than The Local Girls of Hawaii & Bikini Girls? :)
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: esteban on April 24, 2011, 05:39:39 AM
So, I was inspired by this thread and uploaded a page scan on Vajra 2 (nothing too exciting, but, hey, it's neat to see that Pioneer LD games were getting at least a little exposure here in North America).
Vajra 2 (PCE LD) and Ghost Rush (Mega LD) in November 1994 EGM (http://archives.tg-16.com/magazine_database.htm?col=main&val=vaj)
The blurb mentions two modes of play (Shooting Mode, High-Speed Mode). Your scoop?
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: vestcoat on April 24, 2011, 07:13:27 AM
I found a poorly-listed Laseractive with either the TG pack or the PCE pack (can't remember which) all for about $150 on ebay in '07 or '08. The dumb seller was so vague in the listing that no one bought it for a whole day or two. I thought about buying it long and hard, but decided not to go down that road. Still not sure I made the right choice.
EDIT: Come to think of it, the 3DO is probably a much cheaper way to play obscure, semi-playable, formerly-cutting-edge retro games.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: TheClash603 on April 24, 2011, 07:16:55 AM
So, I was inspired by this thread and uploaded a page scan on Vajra 2 (nothing too exciting, but, hey, it's neat to see that Pioneer LD games were getting at least a little exposure here in North America).
Vajra 2 (PCE LD) and Ghost Rush (Mega LD) in November 1994 EGM (http://archives.tg-16.com/magazine_database.htm?col=main&val=vaj)
Very cool, thanks for the scan! Post more if you find them.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: nat on April 24, 2011, 11:13:51 AM
The only reason I'd ever get a LaserActive would be to play Duo games, and seeing as I already have a Duo and SuperGrafx for that, the LA would be just yet another piece of equipment I'd spend money on and never touch.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: BlueBMW on April 24, 2011, 11:36:36 AM
The only reason I'd ever get a LaserActive would be to play Duo games, and seeing as I already have a Duo and SuperGrafx for that, the LA would be just yet another piece of equipment I'd spend money on and never touch.
You wouldn't even give the laserdisc exclusives a try?
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: Black Tiger on April 24, 2011, 12:27:22 PM
The only reason I'd ever get a LaserActive would be to play Duo games, and seeing as I already have a Duo and SuperGrafx for that, the LA would be just yet another piece of equipment I'd spend money on and never touch.
You wouldn't even give the laserdisc exclusives a try?
I would try the hardware and software after I'd obtained every PC Engine game and anything else I'd like to play more first. Otherwise, I'd be spending money on something I'd enjoy less.
At least in theory.
I owned a Laseractive with Sega Pack for a while. :P Couldn't be bothered to pay the high price for the LD games though. Not at the expense of others.
I'd still like to get a Turbo or PCE Laseractive setup someday, but it'll take a great deal landing in my lap to make it happen sooner than later (which is how I wound up with my first Laseractive :wink:).
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: nat on April 24, 2011, 01:11:45 PM
The only reason I'd ever get a LaserActive would be to play Duo games, and seeing as I already have a Duo and SuperGrafx for that, the LA would be just yet another piece of equipment I'd spend money on and never touch.
You wouldn't even give the laserdisc exclusives a try?
Maybe eventually, but like Black Tiger said, only after I'd acquired every Duo game I was interested in.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: Mathius on April 24, 2011, 03:41:58 PM
So, I was inspired by this thread and uploaded a page scan on Vajra 2 (nothing too exciting, but, hey, it's neat to see that Pioneer LD games were getting at least a little exposure here in North America).
