Xbox 360: Mushihimesama Futari 1.5 (November 2009)

[spadgy]

Big purple crap. At the time, his console was set to display a 16:9 resolution (even though the cab is 4:3). Once we switched to 4:3, all of those glitches went away.

Presumably the console has to work harder to display higher resolutions which will probably contribute to things like that. That's why I'm hoping my console will last longer since I just use 480p.

I'm thinking with all the scaling/aspect ratio options if you pick something really funky it may go crazy on occasion. My uneducated guess is the closer to squarish pixels the better.

Anyone actually use all the extra displays? Do those cause additional graphical glitches?

I've been tinkering with them a lot as I've been running it through a Sony PVM monitor, and I haven't noticed anything like that, but I haven't spend more than three evening with the game, and biref evenings too.

On the subject of preferring BL or 1.5 (I'm just talking 360 builds here), I'm leaning towards 1.5 at the moment. I prefer the way the colour-based scoring flips back and forth between green and blue quicker (Every 500 instead of every 3000). It adds a real tension to the boss battles and means constant attention must be paid to the counter throughout the level. I also feel BL means your character is a bit overpowered. Still, I'm at early days yet, flitting around between 1.5, BL, Original, Maniac, God, Ultra and Arrange finding what I like best. I think I want an Original 1CC before I treat myself to Maniac.

On the subject of the BL (360) slowdown, am I right that the 1.5 slowdown (particularly in Maniac) is a lot more faitful to the PCB? That seems to be the consensus in previous pages here.

[EOJ]

On the subject of the BL (360) slowdown, am I right that the 1.5 slowdown (particularly in Maniac) is a lot more faitful to the PCB? That seems to be the consensus in previous pages here.

(Periodically updated) writeup of ver 1.5 port slowdown accuracy:

http://www.cave-stg.com/forum/index.php?topic=733.0

To include ver 1.0(1) and BL port/PCB comparative analyses soon.

[Skykid]

I prefer the way the colour-based scoring flips back and forth between green and blue quicker (Every 500 instead of every 3000). It adds a real tension to the boss battles and means constant attention must be paid to the counter throughout the level.

Hrm, that is interesting.
I've been playing 1.5 for so long now I'm really used to the constant bullet switching being part of the game and adding a big technique to scoring. I find it's very cleverly incorporated indeed into the stage layout in original - and as you said Spadge - really gets the motor going. Switching every 3000 basically makes it sound like a secondary component. Also (and without playing it I can't judge completely) doesn't that force you to pretty much continually use a weapon you don't want (such as holding down the A shot) for much longer periods? I sort of liked the variety of constantly switching, and I have no idea how that will work on stage 5 when you need auto C to wipe out the large spreads.
I should, fingers crossed, have a copy by the end of the week to try out.

I think I want an Original 1CC before I treat myself to Maniac.

That's exactly what I did, and I got two and since gave up trying to better my score. I'm shit at deploying bombs properly too.
Maniac is awesome, but takes a while to adjust to the scoring system after original.

Arcade/360 - Original
-Missing slowdown on the stage 2 boss (first and second phases)
-Has some extra slowdown in stages 3-5.
-Last phase of Stage 3 boss is slightly slower (?? not totally sure on this yet)

If those second two points are true, you lot are lucky - stage 3 could use some more slowdown on the PCB, especially that bastard last boss pattern. Always needs a bomb.

Go to the 2D Gaming Forum! as it's bloody brilliant!

No it's bloody not.

[Schrodinger's cat]

Guys, I think you're getting it wrong - the BL DLC on the port is actually quite different from the PCB original, there's too much slowdown and it's making the game even easier than it should be. Basically, BL DLC and BL PCB will treat you differently, and it's not quite fair to compare scores between the two versions because of this.

I know Necro is considering truncating the high score thread even further to reflect the differences, but we're all waiting to hear more info from people who have spent a lot of time with the BL PCB.

I guess I wasn't very clear but I was comparing the 360 builds of 1.5 and BL because I have never played either of the PCBs.

On the subject of preferring BL or 1.5 (I'm just talking 360 builds here), I'm leaning towards 1.5 at the moment. I prefer the way the colour-based scoring flips back and forth between green and blue quicker (Every 500 instead of every 3000). It adds a real tension to the boss battles and means constant attention must be paid to the counter throughout the level. I also feel BL means your character is a bit overpowered.

I like 1.5 original as well for the same reasons. I think what makes it stand out from BL original is when there are those large, bullet canceling enemies. In BL there's usually a bit of slowdown making it easy to navigate through the patterns they shoot. In 1.5, I'm constantly thinking "oh crap, I'm gonna die I'm gonna die I'm gonna die" before all of the bullets 2 pixels away from my hitbox get cancelled out and then I let out a huge sigh of relief. It's completely exhilarating and reminds me of what I like the most about stage 5 of Mushi 1.

