Hopping into the PC-Engine market

jp · Post by jp » Thu May 05, 2005 8:56 pm

OK, so I've about decided that my next paycheck will be purchasing a PC-Engine Duo RX (if anyone here has one to sell, hit me up, the one I'm looking at costs a little over $200).

At any rate, yes, I recall there was a lot of "add-ons" that go with the PC-Engine Duo, so I was just wanting a little heads up on what all I need to be looking into buying. Also, how is US/Japanese compatibility with this machine?

At any rate, I'm hoping to snag Nexzr, Lords of Thunder, Gates of Thunder, some Bonk games, and maybe one of the Rayxanbers to start it off, right now I just need to get a system that has mostly dirt cheap games since I just got an apartment and will be soon getting a nice plasma screen TV for it. So yeah, bills = no Saturn games for a bit. Any suggestions on some other solid cheap-o PC-Engine Duo titles?

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Thu May 05, 2005 9:02 pm

If you're getting a Duo RX, the only accessory you'll need is an Arcade Card if you want to play Sapphire. You won't have to worry about anything else (except US Hucards and the Supergrafx games).

Post by **undamned** » Thu May 05, 2005 9:33 pm

Just so you know, the RX is the most "scaled down" model. As the production went on, they took out more and more details, to shave costs. Oddly it commands the highest price.

UD's favourite cheapo PC-Engine games:

Ordyne - highly under-rated hori-cutemup
Cybercore - great "Mushi" (bug/beatle) shmup
Mesopotamia - slinky shooter? It's about as close as they come

Gamola Speed - best version of "snake" I've ever played
Doraemon (something; the puzzle one) - overhead loadrunner... with Doraemon!
Final Zone II - great Ikari Warriors style overhead shooter

...that's all I can think of for now. That should get you started, at least

-ud

jp · Post by jp » Thu May 05, 2005 9:51 pm

What was taken out of the Duo RX?

What would you guys recommend I get instead?

Also, it won't play US hucards? And what do I need for Supergrafx games?

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Thu May 05, 2005 9:56 pm

Just my 2 cents, but I'd use the money you're going to spend on Rayxanber and get one of Konami's excellent PCE ports instead. Unless you really like memorization and being frustrated, IMHO you'd be better off supplementing your already good choices (GoT, Bonk, ect.) with:

Detana! Twinbee!

or

Salamander

or

Gradius

or

or Parodius

...are some example. Or Kyukyuoku Tiger if you want old school manic Toaplan action that is hard but not irritating (again like Raisinbar, er I mean Rayxanber)

Otherwise unless you're very patient, I can almost guarantee you will just be tossing Rayxanber aside to play GoT a lot. So get more bang for your buck and get something that's at least more forgiving. Air Zonk/PC Denjin is also an amazing horizontal comical shooter. Use your dough on Rayzanber later when you're done enjoying GoT, Bonk and anything else you get.

As for add ons, I just own core systems like the TG-16, the Duo itself, TurboExpress and Supergrafx. A TE (preferrably modded) is definitely worth investing in. Playing games like near-arcade perfect R-TYPE, Parodius, Twinbee, Kyu Tiger, Bonk and New Zealand story at work or on road trips...heaven.

jp · Post by jp » Thu May 05, 2005 10:00 pm

Dylan1CC wrote:Just my 2 cents, but I'd use the money you're going to spend on Rayxanber and get one of Konami's excellent PCE ports instead. Unless you really like memorization and being frustrated, IMHO you'd be better off supplementing your already good choices (GoT, Bonk, ect.) with:

Detana! Twinbee!

or

Salamander

or

Gradius

or

or Parodius

Erm... not to be rude, but I own everything you just listed on the Deluxe Packs for the Saturn, so I'm afraid Konami's importance on my PC-Engine list is somewhat null at the moment.

I dunno, I was reading up on Rayxanber and it sounded really fun. I like challenging shmups and the great feeling you get once you 1CC them. And seeing as how I've 1CC'd Radiant Silvergun and Metal Black, I don't think a bit of memorization is going to piss me off all too horribly.

So what would you recommend I get for the system itself though? I was thinking the Duo RX since it looked the nicest and had an awesome controller. But if it somehow has lesser graphics or something...

Nemo · Post by **Nemo** » Thu May 05, 2005 10:16 pm

JP, do you realize Sony was the one who actually made PC-engine consoles, right?

jp · Post by jp » Thu May 05, 2005 10:24 pm

Nemo wrote:JP, do you realize Sony was the one who actually made PC-engine consoles, right?

Ummm.... NEC?

Nemo · Post by **Nemo** » Thu May 05, 2005 10:35 pm

NEC just handled the corporate aspect. Since Sony was pining to get in the console business they signed a deal with NEC to produce all the PC-engine systems. So basically the Duo is like the Playstation 0.

jp · Post by jp » Thu May 05, 2005 10:42 pm

Nemo wrote:NEC just handled the corporate aspect. Since Sony was pining to get in the console business they signed a deal with NEC to produce all the PC-engine systems. So basically the Duo is like the Playstation 0.

