Keio Yugekitai=best of both worlds: Platformer and Shmup
EDIT: just saw the previous post
Best Platform Games (2D Gameplay only) For Each System
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lynchesque
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Sat Nov 04, 2006 7:19 pm
Last edited by lynchesque on Wed Nov 22, 2006 5:17 am, edited 1 time in total.
Tinhead (Genesis)- Kind of came out of nowhere. Colorful, challenging, nice character designs... good stuff on all fronts that never got much in the way of attention.
Ristar (Genesis)- A classic the moment it was released. Sickeningly cute mascot (thanks to the voice), colorful, great stage design, very nice music... this game deserves a sequel so much.
Astal (Saturn)- A painfully overlooked game. Everything about this game screams quality, from the gorgeous hand drawn graphics, the nice tunes, the fun levels, the simple gameplay... it was classy stuff. The only downside is that it's a bit short for a platformer.
Pulseman (MegaDrive)- While I've yet to beat this game, what I've seen thus far is good. Graphics, gameplay additions, stage layouts... it's all done nicely. It lacks the "personality" of some of the more well known platform characters though.
Popful Mail (Sega CD)- A great game this one. It mixes platforming with a bit of RPG (getting better weapons, etc.). The graphics are quite nice, the music is great, and it's one of the shining points in the Sega CD's life.
Flink (Sega CD)- Wow. These are graphics that the Sega CD shouldn't be able to do. So much detail and color. But graphics aren't all obviously. The stages are quite challenging, especially when you factor in the spell making abilities your character has... and needs. This is really quality stuff, and quite overlooked in its day.
Wonder Boy III (Genesis)- Cutesy? To be sure. But it's a good platformer all around. Not the best, and nowhere near as good as something like Ristar, but it is fun.
Mega Turrican (Genesis)- I believe this is a port of Turrican III. Whether it is or isn't, it's very good. Great music, good challenge, nice level design... good stuff.
Super Turrican 1/2 (SNES)- Basically about as good as "Mega" in my view. While the first game seems to suffer from a strange audio glitch that makes the sound freeze (in five different copies), the second one has no such issues. Both are graphically quite nice, with good tunes and a good challenge.
Demon's Crest (SNES)- You HAVE to get this game. Capcom did a fantastic job with this one. Graphics, music, gameplay, sounds, characters... it all rocks.
Actraiser II (SNES)- While the city making aspect is gone, this is a tough, but fun game. The graphics are great, the music is quite nice, the levels are varied and challenging, and to see the end, you have to play it on the harder settings. It gets bagged on a lot with people comparing to the first one, but it's quite a good game.
Gargoyle's Quest (Game Boy)- It's Game Boy, so you know what to expect in various areas. But where this thing shines, is in it's gameplay. Tough, but not impossible. Worth getting.
Gargoyle's Quest II (NES)- The sequel (duh). Pretty nice graphics and sound NES-wise, with a more fleshed out story. Like the first one, the gameplay is good, but this one puts a bit of RPGing in the mix. Definitely worth tracking down.
Gods (Genesis)- Little heard, and very little seen. This game came and went with virtually no one noticing. However, it's a good game. The graphics are good, as is the music, but the high point for this game is it's tough challenge. The controls are crisp, so you can't blame them as you die over and over. The stages require patience instead of speed, and powering up is important as you jump and climb around. Worth getting in my view.
Alisia Dragoon (Genesis)- The only cart Game Arts ever made, but what a cart it is. Gorgeous graphics, beautiful music, varied and challenging stages, wild character designs... this game got a lot of love being made, and it shows.
Earthworm Jim 1/2 (Genesis)- Weird... cows... a talking worm. This series is odd, but in a good way. Graphically and musically, Shiny did a great job. This game has all sorts of little details and touches scattered about in it. The levels are well made, and range from junk yards, to hell, to bouncing a puppy named Pete. A lot of diversity. Oh, there's even a Sega CD version of the first game called Earthworm Jim: Special Edition, with added areas.
