hamfighterx wrote: ↑Thu May 30, 2024 3:51 am
Before we get too far out from Legion, yeah, echoing that comment that the stage/loop display option really enhances the experience a lot. If anyone's looking for it, it's a little hidden in the Options menu -> Game Settings -> Preference Settings.
Thank you BEAMLORD & hamfighterx: Much appreciated!
Regarding Legion Spinner ‘87:
Really quite ecstatic this was released; no exaggeration, nearly as happy with this as ACA release of Raiden a few years ago now
only Raiden II/DX would supplant these two
***N.B.
not at all suggesting Legion’s the greatest STG ever; just that I enjoy it a lot and had been hoping that a) ACA would return to some more Nichibutsu and b) specifically Legion (and hopefully UFO Robo Dangar’s still in the pipeline for future release at some point)
not necessarily the greatest STG but lots of idiosyncratic elements w/ aesthetics both graphics & music and especially gameplay mechanics
the time bombs are really very unique: they stop and slightly reverse time for everything onscreen except player but the time bombs also alter trajectory of enemy shots and most importantly missiles
the time bombs can be used in creative ways that traditional STG bombas cannot: using them preemptively either a) upon approaching a tough section or b) just to get a bit of a breather if lots of enemy weapon fire’s on screen
both a) & b) here aren’t unusual for STG in game strategy/tactics but the results in Legion are very much unique
as stated by skyknight, BEAMLORD and hamfighterx, bombs are useful in single bursts, sometimes for reprieve from death and sometimes to alter/deflect enemy attacks (especially missile attacks) — time bombs both stop and slightly rewind time
another thing not yet brought up is the unique approach to powerups at play in Legion: a) powerups for speed, additional firepower and laser by way of Legionnaries/mini soldier dudes plus b) power ups for altering the player ship’s size and shape, enhancing attack capabilities by stretching the player ship out for greater surface area based destruction and
simultaneously conferring temporary invincibility — as well as c) time bomb items and 1UPs
rank in Legion makes things/can make things
very challenging very quickly; controlling rank is key to longevity/survival and stage/loop progression
* A small nitpick: optional/toggle-able Loop and Area display is fixed and perpendicular to rest of display while in TATE, and thus little less comfortable to read; easy enough to get used to but hopefully easy to patch: would be really great if the Loop and Area display aligns to display rotation settings
[FWIW Daioh’s rank display is aligned with rest of display while in TATE]
Here’s to here’s to hoping Nichibutsu’s UFO Robo Dangar, Ninja Emaki and Samurai Assassin will be released in the not too distant future!
Got Nichibutsu? 
* edits for spelling plus a couple revisions and additions
Both 1989 titles, wonder which came first. Bit of a chop-suey resource repurposing vibe; not the worst thing with labels as characterful as Konami, imo. That Gradius II font is too lovable. 
grouchy face — most certainly NOT intended; had to clean that up!
Forgot about the weather simulation! From 
I haven't recorded any of my runs, but I'll see if I can get something recorded over the next day or two. My current score on the board is one loop cleared into around half of loop 2. One loop is not really a tall order, but second loop definitely starts getting a little spicey, with an increase in the number of heavy enemies and, iirc, missile launchers. 
