Yuzo Koshiro is making new MD shmup.

[MintyTheCat]

In my case, I do have a legal copy of the Steam license, but I wish to play it as God intended : on the Megadrive itself.
Given the total lack of standards wrt LRG, I did not wish to chance anything on them and to give them money.

I'm waiting to begrudgingly pay LRG for the cartridge before I play it (avoiding all video spoilers) and I wasn't going to spend anything till then, but I have actually bought it on Steam now as a token gesture to support Yuzo after this super-fast cracking fiasco. Ironically, I have now supported who ever it was that fumbled the security (and LRG), along with Yuzo. I just hope Ancient got most of my money. I guess another way to support Yuzo is to buy the soundtrack on Bandcamp. Hopefully he's getting a larger share for that.

I hope that Yuzo has retained rights to publish Earthion again with someone else down the line, and that any more games he makes don't go anywhere near LRG in the future!

I know what you mean, mate - I avoid all film trailers these days for the same reason and all reviews online before I have been able to see a film myself as it really spoils the experience for us.

Well, thing is: security : you can try your best but someone with focus and intention will always find a way around it eventually.
There will always be a group of people who don't see any need to pay for their music/films/games/etc. but many of us realise what it means, and that we have to support developers that we like with our wallets.

From what I gather, yuzo has plans to continue developing for the Megadrive

[Firehawke]

Anyone got a link to the extraction method? Yes, I did buy it on Steam, and I'd like to put the game on my Retroid Pocket 5.

[BEAMLORD]

Just got the update.

Now we're talking - bullet visibility is much improved. Look similar to what I've seen of the Exa version. Nice, round, bright, defined bullets. Now to see if that helps with my scores

Did get a bug though, somewhere in "Final Mission", where the music stopped until I game over'd...

[Stevens]

Just got the update.

Now we're talking - bullet visibility is much improved. Look similar to what I've seen of the Exa version. Nice, round, bright, defined bullets. Now to see if that helps with my scores

This is awesome news! Can't wait to play it when I get home.

[Air Master Burst]

Has anyone managed to max out one of the upgrade pods yet? I haven't noticed a difference at level 2 or level 3, but haven't been able to max the bar yet. I assume there must be some reward for maxing it, or why have it level up at all?

Still haven't figured out what the statue of liberty gem does yet, either. I'm pretty sure I found another, smaller hidden gem earlier in the level my last run; but it similarly had no effect. Don't remember exactly where but it was also in one of those nooks in the floor.

[Necronom]

The original MD version is still the way to play imho, i mean i'm not always too enthusiastic about what Exa does but in this case i really don't see how the Exa version would make the megadrive experience "vastly inferior". I still prefer it.

Lol, of course it's the way to play...because it's the only version that's really available to 99% of the people interested in playing it.
Only because better audio quality and no slowdown are (probably) not possible on MD, doesn't mean that all the other versions can't have it.
The hypermode is a bigger deal than you think because it gives the game the much needed arcade mechanic resulting in more risk/reward situations and making it a tighter game. And don't kid yourself - outside of Japan Exa is all about high roller collectors, barely any western arcade will invest in an Exa system.
I don't have a problem with exclusive content or arrange modes but I do have a problem when creators lock these away from the vast majority of their customers/fans PERMANENTLY and pretend that everything's peachy.
The situation is even more frustrating because people asked Ancient for a rom to play on their Everdrives, many of them willing to buy the rom AND the cartridge. Ancient could have easily offered a slightly more expensive edition with the decrypted rom included.

Btw, I'm pretty sure running the game through the BlastEm core on Retroarch results in less lag than playing the emulated version on Steam. Maybe this gets patched too. I wouldn't be surprised if the Switch version ends up with way more input lag than running it on some Chinese handheld through Retroarch...

[The_Trooper49]

I'm waiting for the switch version, so hoping some of the emulation issues can be resolved before that releases... There are some great mega drive ports on switch so it can work in the right hands!!

[Jackoz]

Just got the update.

Now we're talking - bullet visibility is much improved. Look similar to what I've seen of the Exa version. Nice, round, bright, defined bullets. Now to see if that helps with my scores

Did get a bug though, somewhere in "Final Mission", where the music stopped until I game over'd...

Are we looking at the same thing?
This bullet update is absolutely rubbish and worse than before.

[Jackoz]

And don't kid yourself - outside of Japan Exa is all about high roller collectors, barely any western arcade will invest in an Exa system.
I don't have a problem with exclusive content or arrange modes but I do have a problem when creators lock these away from the vast majority of their customers/fans PERMANENTLY and pretend that everything's peachy.

Don’t kid yourself to think that Western arcades do not buy. Several of my operator mates have them and continue to buy them. Chains are not buying shmups or most Japanese games because fans do not show up.