Shadow of the Beast I/II/III (Amiga)- "FUCKING HARD AS A ROCK" comes to mind. This is a tough game series. 1 has great graphics, amazing music (best of the series IMHO), and a very "order rigid" level layout (you have to do things the right way, or you're dead). 2 has lesser graphics and tunes, but it's even more vicious with its "do it in order" quality. The third one's more forgiving, and about on par with the first game graphically. It'll make you want to pull your hair out, but you'll come back for more.
Vectorman 1/2 (Genesis)- Sega's answer to the SNES' CGI kick. Graphically, each game is very nice(though the first one's more effects-laden). The music and sound effects are well done, and the levels are long and challenging... especially if you go after everything. The first one's better, but the both are worth getting.
Strider (Genesis/Arcade)- It's Strider. Just get it.
Galahad (Genesis)- An EA platformer? What the fuck? Yes, this game's actually not too bad. It has nice visuals, and the music's even pretty good (though in typical EA style, it sounds like its "too loud"). The levels are done well, and the enemies are interesting. Certainly not the best platformer on the Sega system, but it is worth getting. It's only three "worlds", but they are BIG.
Target Earth (Genesis)- Want a game that'll kick your ass by stage three? This is it. The challenge in this game is insane, but it is a good game. The graphics aren't stellar, but he music's nice, and the stages get more complicated as the game goes along. It's a cheap title, as the severe dificulty turned a lot of people off. But if you're up for it, pick it up.
Gargoyles (Genesis)- Based of the Disney cartoon, this game's actually well done. The graphics are good, the levels have lots of places to climb, glide and crawl through, and the music's decent. It doesn't shine like some of the other Disney-based platformers, but it's a good one.
The Lion King (Genesis)- Another Disney-based game. This one may look "kiddy", but there's a good challenge under it's pastel exterior. You play as both cub and adult Simba, making your way through some pretty tough levels that are good looking and colorful, with music that's not too bad.
Aladdin (Genesis)- Another Disney game, and another good platformer. Like TLK, it's colorful and filled with decent tunes, but this one's nice levels are a bit easier.
Strider 2 (PS1/Arcade)- Not quite as polished as the first game, but Capcom's official sequel is good nonetheless. 2D sprites on 3D backgrounds, with very 2D gameplay. Just don't credit feed, and you'll find a nice looking and fun game that's longer, and a bit tougher, than the original.
Oh... yes there's an unofficial sequel on the Genesis called Journey From Darkness: Strider Returns. It was made by US Gold, and while it's not horrid, it's not nearly as good as the first one or Capcom's sequel.
I also recommend Shinobi III and Revenge of Shinobi for the Genesis, the equally good Hagane for the SNES, and of course, the Ninja Gaiden trilogy for the NES. Assault Suit Leynos 2 for the Saturn's good too, and put another vote for Rocket Knight Adventures and Sparkster for the Genesis as well.
Ristar (Genesis)- A classic the moment it was released. Sickeningly cute mascot (thanks to the voice), colorful, great stage design, very nice music... this game deserves a sequel so much.
Astal (Saturn)- A painfully overlooked game. Everything about this game screams quality, from the gorgeous hand drawn graphics, the nice tunes, the fun levels, the simple gameplay... it was classy stuff. The only downside is that it's a bit short for a platformer.
Pulseman (MegaDrive)- While I've yet to beat this game, what I've seen thus far is good. Graphics, gameplay additions, stage layouts... it's all done nicely. It lacks the "personality" of some of the more well known platform characters though.
Popful Mail (Sega CD)- A great game this one. It mixes platforming with a bit of RPG (getting better weapons, etc.). The graphics are quite nice, the music is great, and it's one of the shining points in the Sega CD's life.
Flink (Sega CD)- Wow. These are graphics that the Sega CD shouldn't be able to do. So much detail and color. But graphics aren't all obviously. The stages are quite challenging, especially when you factor in the spell making abilities your character has... and needs. This is really quality stuff, and quite overlooked in its day.
Wonder Boy III (Genesis)- Cutesy? To be sure. But it's a good platformer all around. Not the best, and nowhere near as good as something like Ristar, but it is fun.
Mega Turrican (Genesis)- I believe this is a port of Turrican III. Whether it is or isn't, it's very good. Great music, good challenge, nice level design... good stuff.
