Awesome stuff you've just bought (+pics please)

[atheistgod1999]

I think it would be cool if someone made an FPGA replica of something like the PC-Engine or Neo-Geo.

[BIL]

Aww sheeit, Stellar Assault SS. The last big name on my Saturn shortlist, another nice pickup!

As for me, got tired of waiting for this game to show up in the condition I wanted from my usual good buddies, so I took a chance on this NOS pack listing. Just arrived and is indeed mint as all hell, recommended! I think there's a few copies left.



The FC port of Falcom's Dragon Slayer IV (MSX), localised on NES as Legacy of the Wizard. Ported by Compile, published by Namco - I love it. One of my favourite "Oh shit I'm lost" dungeon wanderers from BITD, finally reunited on my shelf with Broderbund labelmate Guardic Gaiden aka The Guardian Legend. I sure as hell ain't bothering with MASHOU aka Deadly Towers, though! These three always go together in my hazy rental place recollections.

edit: oh hey, The Battle of Olympus was Broderbund-published too? I'd totally forgotten that, maybe due to the copy I played being a loose cart with a wrecked label (I always fondly remember those 50% border Broderboxes).

[CIT]

Awesome shit! Glad to see this Falcom-appreciation from you BIL. I've been deep in Falcom's backlog for about the last year (which is also why I've been a bit more absent from the usual action game discussions here).
As for their dungeon crawlers, I can wholeheartedly recommend Brandish: The Dark Revenant. An incredibly polished (but no less challenging) experience without some of the arcane guessworking shit of 80s ARPG design.

Do you guys wanna sell me on Stellar Assault? What's it got, that Star Fox 64 or Panzer Dragoon don't?

On my side of things, I finally picked up this masterpiece that's been sitting at the top of my Famicom got-to-get list for ages:



As well as Cooly Skunk, the Playstation-released SFC platformer I've been curious about for a while:



Now that I picked it up for 200¥, ya'll can go ahead and hype it to Tryrush Deppy or Super Tempo levels.

[BIL]

That's a beautiful Abadox. I was pleasantly surprised by that grim boxart, having grown up with the much sillier NES one.

Compared to Starfox and PD's rollercoaster rail shooting, Stellar Assault (32X+SS both) is more of an open space combat game. Still quite arcadey though; the earlier Ace Combats might be a comparison point. I've an odd liking for these primordial (yet playable!) console examples of polygonal arcade action, so YMMV.

edit: oh hey, Cooly Skunk is by Ukiyotei? I'd vaguely heard of it, but never really looked closer. I've been considering a nice copy of their Hook (SFC) to go with Karuraoh.

[CIT]

Any differences between SS and 32X Stellar Assault? I know the latter is a lot cheaper.

edit: oh hey, Cooly Skunk is by Ukiyotei? I'd vaguely heard of it, but never really looked closer. I've been considering a nice copy of their Hook (SFC) to go with Karuraoh.

Yep, Ukiyotei developed it for SFC, it got pushed back, and eventually found release on PS1 pretty much without any changes. I still remember EGM slamming the game in the 90s for being behind the times, having a stupid anthropomorphic mascot, etc. Today we can enjoy it for what it is, a nice looking and competent, if unremarkable, orthodox 2D platformer.

You might want to have a look at Spawn for SNES as well. Another Ukiyotei product, albeit only released outside of Japan.

[BIL]

The SS version is more of an expanded remake than a port, afaik - they have stuff in common, but they're not the same game. I'd like to get both at some point - from what I've heard they complement each other pretty well. Will probably do a bit more intensive research before finally moving in for the kill, given the SS one ain't cheap. ;3

Even more interesting, re: Spawn - I knew of it, but had always assumed it was one of those miscellaneous Western-made licensed sidescrollers (the sort that go for ridiculous amounts on JP Mega Drive these days, haha). I guess it makes sense that Ukiyotei did well by licensed stuff, having ex-Capcom staff.

[CIT]

I'm actually doing a bit of research on Japanese-developed games only released in the West, atm. Started to compile a list here.

It's quite surprising how many, and how many high-quality ones, there are.

[Skykid]

I've been considering a nice copy of their Hook (SFC) to go with Karuraoh.

Hook isn't bad, if certainly lesser than Karuraoh. It's visually pleasing and I like Pan's weight especially: what initially feels slow and cumbersome becomes enjoyable heavy to wield, a bit like an FTG grab character. You can also see where a lot of Karuraoh's graphical assets (and even enemies) came from.

[BIL]

I'm actually doing a bit of research on Japanese-developed games only released in the West, atm. Started to compile a list here.

It's quite surprising how many, and how many high-quality ones, there are.

Wow, nice thread! Will be reading it in detail later... been too long since I checked Gamengai.