Many people also seem to be blaming Ancient but they do not own the eXA version. The arcade port was developed outside of them by eXA just like the other eXA ports.

[BEAMLORD]

Just got the update.

Now we're talking - bullet visibility is much improved. Look similar to what I've seen of the Exa version. Nice, round, bright, defined bullets. Now to see if that helps with my scores

Did get a bug though, somewhere in "Final Mission", where the music stopped until I game over'd...

Are we looking at the same thing?
This bullet update is absolutely rubbish and worse than before.

What can I say? I can see the bullets much better, and got my best clear of the game so far after the update, so it's working for me.

[FunktionJCB]

What can I say? I can see the bullets much better, and got my best clear of the game so far after the update, so it's working for me.

The bullets are indeed much easier to see after the update.
You saw it, I saw it, and users on Steam and various forums are seeing it.

[Klatrymadon]

The bullets are loads better but fixing those only sorts out about 10% of the visibility issues, really. So much else contributes, too — e.g. background elements undifferentiated from things with hitboxes; poorly distinguished plumes of deadly shrapnel from destroyed enemies; the busy warping and shifting effects used throughout; a preference for 2-pixel-wide sprites for lingering, floating explosives; and shared colour palettes between encroaching enemies and backgrounds. Most of the problems would be easily dealt with on their own, but for much of the game they're overlapping and dancing around each other, often hiding what meagre, last-second telegraphing it chooses to do. It never feels like there isn't a blind spot somewhere, even when you've memorised all the problematic points...

Earthion's still a somewhat satisfying game to play — the weapons are all great fun and there's plenty of beefy feedback on everything you destroy — but legibility and your ability to play a clean run have been sacrificed at the altar of technical wizardry FOR MEGADRIVERS CUSTOM. The generous shield system is the sticking plaster, and feels like it was implemented in direct response to these issues, with little expectation that most players would be dodging anything.

[qmish]

Don’t kid yourself to think that Western arcades do not buy.

Not every country or city has arcade centers nowadays though.

[Serge.EXE]

Don’t kid yourself to think that Western arcades do not buy.

Not every country or city has arcade centers nowadays though.

It's true! I live in New Jersey, the most population dense part of America. If I want to play an Exa Arcadia machine, I have to drive minimum an hour over to New York State, or longer to Philadelphia. Both of these trips are pretty un-doable most of the time with my full-time nightshift schedule.

It's not that there are no arcades here in NJ, but none that I'm aware of have an Exa. I was excited for a new Round 1 to open in Elizabeth because the R1 I went to a fair bit in Texas had an awesome Exa setup with SDOJ, but there's no such luck here.

I more or less just have to accept that I'll never get to touch Earthion EXA Label unless I get a job that pays WAY more, and even then I wouldn't exactly feel great about the purchase, constantly thinking about what else that money could have gone to

[Sly Cherry Chunks]

Has anyone managed to max out one of the upgrade pods yet? I haven't noticed a difference at level 2 or level 3, but haven't been able to max the bar yet. I assume there must be some reward for maxing it, or why have it level up at all?

Still haven't figured out what the statue of liberty gem does yet, either. I'm pretty sure I found another, smaller hidden gem earlier in the level my last run; but it similarly had no effect. Don't remember exactly where but it was also in one of those nooks in the floor.

Secondary weapons max out at level 10. I noticed V Shot had fatter bullets when maxed out. It’s not possible to max out both your primary and secondary weapons in one run so you’re expected to use the password to continue your progress.

The Statue of Liberty gem does seem to be just a normal hidden gem, the temp shield is just an automatic thing you get for the scene transition.

[Air Master Burst]

Secondary weapons max out at level 10. I noticed V Shot had fatter bullets when maxed out. It’s not possible to max out both your primary and secondary weapons in one run so you’re expected to use the password to continue your progress.

Right, but I'm specifically referring to the adaptation pod or whatever the miniboss item drop is that gets you the store between levels. I don't think there's any way to keep it around, so I'm wondering if levellng it up does anything at all.

[pentarou]

I think the only point of levels on the adaptation pod is to prevent you from losing it if you get hit or die.

[Emerl]

Don’t kid yourself to think that Western arcades do not buy. Several of my operator mates have them and continue to buy them. Chains are not buying shmups or most Japanese games because fans do not show up.

I live in the most populous city in America. The nearest arcade with an Exa is 3 hours away and doesn't have any of the shmups. The only way for 99% of the population in America to have access to EXA is to spend the $5k on a system and game.

[Stevens]

I live in the most populous city in America. The nearest arcade with an Exa is 3 hours away and doesn't have any of the shmups. The only way for 99% of the population in America to have access to EXA is to spend the $5k on a system and game.

So we're neighbors?