Super Turrican 1/2 (SNES)- Basically about as good as "Mega" in my view. While the first game seems to suffer from a strange audio glitch that makes the sound freeze (in five different copies), the second one has no such issues. Both are graphically quite nice, with good tunes and a good challenge.
Demon's Crest (SNES)- You HAVE to get this game. Capcom did a fantastic job with this one. Graphics, music, gameplay, sounds, characters... it all rocks.
Actraiser II (SNES)- While the city making aspect is gone, this is a tough, but fun game. The graphics are great, the music is quite nice, the levels are varied and challenging, and to see the end, you have to play it on the harder settings. It gets bagged on a lot with people comparing to the first one, but it's quite a good game.
Gargoyle's Quest (Game Boy)- It's Game Boy, so you know what to expect in various areas. But where this thing shines, is in it's gameplay. Tough, but not impossible. Worth getting.
Gargoyle's Quest II (NES)- The sequel (duh). Pretty nice graphics and sound NES-wise, with a more fleshed out story. Like the first one, the gameplay is good, but this one puts a bit of RPGing in the mix. Definitely worth tracking down.
Gods (Genesis)- Little heard, and very little seen. This game came and went with virtually no one noticing. However, it's a good game. The graphics are good, as is the music, but the high point for this game is it's tough challenge. The controls are crisp, so you can't blame them as you die over and over. The stages require patience instead of speed, and powering up is important as you jump and climb around. Worth getting in my view.
Alisia Dragoon (Genesis)- The only cart Game Arts ever made, but what a cart it is. Gorgeous graphics, beautiful music, varied and challenging stages, wild character designs... this game got a lot of love being made, and it shows.
Earthworm Jim 1/2 (Genesis)- Weird... cows... a talking worm. This series is odd, but in a good way. Graphically and musically, Shiny did a great job. This game has all sorts of little details and touches scattered about in it. The levels are well made, and range from junk yards, to hell, to bouncing a puppy named Pete. A lot of diversity. Oh, there's even a Sega CD version of the first game called Earthworm Jim: Special Edition, with added areas.
Shadow of the Beast I/II/III (Amiga)- "FUCKING HARD AS A ROCK" comes to mind. This is a tough game series. 1 has great graphics, amazing music (best of the series IMHO), and a very "order rigid" level layout (you have to do things the right way, or you're dead). 2 has lesser graphics and tunes, but it's even more vicious with its "do it in order" quality. The third one's more forgiving, and about on par with the first game graphically. It'll make you want to pull your hair out, but you'll come back for more.
Vectorman 1/2 (Genesis)- Sega's answer to the SNES' CGI kick. Graphically, each game is very nice(though the first one's more effects-laden). The music and sound effects are well done, and the levels are long and challenging... especially if you go after everything. The first one's better, but the both are worth getting.
Strider (Genesis/Arcade)- It's Strider. Just get it.
Galahad (Genesis)- An EA platformer? What the fuck? Yes, this game's actually not too bad. It has nice visuals, and the music's even pretty good (though in typical EA style, it sounds like its "too loud"). The levels are done well, and the enemies are interesting. Certainly not the best platformer on the Sega system, but it is worth getting. It's only three "worlds", but they are BIG.
Target Earth (Genesis)- Want a game that'll kick your ass by stage three? This is it. The challenge in this game is insane, but it is a good game. The graphics aren't stellar, but he music's nice, and the stages get more complicated as the game goes along. It's a cheap title, as the severe dificulty turned a lot of people off. But if you're up for it, pick it up.
Gargoyles (Genesis)- Based of the Disney cartoon, this game's actually well done. The graphics are good, the levels have lots of places to climb, glide and crawl through, and the music's decent. It doesn't shine like some of the other Disney-based platformers, but it's a good one.
The Lion King (Genesis)- Another Disney-based game. This one may look "kiddy", but there's a good challenge under it's pastel exterior. You play as both cub and adult Simba, making your way through some pretty tough levels that are good looking and colorful, with music that's not too bad.
Aladdin (Genesis)- Another Disney game, and another good platformer. Like TLK, it's colorful and filled with decent tunes, but this one's nice levels are a bit easier.
