Yuzo Koshiro is making new MD shmup.

[Steven]

Well, now that I have had some sleep, I realize that I certainly handled that quite poorly and in an uncharacteristically hostile manner.

You all are free to like exa or whatever, but I will have no part in it. That's all I am going to say. I'm out, and don't bring me back in for a few months, at least.

[Sweatlord_STG]

I'd love to try Batsu and air gallet (both Exa)

[evil_ash_xero]

I find this plays better on the Mega Drive. Anyone else feel that way?
And... why? Is it that it has some slowdown, or is it just placebo?

Really enjoy the game. I think this and GG Aleste III are the best two "made by old pros" shmups I have played, recently. There's usually a lot of
disappointment with that, unfortunately.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

On the MD/Genesis, which console is recommended to play the the Earthion rom properly (is it the MD/Genesis 1 or the MD/Genesis 2 console instead)? Yes, I bought the Steam port of Earthion indeed.

And just out of curiousity, will Earthion run on the 3rd-party Majesco manufactured officially licensed Genesis 3 console (circa 1999-2000) as well?

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[evil_ash_xero]

Not sure. I'm running it on a Genesis 2, with a Mega Everdrive Pro.

Edit: It is "Triple bypass" modded, and I am using a SCART to component cable. So, it looks and sounds pretty sweet.
I don't know how a stock Model 2 would make Earthion sound. The sound in a stock Model 2 is pretty awful.

[Necronom]

I find this plays better on the Mega Drive. Anyone else feel that way?
And... why? Is it that it has some slowdown, or is it just placebo?

Really enjoy the game. I think this and GG Aleste III are the best two "made by old pros" shmups I have played, recently. There's usually a lot of
disappointment with that, unfortunately.

Because Ancient's emulator adds input lag. After all, it's not a proper port. It might be worth trying the latest ROM with a proper emu that supports run ahead.
Edit: Retroarch + Genesis Plus X + Second Instance Run-Ahead works and is imo superior to the emu used in the Steam version. Also, save states for training and more shader options.

I gladly supported the creators by buying it on Steam but after the announcement of the superior Exa version I decided to not double dip until an Exa port appears.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

I find this plays better on the Mega Drive. Anyone else feel that way?
And... why? Is it that it has some slowdown, or is it just placebo?

Really enjoy the game. I think this and GG Aleste III are the best two "made by old pros" shmups I have played, recently. There's usually a lot of
disappointment with that, unfortunately.

Because Ancient's emulator adds input lag. After all, it's not a proper port. It might be worth trying the latest ROM with a proper emu that supports run ahead.
Edit: Retroarch + Genesis Plus X + Second Instance Run-Ahead works and is imo superior to the emu used in the Steam version. Also, save states for training and more shader options.

I gladly supported the creators by buying it on Steam but after the announcement of the superior Exa version I decided to not double dip until an Exa port appears.

That sounds like a possible home console port of Exa Earthion -- minus some exclusive Exa arcade-only upgrades if that's the case here. Hmmm.....the home console port of Exa Strania comes to mind (but that's rather a special exception rather than the norm).

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Zoinkity]

Dang, this is one fun little game ;*)
Hit detection's a little wonkers but the shield thing more than makes up for that. The intro section to that R-Type~ish stage got me a couple times though.

[evil_ash_xero]

The EXA version has MUCH clearer bullets. I hope they patch the game to have bullets to look more like that, or someone just hacks the rom to make it look
like that.

[evewalker]

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.

That's me. I mostly lurk, but you weren't wrong!

That dude is completely out of his mind. As fun as it was, I had to just stop replying to him as it was clear that he's got a bigger issue with eXA than Earthion. A lot of people kept a pretty level head when replying to him and absolutely none of it was making a difference.

[BrianC]

The EXA version has MUCH clearer bullets. I hope they patch the game to have bullets to look more like that, or someone just hacks the rom to make it look
like that.

