Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury

[monkeyman]

Even in its early form, Missile Fury seems to have it all. The game comes equipped with a full level editor which will enable gamers to share their creations online with friends.

Does this mean friends only level sharing? Seems every game with a level editor is limited this was because MS are worried everyone will make giant penises in their levels (which is probably about right in fairness).

Either way the only Bangai O game I've played was the DS one and I just couldn't get into it, however I'd be interested to see what people create with the editor.

[BrianC]

The biggest problem with the DS version, as far as I'm concerned, is how everything was handed to you right from the start and the game made no effort whatsoever to introduce you to the properties of the different weapons or the requirements of the different stage types

That's what the tutorial stages were for. Those introduced the weapons and the mechanics. Did you play the JP version or something? From what I remember, they were a requirement before going to the rest of the game in the US/EU version.

It sounds more like a sequel to Spirits than the Dreamcast version, which I find a little disappointing. I prefer just flying around and blowing everything up over slowly pushing blocks around the screen.

It's not like pushing blocks around is required for all levels in the DS Bangai-O. It has plenty of levels that lack pushing blocks and emphasize blowing up everything, not to mention the custom levels out there.

The structure of the game is odd, but I find nothing unfinished about it. It was changed a slight bit for the US/EU to split the levels into categories. Within the categories I found the order to be nice and I like how the action and puzzle levels were separated. I found the structure a bit of fresh air since it just lets you choose the level you want and go to another one when you get stuck. The game was also designed so you get the same functionality with the editor as the created levels, making it feel like one of the old school "construction kit" games, which, as far as I know, were full priced games. The game also has a nice variety of levels, so I didn't get a budget feel from it.

As far as this Xbox360 version goes, it looks like it will be quite a bit of fun, though I'm not sure if I like the graphics. I like that it keeps the DS structure, but I hope this time, that it allows for more limits based on weapons. It was too easy to pick and choose a good combination for the DS game.

[E. Randy Dupre]

Yeah, I played the Japanese version first. Maybe that's what soured me to it. Picked up the US release when it had come down in price and still couldn't get on with it.

I'd still have liked some proper kind of level structure in there, *some* attempt to give the game a difficulty curve. As it is, I got fed up with jumping into a level, realising that the weapon combo I'd selected was no use for it, then having to exit, reselect my kit and go back in again.

Just tried it again and no, I really can't get along with the thing. Most of the time I find I've not got a clue what the fuck I'm doing, in large part because of the way that you have to designate the weapons to the buttons. I just find it a confusing mess, whereas I adored the original.

Which isn't to say that I don't get why other people *do* enjoy it. It's just not something that does anything for me other than frustrate.

[Acid King]

Yeah, I played the Japanese version first. Maybe that's what soured me to it. Picked up the US release when it had come down in price and still couldn't get on with it.

I'd still have liked some proper kind of level structure in there, *some* attempt to give the game a difficulty curve. As it is, I got fed up with jumping into a level, realising that the weapon combo I'd selected was no use for it, then having to exit, reselect my kit and go back in again.

Just tried it again and no, I really can't get along with the thing. Most of the time I find I've not got a clue what the fuck I'm doing, in large part because of the way that you have to designate the weapons to the buttons. I just find it a confusing mess, whereas I adored the original.

Which isn't to say that I don't get why other people *do* enjoy it. It's just not something that does anything for me other than frustrate.

I agree about the weapons. All the different weapon combinations felt kind of unnecessary in the DS game, as I used pretty much the same combination throughout the game (I ignored the puzzle stages) and was fine. Having a lot of weapon choices is good when the levels are designed to be played and beaten with any given combination of weapons, not when you're forced to use a particular one to get through a given obstacle.

[PsychoGun]

The dreamcast game is one of my favorites. If this is an HD update to that (or the N64 version) I am all for this.

I didn't really like the DS game, though.

