Konami Arcade Collection [NDS]

[SFKhoa]

I managed to get my hands on it. Here's what I can say about it so far.

This compilation might as well be an arcade gamer's dream, since for every game, there is a HUGE variety of options that can be done.

The games on it.

• Twinbee
  Scramble
  Time Pilot
  Nemesis
  Kicker
  Rush'n Attack
  Contra
  Tutankham
  Pooyan
  Roc'n Rope
  Track & Field
  Circus Charlie
  Super Basketball
  Road Fighter
  Yie Ar Kung Fu

The good stuff you can do
- Lots and lots of options you can possibly imagine for each game, even dipswitch changing.
- In-depth explanation of each game, written in FULL ENGLISH, despite this being a Japanese title. Tips for each game are included
- Hi-score saving
- Replay saving
- Wireless Co-Op play

The in-depth look at the options itself. [Screenshots included]
.Let's take a look at Twinbee, one of the games included inside this arcade classics compilation.
First thing you pause the game, you'll see this:
http://sfkhoa.syphernet.com/konamiarcade/KONAMI1.JPG
This is the Simple Option menu. Here, you can toggle the simple options such as the number of lives and the difficulty of the game. If you're wondering what the "To Maniac" is, here we go.

http://sfkhoa.syphernet.com/konamiarcade/KONAMI2.JPG
This is the Maniac Option where you change the more advanced settings such as the screen mode as you can see on the top left corner. Whether it be 1:1 original unscaled, scaled in its original aspect [Lateral Aspect Ratio], "fullscreen scaled", and TATE for certain games.

But that's not all, if you're still not satisfied with the arcade settings, you can even access the PCB of your favourite game and alter the dipswitches on your touch screen.
http://sfkhoa.syphernet.com/konamiarcade/KONAMI3.JPG
http://sfkhoa.syphernet.com/konamiarcade/KONAMI4.JPG

More miscellaneous screenshots.
http://sfkhoa.syphernet.com/konamiarcade/KONAMI5.JPG
http://sfkhoa.syphernet.com/konamiarcade/KONAMI6.JPG
http://sfkhoa.syphernet.com/konamiarcade/KONAMI7.JPG
http://sfkhoa.syphernet.com/konamiarcade/KONAMI8.JPG
http://sfkhoa.syphernet.com/konamiarcade/KONAMI9.JPG
http://sfkhoa.syphernet.com/konamiarcade/KONAMI10.JPG
http://sfkhoa.syphernet.com/konamiarcade/KONAMI11.JPG

[Turrican]

HOLY SHIT THIS IS SO MINE.

[szycag]

As cool as the options are in this, I rarely get the urge to play Yie Ar Kung Fu or Pooyan. While DS gets this, PSP gets Gradius Collection, Salamander, Twinbee, Parodius... Nevermind the squeezed-to-fit look of everything since they try their best to display it all in aspect ratio. Couldn't we get some Goemon or Parodius games on here too? It's still a great buy for Arcade fiends but I'm sure reviews are going to pick at the selection.

[Turrican]

I was startled by the care Konami put in this one. The '80s arcade gallery on PSone was barely acceptable (no screen settings, no dip switches, not many options overall, lacking in any extra bonus like galleries or such).

The GBA one I've been told that at least has some graphic update... But in the end (even seeing the PSP shoddy job without wireless 2P) I had the feeling that Konami just didn't have much interest in making good collections.

This on the other hand, seems on par with the original Namco Museums. The only possible explanation I came up with is that the overall "DS mood". Here's why something planned on DS gets more love from developers... They must be DS gamers themselves.

[BrianC]

As cool as the options are in this, I rarely get the urge to play Yie Ar Kung Fu or Pooyan. While DS gets this, PSP gets Gradius Collection, Salamander, Twinbee, Parodius... Nevermind the squeezed-to-fit look of everything since they try their best to display it all in aspect ratio. Couldn't we get some Goemon or Parodius games on here too? It's still a great buy for Arcade fiends but I'm sure reviews are going to pick at the selection.

