Re: Arcade Archives STG List [15/05/25: NebulasRay]

[BrianC]

Seems an unusually troubled PSN release, this. For anyone wanting to play VP1 on PS4 right now, just go to the in-console PSN store, and search "Viper." It'll pop right up!

On PC browser it won't appear, and its store page returns an error. You also can't find it on the PS5's in-console store, nor even transfer it over from your PS4. Weird, annoying. I hope Sony doesn't cost Hamster any goodwill; VP1 seems to be a popular debut for this niche.

Oddly, it's listed as an "add on".

[BIL]

Oh right! I didn't notice. I wonder if it's a submission error on Hamster's end, and it's just taking time to correct... weird that it can be found, purchased, and played via the PS4 itself, but not on PS5, let alone PC browser.

Oh well. Main thing is their SPI emulation came out bangin'. Launch day caravan tables were nice n' crowded too. I gotta hit the sack so I can climb a few more spots tomorrow, people keep bringing me booze, what STGs demand is coffee!

Perhaps the real viper was the MT700 Field Viper we met along the way!

[BrianC]

I got it to download to PS5. I had to go to the "Game Library" page when clicking the user icon on the Playstation website. It showed up there and I was able to download it to PS5.

[BIL]

Aha! Brilliant, you're right!



I'll do that tomorrow if it's still not sorted out, my DS4 pad is criminally busted up. "Criminally" because I baby it like absolutely every other piece of gaming hardware/software I own and the damn thing(s) still get smooshed. Bum rap.

[Jeneki]

Perhaps the real viper was the MT700 Field Viper we met along the way!

Viper Phase 2 confirmed!

Hamster acknowledged the download issue on their weekly youtube chat (18 hour ago), so will likely be fixed soon.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

On the VP1 NV game itself, I've noticed upon the completion of stage 1, if you destroy at least 98% of enemies on-screen, the CPU will award 98% x 40 whereas if you destroy 99% of enemies on-screen, the CPU will award 99% x 50. Am not sure what the CPU awards if you destroy 100% of enemies on-screen for stage 1 though. I used to be able to achieve a 100% enemies destroyed rate on stage 1 on the Seibu SPI VP1 USA cart setup but that was years ago -- I have to admit I'm quite rusty at playing VP1 NV right now as it is.

On the Switch port of VP1, if you set the scanline filter to A3 setting and increase overall screen brightness to compensate for resulting dimness, VP1 does look at it's best when played on an Oled-based Switch setup.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Jeneki]

100% is x100. Missing one enemy halves the reward, brutal stuff.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

100% is x100. Missing one enemy halves the reward, brutal stuff.

What power-up is generally recommended to achieve a 100% enemies destroyed rate on VP1 NV's stage 1? Is it "Wide Shot" or "Nalpalm Bombs?" With VP1 USA, it was pulled off by having "Wide Shot" power-up maxed out on stage 1.

The nameless main fightercraft depicted in VP1 wasn't officially named until the released advent of Seibu's classic Raiden Fighters arcade stg series came along (also released on Seibu SPI arcade hardware) -- it was later revealed as the almighty "Judge Spear" fightercraft in all of it's regal glory/splendor and showcased in it's grand debut in VP1 indeed.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Jeneki]

I think wide shot is the most consistent for hitting everything. Napalm is a favorite of mine though, it's just so cool how the top half of the screen never stops exploding haha, but the initial shot still has to hit something to make the mass explosions pop out.

[Sima Tuna]

My scrubby Caravan score in the ACA Caravan mode:

1P ON James Stage 2 155,871

Rank: 197

Got absolutely bodied by the zako clusters in stage 2.

[MJR]

On the VP1 NV game itself, I've noticed upon the completion of stage 1, if you destroy at least 98% of enemies on-screen, the CPU will award 98% x 40 whereas if you destroy 99% of enemies on-screen, the CPU will award 99% x 50. Am not sure what the CPU awards if you destroy 100% of enemies on-screen for stage 1 though. I used to be able to achieve a 100% enemies destroyed rate on stage 1 on the Seibu SPI VP1 USA cart setup but that was years ago -- I have to admit I'm quite rusty at playing VP1 NV right now as it is.

On the Switch port of VP1, if you set the scanline filter to A3 setting and increase overall screen brightness to compensate for resulting dimness, VP1 does look at it's best when played on an Oled-based Switch setup.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

I remember that the difference between 99% and 100% is enormous - you get over million for achieving that one elusive 1%, which is difficult on stage 1, and impossible on stage 4 due to small programming glitch (confirmed by the programmer of this game). I have been secretly hoping that Hamster would fix that glitch..

My Caravan score is 580543, could have had 70K more if I had grabbed that hidden medal at the right moment.
I got to almost destroy stage 2 boss because I speed-killed stage 1 boss. I wonder if it's possible in 5 minutes.