Vajra 2 (PCE LD) and Ghost Rush (Mega LD) in November 1994 EGM (http://archives.tg-16.com/magazine_database.htm?col=main&val=vaj)
Coincidentally, I have that very issue in my bathroom at this very moment. :)
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: PunkicCyborg on April 24, 2011, 06:18:28 PM
Are you guys watching LD movies on these things too? Almost all of my favorite movies and anime are from the golden age of LD. I've been wanting to pick up a player but am holding out for a LaserActive to fall off the back of a truck.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: Mishran on April 24, 2011, 11:55:26 PM
I've been looking for a LaserActive for several years now. Always looking around at my local flea markets hoping to get lucky and spot one for a decent price. Found some kind of LD game tucked away in a box full of vinyl records once. Didn't give it much thought or the time of day though, since it was before my interest in the device kicked in. Pictures I've seen for both the Sega and NEC titles isn't helping my patience in the least.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: grahf on April 25, 2011, 01:12:13 AM
I'd probably pick up a Laseractive if I came across a dirt cheap one, but Laserdisks don't have the same appeal for me as they once did.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: esteban on April 25, 2011, 04:24:29 AM
So, I was inspired by this thread and uploaded a page scan on Vajra 2 (nothing too exciting, but, hey, it's neat to see that Pioneer LD games were getting at least a little exposure here in North America).
Vajra 2 (PCE LD) and Ghost Rush (Mega LD) in November 1994 EGM (http://archives.tg-16.com/magazine_database.htm?col=main&val=vaj)
Very cool, thanks for the scan! Post more if you find them.
I certainly will. :)
QUESTION FOR DEADITE/LA OWNERS: The blurb on Vajra 2 (see link above) mentions two modes of play (Shooting Mode, High-Speed Mode).
So, Deadite, tell us more! I know it's pretty basic, but I want to know about all the little things.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: SuperDeadite on April 25, 2011, 04:34:26 AM
You can see it in my vid. Stages 1,2,4,6,7 are "Shooting Mode". Stages 3 and 5 are "High-Speed Mode".
They are basically the same, but in high-speed the scrolling is much faster, and the enemies are faster too, so it points them out to you. Also the HUD changes on these levels.
Also, I managed to to beat the game. The Final Boss sequance is AMAZING. Totally insanity, couldn't have asked for a better way to end it.
Tried Side B, and it's just a video. Basically highlights from the game, but for use with the 3D goggles. Just a 3D vid, no 3D game sadly.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: esteban on April 25, 2011, 06:00:30 AM
You can see it in my vid. Stages 1,2,4,6,7 are "Shooting Mode". Stages 3 and 5 are "High-Speed Mode".
They are basically the same, but in high-speed the scrolling is much faster, and the enemies are faster too, so it points them out to you. Also the HUD changes on these levels.
Also, I managed to to beat the game. The Final Boss sequance is AMAZING. Totally insanity, couldn't have asked for a better way to end it.
Tried Side B, and it's just a video. Basically highlights from the game, but for use with the 3D goggles. Just a 3D vid, no 3D game sadly.
Oh, now I see what the difference is. I had a completely different idea: I thought you could play the entire game in one of two modes (effectively "doubling" the enjoyment of the game).
The video I watched ended after stage 4, and I thought, "The game is too damn short."
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: SuperDeadite on April 25, 2011, 01:46:50 PM
The video ended cause I died :)
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: esteban on April 25, 2011, 03:53:24 PM
Must get Vajra 2. You have definitely talked it up!
...too bad I have never seen it for sale.
There's one on Yahoo right now for 10,000yen. Seller lists as junk because it's got some scratches and he can't test it. But the price is nice. Sorry, I can't buy it for you, but I'm sure someone else could if you look around. http://page11.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/n93893527
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: TheClash603 on April 27, 2011, 12:17:07 AM
Must get Vajra 2. You have definitely talked it up!
...too bad I have never seen it for sale.
There's one on Yahoo right now for 10,000yen. Seller lists as junk because it's got some scratches and he can't test it. But the price is nice. Sorry, I can't buy it for you, but I'm sure someone else could if you look around. http://page11.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/n93893527
LD games can be very finicky with scratches, or else I would jump on it. If anyone gets me Vajra 2, I will pay $25 over cost for your troubles. Just throwing it out there.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: incrediblehark on April 27, 2011, 01:27:15 AM
Laseractive is the one thing I always look for when I go to places like goodwill, flea markets, etc. I've kept my fingers crossed hoping to find one but no luck yet. Its something that I would love to play for the LD exclusive sega and pce titles, but is not high on my list of systems to own.