I don't feel Konami should skimp on their older arcade games, especially since many of them are very well designed. They may not have a ton of levels or an ending, but many of them are well designed and quite fun to play.

The PSP collections have more newer games, but they are apparently lacking one thing, the 2p modes from the original (at least according to the official Konami website for the games. I asked on both here and gamefaqs and got no reply. The Twinbee Portable forum at gamefaqs is especially lame with a bad joke, a recently deleted topic about the Twinbee DDR song, and barely any impressions of the game. Google isn't much help either. Most of the reviews don't even say anything about 2p. Grrrrrrrr!!!!!). The DS collection has single cart wireless multi for all 2p games.

Reviews always pick at the game selection. It seems games unfairly get lower scores due to the lack of extras or because a certain game isn't in it, regardless of the quality of the games in the collection. I would like to see some of those games on later collections, but I feel the selection is fine.

I was startled by the care Konami put in this one. The '80s arcade gallery on PSone was barely acceptable (no screen settings, no dip switches, not many options overall, lacking in any extra bonus like galleries or such).

The GBA one I've been told that at least has some graphic update... But in the end (even seeing the PSP shoddy job without wireless 2P) I had the feeling that Konami just didn't have much interest in making good collections.

I don't agree about Konami having no interest in making good collections. I felt a lot of care went into the GBA Konami collection. The games were well ported, some games had extra levels, and some games even had 2p modes that weren't in the original. The 2p modes could even be played with just one cart. Despite the lack of 2p, I heard the PSP collections were well done. Konami's MSX collection on the Saturn is also very well done. That PSX collection is actually a port of ports telling by this page at KLOV. I also heard that most of Konami's older 2 to 3 game shooter collections turned out good on both PSX and Saturn (and I can vouch for the Detanta Twinbee Yahoo Deluxe Pack for PSX being excellent).

[szycag]

I've been playing Salamander Portable a lot and there's no 2p over Wifi or anything like that. In the Key Config you can choose whether you're controlling the 1P or 2P. In Salamander, You can only control one at a time so you can't play both ships at once, but you can start a game with both ships and push the other guy out of the way of bullets. This is the only reason I would think they included that feature, why would you need to play in the 2P slot I guess if there's some scoring glitch or something...

I can't speak for everyone but as a shmup fan I feel we are a pretty lonesome lot who don't happen upon many of our kind, I kinda forget these games can be multiplayer experiences sometimes myself cuz no one's patient enough to play difficult 2d games with me. But yeah that's a huge benefit to this DS title I will agree.

[BrianC]

Twinbee usually has some nice extras for 2p, so it was especially disappointing that the Twinbee portable was released without it. The actual collection and the fact it has a remake of Twinbee Da!!! does sound nice, though.

I do play games 1p mostly, but I love playing games in multi player. Some games, including shmups are much more fun that way. That's a good point, though. It can sometimes be hard to find someone else good at the games. Most shmups are co-op, so it's somewhat less intimidating than playing a fighting game in multi, though.

The US Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits DS was supposed to be shipping today, but EB's website doesn't have it in stock and the date was changed to the 29th, despite today being the official date on Konami's website. Honeycomb Beat, another game that was supposed to ship today, also seems to have been delayed. I'll post impressions when I get my hands on Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits.

[Turrican]

I was startled by the care Konami put in this one. The '80s arcade gallery on PSone was barely acceptable (no screen settings, no dip switches, not many options overall, lacking in any extra bonus like galleries or such).

The GBA one I've been told that at least has some graphic update... But in the end (even seeing the PSP shoddy job without wireless 2P) I had the feeling that Konami just didn't have much interest in making good collections.