They already patched the bullets to be much clearer not long ago. I don't know how exa compares, but the new bullets are fine as is.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

It's recommended to use a Sega Genesis console MK-1601 with the "High Definition Graphics" moniker (1st-gen console release from 1989) + Genesis 1 RGB Scart with C-Sync cable = you'll get the best audio fidelity from the headphone output jack port. This is the best & ideal setup if you want to play the MD/Genesis port of Earthion as originally intended.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[evil_ash_xero]

The EXA version has MUCH clearer bullets. I hope they patch the game to have bullets to look more like that, or someone just hacks the rom to make it look
like that.

They already patched the bullets to be much clearer not long ago. I don't know how exa compares, but the new bullets are fine as is.

I don't really agree. The bullets are kind of pale, and change colors. The EXA ones are orange/red. Clear as day. You can see it on YouTube.
They used to be triangles, and now they're round, so I guess that's an improvement. I kind of liked the triangles, though.

[Ms. Tea]

That sounds like a possible home console port of Exa Earthion -- minus some exclusive Exa arcade-only upgrades if that's the case here. Hmmm.....the home console port of Exa Strania comes to mind (but that's rather a special exception rather than the norm).

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Unlikely to happen IMO. Strania EX was an exception because G.rev themselves did the dev work on the exA version, including the arrange mode. Earthion for exA was developed by exA's internal team, so they almost certainly own the rights to any changes they made.

[Some-Mist]

sounds like the exa version is a lot cooler, but I had a blast with normal mode on the pc port. I ran into sort of a weird issue that's been happening each run, where at some points the game will hold the direction of my ship even after I let off of the joystick, but I managed to get a 1CC on normal mode after 15-20 runs.

is there an ideal path for upgrades? I mainly pumped into shield + main shot str and then focused on option strength after unless I needed an extend
the laser seems pretty top notch for all the bosses even though it feels like the missile option is stronger

[AGermanArtist]

Just been watching a Hey/Earthion livestream. The eXA version is stunning, I'd hope to see something similar with the console release. I'd happily pay double the Steam price for even 80% of that level of polish. It's quite reminicent of Salamander III.

[Sweatlord_STG]

Just been watching a Hey/Earthion livestream. The eXA version is stunning, I'd hope to see something similar with the console release. I'd happily pay double the Steam price for even 80% of that level of polish. It's quite reminicent of Salamander III.

Can u post the link pls to the stream? Thx

[AGermanArtist]

Just been watching a Hey/Earthion livestream. The eXA version is stunning, I'd hope to see something similar with the console release. I'd happily pay double the Steam price for even 80% of that level of polish. It's quite reminicent of Salamander III.

Can u post the link pls to the stream? Thx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9DbGay5Ztw

[Faith]

Do mods want to add game title to the Subject of this thread? Think it will make searching it a bit easier @_@"...

[evil_ash_xero]

Just been watching a Hey/Earthion livestream. The eXA version is stunning, I'd hope to see something similar with the console release. I'd happily pay double the Steam price for even 80% of that level of polish. It's quite reminicent of Salamander III.

I'm still waiting for someone to patch Batsugun EXA's soundtrack into the Saturn game.
Are EXA games playable on emulators? Or has the security not been cracked yet?
Not that I would ever advocate for that.

As for Earthion, I do have my issues with it. Some of it is a little sloppy. It's still quite good, and I really like it. I would just hope they
could tackle a few of these things before the cart release. More than just bullet visibility. That may be asking too much, though. Stuff like that
tends to be too much trouble, after a game comes out.
I did my part. Bought the Steam version, bought the Limited Run PS5 version, and I will get the cart, when it's available. I'm playing
it on an Everdrive Pro, though. The way to go.

[it290]

Got the clear yesterday and noticed in the credits that Joe Redifer was one of the voice actors listed. Will have to see if I can pick out which voices are his next time I play. I suspect he’s the ‘shoot the central unit’ guy maybe?

