Is Metal Black, worth getting?

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 12:28 am

I have been thinking about getting this game, but it was given 6.5 on the review which isn't great. So does this game really deserve a 6.5? Is it worth getting it?

shinsage · Post by **shinsage** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 1:10 am

Yeah, it's real cool.

Typical Zuntata soundtrack with an interesting way to fight bosses (no bombs, just gather up energy and GAWOOSH, let the good vibes take over the bad ones). As you may have heard, supposedly this was going to be a Darius game, and it shows in the bosses (aren't some of them animalistic or something? I think a giant seahorse was the level 2 boss).

So, eff the reviews, it's a fun time and a Taito classic.

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 1:21 am

shinsage wrote:Yeah, it's real cool.

Typical Zuntata soundtrack with an interesting way to fight bosses (no bombs, just gather up energy and GAWOOSH, let the good vibes take over the bad ones). As you may have heard, supposedly this was going to be a Darius game, and it shows in the bosses (aren't some of them animalistic or something? I think a giant seahorse was the level 2 boss).

So, eff the reviews, it's a fun time and a Taito classic.

Yeah I really like the design style, I'll definitly get it then, thanks. My brand new white saturn (bought like since 2001) is finally gonna get a game!

stratos · Post by **stratos** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 1:27 am

I really like Metal black, for it's atmosphere, for the Zuntata soundtrack (great) and also for its gameplay. The games isn't so great and has its flaws, but it caughts me every time I play it... however, before you buy it, try the emulated rom on MAME, so you can make an idea of it. Than buy it since you'll surely like it

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 1:33 am

stratos wrote:I really like Metal black, for it's atmosphere, for the Zuntata soundtrack (great) and also for its gameplay. The games isn't so great and has its flaws, but it caughts me every time I play it... however, before you buy it, try the emulated rom on MAME, so you can make an idea of it. Than buy it since you'll surely like it

Too much hassle lol, a video would help though. But youtube doesn't have any... This game is really easy to get off Japan, but I might post an add in the trading station to make my life easier I'll see.

Oh and which version should I go for? The original version or the Satkore version?

stratos · Post by **stratos** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 1:48 am

I thought there was only one version, but I think the most popular shoul'd be the Japanese, not the Korean.. you shoul'd ask other players with much knowledge about the game history, sorry

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:02 am

stratos wrote:I thought there was only one version, but I think the most popular shoul'd be the Japanese, not the Korean.. you shoul'd ask other players with much knowledge about the game history, sorry

Korean? Who said Korean? I would need to rephrase this then, should I go for the original version? Or the "Ultimate Hits" version?

shinsage · Post by **shinsage** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:33 am

There's no real difs, I guess only cosmetically by box art?
If so then just go for whatever.

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:45 am

Lawfer wrote:
stratos wrote:I thought there was only one version, but I think the most popular shoul'd be the Japanese, not the Korean.. you shoul'd ask other players with much knowledge about the game history, sorry
Korean? Who said Korean? I would need to rephrase this then, should I go for the original version? Or the "Ultimate Hits" version?

No, he's saying: "why are you trying to get the $25-40 SS version when you could just be getting Taito Memories for the PS2, which contains this game as well as a lot more, where the Korean Taito Memories contains an extra book?"

Why ask about normal or Satakore for SS games anyway? They're all the same AFAIK; you determine whether you want the different cover and whether to pay more or not.

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:50 am

Ganelon wrote:Why ask about normal or Satakore for SS games anyway? They're all the same AFAIK; you determine whether you want the different cover and whether to pay more or not.

Same reason as some people would pay alot more just to have the spine card included

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:55 am

shinsage wrote:There's no real difs, I guess only cosmetically by box art?
If so then just go for whatever.

Guess I'll go for whatever then, outside Japan what prices should I expect?

stratos · Post by **stratos** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:55 am

I think, also, the Saturn version is a better port than the Taito Legends/Memories PS2 or PC or whatever version.