I don't agree about Konami having no interest in making good collections. I felt a lot of care went into the GBA Konami collection. The games were well ported, some games had extra levels, and some games even had 2p modes that weren't in the original. The 2p modes could even be played with just one cart. Despite the lack of 2p, I heard the PSP collections were well done. Konami's MSX collection on the Saturn is also very well done. That PSX collection is actually a port of ports telling by this page at KLOV. I also heard that most of Konami's older 2 to 3 game shooter collections turned out good on both PSX and Saturn (and I can vouch for the Detanta Twinbee Yahoo Deluxe Pack for PSX being excellent).

There's a dinstinction to make, BrianC. The shmups collections I'm not even sure if could be called "retro": Oshaberi was like one year old, Salamander 2 was a contemporary arcade when it got bundled in the DPP pack. So I wasn't referring at those.

The real retro stuff you mention: MSX Antiques, and the GBA Arcade. What can I say: I am happy to hear that the GBA one turned out well, because its PSX counterpart is definitely lackluster. The emulation is solid (which is what matters in the end) but overall the package felt very barebone compared to the Namco Museums. Same for the Antiques: I am aware that the SS one is better than PSX, but they are quite barebone: no galleries, no history or such, no MSX2 titles at all... As I've said, they felt competent yet "cold" products.

This DS one, on the other hand, with Dip switches and options for "us" maniacs sounds designed with fans in mind.

[BrianC]

There's a dinstinction to make, BrianC. The shmups collections I'm not even sure if could be called "retro": Oshaberi was like one year old, Salamander 2 was a contemporary arcade when it got bundled in the DPP pack. So I wasn't referring at those.

The real retro stuff you mention: MSX Antiques, and the GBA Arcade. What can I say: I am happy to hear that the GBA one turned out well, because its PSX counterpart is definitely lackluster. The emulation is solid (which is what matters in the end) but overall the package felt very barebone compared to the Namco Museums. Same for the Antiques: I am aware that the SS one is better than PSX, but they are quite barebone: no galleries, no history or such, no MSX2 titles at all... As I've said, they felt competent yet "cold" products.

This DS one, on the other hand, with Dip switches and options for "us" maniacs sounds designed with fans in mind.

Good point, but I wasn't referring to Jikkyou Oshaberi Parodius, especially since it technically isn't a collection. I agree that Twinbee Yahoo and Salamander 2 were both too new to be retro, though.

As I said, the PSX Collection is a port of an arcade collection. Part of the reason it's bare bones was because the arcade one was bare bones too. Also, it's not how many extras that make a collection for me, but the quality of the games themselves. The Saturn MSX collection's ports are very well done and there is a wide selection of games.

As for the Namco Museums. I like the Museum and some other things about them, but the ports weren't always accurate to the originals, though they were generally very good. The first Namco Museum's Pole Position was somewhat of a let down due to the lack of voice and poorly done digital control.

[Turrican]

Also, it's not how many extras that make a collection for me, but the quality of the games themselves.

I'd say it's a touchy subject - the quality of each game speaks in favor of that game alone. A good selection is of course a big +. But even the greatest selection can be turned down by poor execution. For example Taito Legends games are definitely stronger than Legends 2, yet the second package (I'm talking about the EU releases) is far more accomplished.

About the "extras" thing - well, I do think these retro collections have to show off something like that. If it's only a repackaged bunch of roms, we are starting to have them plenty with 1) lots of ports of the same titles for the old systems 2) illegal MAME abuse and 3) the collections themselves, which more than often feature the same classics again and again (Namco, I'm talking to you!)...

So yeah... If I have to spend hard-earned cash on a compilation instead of supporting a today-developed game of comparable price, I want all the frills: the dip switches, the related artworks, the little secrets and how to play tips, the polygon recreation of the cabinet...

[Turrican]

@SFKhoa: what cart did you buy? A japanese release? I surely shed a tear seeing the good old NEMESIS name resurrected, instead of Gradius!