Ninja Five-O lacking a JP release always blows my mind a little - an absolute masterpiece of the grappling hook sidescroller, published by Konami and developed by Hudson (with ex-Konami staff onboard). Currently the lone PAL region release in my collection - AFAIK only its title+title screen differs, and of course GBA doesn't have 50hz issues. Better boxart too. ^__^

Hook isn't bad, if certainly lesser than Karuraoh. It's visually pleasing and I like Pan's weight especially: what initially feels slow and cumbersome becomes enjoyable heavy to wield, a bit like an FTG grab character. You can also see where a lot of Karuraoh's graphical assets (and even enemies) came from.

The heavy handling always leapt out at me, but as you suggest it seems well-suited to the concept, and it looks great; one of those games I'll be picking up now more pressing stuff is bagged. Good CIB copies seem a bit scarce compared to the FC version, although I've not been looking very hard...

[Shoryukev]

Bought this on a gaming event last weekend. Chrono Trigger has the original sealing but has been opened from the side so certainly not NIB (which is fine to me). Wasn't exactly cheap but keeping in mind how common the repros have gotten on eBay it felt much better buying a copy in person that I know is authentic. The same guy actually had a brand new CT but I didn't feel like spending all money I make in a month on a game that I'll never get to play.

That Chrono Trigger boxed copy is an epic find! I bet that was some serious coin, even loose cart copies go for a lot these days (I think I paid $120 for my loose cart about 2 years ago).

Some great recent finds guys! I'm jealous, I haven't been able to find squat lately. Hopefully the dry spell ends.

[nissling]

I bet that was some serious coin, even loose cart copies go for a lot these days

You could probably say that. I think there were three copies of the game at this event and I discovered this one barely half an hour before I left. At first I was extremely hesitant but the seller said I could do a partial payment. Keeping in mind that I've been on many retro game conventions over the past seven or eight years yet never found anything I really wanted until now, it felt all right to burn some money for once. Plus I regularly never buy games on cartridges anyway (prefer flashcart) so if I ever were to buy this game I knew I wanted it to be in good shape.

And the price, well, it maybe was overkill yet it's certainly a privilege to have the opportunity of doing this kind of decision face to face. By then, money isn't everything.

Spoiler

For anyone wondering it was 4000 SEK (465 USD).

[FinalBaton]

hoooooooly!

[FinalBaton]

I had boxed copies of FF3 and CT when I was a teen and sold them *cries*

[BIL]

Have you played Top Hunter BIL?

Nope! I'm still pretty inexperienced with the Neo outside of the Metal Slugs, tbh. Top Hunter did always look cool, though of course Neo stuff tends to.

Stellar Assault SS definitely sounds like my sort of game - I love Starblade's bold, minimally textured polys too. Early Namco and Sega polygonal arcade games that were light on human figures and emphasised smooth framerate and flat shading have aged really nicely, imo. Virtua Racing's another I find timeless.

[Squire Grooktook]

Mention of Spawn

Interesting. I remember this one being mentioned around here as an example of an action-platformer with a larger move-set done well, but after looking up a longplay (my first mistake, I suppose) it looked clunky enough that I forgot about it. Interested to see it mentioned again. Worth a shot?

[BrianC]

Import and 3DS stuff. My first Mega CD import! The Hudson Joycard is good stuff. Buttons have a nice feel to them. Works great for FC three player games like Bomber Man 2, a few of the Technos games, and Moero Twinbee. It's not compatible with all games (mostly western designed games and western 3-4 player games are among the ones it doesn't work with. Oddly enough, it does work with the Tengen Gauntlet, though it doesn't work with Gauntlet 2, probably because it's a western four score/satellite game), but it works with a good chunk of them.

The nice thing about the Gunvolt Striker Pack is that the version of Gunvolt included includes the extra text and voices from the JP version. Translation seems to be a bit different in a good way, as well.

[CIT]

Aww sheeit, Stellar Assault SS. The last big name on my Saturn shortlist, another nice pickup!

It's quite good and also quite arcadey. It's like Star Blade off the rails in ways. After Bulk Slash I had a resurrected interest in 32 bit 3D stuff (particularly Saturn). I found a copy for 130 US dollars in good shape so I took a leap of faith.

Glad I did. The more reserved look with lightly textured polygons along with them being very tight around the seams actually did this game alot of favors in the aging front. It has some nice options like being able to adjust the letterbox bars to any color you want, choosing between an interlaced and progressive image and then options to adjust all the audio volume levels independently. Cool note about the audio options... if you turn the "scenario" audio to zero it turns all the chatter and FMV parts off but still keeps all the cool little real time scenes with the ships but just boils them down to them actually moving etc versus idling with chit chat.

Good mission variety that are to the point with a brisk pace and the controls are very nice and tight. To be honest I think it's a great little game... It's one of those games with just a little more, it could/has the potential to be an outstanding game. I have an affection for Starblade and it's presentation though so this was a bit like having that off rails.

If Stellar Assault seems like it might be something you like from what you've seen and read... more than likely it WILL be something you'll dig.