Strider 2 (PS1/Arcade)- Not quite as polished as the first game, but Capcom's official sequel is good nonetheless. 2D sprites on 3D backgrounds, with very 2D gameplay. Just don't credit feed, and you'll find a nice looking and fun game that's longer, and a bit tougher, than the original.
Oh... yes there's an unofficial sequel on the Genesis called Journey From Darkness: Strider Returns. It was made by US Gold, and while it's not horrid, it's not nearly as good as the first one or Capcom's sequel.
I also recommend Shinobi III and Revenge of Shinobi for the Genesis, the equally good Hagane for the SNES, and of course, the Ninja Gaiden trilogy for the NES. Assault Suit Leynos 2 for the Saturn's good too, and put another vote for Rocket Knight Adventures and Sparkster for the Genesis as well.
Last edited by The Coop on Wed Nov 22, 2006 6:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
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GaijinPunch
- Posts: 15853
- Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:22 pm
- Location: San Fransicso
Gussun Paradise for the Playstation is pretty much my favorite game for the system. It's a Bubble Bobble type game (one screen at a time). Getting extends is relatively easy (I think I got 20 once I got good at scoring) so a 1CC isn't too hard. I've done a 5-life clear one time I think, which I was pretty good w/. Gave a no miss my all, but never got it.
Anyways, if you find it, pick it up. It's excellent.
Chippoke Ralph no Daibouken is another great one.
Shubibinman 3 for the PC-E comes to mind.
Keio Yuugekitai for the Saturn I simply love.
Anyways, if you find it, pick it up. It's excellent.
Chippoke Ralph no Daibouken is another great one.
Shubibinman 3 for the PC-E comes to mind.
Keio Yuugekitai for the Saturn I simply love.
RegalSin wrote:New PowerPuff Girls. They all have evil pornstart eyelashes.
I still don't get this love. All I see is an extremely redundant game with awakard movement and controls.Rob wrote:super underrated:
Samurai Ghost/Genpei Toumaden (PC-E) - Second best action-platformer hu-card on the system (I know nothing of the CDs).
Three of my favorites right there (not including Super Turrican). I remember playing through Super Turrican II for the first time, non-stop adrenaline rush and I couldn't wait for what Manfred would throw at me next. I'll also throw out the awesome Rendering Ranger R2 for Super fami. Another great Manfred Trenz production, too bad Chris Huelsbeck didn't do the music as Manfred's composer skills aren't as good as his programming skills. Actraiser II is just beautiful, once you get the flying dynamic down it's not as hard as people make it out to be.The Coop wrote:Super Turrican 1/2 (SNES)- Basically about as good as "Mega" in my view. While the first game seems to suffer from a strange audio glitch that makes the sound freeze (in five different copies), the second one has no such issues. Both are graphically quite nice, with good tunes and a good challenge.
Demon's Crest (SNES)- You HAVE to get this game. Capcom did a fantastic job with this one. Graphics, music, gameplay, sounds, characters... it all rocks.
Actraiser II (SNES)- While the city making aspect is gone, this is a tough, but fun game. The graphics are great, the music is quite nice, the levels are varied and challenging, and to see the end, you have to play it on the harder settings. It gets bagged on a lot with people comparing to the first one, but it's quite a good game.
Personal bests for each system:
Genesis: Wardner, Snow Bros.
PCE: Don Doko Don, Parasol Stars, Rainbow Islands (CD)
SNES: Do Re Mi Fantasy
PSX: Umihara Kawase Shun
The best MAME Stuff: Diet GoGo, Tumble Pop, Joe & Mac Returns, Snow Bros. 2, (1 is better on Genesis), Bombjack Twin, Saboten Bombers, Wardner, Don Doko Don, Rainbow Islands, Teddy Boy Blues.
All 10/10 stuff, I promise. I really wanna get Gussun Paradise for PSX given what Gaijin has said about it. No chance it's better than Umihara though
Genesis: Wardner, Snow Bros.