But if you bought a Saturn just now I recommend you to get Gunlock/Layer Section/Galactic Attack/Rayforce: instant classic

And if you want a really hardcore experience, buy also Garegga

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:20 am

stratos wrote:I think, also, the Saturn version is a better port than the Taito Legends/Memories PS2 or PC or whatever version.

But if you bought a Saturn just now I recommend you to get Gunlock/Layer Section/Galactic Attack/Rayforce: instant classic

And if you want a really hardcore experience, buy also Garegga

Yeah I'll definitly pick Layer Section I and II, but what is Gunlock?

Was Layer Section II ever released outside Japan?

Also should I go for the US version or not? Is there any texts?

But I don't think I like what I seen of Garegga, thanks alot for the recommandations.

Limbrooke · Post by **Limbrooke** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:25 am

Metal Black is an excellent game and probably one of the best looking games of the era (IMO). I'm really impressed by the scaling and level of detail in the first stage BG. The soundtrack is also nothing short of excellent either, YACK of Zuntata does a great job here.
I will say this, there are some really cheap ass parts to this game but all in all I would say it's more pro than con.
I would recommend getting Taito Legends 2, as the Saturn port is about the same price for only 1 game.

Lawfer wrote:Yeah I'll definitly pick Layer Section I and II, but what is Gunlock?

GunLock=Rayforce=Layer Section=Galactic Attack.

Lawfer wrote:Was Layer Section II ever released outside Japan?

Yes, as Raycrisis on PS.

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:37 am

Limbrooke wrote:Metal Black is an excellent game and probably one of the best looking games of the era (IMO). I'm really impressed by the scaling and level of detail in the first stage BG. The soundtrack is also nothing short of excellent either, YACK of Zuntata does a great job here.
I will say this, there are some really cheap ass parts to this game but all in all I would say it's more pro than con.
I would recommend getting Taito Legends 2, as the Saturn port is about the same price for only 1 game.

Ok lol this is becomming complicated:

Saturn:

Metal Black Japan

Metal Black Ultimate Hits Japan

Playstation 2:

Taito Legends 2 Japan and Europe

Xbox:

Taito Legends 2 Japan and Europe

PC:

Taito Legends 2 Japan and Europe

So... what am I supposed to get?!! LOL

Really getting the Taito Legends 2 would help me alot because, I would have to switch to my old TV (Saturn doesn't have any AV cables) get my Saturn outside it's box etc...

Also storywise, does the Japanese version has it's text in Japanese?

Are the ports on PC or PS2 any good?

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:42 am

IIRC all the ports are pretty much the same, except that the graphical resolution on the PS2 version is different than the original, it doesn't affect playability at all though.

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:44 am

Lawfer wrote:Yes, as Raycrisis on PS.

So... wait

Layer Section games are all on PS as well no?

Under the titles:

Raystorm (Layer Section)

and

Raycrisis (Layer Section II)

Do these games have any story in them?

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:45 am

BulletMagnet wrote:except that the graphical resolution on the PS2 version is different than the original

How is it different?

Limbrooke · Post by **Limbrooke** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:46 am

Lawfer wrote:So... wait

Layer Section games are all on PS as well no?

Under the titles:

Raystorm

and

Raycrisis (Layer Section II)

Do these games have any story in them?

Again, Layer Section is Rayforce (which is Galactic Attack/GunLock).
Regarding the MB version to get. Get whichever TL2 copy you find most suitable. I have it for PC and PS2 and it's fine.

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:49 am

Limbrooke wrote:
Lawfer wrote:So... wait

Layer Section games are all on PS as well no?

Under the titles:

Rayforce (Layer Section) -only on Saturn, not PS

and

Raycrisis (Layer Section II)

Do these games have any story in them?

Then what is Raystorm?