Anyways now that I have a normal 1cc (only started with two lives) I would like to share my thoughts:

- This is game I would without hesitation suggest to someone looking to get into the genre. It looks and sounds amazing.
- The patch makes a world of difference with regards to visibility. While it can feel overwhelming (poor positioning/not knowing what's coming) at times I always saw what hit me.
- As someone on the Steam forums said - Hard/Hotshot seems to be designed with the password in mind. I would agree with that. I know they are clearable for some, but I plan on putting it to use for sure.
- Top Gun references!

I'm sure there are other things, but really this is a great shmup and a great game in general. It nails what it set out to do and can be played by anyone regardless of ability.

Hats off to Ancient.

[Steven]

I have talked about this before, but most players in Tokyo don't care about exa crap at all. Go to Mikado. Go to Hey. You won't find many or any people playing exa at either arcade on any given day. They're all playing whatever the newest Tekken is, Memodama, Street Fighter II, various Neo Geo KOF games, or Garou Densetsu Special. The APM3s and NESiCAs are just as empty as the exa machines. I'm kind of surprised that Mikado actually buys exa stuff, as their profit margins are rumoured to be really poor as it is, hence the crowdfunding they did a few years ago to stay alive.

BTW obligatory "MEMODAMA IS FUCKIN' RAD!!!", even if it is stupidly difficult.

[Jackoz]

Don’t kid yourself to think that Western arcades do not buy. Several of my operator mates have them and continue to buy them. Chains are not buying shmups or most Japanese games because fans do not show up.

I live in the most populous city in America. The nearest arcade with an Exa is 3 hours away and doesn't have any of the shmups. The only way for 99% of the population in America to have access to EXA is to spend the $5k on a system and game.

I’m assuming you mean NYC as the most populous city in the States. My mate has street routes on Long Island with exas. I reckon that’s far less than 3 hours away.

[Jackoz]

I have talked about this before, but most players in Tokyo don't care about exa crap at all. Go to Mikado. Go to Hey. You won't find many or any people playing exa at either arcade on any given day. They're all playing whatever the newest Tekken is, Memodama, Street Fighter II, various Neo Geo KOF games, or Garou Densetsu Special. The APM3s and NESiCAs are just as empty as the exa machines. I'm kind of surprised that Mikado actually buys exa stuff, as their profit margins are rumoured to be really poor as it is, hence the crowdfunding they did a few years ago to stay alive.

Mate I’ve seen you say this several times and you’re dead wrong spreading misinformation.

Tekken 7 is long dead and going end of service since Tekken 8 has been out for ages on console. The newest KOF is only on console and SF6 Type Arcade is worse than console. Players of these series are at home because the arcade does not offer them even an equal experience to their home. Arcade exclusives like Gundam EXVS 2 series and what eXA offers are why players go to an arcade. As much as we all love the classics no one plays them enough to pay the rent even in Japan.

You should know Mikado is well hated by the retro Japanese community for scamming crowdfunding rewards since the pandemic and shilling bad products like Astro City Mini V so badly their reputation is complete rubbish now. Do a search for ミカド教 and you can learn heaps.

I recently in Japan on holidays and was at Hey for weeks straight last month. people are on the exas every evening and the machines are now right in front of the escalators entrance. If the machines didn’t make money places like Hey and Mikado would not be buying them.

[Steven]

I say it because I have lived here for over a decade and I know what people play. How many years have you been going to arcades here? Probably not more than me. Can you actually speak Japanese well enough to speak to the players and have a fluent conversation with them about what they play? I can, and I do. Few people play exa. Fewer play the NESiCAs and APM3s. They play old stuff mainly. The newest arcade Tekken may be dying, but people still play it anyway. Go check out Mikado's streams. Memodama has a tournament literally every week, and they stream that. They do old KOF a lot, and Garou Densetsu Special is considered to be the primary game that is played at Mikado.

I know very well that people hate Mikado and why. I know that people go there anyway, and I do too, although I know I probably should stop going there, but they have way more games that I like and play than Taito Hey does. I actually know the owner of Mikado (not too closely, as I know he's done shady crap over the past few years, so I'm fine with that, but he's a pillar of the arcade games community here, so whether people like him or not, he's one of the guys that holds our community together, and I think all of the old STG devs know him personally, too; I know he's friends with Namiki Manabu and a few other cool people), so perhaps I'll ask him about what people mostly play. I also know where the exa machines are at Hey because I've used them, although I try not to, which is actually pretty easy because they have nothing that I care about.

exa isn't revitalizing arcades; Japanese arcades are dying. It just took longer here than elsewhere. Arcades close regularly, or, sadly, get burned to the ground. Just this year a-cho, one of the major non-Tokyo arcades, died. Sure, people play exa games sometimes, otherwise they wouldn't have them in arcades. But if exa is so great, why do the game centers keep so many old games around? The answer is obvious: because exa is almost certainly not sufficient to keep them alive. a-cho won't be the last arcade to die this year and exa's presence or absence is not going to prevent it from happening.