PCE: Don Doko Don, Parasol Stars, Rainbow Islands (CD)
SNES: Do Re Mi Fantasy
PSX: Umihara Kawase Shun
The best MAME Stuff: Diet GoGo, Tumble Pop, Joe & Mac Returns, Snow Bros. 2, (1 is better on Genesis), Bombjack Twin, Saboten Bombers, Wardner, Don Doko Don, Rainbow Islands, Teddy Boy Blues.
All 10/10 stuff, I promise. I really wanna get Gussun Paradise for PSX given what Gaijin has said about it. No chance it's better than Umihara though
Arcade: Bubble Bobble
Rainbow Islands
New Zealand Story
Rod Land
Parasol Stars
Toki
Strider
Ghosts'n'Goblins
Bionic Commando
C64: Mr. Robot
Boogaboo
MSX: The Maze of Galious (it's much more, but the basis is a platformer)
King's Valley II
The Goonies
NDS: Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Kirby's Canvas Curse (ok, you can't jump, but it feels like a platformer).
NES: SMB games
Splatterhouse: Wanpaku Graffiti.
Amiga: Turrican II
Turrican
Turrican III
Rick Dangerous 1-2
Wolf Child
Flood
Leander
Gods
The Killing Game Show
Magic Pockets
Super Frog
The Seven Gates of Jambala
Treasure Island Dizzy
Chuck Rock
Spherical
Swithblade
Bubbling under: First Samurai, Fire & Brimstone, Flimbo's Quest, Lionheart , James Pond 1-2... and then some stuff which are borderliners like Unreal, Shadow of the Beast 1-3...
Megadrive: Castlevania Bloodlines
Contra Hard Corps (or is there too much shooting compared to jumping to qualify)
Rainbow Islands
New Zealand Story
Rod Land
Parasol Stars
Toki
Strider
Ghosts'n'Goblins
Bionic Commando
C64: Mr. Robot
Boogaboo
MSX: The Maze of Galious (it's much more, but the basis is a platformer)
King's Valley II
The Goonies
NDS: Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Kirby's Canvas Curse (ok, you can't jump, but it feels like a platformer).
NES: SMB games
Splatterhouse: Wanpaku Graffiti.
Amiga: Turrican II
Turrican
Turrican III
Rick Dangerous 1-2
Wolf Child
Flood
Leander
Gods
The Killing Game Show
Magic Pockets
Super Frog
The Seven Gates of Jambala
Treasure Island Dizzy
Chuck Rock
Spherical
Swithblade
Bubbling under: First Samurai, Fire & Brimstone, Flimbo's Quest, Lionheart , James Pond 1-2... and then some stuff which are borderliners like Unreal, Shadow of the Beast 1-3...
Megadrive: Castlevania Bloodlines
Contra Hard Corps (or is there too much shooting compared to jumping to qualify)
Before Pope John Paul died he decreed that Aliens were also GOD's creatures and we should treat them with respect.
I was always a big fan of Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt on the SNES, good music, graphics & some vicious, devious stage design. Tons of secrets too. Maybe Ocean's best game.
Umihara Kawase Syun, mentioned briefly already - it's a game with a staggering amount of depth due to the core gameplay mechanic and stage design.
Umihara Kawase Syun, mentioned briefly already - it's a game with a staggering amount of depth due to the core gameplay mechanic and stage design.
Japanese game name database (lottsa shmups!!!)
I agree. It's a fine game. My only complaint is the heavy focus on using the double jump in later levels (especially the boat level) and the fact that the double jump can be a tad unreliable (or so it seems to me).nem wrote:Shin Shinobi Den
I like it! The background graphics are actually very nice and detailed, but why in the earth did they have to use digitized sprites I'll never know (don't get me started on the cut scenes). Fortunately, the core gameplay is still good, and anyone who disagrees here has a wrong opinion on the matter.
C64 great game - CREATURES
and though not a side scroller (each level was just a screen...), the sequel CREATURES 2 was an absolute bona fide classic
Not forgetting 'Mayhem in Monster Land', appeared very late on in the C64's life, influenced by Mario and Sonic, and appeared to do things that the good old C64 should not have been able to do.
All three of these are well worth checking out, most especially Creatures 2 - little fuzzy wuzzy creatures get tortured to death if/when you fail, lots of really funny moments (though bit sick and twisted.....)
