I'm so glad that Hamster's Arcade Archives are a thing.

[Jucksalbe]

The way the game changes its music depending on the weapon type you're using bothers me more than it really should.

Other than that it seems like a perfectly enjoyable, if a bit bland, shooter. The slowdown issues turn into severe stutter issues in some places, so I'm very glad there's the option to improve performance. They probably should have turned this on by default. Not sure what makes this a "Star Force" game, though. Well, aside from marketing reasons.

[hamfighterx]

Not quite Arcade Archives, but in some AA-adjacent news that probably fits well here: ArcSys is doing a new compilation, "Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics" releasing worldwide on April 24 for Switch/PS4/PC. Initial trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8q9QnmeFpw

There are some interesting games on this one! In particular, I'm thrilled to see these two:

Super Dodge Ball - the Neo Geo version!!!! One more of the fairly small number of Neo Geo games that didn't make it as one of the 108 ACA Neo Geo entries. Not the same as the identically-named arcade Super Dodge Ball that did show up on Arcade Archives.

Shadow Force - I always hoped that one day this would make it to AA, but I'm fine taking it in this form too for the first ever console port. Beautiful "modern ninja" beat-em-up, with one of the more complicated control schemes ever seen in the genre.

Full game list:
River City Renegade (SFC)
Kunio's Dodgeball Time, C'mon Guys! (SFC)
Downtown River City Baseball Story (SFC)
Kunio’s Oden (SFC)
THE COMBATRIBES (SFC)
SugoroQuest++ DICENICS (SFC)
DunQuest (SFC)
Super Dodge Ball (Neo Geo/Arcade)
XAIN'D SLEENA (Arcade)
CHINA GATE (Arcade)
THE COMBATRIBES (Arcade)
SHADOW FORCE (Arcade)

[Sima Tuna]

Not quite Arcade Archives, but in some AA-adjacent news that probably fits well here: ArcSys is doing a new compilation, "Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics" releasing worldwide on April 24 for Switch/PS4/PC. Initial trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8q9QnmeFpw

There are some interesting games on this one! In particular, I'm thrilled to see these two:

Super Dodge Ball - the Neo Geo version!!!! One more of the fairly small number of Neo Geo games that didn't make it as one of the 108 ACA Neo Geo entries. Not the same as the identically-named arcade Super Dodge Ball that did show up on Arcade Archives.

Shadow Force - I always hoped that one day this would make it to AA, but I'm fine taking it in this form too for the first ever console port. Beautiful "modern ninja" beat-em-up, with one of the more complicated control schemes ever seen in the genre.

Full game list:
River City Renegade (SFC)
Kunio's Dodgeball Time, C'mon Guys! (SFC)
Downtown River City Baseball Story (SFC)
Kunio’s Oden (SFC)
THE COMBATRIBES (SFC)
SugoroQuest++ DICENICS (SFC)
DunQuest (SFC)
Super Dodge Ball (Neo Geo/Arcade)
XAIN'D SLEENA (Arcade)
CHINA GATE (Arcade)
THE COMBATRIBES (Arcade)
SHADOW FORCE (Arcade)

Combatribes is big. It's the game that arguably caused the downfall of the Double Dragon IP. Technos poured all their time and money into Combatribes and farmed out Double Dragon 3. They thought Combatribes was going to be a big hit, which... That plan backfired. But it is still an interesting example of a Technos style brawler. Not in the same class as Vendetta but interesting. Xain's Sleena has its advocates. I'm always down for more Kunio sports games, especially console versions. Kunio Baseball is probably fun.

[Bar81]

The way the game changes it's music depending on the weapon type you're using bothers me more than it really should.

Thank you, I was watching the trailer and was wondering why the music kept changing - changing music for weapons is a new one for me.

[valziman]

Searching around the internet, it seems like this thread has the only people who played Final Star Force who didn't also hate it, so I'm going to stay curious about your opinions after you 1cc it. I've found a lot of hidden gems by way of this forum.