....

*sigh*

Well then, so much for that. *goes back to Ebay looking for random Saturn games*

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Fri May 06, 2005 12:19 am

That's just sad, man...

TWITCHDOCTOR · Post by **TWITCHDOCTOR** » Fri May 06, 2005 2:14 am

[quote="Nemo"]NEC just handled the corporate aspect. Since Sony was pining to get in the console business they signed a deal with NEC to produce all the PC-engine systems. So basically the Duo is like the Playstation 0.[/quote

So what does TTI have to do with it then? (at least the USA Turbo Duo)
TTI and Sony sound and look different to me...even in writing.

Neon · Post by **Neon** » Fri May 06, 2005 2:30 am

Sony made the soundchip for Super Nintendo also

I'd have to say PCE gradius is much better than the arcade, which I reckon the Saturn version is ported from, despite the extra slowdown. They made the music not irritating and prettied it up a bit too.

Nemo · Post by **Nemo** » Fri May 06, 2005 3:15 am

jp wrote:....

*sigh*

Well then, so much for that. *goes back to Ebay looking for random Saturn games*

I made the whole thing up, sorry JP.

I just wanted to see if your Sony hatred would overrule the awesomeness of the Duo, so my experiment worked, unfortunately. Don't you feel a bit silly now though? I mean choosing consoles not on games but only on who makes the platform. It's not like Sony killed your parents or anything.

jp · Post by jp » Fri May 06, 2005 3:57 am

Nemo wrote:
jp wrote:....

*sigh*

Well then, so much for that. *goes back to Ebay looking for random Saturn games*
I made the whole thing up, sorry JP. I just wanted to see if your Sony hatred would overrule the awesomeness of the Duo, so my experiment worked, unfortunately. Don't you feel a bit silly now though? I mean choosing consoles not on games but only on who makes the platform. It's not like Sony killed your parents or anything.

No, I don't feel silly. I feel relieved.

Of course, I was debating secretly buying one anyways just because I've been wanting some good ole 16-bit horis to play lately. I need to take a break from verts. Oy.

Of course, part of me felt that "Playstation 0" remark was just a bit too harsh for it to be a legitimate statement.

Ah well, so yes, could someone tell me the differences between the different models and which would be the best to go with? I'm really itching for some cheap shmups that won't be killing my wallet this summer.

TWITCHDOCTOR · Post by **TWITCHDOCTOR** » Fri May 06, 2005 4:36 am

Get a Duo...either a USA model or a JPN one(Japanese models have purple power buttons). Both are region free regarding CD's...(plus you can even play "backups")
As for Hucards, you'll need an adapter(Kisado) to be region free.
Look around at www.tdz.com for some extra info.

jp · Post by jp » Fri May 06, 2005 4:37 am

Any particular reason why the Duo is better than the Duo-RX?

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Fri May 06, 2005 5:01 am

I've a few HuCARD shooters, and interestingly only one of them is a horzi (Paranoia).

Nothing has ever kicked my ass more than Image Fight.

OmegaFlareX · Post by **OmegaFlareX** » Fri May 06, 2005 5:01 am

jp wrote:Ah well, so yes, could someone tell me the differences between the different models and which would be the best to go with? I'm really itching for some cheap shmups that won't be killing my wallet this summer.

I'd just go with whatever model is cheapest (the original, usually). Save yourself a few bucks for more software. My Duo is a modded US model. It works great, except it's really picky about reading CDRs. Apparently you need to use high-quality media. Anywho, don't waste your money on the R or RX just because you like the way they look. The original model will do fine. I'd go with the JP model unless you know someone who can region-mod a US one (Matt did mine).

Accessories you need:
- Duo Tap (PCE/Turbo systems only have 1 controller port)
- Tennoke Bank (flash memory backup for your save files)

Optional:
- Arcade Card Duo (for Sapphire and some impressive Neo*Geo ports)
- Avenue Pad 6 (for those Neo fighters and SFIICE, if you want them)
- PCE Joystick (if you're a stick guy)

The Duo plays Hucard, CD, and SuperCD software right out of the box, so compatibility won't be a problem.

Affordable games to start off with:

- Gate of Thunder 3-in-1 (US, SCD). Has GoT, Bonk 1, Bonk 2, and Bomberman all on the same disc. I got mine from TZD, but they've since sold out, so you'll have to resort to ebay. Price - $20-30

- Kyukyoku Tiger (Hu). Since you don't plan on getting a Playstation, this is the best port of the game available to you. Price - $20-30

- Legendary Axe (Hu). Essential PCE hack 'n slash. Price - ? Dunno, I have the US hucard. I think it cost me 5 bucks.