Also another vote for Turrican and it's sequel - both Amiga
and though not a side scroller (each level was just a screen...), the sequel CREATURES 2 was an absolute bona fide classic
Not forgetting 'Mayhem in Monster Land', appeared very late on in the C64's life, influenced by Mario and Sonic, and appeared to do things that the good old C64 should not have been able to do.
All three of these are well worth checking out, most especially Creatures 2 - little fuzzy wuzzy creatures get tortured to death if/when you fail, lots of really funny moments (though bit sick and twisted.....)
Also another vote for Turrican and it's sequel - both Amiga
I'd rather call these games "sidescrollers" rather than "platformers" but problems apply to both terms. And when did this all get to be about obscure sidescrollers rather than the best sidescrollers?
Anyway, just for my own reference to see if my tastes will ever change (yes, I generally prefer close-range serious sidescrollers),
NES: Flying Warriors
MD: X-Men
SCD: Popful Mail
PCE: Kaze Kiri (although there aren't any platforms in the game...)
SFC: Akumajo Dracula XX (well, there's not much choice here)
SS: I Love Mickey Mouse / I Love Donald Duck (Castle of Illusion & Quackshot)
PS: Strider 2
Anyway, just for my own reference to see if my tastes will ever change (yes, I generally prefer close-range serious sidescrollers),
NES: Flying Warriors
MD: X-Men
SCD: Popful Mail
PCE: Kaze Kiri (although there aren't any platforms in the game...)
SFC: Akumajo Dracula XX (well, there's not much choice here)
SS: I Love Mickey Mouse / I Love Donald Duck (Castle of Illusion & Quackshot)
PS: Strider 2
Kaze Kiri Ninja Action is terribly dull and a huge disappointment in my opinion. Animation, control and sound effects are spot on; too bad they forgot to include a game. 
Mario, Contra, Donkey Kong Country, Indiana Jones Greatest Adventures, Super Star Wars 1-3, Assault Suit Valken, Demon's Crest, ...Ganelon wrote: SFC: Akumajo Dracula XX (well, there's not much choice here)
Nah, I generally don't like cutesy jump-n-bop games (although both Marios are admittedly excellent games, esp. Yoshi's Island). Grown more and more weary of the DKC series since its release; they're way too long and make up for it by being monotonous. Valken is horridly dull and simple (Leynos 2 is so much better IMO, and shorter too). Contra III is as uninspiring as CV IV (no comparison to the MD versions of these games). Absolutely nothing stands out in the Super Star Wars trilogy and Indiana Jones game, esp. the silly flight scenes (I slightly prefer Young Indiana Jones over the SNES game even). Agreed that Demon's Crest is awesome (although a bit too long, as with Pirates of Dark Water) but it's also not very challenging. Besides Mario, these games also suffer from poor music IMO.Ceph wrote:Kaze Kiri Ninja Action is terribly dull and a huge disappointment in my opinion. Animation, control and sound effects are spot on; too bad they forgot to include a game.
Mario, Contra, Donkey Kong Country, Indiana Jones Greatest Adventures, Super Star Wars 1-3, Assault Suit Valken, Demon's Crest, ...Ganelon wrote: SFC: Akumajo Dracula XX (well, there's not much choice here)
As for Kaze Kiri, people who play the game obviously fall into 2 camps: one that hate the archaic "kill all enemies before you proceed," and the other who loves the bossfest nature of the game (as any Treasure fan might) as well as the plethora of moves, almost all of which are useful at some point. I generally hate games with kill counters as well, but further along, you don't really need to fight that many more enemies than you encounter anyway (assuming you don't try to run away); and since there's always a fresh set of enemies and a boss after every wave, the gameplay never got old for me.
On a tangent, for people unfamiliar with Kaze Kiri: to dispel a popular myth that's existed around the internet spread by folks who either don't know their stuff or aren't very good at sidescrollers (as inane as the "US Silhouette Mirage is horribly difficult compared to the JP version" myth), Kaze Kiri is not a hard game. As long as you recognize patterns and methodically repeat your strategy, every boss battle is simple. You can heal up to max before almost every boss battle just through simple Wolverine-esque regeneration, heal during boss battles by just avoiding attacks, and heal after boss battles. There's no time limit (as with the SG X-Men games, except that Kaze/Suzu actually heals pretty quickly) so there's no penalty to healing up. Bosses will admittedly inflict huge chunks of damage if you can't avoid though (through one of like 5 different ways). Enemies will block a lot; slide and throw is your friend (SFII Dhalsim players should be familiar with this). In fact, I was able to beat the game on my first try with only a few situations when I was in real danger.