[BIL]

I 1CCd it the other night, alternating with the far superior Raiga. Which I was feeling good about 2ALLing on my first time into the loop, until I hit 2-4, and got PWNed by the much sterner penalty for weapon flip-flopping. VERTICAL come back, u can blame it all on me~

What a great game! I'll always prefer a 1ALL, on principle. But Raiga's loops being quite short, even I don't mind much. I think the endgame does tactical weapon select better than the typical golden age R-Type or Thunder Force, although that may be nubbishness on my part. I feel like I could bag the 2ALL in short order if I went at it balls-out this week, but I want to get a better Macross score. Also my funtime is hell atm, hence this short post. TTYL shump frens 3;

I don't think anyone familiar with the STGs Final Star Force references who's made it to Stage 7 is going to undergo any great change of heart in the remainder. It's shown exactly what it is by then: an agreeably easier, simpler Raidenesque, that chucks in iconic fast zako strings from OG Star Force as homage. Endgame is actually very brisk, but as simple as what came before.

Final Star Force In Twenty Seconds

Complaints: the zako/bullet contrast can be a little weak. Absurd slowdown on bosses 2 and 6 - I'm guessing size does matter here, because many more complex yet smaller bosses don't slow down nearly as much. And uh... that's about it tbh. It's no hidden gem, just a perfectly agreeable minor Raidenesque overshadowed by a rather momentous name.

[Samildanach]

I'm enjoying FSF despite it being absolutely not in the same tier as some of its better known contemporaries. You go from being wowed by the impressive rotating space elevator in stage 3 to flying over the absolutely basic plain moon surface with badly 'drawn' crators later in stage 5. Your ships firepower is fairly quickly a joy to behold as you mow down the enemy waves and, just like Raiga, the game is easy enough that even a 'hey poor player' like me can get far on one credit on my first go. The popcorn are a bit nondescript and I feel though their hit detection is a bit wonky, a la Xenon 2 for example. The main difference in this game is you quickly start spraying a continuous stream of death so iffy small enemy hit detection is a non-issue, whereas in Xenon 2 you have a pea shooter for most of your early play and therefore have no fun at all. Bosses are suitably varied and well designed I feel.
The music is the biggest downside with the tracks switching as you pick up different weapons (other than when boss music is playing). It was a terrible idea and grates throughout, but keep in mind that I personally value the mood set by a game's music as high as the quality of its gameplay, others may be less bothered by this.
For the price of a pint (these days) I would say all but Arcade Archives worst shmup entries are each worth buying if you aren't broke. Even if you don't plan on spending a few weeks learning to 1cc each game, you'll have such a broad range of pick up and play shmups that can give you a few minutes of fun any time.

[BrianC]

Technos poured all their time and money into Combatribes and farmed out Double Dragon 3.

The main problem with DD3 is that the west got a borked version of the game that requires putting in more coins to get a decent move set.

[BIL]

Nice, the missing graphics layer from Viper Phase 1's st5 boss area is fixed. Big beautiful asteroids.

[DenimDemon]

Hamster could have add an option to no music switch on FSF, no?

[Sturmvogel Prime]

Looks like Hamster released an update for Viper Phase 1
PS4/Nintendo Switch「アーケードアーカイブス バイパーフェイズ1」のパッチを配信しました。一部の背景画像とBGMの再現性を高めました。またPS5からご購入ができない件は引き続き対応中です。ご迷惑をお掛けして申し訳ございませんがもう少しお待ちください。

"A patch has been released for 「Arcade Archives Viper Phase 1」. Improved the reproducibility of some background images and BGM. We are still working on the issue of not being able to purchase from PS5. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please wait a little longer."

[Some-Mist]

There was definitely something that felt off for me on the switch version. Ill have to give the patched version a try

[Jonpachi]

Technos poured all their time and money into Combatribes and farmed out Double Dragon 3.

The main problem with DD3 is that the west got a borked version of the game that requires putting in more coins to get a decent move set.

The monetization scheme was awful, but the core game is the real issue. Herky-jerky animations, small sprites, sluggish actions. It’s a mess no matter which version you play.