- L-Dis (JP, CD). You want a challenge right? This one fits the bill. It's got cute, colorful, fun graphics, and it's cheap. Price - $10-20

- Super Star Soldier (Hu). It should be illegal to own a PCE system and not have one of the Soldier shmups. Price - $20-30

Useful links (information):
The PC-Engine Catalog Project
The PC-Engine Software Bible
PC Engine Lounge Hucard & CD
Universo PC-Engine

(communities):
MagicEngine forums
RIGG forums

(sales):
The West Exit
16-bit's ebay store

Neon · Post by **Neon** » Fri May 06, 2005 5:37 am

What Neogeo fighters got ported, out of curiousity? I've never been able to find information on this anywhere (literally every website refers to it as 'just a few neogeo fighters')

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Fri May 06, 2005 6:37 am

Is only the US version of Gate of Thunder the 3-in-1 pack? I got a Japanese copy and I find nothing of the sort...

Post by **Ghegs** » Fri May 06, 2005 6:43 am

iatneH wrote:Is only the US version of Gate of Thunder the 3-in-1 pack? I got a Japanese copy and I find nothing of the sort...

Yeah, that's correct. That was the pack-in disc for Turbo Duo, I believe.

judesalmon · Post by **judesalmon** » Fri May 06, 2005 8:28 am

If you must get a Duo, go for the R over the RX.

chtimi-CLA · Post by **chtimi-CLA** » Fri May 06, 2005 9:51 am

i don't recommend the PCE stick, as it's not a true clicky stick but one that works like a pad, like the MD one. it's also much too small and light. one thing that's good about it though is the length of the wire, i used it to make a PCE stick with a SAT arcade stick.
for cheap CDs don't forget splash lake!

jp · Post by jp » Fri May 06, 2005 10:15 pm

judesalmon wrote:If you must get a Duo, go for the R over the RX.

Why?

I really like the way the RX looks... but if there's a technical reason I should pass it up for one of the "uglier" consoles, I'd really like to know how it ways out against the aesthetic quality of the RX.

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Fri May 06, 2005 11:16 pm

jp wrote:
Dylan1CC wrote:Just my 2 cents, but I'd use the money you're going to spend on Rayxanber and get one of Konami's excellent PCE ports instead. Unless you really like memorization and being frustrated, IMHO you'd be better off supplementing your already good choices (GoT, Bonk, ect.) with:

Detana! Twinbee!

or

Salamander

or

Gradius

or

or Parodius

Erm... not to be rude, but I own everything you just listed on the Deluxe Packs for the Saturn, so I'm afraid Konami's importance on my PC-Engine list is somewhat null at the moment.

I dunno, I was reading up on Rayxanber and it sounded really fun. I like challenging shmups and the great feeling you get once you 1CC them. And seeing as how I've 1CC'd Radiant Silvergun and Metal Black, I don't think a bit of memorization is going to piss me off all too horribly.

So what would you recommend I get for the system itself though? I was thinking the Duo RX since it looked the nicest and had an awesome controller. But if it somehow has lesser graphics or something...

D'oh!

Hmmm, the Star Soldier games are excellent. And even though it's waaaay too easy, definitely get Star Parodia which is in the same series. Because being able to play as the star soldier ship, Bomberman or a PC Engine with arms and legs is too sweet. Plus it has very crisp visuals and a beautiful soundtrack. I also highly recommend Macross 2036 which has a ton of kick ass weapons and like GoT and Star Parodia, an amazing, epic soundtrack.

Also, you MUST buy Bomberman 94 and a multitap with 5 controllers. It's the only game me and my friends play as much as Halo.

And again, get Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk.

EDIT:

Omega: - Kyukyoku Tiger (Hu). Since you don't plan on getting a Playstation, this is the best port of the game available to you. Price - $20-30

Yup. Definitely get PCE Kyu Tiger.

Tar-Palantir · Post by **Tar-Palantir** » Sat May 07, 2005 5:03 am

jp wrote:

I dunno, I was reading up on Rayxanber and it sounded really fun. I like challenging shmups and the great feeling you get once you 1CC them. And seeing as how I've 1CC'd Radiant Silvergun and Metal Black, I don't think a bit of memorization is going to piss me off all too horribly.

Rayxanber II will make your hair go white prematurely

But it has nice music. III is much better, but the music is worse.

Specineff · Post by **Specineff** » Sat May 07, 2005 5:36 am

@ Neon: Fatal Fury 2, Fatal Fury Special, Art of Fighting and World Heroes 2.

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Sat May 07, 2005 7:26 am

Hmm... Rayxanber is sounding quite attractive to me now... (I have no Duo or CD-ROM unit, so I can only emulate at this point).

I know Rayxanber II can be had for $20-$30, but the only ones I've seen of III are more like $150-$170. Is this the standard going price or should it be something less?

Nemo · Post by **Nemo** » Sat May 07, 2005 7:47 am

iatneH wrote:I know Rayxanber II can be had for $20-$30, but the only ones I've seen of III are more like $150-$170. Is this the standard going price or should it be something less?

A lot less. If you pay more than $50 you're pretty much getting ripped off. I got a mint copy for $40.