[jehu]

Online discourse about exA is in such a weird state. I just came from the Earthion Steam forums where some schizo is demanding that Yuzo Kushiro be “punished” for letting the exA version exist. Something about exA supporting the console wars, artificial scarcity, something about two (nonexistent) extra levels in that version… and here, it’s this.

You say, “I'm kind of surprised that Mikado actually buys exa stuff.” No deep theory-crafting is necessary here. Arcades are a business. They won’t keep buying something if it’s not benefiting the business. Arcades are buying exA products. Ergo…

It’s been five years; exA is past the experimental entry stage of the business; it’s working and the arcades, by the only metric that matters, tacitly agree that value is being added. How many times do you think these financially fragile businesses would be willing to incur losses if it weren’t the case? You spend time in the arcades, I know, but the arcade owners know the business better than even you.

No one is claiming that exA “revitalizing the arcades” means that they’re single-handedly keeping them all alive. What a goalpost; not sure where you even got that idea. They are giving arcades something unique for players to experience; that’s what arcades need. It’s a step in the right direction. At the very least, they pull in a few curious players now and then, and those players spend money in the business there, and elsewhere on the other offerings.

And Steven, come on: “But if exa is so great, why do the game centers keep so many old games around?”

Come on, guy… what is this argument? It is one product among many at the arcades. To be successful, exA has to be so overwhelmingly compelling that the arcades scrap all other games outside of exA? Again, what is this standard you’ve come up with? “If STV is so good, why do they still have their F3 boards?” Take a guess!

[spmbx]

So is there a guide to extract the rom yourself? I'd very much prefer to extract my own rom than go on a hunt for the latest version of the rom whenever there's been an update of the steam release.

[Stevens]

Online discourse about exA is in such a weird state. I just came from the Earthion Steam forums where some schizo is demanding that Yuzo Kushiro be “punished” for letting the exA version exist. Something about exA supporting the console wars, artificial scarcity, something about two (nonexistent) extra levels in that version… and here, it’s this.

You say, “I'm kind of surprised that Mikado actually buys exa stuff.” No deep theory-crafting is necessary here. Arcades are a business. They won’t keep buying something if it’s not benefiting the business. Arcades are buying exA products. Ergo…

It’s been five years; exA is past the experimental entry stage of the business; it’s working and the arcades, by the only metric that matters, tacitly agree that value is being added. How many times do you think these financially fragile businesses would be willing to incur losses if it weren’t the case? You spend time in the arcades, I know, but the arcade owners know the business better than even you.

No one is claiming that exA “revitalizing the arcades” means that they’re single-handedly keeping them all alive. What a goalpost; not sure where you even got that idea. They are giving arcades something unique for players to experience; that’s what arcades need. It’s a step in the right direction. At the very least, they pull in a few curious players now and then, and those players spend money in the business there, and elsewhere on the other offerings.

And Steven, come on: “But if exa is so great, why do the game centers keep so many old games around?”

Come on, guy… what is this argument? It is one product among many at the arcades. To be successful, exA has to be so overwhelmingly compelling that the arcades scrap all other games outside of exA? Again, what is this standard you’ve come up with? “If STV is so good, why do they still have their F3 boards?” Take a guess!

Yeah I saw that thread, that dude is insane. Someone asked him if Shou outbid him for something. I was going to ask that guy if he posted here.

[Austin]

And Steven, come on: “But if exa is so great, why do the game centers keep so many old games around?”

Because those games paid themselves off ages ago. I'm sure our boy Steven was fully aware of that when writing that comment.

(note the heavy sarcasm, in case it wasn't blatantly obvious)

Sheesh, now that I think of it, I wonder how long it takes to break even with an exa kit these days. I can't vouch for the purist-focused, hole-in-the-wall arcades as we don't really have any around here, but the Round 1 nearby rarely has anybody on their traditional sitdown cabs.

[Sweatlord_STG]

is the exa version different to the home version? other than no password i assume?

[Serge.EXE]

is the exa version different to the home version? other than no password i assume?

Yup, quite different. Shields are completely different, not a bar but a single hit buffer. No capsule upgrade system, your shot can be upgraded to max immediately and you can always hold 3 sub weapons that can all go to level 10. There's also a Hyper mechanic for iframes, damage and scoring.

Bullets are also much more visible, the voices are super clear and there's no slowdown anywhere

[Sweatlord_STG]

is the exa version different to the home version? other than no password i assume?

Yup, quite different. Shields are completely different, not a bar but a single hit buffer. No capsule upgrade system, your shot can be upgraded to max immediately and you can always hold 3 sub weapons that can all go to level 10. There's also a Hyper mechanic for iframes, damage and scoring.

Bullets are also much more visible, the voices are super clear and there's no slowdown anywhere

cool thx