[BIL]

Ah, nice. I was hoping they'd hidden this somewhere in ACA VP1. (*'ω' *) ♫

BACKSTOLY: Many ACA Konami releases have hidden Sound Tests, accessed via Konami Code at the title screen. Several of Gotch's, as well as those following Gradius III. Gradius and Salamander will play unused BGM. I *think* Gradius III is similar... it'll randomly play a few tunes, including a Gradius III-sounding arrangement of "Maximum Speed." They're spartan, as is ACA's wont, but nice to leave running in the BG while going between browser and console. And just a nice touch overall tbh.

Offhand listing, probably more

-Contra
-Super Contra
-Flak Attack **
-Gradius *
-Gradius II
-Gradius III *
-Metamorphic Force
-Mystic Warriors
-Salamander *
-Thunder Cross
-Thunder Cross II
-XEXEX

* = plays unused BGM selections (?)
** = will flip regions; eg if you're on Japanese System Language, it'll become MX5000. No difference other than title screen, AFAIK

At least one non-Konami release features a Sound Test: Raiga, by Thunder Cross II composer the great Mikio Saitoh, aka Metal Yuhki. Access that one by entering [up, right, down, left] and [Option or +/-]. Recently found it via the game's JP wikipedia page; was actually revealed on Raiga's Arcade Archiver episode, back in 2023.

Tried on a hunch and yep, works on VP1 too.

Spoiler

I wonder if it was there before, or if that was the BGM referred to in the patch notes. Lovely either way. it's a big part of VP1's audio image, imo; much like the Raiden Fighters' for theirs. Loved seeing it used in the INH Superplay DVD trailer.

Thunder Cross 2's OST is utter class btw. Neoclassical Metal Shooting Valhalla. After stage 1's spirited opening sally, ho ho hoooly fuck, KARTUS PT2, THEME OF RAGAMUFFIN and BATTLES OF BATTLESHIP stomp and blaze. In more aerodynamic mode, HEAVY METAL BOMBER will blow your mahfuckin socks off like it's AKU GARRETT! Tuneful closers the indomitable STAR LIGHT and fierily lyrical AT THE FRONT stand with the immortal bests of Furukawa and Higashino et al.

Underrated guy! Even when he's stealin' the tunes, like he nicked "A Shooting Star's" trackname from Furukawa's Gradius II! (Iron Man for Ninja Gaiden's Road Warriors, infamously; Bound To Break for its first stage, less reputedly but imo even more awesomely!)

[Sturmvogel Prime]

Thunder...
Thunder...
THUNDER!
THUNDER FOX!! HOOOOOO!!!
https://www.famitsu.com/article/202501/31937

[BIL]

Killer game. Crime City 2: Rolling Thunder x Ninja Warriors.



SAFETY FIRST KIDS

[Randorama]

Just in case: Rando covered it for you.

[BEAMLORD]

Thunder...
Thunder...
THUNDER!
THUNDER FOX!! HOOOOOO!!!
https://www.famitsu.com/article/202501/31937

That's some good Wednesday morning news

[Jeneki]

DESTROY TANK

I've got a knife and rock hard abs. Challenge accepted.

[BIL]

Ah man, what a great game. Big production, solid fundamentals. Having grown up with the pale MD port, paler still with its companion being the powerhouse Strider, the AC one always feels like a game from the future; one I tend to underrate when it's been a while.

The big three boss rivals can be a handful at first, with their deadly punishes, but each's duel matures pretty nicely imo. It's a super-tight credit, too. Crime City with the business casual ditched for cargo pants and army boots, aggression and mobility accordingly enhanced. (pace Rando )

The MD port wasn't one of Taito's stronger showings on the platform; nowhere near the excellence of Darius II. It captures the broad outline, with particularly admirable fidelity to the arcade character artwork. But besides missing the AC's setpieces - solid works that create charming continuity, as you thrash the enemy from one outpost to the next courtesy of their own hijacked vehicles - the pace is AWOL. You'd never guess the AC's irrepressible joie de vivre from the MD's trudging shadow. Competent but uninspiring.