And yes, Viper phase 1 is absolutely glorious game and one of my most favourite games ever, it blew my mind in 90's and further blew my mind when I got the PCB.

Emulation is all right, sans there is some jittery due to framerate difference and very slight added lag. But I was expecting it. I'm just happy that this small treasure is finally available for everyone to play.

[BIL]

very slight added lag. But I was expecting it. I'm just happy that this small treasure is finally available for everyone to play.

Is that the Switch version? Comes with the territory, I know. Mainly asking as Some-Mist mentioned noticing some lag on Switch's Old Ver, in the main ACA thread.

[MJR]

very slight added lag. But I was expecting it. I'm just happy that this small treasure is finally available for everyone to play.

Is that the Switch version? Comes with the territory, I know. Asking as Some-Mist mentioned noticing lag on Switch in the main ACA thread.

Yeah, pretty much correct. But for full disclosure, it was played on OLED tv which almost certainly adds some lag, even when tv is in game mode. I will be playing this mostly in handheld mode with flip grip, as this game absolutely demands you to have your nose glued on the screen

[Lethe]

Hmm, I hadn't played Old Ver before now and I like it a lot more than New. I always felt VP1's stages had weirdly lopsided design and didn't take advantage of Saibu's strengths, but now it's obvious that you're just not supposed to be able to hold down Wide/Missile all the time. Although scoreplay of Old Ver is presumably nightmare difficulty.

[BEAMLORD]

What's the word? Just checked my JP and UK storefronts on the PS5, and Viper's still seemingly unavailable. The FOMO is unbearable.

[BIL]

It really sucks. :/ No change I can see, sadly. It appears you need a PS4 to buy VP1 for now. (even though, as Brian pointed out, it can then be transferred to PS5 via the webstore)

Strictly offhand, I guess a wrong box was ticked in submission. God knows Hamster have earned more than enough goodwill for the odd cockup, if that's the case. Just a shame to see a well-received and (judging by TZW's commentary) rigorously-prepared landmark release dinted, however slightly.

Like Jordan landing a trademark slam dunk only to rack his nuts on the back of a chair.

Hamada-san if I'm wrong and Sony or someone else fucked up, I will commit a sudoku and buy one of the TEN ACA GAMES I'M AMBIVALENT ON. (FO FREE! )

[BEAMLORD]

A PS4 exclusive, in this day and age! Would be hell of a swansong for a venerable workhorse.

I ain't mad at Ham-chan. I know they'll come good. Still busy with City Bomber, anyway

[BIL]

A PS4 exclusive, in this day and age! Would be hell of a swansong for a venerable workhorse.

I ain't mad at Ham-chan. I know they'll come good. Still busy with City Bomber, anyway

Honestly yeah, sounds kinda nostalgic. I was gonna say exclusive Mahou Daisakusen and Viper Phase 1 is straight outta 90s console dreams, but ofc, you can actually buy Mahou on PS5...

Good way to look at it on both counts. I wonder what the next week might be. Any other year, I'd have assumed Viper was the Christmas pick. (had I suspected it was even in contention!)

...Macross 2 pls? >w> Eh, chronology rule. Boxing week then pls.

For my (usual) curiosity, i skimmed from the 20th Annual Top 25 SHMUPS, all the games that are NOT ACA/Arcade Archives, i hope i didn't miss any [UPDATING]

Thanks again Lem. (and Sumez for reminding me!) Updated the list to show Top 25 nominees and inductees.

[Dazzymank]

Just tried again on all major regions on ps5 also searching via internet couldn't find it.

I've had this happen quite a bit with games not showing for days what are PS4 games.

I would normally double dip on switch as that's up but Christmas fairy taken all spare cash

This is my holy grail with the Raiden fighters and would happily settle for 360 port of that

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Just out of curiosity, how many frames of lag do the PS4 and PS5 ACA ports of Viper Phase 1 have?

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[BIL]

Not much I'm guessing, PCEFX. \(´・ω・)/ ACA Metal Black (PS4) was measured by TZW_Guile and WIZ at 0.5f behind the PCB, and faster than putting the board through an upscaler. I couldn't tell the difference between it on LCD and VING's Saturn port on a CRT.

EDIT: I remember Masahiko Ishida saying ACA Image Fight and Saigo no Nindou had just one frame added latency, too, during his appearance on Arcade Archiver. Guessing they discussed that in the relevant episodes. It's clearly something Hamster take seriously.

I saw someone claim PS4 Capcom Belt Action Collection has something like 8f input lag, but synchronised to ShmupMAME (1f) it does this. Strictly offhand, one or at most two added frames sounds a realistic ballpark for PS4 ACA stuff.

[Sima Tuna]

ACA Viper Phase 1 (Switch) High Score Mode (Old Version) Score: 171087

Ranking: 63

Made it to stage 2 boss before really aggressive zako rushes took me out.

[Loom1es]

I got it to download to PS5. I had to go to the "Game Library" page when clicking the user icon on the Playstation website. It showed up there and I was able to download it to PS5.