Neon, I think Do Re Mi Fantasy is a good game (there's rarely a game that I hate, even arguable garbage like Normy's Beach Babe O Rama and nausea-inducing messes like MoHawk & Headphone Jack, the 2 worst sidescrollers I can recall from the SG and SNES respectively); however, it's hard for me to treat a game seriously if it doesn't treat itself seriously. Do Re Mi is too pastel for my tastes (I realize that this is a minority view). I also think the game is horribly overrated as well (as others might feel the same about Kaze Kiri
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GateofThunderforceIII
- Posts: 279
- Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2005 1:32 am
- Location: craphole Minot, ND
Stage wise, the Famicom incarnation is the same as the US NES version, but the story has been altered from the US with the swatstickas removed. The NES version of Bionic Commando has better control and level design than the arcade, so I prefer that and the Famicom version over the arcade game. I think of it more as an action game than a platformer, though.Ceph wrote:I'd like to add another very good Famicom game: Hitler no Fukkatsu (Bionic Commando). I've never played the arcade game, but from what I've read the famicom incarnation is somewhat different.
I disagree on Contra 3. The game introduced the ability to hang on objects and climb on walls to the series, which made for some unique senarios like the fight against the wall crawler. The bike stage is also very cool, especially with the boss where you have to jump from missile to missile. The overhead levels are love it or hate it, but they are rather unique. The game also has some unique bosses like the Skeleton with the time bombs. I found the game to be quite hard on the higher difficulties.Ganelon wrote: Contra III is as uninspiring as CV IV (no comparison to the MD versions of these games). Agreed that Demon's Crest is awesome (although a bit too long, as with Pirates of Dark Water) but it's also not very challenging. Besides Mario, these games also suffer from poor music IMO.
Many ideas from Contra 3 like multiple weapons at once (though used a bit differently), smart bombs, rapid fire (though it was used in Operation C before 3), hanging, climbing, etc. were used in Hard Corps. I love both games and I fell Hard Corps wouldn't be half the game it was if it didn't use elements from Contra 3.
I found some parts (but not the game as a whole) of Hard Corps to be uninspiried. The plane level in Hard Corps is TOO similar to the part from Contra 3. If I remember correctly, the ninja in that stage actually had less attacks than in the SNES version. Also, I liked the bike parts better on SNES. I found the patterns in that part where you shoot the enemies to make them fall down destroy that object to be too simple.
CVIV is a bit on the easy side and suffers from early SNES game syndrome, but I personally feel that it's a good game and has much more going for it than just mode 7. It's not for everyone, though. I need to get Bloodlines. That does sound like a sweet game.
As for Demon's Crest, I don't know if I agree about it being too long. I found it to be a bit on the short side, but that might just be my memory playing tricks on me. It is definatly a bit on the easy side, just like the other Gargoyle's Quest games, though.
I feel Rocket Knight Adventres is an excellent game, but I didn't mention it becuase I feel it's more of an action game than a platformer (actually I feel the same way about Contra III and CVIV too).
Does Kirby Canvas Curse count as a platformer? I found it to be rather unique and a breath of fresh air compared to other Kirby games. I was actually somewhat disappointed when I first heard Kirby Squeak Squad goes back to the series roots (though I like Kirby games in general).
Last edited by BrianC on Thu Nov 23, 2006 6:40 pm, edited 6 times in total.
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RoninBuddha
- Posts: 449
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In my earlier post I forgot to mention Super Tempo on the Saturn. It's right there with Try-Rush Deppy; not a patch on Keio or Astal, but a fine title nonetheless.
