Philosoma

The Bullet Dodger · Post by **The Bullet Dodger** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 3:09 am

Yes, Iam new to the forum. So for my first topic, I'd like to hear different opinions about a PSX shmup called Philosoma.

I understand this shmup contains three different gameplays (3D, 2D vertical and 2D horizontal). Sounds pretty sweet to me, but all I've seen so far are a few screenshots on the internet. And due to the fact that it was one of the first releases for the PSX (longbox case), I cannot find a copy anywhere, except on eBay from time to time. And I don't know anyone who's actually played it before.

Just how good is Philosoma?

Is it worth tracking down?

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 3:34 am

If you don't mind disc-only, ebgames.com usually has them for only a few bucks...

It's an interesting premise and while I think it's an okay game, I would rather spend my time playing something better. The weapons seem kind of weak, and I find the hit detection to be a bit dodgy.

dave4shmups · Post by **dave4shmups** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:42 am

Philosoma is one of the most underrated shmups that I have ever played.

The weapons are good, and so is the control, in every different perspective that the game throws at you.

I would say go for it, it really is an excellent shmup!

stoneroses · Post by **stoneroses** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:52 am

Yea, this game is a must own IMO. As the one of the first shooters for the PS it is a good history lesson as it demonstrates the designers taking the genre into the 32 bit era. The traditional 2D style is given the polygon "not quite 3D" gameplay. Think of this game as a stepping stone from 16 bit to what came after. For instance, playing it now will will offer insight and play mechanics that you might have seen in more popular games for the PS like Shooter Space Shot, a bit of Raystorm and if you try real hard - Einhander.

These insights and mechanics are crude and nowhere as polished as the games that came after but this was one of the first attempts to do this. Be warned though, the modes of play jump around to every possible angle and view and is all stiched together with those infamous first-gen PS FMV cutscenes (Warhawk anyone ?)

With an open mind, I think you might like it. Others might say it tries to do too many things and sucks in every attempt.

tehkao · Post by **tehkao** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:57 am

Does EB really have this game? I've been looking for a copy for YEARS.

Neon · Post by **Neon** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 5:13 am

Don't waste your time. The game is terrible. Bad graphics, bad music, bad gameplay.

Pretty cutscenes, though.

Thunder Force · Post by **Thunder Force** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 5:51 am

Most cinematic shmup ever. Awesomely dramatic in original Japanese form... if you can stand the weak gameplay and design flaws.

FRO · Post by **FRO** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 6:00 pm

I'll throw my $.02 in as well. Some love it, some hate it. For me, I'm a middle-of-the-road guy on this. The cutseens are extraordinary, very well done, especially for an early PSX game. The gameplay is another story. It's not as bad as some say, but it's not spectacular. If you've ever played Shooter: Space Shot, you will kind of have an idea of the graphics - sort of blocky and pixelated in many spots. The game actually has more than 3 perspectives. It has 2D horizontal, 2D vertical, 2D horizontal w/ a 1/3 or 1/4 overhead view (odd at first) as well as a quasi 3-D "behind the ship" perspective. Once you play it a while and get used to the play mechanics in each perspective, it's not that bad. There are some really frustrating parts (at least I think so) w/ a few seemingly unavoidable hits, but for the most part it's not that bad. I've completed the game, and I'd say it's definitely worth at least $10. I was fortunate to have picked up my copy complete for $10 including the cardboard longbox.

SPACE HARRIER · Post by **SPACE HARRIER** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 7:31 pm

It was the first shooter i bought for the ps1..but after a while i sold it...
just an OK shooter...
You either love it or hate it!!

landshark · Post by **landshark** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 8:39 pm

iatneH wrote:If you don't mind disc-only, ebgames.com usually has them for only a few bucks...

It's an interesting premise and while I think it's an okay game, I would rather spend my time playing something better. The weapons seem kind of weak, and I find the hit detection to be a bit dodgy.

Be careful with used games from Gamespot and EBGames.

I've had mixed results.

My Maximo disk played fine up to the level 2 boss where it consistently froze. Luckily I got there with-in the 3 day return period. I went back and they gave me a replacement which worked fine.

