Genesis: Twin Cobra and Elemental Master

[LoneSage]

Today I traded in a broken Grind Stormer (never even got to play it ) and $9 for a complete Elemental Master and Twin Cobra for the Genesis.


What do you guys think of these two? I know EM gets praise a lot, but how about Twin Cobra? I heard something like the two-player is gone, but I don't care about that.

Also, how bad did I miss out on Grind Stormer..I've wanted to play it since I was a kid, looking at the cool magazine ads, now it'll be awhile again.

[jp]

IMO, Twin Cobra is slow, boring, painfully difficult due to having such a slow craft + super fast aimed shots, and just not fun. I took my copy back the day I got it. Mind you, I'm saying this as a huge fan of Toaplan (I LOVE Truxton, Hellfire, Batsugun, Sky Shark/Fire Shark, etc.). But then again, I've hated every helicopter shmup I've ever played... so...


Elemental Master is a shmup by Tecno Soft... so therefore, its probably good.

[FRO]

Elemental Master is quite good. The first few times I played it I had a hard time getting used to the controls (mostly because of the forward & reverse fire thing), but once you get the hang of that it's great.

I've never played the Genesis version of Twin Cobra, but having been a major fan of the arcade game (as well as a fan of the excellent NES conversion) I'd say the Genesis version is probably decent, at the very least.

As far as Grindstormer, I like it. Many here don't, and prefer the Japanese version of the game (called "V-V"). If you happen across another copy and buy it, there is either a standard code or Game Genie code that will allow you to play the Japanese version which has a different power-up system (though same weapons). And if you buy it and decide you don't like it, PM me - I'd be happy to take it off your hands in that case

[zinger]

Twin Cobra (Kyukyoku Tiger) is just too damn hard IMO. It has some special AI built in (this is unique for the MD/GEN version), where the enemies aim to where you seem to be going instead of right at you. It's tricky bastard, and nothing special other than that.

Elemental Master is one of the best and most unique 16 BIT shooters ever developed. It has great graphics and wonderful music (only 2nd to TFIV in comparison to other Tecnosoft soundtracks) and highly addictive gameplay. I was constantly smiling the first few minutes I played this game, that's how good it is My only complaint is that it's far too easy on normal.

I haven't played V.V. / Grindstormer for more than a few minutes, and in an emulator at that, so it might have some more slow-down than what I know of. It seems to be a pretty solid Toaplan shooter though, with quite a lot of similarities to Donpachi.

[8 1/2]

I love Twin Cobra/KK Tiger. It will smash you, but it will also teach you to hate and fear every enemy in the game. Few shmups are so tense. It's another of the Genesis hardcore elite shmups that maul gamers without mercy.

[DC906270]

Twin Cobra is excellent, a tough one though but probably easier than Hellfire i would say. Requires quick reflexes to dodge the superbly timed bullets - a bit like Tatsujin/Truxton?? You will work up a sweat playing that one. Also, has loads of diffiulty options about 8 or 9 i think so you can adjust the game to the difficulty level that fits you.

Elemental Master is a good solid vert scrolling shmup, with great music and graphics. You can tell it is a Technosoft game. Havnt played it as much as Twin Cobra though. Not as hardcore and basic a shmup as Twin Cobra. When i say basic i mean Twin strips any 'fanciness' such as graphics out and it is strictly hard, shmup action throughout. Not to everyones tastes i suppose.

Grindstormer is a good game that pushes the MD/Genny to its limits and probably is technically as accomplished as Donpachi on Saturn - amazing for the 16bit machine to pull this off. Gets very tough very quick though - i have only managed to get to Level 3 ever, and nevr seen the boss of this level. Also, a fair bit of slowdown going on to pull off the graphics - must have been a case of 'a bit of slowdown doesnt hurt the SNES's sales so may as well go for graphics over speed'. Doesnt affect the gameplay that bad though. Never played the arcade so i cant comment on how good a conversion it is.

[ryosnk]

For me twin corbra was my first shmup so it has a special place. So nice purchase on a great game .

[LoneSage]

It has some special AI built in (this is unique for the MD/GEN version), where the enemies aim to where you seem to be going instead of right at you.

Oh hellz yeah, I knew that had to be I noticed that too and loved it. I liked the NES port, and now maybe this Genesis version even more. It's a merciless shmup; so plain, so simple, so damn killer and I'm totally diggin it.

Elemental Master is cool too, definitely has that Technosoft trait to it. I've only played the first four levels, but I like it.

Thanks for the opinions, guys. Oh, and the box art to Elemental Master...lame. Another trademark of Renovation published games

[Marc]

I love Twin Cobra. Prefer the PCE version gameplay wise, but the MD version actually looks a lot nicer for a change. The AI is fuckin mean though. A really basic, no-frills shoot fest, which is exactly why I like it so much.

[Palmer Eldritch]

Twin Cobra on the Geneiss is my fave shmup ever bar none.
Excellent all the way through, and as much a study in the science behind the games as anything.

Good purchase. Stick with it, and you´ll either love it or hate it

[llabnip]

Twin Cobra for the Genny is great! It's one of my favs ... though I now prefer the near arcade-perfect PSX port on Toaplan Shooting Battle Vol 1. But the Genesis version is quite good. I have the PCE version as well and that's also a winner (though it feels a little different than both the PSX and Genny versions). Good basic Toaplan design shines through here - it's difficult but once you get used to the stuff coming at you from all sides, it's not that bad.

Grindstomer can be played as either Grindstormer or V-V - it's not even a hidden option (it's the very first option in the options screen). Great game, but the port was a little off (mostly the sound is a little annoying). This must be the #1 defective cart... I think jp had a bad one, someone else claimed to have a bad one and I had a bad one (but I've got a good one now). I enjoy the game quite a bit... then again, I'm a big fan of Toaplan shooters.

[gameoverDude]

The Genesis Twin Cobra is really Kyuukyoku Tiger, hence the restart points. Despite being fairly good at the arcade version, I found myself getting royally flattened by the Genesis one even on the easiest setting (still harder than the arcade). The AI there is a vicious beast of a different kind.

[LoneSage]

I'm liking Twin Cobra more than Elemental Master, surprisingly enough. So simple and addictive.

[iatneH]

Elemental Master was my first ever 1CC.

I like Kyuukyoku Tiger a lot, although my experience comes from the PCE version. I can run both Megadrive & PCE ones on my PSP now though :D

[TWITCHDOCTOR]

Both are good, but I prefer Elemental Master of the two.
I also prefer "Triple K Tiger" for the PC-Engine. At least the tanks aren't "caution yellow" with smiley faces!

[Diabollokus]

I played all 3 of those games on roms the other day and dam grindstormer is a tough one saw that level 3 boss I'm amazed at how similar it is to donpachi.

Yeah elemental master is pretty cool I like the bosses, good ole technosoft weapon system. not to difficult that level 5 got me a few times though!

Twin cobra is seriously hard I don't like it but I'll give it a shot.

[TWITCHDOCTOR]

Don/DoDonPachi similar to GrindStormer...?
Yea, I get that very same feeling.