However, at the moment I think I like BL maniac more than 1.5. There's a lot more points to score and it's way easier to keep the scoring bar in the red, making it a lot more fun for me. Maybe when I get better at 1.5 maniac I'll think otherwise.



Also, after fiddling around with some screen presets on my tated CRT TV I somehow accidentally reset the frame delay to "fast" without realizing it. I wasn't doing that great when I realized what was wrong and changed it back to "PCB". Dammmmn what a difference it makes. It almost felt like there was PS2 Mushi 1 bomb lag while the frame delay was set to "fast" for me. Either that or it really doesn't make much of a difference and I was imagining things :/

[agustusx]

Also, after fiddling around with some screen presets on my tated CRT TV I somehow accidentally reset the frame delay to "fast" without realizing it.

I'm on a crt as well and after I read this I realized that I needed to check to make sure my settings hadn't switched as well. Indeed the frame delay reverted to FAST and this may have been why I was so much suckage today. I need to stop testing out settings all the time anyway. My current config is just fine.

[CptRansom]

I'm on a crt as well and after I read this I realized that I needed to check to make sure my settings hadn't switched as well. Indeed the frame delay reverted to FAST and this may have been why I was so much suckage today. I need to stop testing out settings all the time anyway. My current config is just fine.

What does the frame delay setting do, anyway? I have mine set to Fast, but I'm playing on an LCD TV.

[chempop]

I'm also curious how the "smoothing" and "drop shadow" change the screen settings. I'm using a flat CRT in tate.

I've been goofing with these screen settings a bit, kinda interesting to mix it up once in a while but it would be great if someone wrote a FAQ on all these settings...

[emphatic]

I'm also curious how the "smoothing" and "drop shadow" change the screen settings. I'm using a flat CRT in tate.

I've been goofing with these screen settings a bit, kinda interesting to mix it up once in a while but it would be great if someone wrote a FAQ on all these settings...

Q: How do I set up the screen the best?
A: Use menus + your eyes

Q: How do I shoot web?
Etc.

[agustusx]

I'm on a crt as well and after I read this I realized that I needed to check to make sure my settings hadn't switched as well. Indeed the frame delay reverted to FAST and this may have been why I was so much suckage today. I need to stop testing out settings all the time anyway. My current config is just fine.

What does the frame delay setting do, anyway? I have mine set to Fast, but I'm playing on an LCD TV.

I think that FAST the proper setting when using an LCD, on a CRT I believe PCB is the correct setting.

I'm also curious how the "smoothing" and "drop shadow" change the screen settings. I'm using a flat CRT in tate.

I've been goofing with these screen settings a bit, kinda interesting to mix it up once in a while but it would be great if someone wrote a FAQ on all these settings...

I really only think drop shadow effects the frame around your view. If your tated you don't have extra screen space so no worries. Smoothing changes how the sprites are rendered. If you look at the edges of sprites you can see the difference. Smoothing off is crisper, you will have to decide what works best for you.

[dmauro]

I was playing in 360 mode with smoothing on and didn't bother messing with it since everything looked really good, but once I turned it off it got even better. :/

[ASK]

Q: How do I shot web?

[Jockel]

i live in georegia but i dont see rusia no where not even sound but they says theres tanks should i be worrie?

[Zweihander]

If you tried to access it in game by trying to enter the BL menu, it won't work. You need to manually go to the LIVE store. it's on the US live. Go under Add-On content and it's the most recently added item. It's labelled some random engrish "Mushihimesama-Hutari-Black-Lavel" or something like that.

HOLY SHIT THANK YOU

Edit: FUUUUUUUUUUCK, it's $15 extra... I guess $70 for a game just isn't enough these days. Will buy it eventually...

[Zweihander]

what is this i dont even

[lawnspic]

Very center of the hitbox display. 2x4 for Original. 2x2 for Maniac/Ultra.

Excuse my ignorance but i don't understand. I'm trying to figure out where the hitbox (pixel) for the characters are. I assumed it was the head of the characters above there green aura but i'm not sure.

[Zaarock]

Very center of the hitbox display. 2x4 for Original. 2x2 for Maniac/Ultra.

Excuse my ignorance but i don't understand. I'm trying to figure out where the hitbox (pixel) for the characters are. I assumed it was the head of the characters above there green aura but i'm not sure.

Uhh, its the core of the hitbox indicator in the middle of the characters, the indicator looks the same as the respective characters bomb icons.. Though, maybe the hitbox could be off center by one pixel on the 2x4 hitbox, is that what you mean?

edit: oh wait, is this a continuation of the joke in the above posts

[lawnspic]

Not sure what the other member was talking about, but yeah basically where is the area that gets you killed? I want to know what i should be concentrating on when weaving through tight bullet patterns-Thanks

[szycag]

The glowy part in the center of your character.
The green aura IS the hitbox.

[lawnspic]

Thanks!, appreciate it

[SFKhoa]

Very center of the hitbox display. 2x4 for Original. 2x2 for Maniac/Ultra.