[AGermanArtist]

Are EXA games playable on emulators? Or has the security not been cracked yet?

Given the hardware, it would be most likely on Teknoparrot at some stage. At the minute it's up to NESiCA X Live. Senjin Aleste works on it.

https://teknoparrot.com/Compatibility

[FunktionJCB]

Here's an article on Earthion, with some info on the making of the game, plus another confirmation that this is intended to be the start of a new line of retro games by Ancient's "sub-label" YKGGG:

https://www.timeextension.com/features/ ... -really-is

[Sumez]

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.

At least you don't have to drive through multiple countries to get to one, like most of the rest of the world
The only reason I've even tried one is that I'm super lucky to have one really crazy friend with spare money to spend on dumb things, and who lives only 2 hours away.

I'm not sure I've mentioned this enough, but fuck Exa.
But people are free to like it of course. People can do any weird thing they want

[Skykid]

I find this plays better on the Mega Drive. Anyone else feel that way?
And... why? Is it that it has some slowdown, or is it just placebo?

Really enjoy the game. I think this and GG Aleste III are the best two "made by old pros" shmups I have played, recently. There's usually a lot of
disappointment with that, unfortunately.

I'm the same. Honestly I truly believe it's a 15Khz thing. If you have robust emulation on a CRT it always feels superior to robust emulation on an LCD.

Oh and I managed a quick n' dirty 1CC on normal, no passwords obviously. It's a tad too easy overall, I haven't had that many dedicated attempts, but it has some interesting strategy. I'm not happy with that though, I'll need to do it again and better.

One thing I haven't yet mastered is the purge timing on Stage 7. Always mess it up! Any tips?

[Koa Zo]

(...) another confirmation that this is intended to be the start of a new line of retro games by Ancient's "sub-label" YKGGG:

Car Battler Joe / VATLVA / Robotrek crossover please.

[Bassa-Bassa]

I'm not sure I've mentioned this enough, but fuck Exa.
But people are free to like it of course. People can do any weird thing they want

Without Exarcadia, Earthion Exa (or whetever it's called) just would not exist in any form, so nothing is lost in a case like this? Their coders could still be doing Mame work for everyone's benefit instead, but that's a big perhaps.

It's tragic that some interesting games aren't ever coming to PC anymore because the company bought them (yesterday's case in point), but with Earthion I just don't see the harm.

[MintyTheCat]

Here's an article on Earthion, with some info on the making of the game, plus another confirmation that this is intended to be the start of a new line of retro games by Ancient's "sub-label" YKGGG:

https://www.timeextension.com/features/ ... -really-is

That was a good article - thanks for the link.

[AGermanArtist]

Got the clear yesterday and noticed in the credits that Joe Redifer was one of the voice actors listed. Will have to see if I can pick out which voices are his next time I play. I suspect he’s the ‘shoot the central unit’ guy maybe?

Also Happy Console Gamer lol

If I was at Konami, I'd be looking at YKGGG for a new Space Manbow game.

[evil_ash_xero]

People say the EXA version is better, due to what they hear about it. Has anyone actually played it, and can confirm?
For me, I think some of the bullet patterns are a bit sloppy in some spots. It's a little chaotic. The shield kind of makes up for that, but
it's a little messy.
Just wondering if anyone has laid their hands on the forbidden EXA version, or is this all just hearsay?
I've seen it on YT, but that's not the same as playing it.

If this is the start of a series of games from Yuzo, I would love another shmup... but man, Yuzo and his sis worked on Streets of Rage 2.
I would be extremely tempted for another beat 'em up from them.
I also wouldn't mind a platformer, as it's a favorite genre of mine.

But another shmup would be aces.

One thing I haven't yet mastered is the purge timing on Stage 7. Always mess it up! Any tips?

I have no advice. I'm still getting the hang of it. Haven't had a ton of time to play it.