[SFKhoa]

@SFKhoa: what cart did you buy? A japanese release? I surely shed a tear seeing the good old NEMESIS name resurrected, instead of Gradius!

Yep, the Japanese release.
EDIT: HOLY CRAP. I just discovered something. No wonder the title's been set to Nemesis. If your DS's language is set to English, not only will the title be called Nemesis, but the language of the ENTIRE compilation will be in English.

I just noticed this because I changed the language to Japanese out of curiosity, and the title changed to Gradius and the entire game/menu/guides are all in Japanese. I'm surprised that this game is region friendly.

[professor ganson]

So is this getting a US release?

[SFKhoa]

Not sure, but this is just as good as getting a US release anyway, since everything will be in English, considering your DS's language is set to English.

[shinsage]

When this comes stateside I'll buy it solely for Contra.
I've never played the arcade original.

[BrianC]

@SFKhoa: what cart did you buy? A japanese release? I surely shed a tear seeing the good old NEMESIS name resurrected, instead of Gradius!

Yep, the Japanese release.
EDIT: HOLY CRAP. I just discovered something. No wonder the title's been set to Nemesis. If your DS's language is set to English, not only will the title be called Nemesis, but the language of the ENTIRE compilation will be in English.

I just noticed this because I changed the language to Japanese out of curiosity, and the title changed to Gradius and the entire game/menu/guides are all in Japanese. I'm surprised that this game is region friendly.

Sounds cool. Does Kicker change to Shao Lin's Road and Rush 'n' Attack to Green Beret too? The US release uses Gradius and Shao Lin's Road, but changes the names of some games to names that have never been used in arcades. Tutankham becomes Horror Maze, Super Basketball is changed to just Basketball, and Twinbee's name was changed to RainbowBell. The games seem to intact otherwise, telling from info, videos and screens, though.

[SFKhoa]

Sounds cool. Does Kicker change to Shao Lin's Road and Rush 'n' Attack to Green Beret too?

Yes it does. Even the title for Contra changes....to some Kanji.

[BrianC]

So is this getting a US release?

I'm invisible! From my previous post in this topic:

The US Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits DS was supposed to be shipping today, but EB's website doesn't have it in stock and the date was changed to the 29th, despite today being the official date on Konami's website. Honeycomb Beat, another game that was supposed to ship today, also seems to have been delayed. I'll post impressions when I get my hands on Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits.

I also said, about things I read in the preview and pretty much confirmed in reviews:

The US release uses Gradius and Shao Lin's Road, but changes the names of some games to names that have never been used in arcades. Tutankham becomes Horror Maze, Super Basketball is changed to just Basketball, and Twinbee's name was changed to RainbowBell. The games seem to intact otherwise, telling from info, videos and screens, though.

It's most definitely getting a US release. Some reviews are already up.
http://ds.ign.com/articles/776/776430p1.html
http://www.gamespot.com/ds/action/konam ... es;title;1

Sounds cool. Does Kicker change to Shao Lin's Road and Rush 'n' Attack to Green Beret too?

Yes it does. Even the title for Contra changes....to some Kanji.

Neat. Hopefully, the US release will do something similar when played in Japanese. "Horror Maze" especially makes me cringe, especially when Tutankham got a release in US arcades and some home ports, including some on 2600, Colecovision, and other older game systems under the name "Tutankham".

[SFKhoa]

I forgot to mention, Tutankham still remains Tutankham.

[BrianC]

I forgot to mention, Tutankham still remains Tutankham.

yeah, I figured that would since it's called the same in both Japan and Europe, but I'm referring to the US version of the game that has been reviewed and is coming out very soon. The US version appears to use different names for some of the games than the Japanese one in English mode, despite how the Japanese one already has English text.

[shinsage]

I'm invisible! From my previous post in this topic:

Haha, this seems to happen a lot with you.
BrianC is ok with me.

[BrianC]

Anyone find the US version of Konami Classics Series in stores? It was supposed to ship yesterday, but it seems a lot of places don't list it online, some stores are getting it late, and Amazon.com only has a limited number in stock.

