Aleste is coming back?!

[xxx1993]

Yes, the MSX version is the definitive version of the first game, so why choose the Master System version over that?

[xxx1993]

By the way, who's the white haired girl? I know the top left is Ellinor Waizen, the blue haired girl is from GG Aleste 2, and the top right is the protagonist of Power Strike II, but I don't remember seeing the white haired girl in any of the Aleste games...

[BrianC]

Yes, the MSX version is the definitive version of the first game, so why choose the Master System version over that?

So they can fit the same compilation on the GG micro, which only include GG and SMS games. Hopefully, M2 at least adds some of the MSX content to the SMS Aleste.

[Sumez]

Gameplay wise, I don't think Branch looks much like a typical Aleste game, does it?

Not that I care, I think it looks better tbh.

[xxx1993]

It looks more along the lines of a CAVE shmup. Either way, I look forward to it.

[KAI]

Spoiler

The +α content mentioned on the official site seems to be GGAleste 3 (a new game by m2) according to Amazon. but shhhhh, it's a secret.

[TransatlanticFoe]

Excellent to see some 8-bit love.

Shame the compilation isn't more exhaustive though - maybe we'll get the MSX and 16-bit titles later on. I don't think any of these saw re-releases so there's that too - no doubt Power Strike II goes for silly money these days and it frankly deserves a wider audience.

[xxx1993]

Spoiler

The +α content mentioned on the official site seems to be GGAleste 3 (a new game by m2) according to Amazon. but shhhhh, it's a secret.

But wait, I thought we already had Aleste Branch coming soon...

[blackoak]

I really want to read that artbook and the interviews, haha, but not sure if I can justify buying it at that price. A small complaint but I wish they would have done the cover illustrations in the style of Aleste 1 and 2 (by Kei Furutsuki - https://videogamesdensetsu.tumblr.com/p ... or-compile). I've definitely seen worse but I'd have hoped, from M2, for a reprieve from the usual infantilized modern animu character designs.

[XoPachi]

I really want to read that artbook and the interviews, haha, but not sure if I can justify buying it at that price. A small complaint but I wish they would have done the cover illustrations in the style of Aleste 1 and 2 (by Kei Furutsuki - https://videogamesdensetsu.tumblr.com/p ... or-compile). I've definitely seen worse but I'd have hoped, from M2, for a reprieve from the usual infantilized modern animu character designs.

Those artworks are just beautiful. I absolutely adore these old 80's and 90's arcade flyers and box art. They're so detail oriented.
And I agree with you. I find that artstyle in general to be tired. But it's not AS painful as some other stuff I've seen today.

[Jonpachi]

The price on this limited edition though... https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/dp/B08JBS ... 418&sr=8-2

22,000 extra Yen for the Game Gear Micro?

[BrianC]

The price on this limited edition though... https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/dp/B08JBS ... 418&sr=8-2

22,000 extra Yen for the Game Gear Micro?

and it doesn't seem to be shipping to the US?

[Jonpachi]

Play-Asia has it listed too, but aren’t taking preorders on it yet. Too rich for my blood though.

[BrianC]

I might just wait for the digital. I was thinking of going for the PS4 version and the mini, but I might just go for the Switch one instead. I should wait and see how the GG micro turns out. It will probably be emulation like most other minis and the minis only have a handful of games on them at a higher price than Genesis and TG-16 minis. I do like the TG-16 mini, though. I decided to get one since I'm stuck in a hotel due to my house getting hit by a tree and I liked the game list. Hidden extras like versions made to look like the arcade are nice too (not sure if the changes completely benefit Salamander compared to the already improved over the arcade original, though).

[Ms. Tea]

The price on this limited edition though... https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/dp/B08JBS ... 418&sr=8-2

22,000 extra Yen for the Game Gear Micro?

and it doesn't seem to be shipping to the US?

Looks like that's a third party seller, not Amazon themselves, so I guess that explains the high price and wonky shipping. Did Amazon sell out their preorders already and only scalpers have listings?

[BrianC]

The price on this limited edition though... https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/dp/B08JBS ... 418&sr=8-2

22,000 extra Yen for the Game Gear Micro?

and it doesn't seem to be shipping to the US?

Looks like that's a third party seller, not Amazon themselves, so I guess that explains the high price and wonky shipping. Did Amazon sell out their preorders already and only scalpers have listings?

Ugh. Just saw that the seller's name is "web_store". Darn scalpers.

[Kiken]

I'll keep checking Play-Asia to see when they start accepting pre-orders for the ridiculous LE. The GameGear Micro really is one of the stupidest things Sega have ever put out but I'm sadly all in on shelling out for another absurd limited edition shmup release on Switch.

[BrianC]

I'll keep checking Play-Asia to see when they start accepting pre-orders for the ridiculous LE. The GameGear Micro really is one of the stupidest things Sega have ever put out but I'm sadly all in on shelling out for another absurd limited edition shmup release on Switch.