Thanks for the heads up regarding transferring from the website. Just completed the transfer to ps5, it was easy to do, such a shame this release was messed up.

[BIL]

It really is unfortunate, but I suppose it's better VP1 than Macross. Anybody who wants VP1 will get it, now or later. Macross relies on impulse buys from the vital Lynn Minmay and Lucy Beale simpographics . >w> ( ) No fr don't @ me motherfuckers, I don't know about any of this waifu shit!

I watch ANIME FOR MEN ONLY (｀w´メ)

Spoiler

otoh, my command of EastEnders trivia is remorseless and unrelenting; you will face crushing defeat, but I will endure humiliating victory

I notice a couple of patches already, not unusual for ACA. And now I look back at NER's run there is indeed a missing BG layer on the fifth boss. (credit @ mrotbros & erwin_uk) Seems to causes sprite breakup on SPI, interestingly. I bet they'll figure it out soon enough. Speaking of Metal Black, that one's scanlines were uniquely cocked up at launch for some reason.

[Dazzymank]

Still can't access to buy it more games show up when u type in viper phase one now just not this and I don't have PS4 to transfer it from (UK) tried Japan and USA all the same thing..

New ratsan popped up today why can't they fix this first ?

[BIL]

Seems like a freak one-off, for better or worse. I was watching Warrior Blade's ACA page with interest, in case something was up with Hamster's PSN presence in general. But it's got the usual PSN store link, as did City Bomber before it. So it seems not.

st5's boss graphics still need patching, so I'm sure they're far from done with Viper. After even M2 needed some time to perfect their F3 emulation (Darius Gaiden), I'm unsurprised Hamster's SPI isn't 100% out of the gate. Just unfortunate to have an apparent red tape cockup atop the expected teething period.

[Gamer707b]

Played this at a shmup meet years ago and really enjoyed it. Just forgot the name , so I'm looking forward to getting it. Still have my PS4, so I don't mind playing it.

Off topic, being that many of you here sound really knowledgeable on the ACA releases, are their Metal Slug releases really the best official versions aside from the Neo Geo versions? I've had the PS2 Anthology collection for many years, but haven't touched it for obvious reasons.

[Steven]

The best way to play Metal Slug is indeed on a real Neo Geo, but ACA is the next best thing and way cheaper. Apparently the Metal Slug Anthology releases on whatever it was on after PS2 are probably just that system emulating the PS2 version of Anthology, which itself is emulating the Neo Geo, so you've got two emulation layers in there if it's actually true.

After even M2 needed some time to perfect their F3 emulation (Darius Gaiden)

Wait what M2 broke Darius Gaiden at first? Interesting. What did they do to it? I got it on PC, by which time they'd fixed everything... or so I've heard.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Played this at a shmup meet years ago and really enjoyed it. Just forgot the name , so I'm looking forward to getting it. Still have my PS4, so I don't mind playing it.

Off topic, being that many of you here sound really knowledgeable on the ACA releases, are their Metal Slug releases really the best official versions aside from the Neo Geo versions? I've had the PS2 Anthology collection for many years, but haven't touched it for obvious reasons.

For Gamer707b,

Yes, the Neo-Geo ACA releases are actually running the Neo-Geo MVS roms themselves -- they are 100% spot-on accurate. So you can retire your PS2 MS Anthology and play either the PS4 or Switch ports of the entire MS series as they were originally meant to be played.

Back to the original topic on hand.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[BIL]

Yeah, PS4 ACA Metal Slugs 1, X, 3, and 4 are superb. 1:1 to my MVS carts, from what I could tell. I've never played MS5 on hardware, but its ACA release plays great too, and looks identical to replays. (lacking a Switch, I've never tried those versions)

My only issue is their dated "on/off" autofire. This goes for ACA-NG in general. Basically, if you want reliable autofire, you'll need a hardware solution. MS1-3 work fine for the most part, but MS3's Astro Slug peashooter feels weak. (to be fair, it's weak even with 15hz, dohoho... best tactic is to conserve ammo, keep your Turret add-on, and macro aggressively around shit with your barn-sized hitbox my least favourite bit of the Nazca trilogy by far)

I'd love to see at least a few titles updated to mainline ACA spec. Miracle Adventure (rad game) could really use a slide macro.

As you probably know, PS2 Anthology has infamously bad input lag. ala S-Tribute Cotton, just unanimously associated with godawful latency. The PS4 release apparently worsens it, which sounds like a living hell. Definitely just go with ACA if you can. Beware DotEmu's PC MS3, too!

Wait what M2 broke Darius Gaiden at first? Interesting. What did they do to it? I got it on PC, by which time they'd fixed everything... or so I've heard.

Rastan's posted about it a few times over the years. (foot of post) Seems it was mostly on the Switch original, and they'd nailed it by the PS4 and Steam releases.