[Vexorg]

Quick impressions from PAX. More later:

The game is FAST. 60 FPS even with tons on screen.
No excessive weapons tat I can see.
Took some doing to figure things out.
A lot of localization needs to be done still.

[roker]

It sounds more like a sequel to Spirits than the Dreamcast version, which I find a little disappointing.

I'm totally opposite, I only liked the Dreamcast version.

btw, has Treasure become a sequel and rehash company?

[mesh control]

I think that's what mmm meant.....

[MrMonkeyMan]

Yeah, I adore the Dreamcast version. I thought Spirits was a fun little game, but nothing special.

Any word on ninjas, bat boys, or hedgehogs? I'd rather they didn't make a return.

[Vexorg]

OK, now that I can type on a real keyboard, here's a few more details:

-It looks like there is going to be some sort of story mode, but whatever it is, it's not really developed yet. There were about 25 levels (plus a few tutorials) with a mix between out-and-out blastfests and more puzzle-like levels (which seemed to be mostly races.) None of the text for the missions is localized yet.
-As I said earlier, it definitely runs fast. It turns out there is eventually some slowdown as the missile counts get up, but it's minor.
-At least for the story missions, it looks like you will have pre-selected weapons. The weapons vary by level (I didn't see anything but various missiles and lasers), but there's only two types available per level (similar to the DC version.) Controls are twin sticks to move/shoot and triggers to activate missiles and the "Freeze" (a bit hard to explain, basically it makes enemies stop shooting as you pass by, but is limited.)
-Didn't mess with the editor at all. I'm sure it'll be covered in more detail by someone soon enough.

I'm sure some people won't be satisfied with anything, but I certainly won't complain for $10.

[manaka]

-It looks like there is going to be some sort of story mode, but whatever it is, it's not really developed yet.

This is most likely what will determine a purchase from me. I had a ton of enjoyment with the story setup in the Dreamcast game, and the DS game felt rather dead and lacking in fun in comparison.

[Cthulhu]

Despite not thinking much of Spirits, I'm sure I'll buy this. I enjoyed the original too much to ignore a new one even if the the second in the series wasn't so hot.

[Ebbo]

I never had chance to try original but Spirits was decent fun. It's a shame there was no real story mode or campaign since the tutorial and dialogue was pretty amusing for what is was worth. Editor was great though: putting Longai-Os on the smallest map possible and watching my DS linger on pain due never ending counter-attacks - priceless.

Hopefully this sequel will be more than just Spirits HD, though.

[Vexorg]

Kotaku has put up a couple more ShakyCam videos of the build at PAX:

http://kotaku.com/5630606/call-it-banga ... t-insanity

[Ghegs]

New direct-feed videos:

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/navig ... -hd/704553
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/navig ... -hd/704551

[Vexorg]

I'm guessing those are from a newer build, but those levels are a lot tamer than what was shown at PAX.

[bcass]

I have to say, I prefer the N64 and DC graphics.

[Elixir]

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/banga ... ltiplayer/

Delayed until 2011 Spring, in order to add multiplayer.

[Drum]

Sounds good, and I'm poor right now so this suits me. I have no idea how vs would work but it could be amazing - hopefully they don't do something stupid like 'race to the finish!'. I'd also like them to take some of that time to spruce up the graphix.

[pooch]

Naked prancing blue-haired small boy confirmed as playable character please. Then again, I want this for every game. And in life in general.

[PsychoGun]

No interest in this. My N64 and DC copy are all I need.

The DS game sucked too, so to hell with this.

Treasure also hasn't been relevant in a long time with their old IPs, everything they've done since Ikaruga has sucked.

[DOM]

The DS game sucked too, so to hell with this.

Treasure also hasn't been relevant in a long time with their old IPs, everything they've done since Ikaruga has sucked.

Objection!

Sin and Punishment 2 is their latest game i think, and it defenetly doesnt "suck"

[bcass]

It's OK. Not as good as the original IMO.

[PsychoGun]

The DS game sucked too, so to hell with this.