I do still like a couple things; the BGM tends to a slightly heavier tempo, giving an excellent rumbling pall to the opening stage. Will always remember the bleak contrast with other army-themed sidescrollers like Contra and Prisoners Of War; there's that Ninja Warriors pedigree showing in the bullet-raked concrete and shattered windows. I ilke the rock-steadier boss BGM too, and the Game Over sting is extra-plaintive. And the last boss gains LION-OU the mecha security beast. Not a great boss battle IIRC, but a world-class design.

Rawr! >:3

ACA ver got that nice jumpkick macro. I'm usually all about these, especially when they turn cramped two-button games into three-button exJAMMAganzas. (eg Crime Fighters 2 and Warrior Blade) But tbh, the [strike+jump] command is already so comfy. With it being a three-button game by default - strike / jump / weapon - I've gone without, for now. Still, great option to have, as always. Also offers a nice technical fix for the game's scrolling bug, which I can't remember encountering, but it's been a while.

Roll on Dead Connection

[OldSkoolShmuper]

Killer game. Crime City 2: Rolling Thunder x Ninja Warriors.



SAFETY FIRST KIDS

HOLY SHIT, I have been asking and asking, and FINALLY, Thunder Fox we get!

[BIL]

Daaamn, love that JP arcade flyer! Got that psycho Baki energy.

SECRET WAR IN VIETNAM

Dig the mean-mugging behind the wheel, and how the two enemy zako are hauling ass away from Menacing Mr. Fox.

As much as I like on-model stuff, alt styles are often great too. And the overseas one is like a wiry-tough 60s take, vs the game's Hokuto no Ken-buff 198X.

[Acid]

So is this picture the "awesome release incoming" signal?

[BIL]

Apparently it's a big robot pen0r, we stole it from Dick Stock figuring they had so many dongs lying around it wouldn't be missed Usually portends greatness, but sometimes leads to very unfortunate events, which can still be useful and/or amusing! Somewhat reliable.

EDIT: Haha. Reading that flyer, it's so endearing how everything it mentions takes place in vivid gameplay. A Land Sea & Air Extravaganza! That's the flying battleship taken care of, let's use these jetskis to invade their aircraft carrier. It reads like the back cover of those defining 80s VHS Hits™, like 1990: The Bronx Warriors - or as we called it at Cannes, 1990: I guerrieri del Bronx Where the boxart leaps from the rental shelf, its back text promising Action Valhalla! Only for the whole thing to be filmed in a Wendy's (TECHNO DYSTOPIA) and the vacant lot next door (DANGER FOREST)!

But now, it is 1990! THE ACTION IS REAL (■｀w´■) (｀w´メ)

VHS? Pff! More like V.G.! Now this is Die Neu Technologie fur Hard Aktion Kunst & Kultur!

[Daytime Waitress]

And the last boss gains LION-OU the mecha security beast. Not a great boss battle IIRC, but a world-class design.

Rawr! >:3

An intentional testament to Verhoeven's dystopian grit though it may be, ED209's dusky urban-camouflage-inflected utilitarianism stands in stark contrast to contemporaneous Taito villains getting this kind of ricing. That's what Space Invaders money will get you, I guess

It reads like the back cover of those defining 80s VHS Hits™, like 1990: The Bronx Warriors - or as we called it at Cannes, 1990: I guerrieri del Bronx Where the boxart leaps from the rental shelf, its back text promising Action Valhalla! Only for the whole thing to be filmed in a Wendy's (TECHNO DYSTOPIA) and the vacant lot next door (DANGER FOREST)!

But now, it is 1990! THE ACTION IS REAL (■｀w´■) (｀w´メ)

This assessment stood out for me, BIL, not just because of the sheer effort that the team went to in order to hook the potential audience, but because it came a day or so after the Gematsu-intern-bot drizzled out this particular nothing over the non-announcement of the M2/Compile Heart totally-not-vaporware:

While specific details are still limited, the main system is expected to introduce new concepts. It also appears that the three ships in the game are piloted by beautiful girls.