I recently picked up a used Philosoma for $3. I booted once. I've never gotten it to boot again. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to try it for a week so I couldn't exchange it. Maybe I'll just download it off the net.

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 9:39 pm

Definitely a lot of scratched up games from EB. It's also dumb to order from there (coming from someone who's ordered dozens upon dozens of their cheap games with their 25% off codes and free shipping) when it's really not that much more expensive to get complete, fully working copies from Ebay. Only reason to get a PO game there is if you want to nullify the shipping price when buying anything else.

captain ahar · Post by **captain ahar** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 9:46 pm

landshark wrote:Be careful with used games from Gamespot and EBGames.
...
Luckily I got there with-in the 3 day return period.

that's strange my Gamestop takes returned used products up to seven days after the fact (i know because it took me a week to decide if Galleon was worth the $16, turns out it wasn't. i really wanted to love that game.).

Leeram · Post by **Leeram** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:54 pm

WhenI think of Philosoma I think of my favourite phrase, "it's a steaming pile of dog turd".

Cheers

Leeram

TWITCHDOCTOR · Post by **TWITCHDOCTOR** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 12:46 am

Philosoma is ok. The control is where you would want it, and I never had any "hit detection" problems....oh yea, I've 1CC it a few times as well. So, that means I just didn't pop it in for a few rounds...I actually played the game quite a bit!

Think of it as "Earth Defense Force meets R-Type, meets Silpheed". (that means its ok, but some will read that and run away screaming)

Devilsheep · Post by **Devilsheep** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:09 pm

Haha I still own Philosoma, although its condition might be harsh.

Good game for a first play, afterwards you realize it could have been more.

U K Narayan · Post by **U K Narayan** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 11:11 pm

Apparently Philosoma has a sequel known as Phase Paradox.

Unfortunately, the sequel isn't a shooter.

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/phas ... 02720.html

Devilsheep · Post by **Devilsheep** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 11:22 pm

U K Narayan wrote:Apparently Philosoma has a sequel known as Phase Paradox.

Unfortunately, the sequel isn't a shooter.

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/phas ... 02720.html

That is NOT fair.

U K Narayan · Post by **U K Narayan** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:10 am

Devilsheep wrote:
U K Narayan wrote:Apparently Philosoma has a sequel known as Phase Paradox.

Unfortunately, the sequel isn't a shooter.

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/phas ... 02720.html
That is NOT fair.

I know how you feel, but I wish other games did this, it's nice to get a shmup sequel sure, and I'm sure most people here wouldn't have it any other way, but what if there was a game based off of the world in Mushihimesama or Ikaruga or something? That would be very cool.

But there's a difference; I'm just talking about side stories, and Phase Paradox is an entire sequel, and your right, it isn't fair.

The Bullet Dodger · Post by **The Bullet Dodger** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 3:32 am

Thanks everyone for the info!

Sounds like the game has some issues. It really does sound like a "love it or hate it" shmup. But there's only one way to find out if I love it or hate it, and that's why I'm gonna try and find me a nice complete (hopefully import) copy, maybe on eBay or somewhere.

note to self: do not go through EB Games.

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 4:24 am

Overall, I've had some fairly good experiences with ebgames...

I have eBay now, but I might still use ebgames from time to time because I'm in Canada, and many sellers on eBay either won't ship to Canada at all, or they'll give me the big shaft when it comes to shipping. Granted, ebgames shafts me on shipping also, but if I'm buying enough stuff, it comes out cheaper than eBay.

Actually, when I bought Sanvein off ebgames, it was in amazingly good condition, I'd even say brand new. The plastic sticker with the game name/publisher and the foil "Playstation" logo which goes over the top of the case was still there and intact. Not bad for a few bucks. The rest of the disc-based games I've bought looked okay, no scratches deep enough to affect gameplay. Some of the cartridge-based ones were a bit finicky to work, but what can you expect...

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 4:29 am

You've been lucky. I can recall over 10% defection rate on the lots of EB stuff I've ordered (well, it was hard to resist at 25% off, with free shipping, and no tax), which is just annoying.

Most average priced stuff and all expensive stuff can be found complete in good condition for the same price or better on Ebay.