help this noob with some turbo love

[eatdogs]

Ok, so I've been going hardcore on collecting shmups these past two years. I'm really considering trying out the turbo/pc engine. I have some questions I need you fine folks to help me with.

1. Most of the shmups I want seem to be import only. Is it better to buy a Japanese system, or an American system?

2. Can a Japanese system play on an American crt? Hdtv?

3. If I buy an American system, can I play imports on it easily?

4. Should I buy the cd duo? I expect some games to be card only and cd only. Or is it a combo?

5. Is it an easy system and library to get into? Are the imports easier to get than domestic?

6. Any good non shmups besides Castlevania Rondo of Blood and Bonk games?

7. Is it worth it?

Sorry for the lack of knowledge. This is just a sudden inspirational spurt to collect.

[nosorrow]

Buy a Japanese Duo-R or Duo-RX. They are more reliable than the US iteration.

Buy from a seller named doujindance on ebay. I believe his systems are region-free for HuCards. (I bought a console from him a couple months back and am very satisfied. However, I have only purchased Japanese HuCards and CDs so far.)

[Mortificator]

I play PCE games on an emulator, so I'll leave the hardware questions to those more knowledgeable.

As for the games, indeed, some are Hucard titles and some are CD. You'll miss out on a big chunk of its library without a system that can play CD games, including Rondo of Blood.

Concerning shooters, the PCE has a lot of them, but most are mediocre. The only two I really like are Lords of Thunder and Super Star Soldier, both of which I've included in my list for our annual "Top 25 Shmups of All Time."

Of course, different styles of shooter click with different people. If you're crazy about Caravan-style verts, the PCE's library has you covered like no other.

[nosorrow]

Concerning shooters, the PCE has a lot of them, but most are mediocre. The only two I really like are Lords of Thunder and Super Star Soldier, both of which I've included in my list for our annual "Top 25 Shmups of All Time."

Maybe it's because you play them via emulation, but for most, Soldier Blade, the first Spriggan and Gate of Thunder are fantastic, must have shooters.

Nexzr is another very solid shmup.

[eatdogs]

Ok, thanks everyone for the answers, but I still need some more clarification on the technical stuff if anyone out there can help.

Also I'd really like to know if the system had a decent library of other games and if it's easy to collect for import wise and domestic wise.

Personally I barely ever see any turbo/pc engine games around here...

[nosorrow]

Very easy to collect for import wise. Domestic, not so much. It's not worth it, unless "you were there" back then and want to own the US versions you had as a youth - unless we're talking about Ys or other adventure games/RPGs like Cosmic Fantasy, Dragon Slayer, Neutopia, then you don't need the English/US version.

[eatdogs]

Very easy to collect for import wise. Domestic, not so much. It's not worth it, unless "you were there" back then and want to own the US versions you had as a youth - unless we're talking about Ys or other adventure games/RPGs like Cosmic Fantasy, Dragon Slayer, Neutopia, then you need the English/US version.

Thanks! Yeah I figured the US titles like the ones you mentioned are better to get in that regard.