[DazTM]

got the Japanese version on the way from Play Asia. Not long now

[BrianC]

Yeah, I'm actually thinking of getting the Japanese one, though the only difference is some name changes to a few of the games. Also, IGN's review said something that I hope is a mistake. It said that Track & Field and Contra are the only games with co-op. RainbowBell/Twinbee better have it for the US one, or I'll be VERY disappointed.

[shinsage]

I'm not counting on stores to sell it until next Tuesday/Wednesday.
Pretty odd shipping date.

[SFKhoa]

The Japanese release has co-op play for Twinbee. Here's something I'm confused about.

When you pick the Wireless option for any game, there are actually 4 options you can pick.

- Co-Op Game
- Dual DS Game
- Demo
- Send Replay

The Dual DS Game option sounds pretty nifty, although I have no idea what that option does as opposed to Co-Op game.

[BrianC]

The Japanese release has co-op play for Twinbee.

I know the Japanese one has it, but the IGN review for the US one said "This means simultaneous two player (but not four player) Track & Field and Contra, as well as alternating two player modes in the rest of the bunch". I'm hoping that's a mistake.

When you pick the Wireless option for any game, there are actually 4 options you can pick.

- Co-Op Game
- Dual DS Game
- Demo
- Send Replay

The Dual DS Game option sounds pretty nifty, although I have no idea what that option does as opposed to Co-Op game.

From what I read, the Dual DS option basically lets you use another DS as a separate controller for 1p modes.

[Dylan1CC]

I can't speak for everyone but as a shmup fan I feel we are a pretty lonesome lot who don't happen upon many of our kind.

I am thankful to have at least two friends who like shmups almost as much as me and both own a DS. Even if they don't buy this, there's full single cart multiplayer (which makes no 2P modes whatsoever in the PSP comps even more irritating) Agreed with Turrican that whoever made this comp must be DS lovers themselves. Anyways, will pick this up in a few months after I am done paying off some bills.

[BrianC]

I'm guessing the not mentioning if RainbowBell/Twinbee has 2p at the same time was an oversight by IGN. I went ahead and ordered the US version at Amazon.com since it has free shipping and no tax. This collection sounds awesome, even with the changed names for the US.

I found something interesting about the changed names. Gradius and Contra change to the Japanese version for the US Konami Classic Series: Arcade Hits when the DS language is set to Japanese. However, the renamed games for the US Twinbee (renamed to RainbowBell), Tutankham (renamed to Horror Maze), and Super Basketball (renamed to Basketball) keep the same names, even in the JP documentation. When played in English, the US Konami Arcade DS's Gradius is named Gradius, but is actually the European Nemesis with the "Multiples". My guess is that the games are actually the western versions of the games in US mode and the Japanese versions in JP mode, but with altered title screens for some games. Don't quote me on this, though.

Another interesting tidbit. This collection was done by M2. It looks like they have a good track record. They were responsible for the PS2 Gunstar Treasure Box, the Game Gear port of Gunstar Heroes, Gauntlet IV on the Genesis, a few of the SEGA Genesis/MD ports on the Wii Virtual Console, Monster World Complete PS2, the PSP Twinbee and Salamander collections (though it makes the lack of 2p in the PSP collections even more perplexing), and a few of the other non-remake PS2 SEGA Ages like the Tetris collection.

[Dylan1CC]

Thanks for the extra info, Brian. And as you mentioned in the Ketsui DS thread, the collection allows you to use a second DS as a wireless controller which is a nice extra for TATE diehards.

As you said though, it's odd that the Konami PSP collections have no 2p since M2 is an overall solid porting house (I wonder if they worked on the Gradius UMD?).

Anyways, I think I'll lay off the spendy Quizno's subs and Q'Doba burritos for a few weeks so I can afford this in addition to Super Paper Mario.