Agreed, the controls can be a bit iffy at times. On the whole it's a good game, though. I had really low expectations going into it. However, after playing it I was positively surprised that it wasn't the mess I thought it would be. I guess it gets ragged on because of the gfx.Andi wrote:I agree. It's a fine game. My only complaint is the heavy focus on using the double jump in later levels (especially the boat level) and the fact that the double jump can be a tad unreliable (or so it seems to me).nem wrote:Shin Shinobi Den
I like it! The background graphics are actually very nice and detailed, but why in the earth did they have to use digitized sprites I'll never know (don't get me started on the cut scenes
I discovered another great game: Tomba for PS1. One of the best adventure platformers I have ever played. Hundreds of tasks to perform and secrets to discover, huge levels, lots of items.
Very detailed and colorful graphics. Sprites are 2D, backgrounds are a mixture of 2D and 3D. Looks even better on PS2 with smooth textures.
The game was published in 1997 and pretty much went under in a shower of 3D action games; it should have gotten more attention. Apparently the print-run wasn't large; it's kind of hard to find nowadays. It's really worth seeking out, though. Get the US version; the game contains lots of text.
There is also a sequel, Tomba 2, which is not so hot; its gameplay is more 3D-ish and it's not as much fun as the first.
Very detailed and colorful graphics. Sprites are 2D, backgrounds are a mixture of 2D and 3D. Looks even better on PS2 with smooth textures.
The game was published in 1997 and pretty much went under in a shower of 3D action games; it should have gotten more attention. Apparently the print-run wasn't large; it's kind of hard to find nowadays. It's really worth seeking out, though. Get the US version; the game contains lots of text.
There is also a sequel, Tomba 2, which is not so hot; its gameplay is more 3D-ish and it's not as much fun as the first.
The third level of the first Contra is almost pure platforming. All the other sidescrolling levels have constant platforming throughout, even though you're mostly moving right and shooting. Operation C and Contra III also have parts where you navigate platforms to reach higher sections of the stage.shinsage wrote:I'm kinda surprised at the amount of people calling Castlevania and Contra platformers, different strokes for different folks I guess. I suppose earlier Vanias fit the mold, tho.
And the newer 2D Castlevanias retain the platforming roots of the series in some sections, though they're more "adventure games" or "action RPGs."
I just got Wardner for Genesis (the Mega Drive version is called Wardner no Mori Special) after reading some positve comments. The graphics are pretty ugly, but it's a fun and challenging game with varied levels. Some good timing and pixel perfect jumping is required, but it's not unfair.
You can find loose cartridges for as little as 1 USD on evilbay, so don't hesitate.
Has anyone played the Famicom Disk System version (Wardner no Mori)? I wonder if it's an entirely new game.
You can find loose cartridges for as little as 1 USD on evilbay, so don't hesitate.
Has anyone played the Famicom Disk System version (Wardner no Mori)? I wonder if it's an entirely new game.
Today I got a real gem: The Adventures of Lomax for PS1. Beautiful hand-drawn multi-layer parallax 2D graphics with some zoom effects, by good ol' Psygnosis of Amiga fame.
Next to Symphony of the Night this is probably the best looking PS1 platformer, and it plays very well, too! Lomax requires both reflexes and strategy, and with 40 levels of increasing difficulty it provides a long challenge. Luckily there is a password function.
If you like platformers, you need this game.
I found a few screenshots here. They are a little dark, though; Lomax really looks much brighter and much, much better in motion.
Even though this is a European game I suggest to get the US release to avoid PAL borders and the usual 50hz speed reduction. There is also a Windows 95 conversion (ported from PS1) which doesn't look/play as good from what I've read (missing layers, no transparencies).
Next to Symphony of the Night this is probably the best looking PS1 platformer, and it plays very well, too! Lomax requires both reflexes and strategy, and with 40 levels of increasing difficulty it provides a long challenge. Luckily there is a password function.
If you like platformers, you need this game.
I found a few screenshots here. They are a little dark, though; Lomax really looks much brighter and much, much better in motion.
Even though this is a European game I suggest to get the US release to avoid PAL borders and the usual 50hz speed reduction. There is also a Windows 95 conversion (ported from PS1) which doesn't look/play as good from what I've read (missing layers, no transparencies).
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Diabollokus
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