As a side note, its always gotten to me that there is no single pc engine setup that can truly play ALL games, sure the supergrafx/supercd combo region modded gets 99.99% of the titles, including those games express ones, but it still can't do the LD-ROM2, and laseractive can't do supergrafx (as far as I know). For some reason that really bugs me :P
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: TheClash603 on April 27, 2011, 11:48:06 AM
Laseractive is the one thing I always look for when I go to places like goodwill, flea markets, etc. I've kept my fingers crossed hoping to find one but no luck yet. Its something that I would love to play for the LD exclusive sega and pce titles, but is not high on my list of systems to own.
As a side note, its always gotten to me that there is no single pc engine setup that can truly play ALL games, sure the supergrafx/supercd combo region modded gets 99.99% of the titles, including those games express ones, but it still can't do the LD-ROM2, and laseractive can't do supergrafx (as far as I know). For some reason that really bugs me :P
Laseractive cannot play Supergrafx games. However, it is the only system I own that can play US and JP Hu-Cards, all TG/PCE games (had the ACD going the other day), LD-Rom2 games, Genesis Cart, MD Carts, Sega CD, Mega CD, and Mega LD games. To me that is pretty damn impressive. Now that I have all of the pacs, I do a large majority of my retro gaming on one machine.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: Bonknuts on April 28, 2011, 06:02:56 AM
Well considering half the board is now LaserActive crazy, might as well have a topic. Sadly, PC-E LD library is mostly edutainment crap and pr0n. I have Vajra, Vajra 2, and Angel Mate.
Vajra and Vajra 2 are FMV shooters. Like other titles such as these, gameplay is limited. More like a "visual roller coaster" then games. Angel Mate is just strip poker with boobies.
Vajra 2 is the best of the PCE titles IMO. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dObtkaqT17g
Does Vajra 2 support the PCE mouse?
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: SamIAm on April 30, 2011, 09:02:51 PM
A new and very large used game shop opened up near where I live. Surprisingly, they had a Laseractive with the PCE pack + controller for 40,000 yen. Where does that fall on the deal-scale?
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: Tatsujin on April 30, 2011, 09:38:45 PM
if everything werks well, I think its not such a bad price. sure 30'000 would be better :) comes it cibler?
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: SamIAm on April 30, 2011, 09:53:38 PM
Well, it was on display in a glass case, but the sticker said it came with the box. No mention of documentation, though. Perhaps I'll see if the price goes down a bit after time passes.
They had the first Vajra game for 10,000, which was at least cool to see. I sure wish I'd waited an extra couple weeks to buy a real copy of Xanadu II, though. I paid 4000, but they had good copies for 2300.
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: Tatsujin on April 30, 2011, 10:00:19 PM
xanadu II for SCD2?
What is the name of the used shop? chain?
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: SamIAm on April 30, 2011, 10:08:59 PM
Yep, that Xanadu II. The place is Mandarake. I think they've got a lot of things marked a bit cheap to bring in people to the new store. I though 200 yen for a mint w/o spinecard Ys IV was pretty decent. :)
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: Tatsujin on April 30, 2011, 11:04:22 PM
lol mandarake, my favorite place in kantou. good qualitiy for a good price. nice you've got one in your region as well. didn't have kokura a mandarake already?
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: SuperDeadite on May 01, 2011, 02:59:21 AM
I think I paid 500yen for Xanadu II....
Title: Re: PC-Engine Laser Disc Games.
Post by: SamIAm on May 01, 2011, 09:06:37 AM
^^sigh...
Anyway, I'm pretty broke these days, but if the price comes down on that Laseractive, I might have to buy it. I've wanted one for about 10 years now, and that's justification enough for me. :)