Treasure also hasn't been relevant in a long time with their old IPs, everything they've done since Ikaruga has sucked.

Objection!

Sin and Punishment 2 is their latest game i think, and it defenetly doesnt "suck"

That's the one game I haven't played, so it may well be good.

[Drum]

No interest in this. My N64 and DC copy are all I need.

The DS game sucked too, so to hell with this.

Treasure also hasn't been relevant in a long time with their old IPs, everything they've done since Ikaruga has sucked.

A) Ikaruga sucked.

B) Astro Boy Omega Factor and the aforementioned Sin and Punishment 2 are about as good as anything they've done. Bangai-o Spirits was more flawed than the flawed original, but it had some good levels and ideas and stuff. It didn't outright suck.

C) Obviously not everybody can be as talented as the good folks at Guerilla Games - maybe your standards are just too high?

[PsychoGun]

C) Obviously not everybody can be as talented as the good folks at Guerilla Games - maybe your standards are just too high?

Saying guerilla games sucks is pretty ignorant, even if you hate the FPS genre. Killzone 2, THEIR LAST FUCKING GAME, was obviously made by talented people and made more money than your mom makes all year working the corner.

Not everyone is a huge fucking weebo, you know.

Some of us enjoy other genres of games.

Didn't mean to get sand in your vagina over your precious treasure sequels. If you come by I'll hose down your panties for you, free of charge.

[BulletMagnet]

Watch the tone in here, please.

[Limbrooke]

No interest in this. My N64 and DC copy are all I need.

The DS game sucked too, so to hell with this.

Agreed on DS, although I came in expecting more of the same from the original and what I found was nowhere near to that standard. Not so much suck as it was a letdown. The hardware platform doesn't help either.

Treasure also hasn't been relevant in a long time with their old IPs, everything they've done since Ikaruga has sucked.

Gunstar Super Heroes is great, even if in spirit it's a rehash. The execution and mechanical changes between it and the original are done appropriately and for what it's worth, it's a decent time attack game pardon the unskippable scenes. Haven't yet tried Astro Boy and while it gets praise everytime I see footage I'm left feeling it's a bit slow and repetitive. Otherwise, I cannot say recent Treasure has been all that inspiring.

Oh well, I have no 360 so this DLC Bangai-O has no interest for me either at present.

[Drum]

C) Obviously not everybody can be as talented as the good folks at Guerilla Games - maybe your standards are just too high?

Saying guerilla games sucks is pretty ignorant, even if you hate the FPS genre. Killzone 2, THEIR LAST FUCKING GAME, was obviously made by talented people and made more money than your mom makes all year working the corner.

Not everyone is a huge fucking weebo, you know.

Some of us enjoy other genres of games.

Didn't mean to get sand in your vagina over your precious treasure sequels. If you come by I'll hose down your panties for you, free of charge.

oh man

[PsychoGun]

No interest in this. My N64 and DC copy are all I need.

The DS game sucked too, so to hell with this.

Agreed on DS, although I came in expecting more of the same from the original and what I found was nowhere near to that standard. Not so much suck as it was a letdown. The hardware platform doesn't help either.

Treasure also hasn't been relevant in a long time with their old IPs, everything they've done since Ikaruga has sucked.

Gunstar Super Heroes is great, even in spirit it's a rehash. The execution and mechanical changes between it and the original are done appropriately and for what it's worth, it's a decent time attack game pardon the unskippable scenes. Haven't yet tried Astro Boy and while it gets praise everytime I see footage I'm left feeling it's a bit slow and repetitive. Otherwise, I cannot say recent Treasure has been all that inspiring.

Oh well, I have no 360 so this DLC Bangai-O has no interest for me either at present.

Wasn't that gunstar game on the GBA? Man, I thought that and the guardian heroes game were just bad, I dunno. when I pop in the genny version it just doesnt compare. Now that I think about it the astroboy game was good, It honestly slipped my mind they made it.

but I did say "their" sequels.