Limbrooke · Post by **Limbrooke** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:51 am

Lawfer wrote:Then what is Raystorm?

Another game in the series.

Rayforce - Raystorm - Raycrisis.

Lawfer wrote:Also storywise, does the Japanese version has it's text in Japanese?

For Metal Black? Whatever story there is during attract mode has been in english any time I've seen it.

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:52 am

Limbrooke wrote:I have it for PC and PS2 and it's fine.

Any notable difference between them?

Thanks for the answer about Metal Black.

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:54 am

Limbrooke wrote:Another game in the series.
Rayforce - Raystorm - Raycrisis.

Ok thanks, 3 different games then, sorry with all these name changes it's confusing.

Do any of these 3 games have any stories in them?

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 4:10 am

Lawfer wrote:How is it different?

I'm not an expert on this, but it somehow changes the game's appearance slightly...IIRC it's slightly less "crisp" on the PS2. Hardly worth mentioning for anyone who's not really picky on graphical issues though.

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 4:33 am

BulletMagnet wrote:
Lawfer wrote:How is it different?
I'm not an expert on this, but it somehow changes the game's appearance slightly...IIRC it's slightly less "crisp" on the PS2. Hardly worth mentioning for anyone who's not really picky on graphical issues though.

What do you mean by "crisp", please? Does that mean the graphics are less detailed?

shinsage · Post by **shinsage** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 6:10 am

d00derz, listen up
Everything's a perfect port, don't worry if anything's messed up because it's not, it's as close as you're getting to the arcade original, ever.
Don't grow up and become jaded with ports, just chin up and realize, hey, this is just like the arcade!

Don't spend a penny over $45 for Metal Black on Saturn if you're going for that. I think I got mine for around $30 or something, maybe.

Lawfer · Post by **Lawfer** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 6:46 am

shinsage wrote:d00derz, listen up
Everything's a perfect port, don't worry if anything's messed up because it's not, it's as close as you're getting to the arcade original, ever.
Don't grow up and become jaded with ports, just chin up and realize, hey, this is just like the arcade!

Don't spend a penny over $45 for Metal Black on Saturn if you're going for that. I think I got mine for around $30 or something, maybe.

Lol so much stuff to buy, I still have to buy the Salamander compilations or whatever, that X-Multiply game, Metal Black, Phalanx etc...

I am tempted to buy the Saturn version, but the Taito Memories 2 has Metal Black, Darius Gaiden, Ray Storm and G Darius all this for only 9 bucks on playstation 2 and I'll be able to play it on the TV I want (unlike Saturn)

Kaiser · Post by **Kaiser** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 7:13 am

Lawfer wrote:
shinsage wrote:d00derz, listen up
Everything's a perfect port, don't worry if anything's messed up because it's not, it's as close as you're getting to the arcade original, ever.
Don't grow up and become jaded with ports, just chin up and realize, hey, this is just like the arcade!

Don't spend a penny over $45 for Metal Black on Saturn if you're going for that. I think I got mine for around $30 or something, maybe.
Lol so much stuff to buy, I still have to buy the Salamander compilations or whatever, that X-Multiply game, Metal Black, Phalanx etc...

I am tempted to buy the Saturn version, but the Taito Memories 2 has Metal Black, Darius Gaiden, Ray Storm and G Darius all this for only 9 bucks on playstation 2 and I'll be able to play it on the TV I want (unlike Saturn)

Then buy Tatio memories 2 (for that price it's worth)

shinsage · Post by **shinsage** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 7:25 am

After buying the Taito Memories pack, your next priority is the X-Multiply/Image Fight pack. This goes above buying food or getting sleep on your list.

Skyline · Post by **Skyline** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 7:59 am

Limbrooke wrote:
Lawfer wrote:Then what is Raystorm?
Another game in the series.

Rayforce - Raystorm - Raycrisis.

Layer Section II for the Saturn is in fact Raystorm. RayCrisis was only on the PS1.