Jaysus I hope the bots have taken over and an actual human didn't write that :c


Anyway, I'm still yet to master the business casual edition, but I'll definitely be picking this one up when it drops in an hour or so.
Loving HamHam's Japanese page redesign and the commitment to a 7pm release - cosy af.

[MJR]

I guess this thread as good as any to announce that I was finally, finally, finally able to crawl my way through the Stage 5 boss on my Viper Phase 1 practise no-miss run using save states. As you know, the game keeps ranking up into brutal levels if you don't die. And I was out of bombs when I encountered this thing from hell. Being able to get through it with just save states alone felt like massive achievement, but was also great practise, particularly if you don't want to grind levels 1-4 five hundred times..

https://youtu.be/eVRh_7WZcOw

[BIL]

Bless

And the last boss gains LION-OU the mecha security beast. Not a great boss battle IIRC, but a world-class design.

Rawr! >:3

An intentional testament to Verhoeven's dystopian grit though it may be, ED209's dusky urban-camouflage-inflected utilitarianism stands in stark contrast to contemporaneous Taito villains getting this kind of ricing. That's what Space Invaders money will get you, I guess

Making me picture poor Kinney eating a mini Ray'z Itano Circus with a napalm chaser. (instead of fleeing in terror, he and the rest of the board are transfixed by how rad it looks )

I guess this thread as good as any to announce that I was finally, finally, finally able to crawl my way through the Stage 5 boss on my Viper Phase 1 practise no-miss run using save states. As you know, the game keeps ranking up into brutal levels if you don't die. And I was out of bombs when I encountered this thing from hell. Being able to get through it with just save states alone felt like massive achievement, but was also great practise, particularly if you don't want to grind levels 1-4 five hundred times..

https://youtu.be/eVRh_7WZcOw

Stage Practice Mode, humanity's greatest invention I keep a few dummy accounts just for trying stuff out / woodshedding stages. Not quite as nice as multiple slots, but I kinda enjoy having to improvise a little, and it's still more than the average board (other than Image Fight) allows.

[Jeneki]

I have to say: During the jetski stage, those guys who jump out of a helicopter over the ocean, armed with a knife trying death from above you, have some serious balls of steel.

[NightBeast]

I have to say: During the jetski stage, those guys who jump out of a helicopter over the ocean, armed with a knife trying death from above you, have some serious balls of steel.

Nah. They’re just desperate to get the F out of that helicopter that had like 600 dudes inside it. Way too cramped.

[Daytime Waitress]

Just a couple of credit-feeding, cursory caravan attempting observations:

- it's pretty jarring to go from Crime City's rolling with impunity to deftly timing i-frames in order to escape attacks.
- it feels like the environmental hazards ramp up considerably in the last stage: both in the degree of precision needed to avoid them and in sheer volume.
- forcing credit-feeders to do the whole last boss fight from scratch got a chuckle out of me, as did the versatility of proto-CE Sagat here.
- want to thank BIL for the encouraging words: the bosses are certainly not as intimidating as they first appear, but that window of opportunity on the stage 4 machinery is a god's damned arrow slit

I think on the whole, what threw me most was how the human bosses just plain no-sell most projectiles you've managed to lug into the arena: handgun and semi-auto bullets alike are input read with a quickness that would make half of Elden Ring's roster envious. Although I did seem to have a little success with the chappy just before the last boss: firing across the bow and then immediately Liu Kang FF+HK'ing him in the face; the gunshot seeming to lessen the likelihood of him pulling an anti-air on the kick alone.

Like SDFM to Viper Phase 1 previously, I found that this outing has given me more reasons to enjoy what I already liked beforehand. That's not to say I dislike this outing, just that it's endlessly-respawning, more intense paramilitary dropkicking is a definitive contrast to Crime City's breezy vibes. Being able to roll clean through packs and open fire on bosses just hits different. Not better or worse, just different. I guess that's the difference between a well-oiled paramilitary machine that can afford tanks, gyro-copters and mechs; and a "legitimate businessman" whose trafficking and bank robbing exploits spiraled out of control over the course of one week's worth of Daily Taito headlines