Thanks for the lowdown re Stellar Assault. Had a look at some videos and it actually looks quite beautiful. And with very varied stages. Seems to be a completely different game from the 32X as well. Definitely gonna look a bit more into that, as I quite enjoyed the (on-rails) G-Vector on Saturn, which plays a bit like Rayforce in 3D.

[FinalBaton]

@BrianC Nice MegaCD GET

[PuToTyra]

Bought Sanya nendo few days ago, but God knows when she's going to arrive...at least this gave me motivation to play Strike Witches bullet hell games!

Spoiler

[evil_ash_xero]

I had boxed copies of FF3 and CT when I was a teen and sold them *cries*

I got those back in the day. I would have never dreamed of getting rid of them, so that's two games I don't have to worry about these absurd prices on. You sold them? You fool!

[Emma]

Shmups!

[soprano1]

Shmups!

Damn, what a wallop!
The compilations came out in Europe too, if i'm not mistaken.

[FinalBaton]

I had boxed copies of FF3 and CT when I was a teen and sold them *cries*

I got those back in the day. I would have never dreamed of getting rid of them, so that's two games I don't have to worry about these absurd prices on. You sold them? You fool!

I regret it so much

Back in the day I didn't have much money, so whenever I wanted a new machine, I had to sell a couple of games from the previous gen (even though I was mowing lawns and getting a bit of money). So when the Playstation came out I sold the couple SNES games I had.

Also, on another level : back then I didn't really wanted to play games from the previous gen. Like when I got a SNES, I pretty much lost interest in playing NES games. And when I got my Playstation, same thing happened with SNES games. I think a lot of people where that way back then (everyone I knew was like that, at least).
It wasn't until I got to college(was 17 at the time) that I became "nostalgic" for games .
Brought my NES with me to my apartment, in the big city where I moved for college. And let me tell you : a LOT of people thought I was a weirdo for playing NES games in 2001! My close friends dug it, but most people where like "are you dumb or something? the PS2 is out! what are you doing playing these old ass games????"

[Shoryukev]

Finally found something worth picking up at the local store I go to every week, the dry spell is over hopefully. Not in the greatest shape and I've been aiming for boxed Genesis games in my collecting, but it was a good price so I couldn't pass. ($20)

[mirkvid]

Holy shit at the CT prices. I still have mine in perfect condition but would never sell it. It was the last birthday gift my dad ever got me. Maybe when my kids go to college...

[Shoryukev]

Got a surprise in the mail, didn't expect this until monday. Holy Diver! (english translated reproduction in an NES shell)



I've been wanting to play this for a long time, but I don't have a main PC at the moment so I couldn't emulate it. I have a PC in my mame cabinet, but the wireless card hasn't worked in the past 5-6 years so it was a PITA to deal with. Anyways....

It's fun! Kinda reminds me of a cross between Megaman and Castlevania. The jump arc and control while you're in the air feels similar to MegaMan, but you can crouch and shoot up as well as sideways. Once you get the boot upgrade I'm not sure I like the feel of the controls anymore though, feels way too floaty since you can jump a mile high. I love how colorful the game is as well, it looks absolutely fantastic!

I played it for about an hour last night and had quite a bit of fun. I've heard tons of people complain online about its difficulty......I honestly thought that it was a fair challenge. I've never played it before so I didn't beat it or anything....but it seems much easier than say Ninja Gaiden 1. It was challenging don't get me wrong, but it wasn't anger inducing or anything LOL. Overall I'm enjoying it, and I can't wait to see all of the cool references to heavy metal musicians and bands!

Spoiler

On a side note it was a little hard to get working in my NES even though the pins on the cartridge were sparkling clean. After 5-6 tries or shifting the cartridge sideways, cleaning it with a q-tip, loading and unloading the cart I took out a dozen other games and they loaded on the first try so I'm not sure what is up. When my NES was RGB modded by Yurkie he boiled my 72pin and bent the pins so they make good contact as well as disabled my lockout chip. He told me not to press the cartridge down since the pins should have enough contact on their own now, and it will prevent them from loosening if I just stick them straight in and power on the console. Is it common for reproduction NES games to be a bit finicky about loading? This is my first NES reproduction purchase. I'll take it apart tonight to be sure, but my guess is it's a repro PCB and not a donor.

[Ed Oscuro]

No new game stuff seems to show up locally, but that's OK - I got a tripod worth nearly $200 for $5.

[Obiwanshinobi]

To save Japanese GameCube games without erasing savestates stored on my first memory card. The Fifth Element Blu-ray remarkably devoid of "special features" (not that it needed any). No mandatory advertisement, either. Says "region free" on the box.



Better cover artwork than the Portraits album, at least.

[BrianC]

GBA Flashcart! AVS! I'm liking the AVS so far. Games look great on it with scanline options and it has some neat features like being able to use the US Arkanoid controller with Famicom games (which isn't normally possible since they not only have different ports, but unlike the Zapper, the US and JP Vaus controllers are wired differently).

[Stompp]

Been looking for this for a long long time




And this one