Not to mention that two of the games on it are SMS games and will be even more tiny.

Edit: Has there been any actual hands on of the GG Micro yet? It seems most of the YT videos are rants without any actual hands on.

[Habieru]

https://twitter.com/M2_game/status/1307826040455065600

M2 has apologized on Twitter for the issues with pre-orders. Demand seems higher than expected. Amazon has not yet started taking pre-orders for the LE and they don't know yet when they will. They will notify when they have more information.

[Jonpachi]

I went for the standard PS4 version so I can round out the Shottriggers collection alongside Garegga, Ketsui and Esprade. I may pop on that LE though if the price isn't totally insane.

[EmperorIng]

makes me wonder if demand for Aleste of all things is greater than demand for cave, now there's a thought.

I might just pick this up digitally myself, if at all. Still hoping for a few 16bit bones thrown my way, though realisitcally any 16bit collection would not see Spriggan, my personal fav, since that's already on the pc engine mini and if Super Darius is anything to go by (on the PCE Mini but not Darius Cozmic), M2 doesn't double up their games across different packs.

[Sengoku Strider]

makes me wonder if demand for Aleste of all things is greater than demand for cave, now there's a thought.

I would actually kind of expect that. Practically the only people who know Cave exist are hardcore shmuppers, and the company have kept their home releases fairly narrow since the 32-bit era. On the other hand Compile's shooters were showpieces in the 16-bit era, and continue to show up on top X lists on youtube etc. MUSHA gets thrown around a lot in Genesis vs. SNES arguments, & Robo Aleste features near the top of a lot of Sega CD lists pretty much by default. Blazing Lazers is an Aleste game in all but name, and it was a flagship title for the TG-16. Cave's never really had a moment in the mainstream sun like that.

Though this being an 8-bit collection, yeah, that's a little different. The Master System's install base was small in Japan, 2.5 million sold by the end, and the Game Gear only reached half that. No idea how it sold on MSX, though there were many more of those out there. But it might be that just the franchise name has a certain degree of attraction.

[Habieru]

Limited Edition now available for pre-order on Amazon JP.

Switch - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B08JBYJ5G4
PS4 - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/dp/B08JBS56C7

[mojilove]

just preordered mine! looking forward to it!
putting two and two together, I'm guessing that the white haired girl is the protagonist for the new gg game.
also, this collection is part of the shottriggers series, so hopefully we should see the usual trimmings - gadgets, training mode, etc.

they will announce more on the 26th either way

[Jonpachi]

Limited Edition now available for pre-order on Amazon JP.

Switch - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B08JBYJ5G4
PS4 - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/dp/B08JBS56C7

That price is madness. I can't even go there for a gimmicky little toy.

[RawlingGunnar]

Limited Edition now available for pre-order on Amazon JP.

Switch - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B08JBYJ5G4
PS4 - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/dp/B08JBS56C7

That price is madness. I can't even go there for a gimmicky little toy.

I will. I like stupid things like tiny game gears you need tweezers to play. And, you know, GG Aleste I and II, Alests SMS and Power Strike II cost a small fortune more as it is. Seems like a win/win for me.

Has there been any actual hands on of the GG Micro yet? It seems most of the YT videos are rants without any actual hands on.

I think I saw the Mudprints guys saying they're getting the one with Gunstar on it. Chances are good they'll do a halfway decent feature.

[Koa Zo]

Limited Edition now available for pre-order on Amazon JP.

Switch - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B08JBYJ5G4
PS4 - https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/dp/B08JBS56C7

That price is madness. I can't even go there for a gimmicky little toy.

You're probably seeing the 2nd-hand scalper prices.
Last night I paid ￥ 14,800 after the Amazon pre-order discount or whatever made it less than suggested retail.

The Amazon PS4 version with the alternate cover (or whatever bonus it is coming with) was limited to one per account. I had the option to also order the non-Amazon exclusive version for ￥ 14,800, and that one was not limited in quantity afaik.
I considered getting two just to have one to scalp later, but figured it wasn't worth the time. Heck, with the price for the Amazon exclusive version now showing at ¥42,500 I wish I'd gotten that extra copy!

My original intention was to get one each of Switch and PS4 Bundled Editions, however the Switch versions were prohibited to ship to USA.

[Sengoku Strider]

I think I saw the Mudprints guys saying they're getting the one with Gunstar on it. Chances are good they'll do a halfway decent feature.

I'm going to get one for my nephew for Christmas. He'll be nearly 2 years old, and the perfect size to be playing Gunstar on this thing.

[Kiken]

$360 US!!

LOOOOOOL! I must be out of my God-damned mind! Pre-order placed.

[pablumatic]

I like Aleste, but not enough for this JP LE.

I'll wait to see if it ever crosses the Pacific. Maybe never.