Wow I wasn't aware the hitbox is slightly different in original. are those 4 pixels in the 2x4 up/down or left/right?

Oops, I've made an error there. Original hitbox is 4x4 while Maniac&Ultra is 2x4 (up/down).

[emphatic]

I noticed in the manual that the DLC for 1.01 is mentioned. Did they really only mention it because it was a limited DLC, or can that be interpreted as it going to be available later as a wide release? The manual also mentions Black Label DLC.

[lawnspic]

Well that clears things up. BTW where did you get that pic from?

[Skykid]

Well that clears things up. BTW where did you get that pic from?

I think it's from the guide book that came with the DVD?

[SFKhoa]

Yeah, it's in the guide book that came w/ the Official DVD.

[Zero Gunner]

I'm sure this has been discussed much, but can I get BL just by logging into US Live? How much does it cost?

Yes you can - 1200 MSP.

I tried downloading this today and got a "Content not available" message. However it was not region specific like if you try dling the No More Heroes trailer from outside Japan. How do I get this to DL properly? Any thoughts?

If you tried to access it in game by trying to enter the BL menu, it won't work. You need to manually go to the LIVE store. it's on the US live. Go under Add-On content and it's the most recently added item. It's labelled some random engrish "Mushihimesama-Hutari-Black-Lavel" or something like that.

Ok....so maybe some can explain to me why I should be pleased with BL. This has got to be one of the worst instances of abusing DLC ever. And before I continue let me clarify that I have purchased the following 360 shmups/accessories this year: DDP, Raiden Fighters (3 copies), Raiden IV (3 copies), Mamoru-kun LE version, Death Smiles LE & Arcade Stick, and 2 copies of the Mushihimesama LE and 2 Mushihime Arcade Sticks. I mention this so as to avoid any silly comments about me hating on the game, Cave, MS or whatever other nonsensical remarks will come form the immediate desire to protect this sacred cow of a game. I also am loving playing Mushihime. But that said the BL DLC is a complete rip-off. $15 for more powerful shots, more enemies (now instead of two flying crab/lobster monsters there's.....three of them!), and a crap ton of slowdown? This is absurd. All these supposed enhancements/changes are simple parameter tweaks that anyone with basic programming skills could have implemented. Not to mention the fact that this supposed update is out two weeks after release?!?! F-ing absurd. I enthusiastically bought BL this morning to show my support for shmups and Cave's decision to release the game region free but now I've just about lost all respect for them. This really isn't much better than the DLC keys that EA makes gamers pay for and Cave should be ashamed charging us for content that should have been on the disc from day one. Then again what should I have expected given the DDP debacle...

The only positive thing I can say about this DL is that it was cheaper than "upgrading" an arcade board. But still, I thought at least there would be some genuine variation to the levels. Or at the very least simply touches like turning daytime stages into nighttime and adding variant versions of the enemies. But no....instead we get basically the same game for and extra $15. Now that's what I call appreciation for the fans! And to think that I wasted points on this crap that could have been held for Raystorm HD. Actually I should have used the points on Lucidity, as I'd been considering doing, instead of spending them on what amounts to a complete crap-attack-on-our-supporters-courtesy-of-Cave. Thanks guys! Now I see what you really think of the fans!

[TLB]

lol?

[EPS21]

I noticed in the manual that the DLC for 1.01 is mentioned. Did they really only mention it because it was a limited DLC, or can that be interpreted as it going to be available later as a wide release? The manual also mentions Black Label DLC.

Unless CAVE hates money, its going to be inevitable methinks.

[Momijitsuki]

tl;dr: I lost all respect for CAVE because I wasn't satisfied with a ~$15 purchase

Get over it.

What you're clearly failing to comprehend is that the BL PCB costs much, much more than approximately a measly $15 of DLC, and the fact that it's now available to be easily accessible and affordable to anyone with the game is extreme generosity on CAVE's part, despite whether or not you enjoyed it. You're being ridiculously petty, and you are by far in the minority when it comes to dissatisfaction. And if you think BL is more of the same just because it looks the same, you're missing out on the differences in BL's scoring systems, which are quite different than 1.5's system, and therefore the main draw to Black Label to begin with-- and if you didn't already know that, it's your own goddamn fault for not doing your research beforehand. Don't go blaming CAVE for that.

[Jockel]

tl;dr: I lost all respect for CAVE because I wasn't satisfied with a ~$15 purchase

What you're clearly failing to comprehend is that the BL PCB costs much, much more than approximately a measly $15 of DLC

My thoughts exactly while reading his post.
Try buying a Black Label PCB for 15$.

And if you fail to see the differences between the regular version and the BL... you fail.

[Udderdude]

This is absurd. All these supposed enhancements/changes are simple parameter tweaks that anyone with basic programming skills could have implemented.

Hello, you have no clue how game design works, HTH HAND.