Mushihime Sama Ps2 impressions

jiji · Post by **jiji** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:03 am

That close-up screen looks like it's showing low-res scanlines, but yeah, count me among the curious.

Recap · Post by **Recap** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:15 am

GaijinPunch wrote:
BenT wrote:Thanks for the impressions! Can you say whether the graphics are true low-res or interlaced? ie, are there scanlines?
I would like to know this too.

jiji wrote:That close-up screen looks like it's showing low-res scanlines, but yeah, count me among the curious.

You l337 bastards. Stop it.

FMK · Post by **FMK** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:49 am

All these shots from the menus are very reminiscent of Arika's ESPGaluda port. Same menu font and option dispositions, if I remember well (UPDATE: verified with my copy of ESP, and menu font is exactly the same [maybe a too common font?], and menu item dispositions exactly the same [minus absences and additions])

The tate adjustment is curious. Previous ports by Arika had that small problem with tate display going slightly out of screen. This option would be perfect. Would be a surprise a poor developer put in this option, alongside 2 tate modes. And why a Mushi PS2 ver. video at Arika's site?

There ever been certainty about the port developer?

Recap · Post by **Recap** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:57 am

FMK wrote: And why a Mushi PS2 ver. video at Arika's site?

Mihara's fanboyism, I suppose.

There ever been certainty about the port developer?

There is certainty that Cave is not, so.

GaijinPunch · Post by **GaijinPunch** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 1:16 am

FMK wrote:The tate adjustment is curious. Previous ports by Arika had that small problem with tate display going slightly out of screen. This option would be perfect.

ESPGaluda let's you offset the screen a bit... not much though. I just learned to live w/ missing part of the screen.

Dylan1CC · Post by **Dylan1CC** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:58 am

Recap wrote:
GaijinPunch wrote:
BenT wrote:Thanks for the impressions! Can you say whether the graphics are true low-res or interlaced? ie, are there scanlines?
I would like to know this too.

jiji wrote:That close-up screen looks like it's showing low-res scanlines, but yeah, count me among the curious.

You l337 bastards. Stop it.

As I said before, unlike you, they do not spam non stop about resolution constantly.

CMoon · Post by **CMoon** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 3:47 am

I would definitely like to know hear from people who have both played the arcade and are planning on getting the port. I too am confused about the video memory thing, and wonder if this is more an issue with the original game, or if indeed the PS2 has met its match (meaning Ibara may be out of the question...)

GaijinPunch · Post by **GaijinPunch** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 3:54 am

There are replay vids of manic mode (all levels). Someone just needs to compare it to them.... assuming nobody w/ teh PCB buys the port.

8 1/2 · Post by **8 1/2** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 4:38 am

This is the same issue that came up with DDPDOJ, and after a while it was debunked on account of the PCB having slowdown in the same places. This is how Cave makes nearly all their games. It's an intentional part of the overall design.

shariar07 · Post by **shariar07** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 4:40 am

i got the game too, very good gameplay and graphics is great i believe its low-res but very great animation and detail, can get slow at ultra mode too many bullets just like arcade, great port though, i don't have any compliant's. Offcourse there is two types of tate version, which is great. I say you have more fun playing on maniac mode than normal mode, very good game. I have not tried Ultra. That famitsu score is bullshit, i give it at least 31/40. Well in two more months we get Raiden 3, Yeah. and who know we might even see Shikigami 4 or Ketsui on Ps2

GaijinPunch · Post by **GaijinPunch** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 5:15 am

8 1/2 wrote:This is the same issue that came up with DDPDOJ, and after a while it was debunked on account of the PCB having slowdown in the same places. This is how Cave makes nearly all their games. It's an intentional part of the overall design.

When did this come up? The reason the port has it in the same place as the PCB is b/c they intentionally put it in the port. The PCB is coincidence. Unfortunately, you can't port slowdown with 100% accuracy... even Mihara says this in an extremely long interview w/ Famitsu a few years ago.

Recap · Post by **Recap** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 5:19 am

Dylan1CC wrote:
Recap wrote:
GaijinPunch wrote: I would like to know this too.

jiji wrote:That close-up screen looks like it's showing low-res scanlines, but yeah, count me among the curious.

You l337 bastards. Stop it.
As I said before, unlike you, they do not spam non stop about resolution constantly.

Whatever dude. Check the times I "spam" here about the subject and how many of them weren't just answers for people who ask for information. At this point everybody knows this is just another "let's-get-the-ban-for-Recap" attempt from the usual people.

SAM · Post by **SAM** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 5:33 am

Guys, please don't start another flaming war in this tread.

GaijinPunch wrote:
8 1/2 wrote:This is the same issue that came up with DDPDOJ, and after a while it was debunked on account of the PCB having slowdown in the same places. This is how Cave makes nearly all their games. It's an intentional part of the overall design.
When did this come up? The reason the port has it in the same place as the PCB is b/c they intentionally put it in the port. The PCB is coincidence. Unfortunately, you can't port slowdown with 100% accuracy... even Mihara says this in an extremely long interview w/ Famitsu a few years ago.

Well, it might not be slowdown exactly the same way as the PCB, but at least it attempt to simulate the slow down. Actually the game is unplayable at Ultra mode if it is running at "Full Speed Ahead".

I guess intentional slowdown is more easily to simulate, since the developer already the program code to do that in the game. While hardware slowdown is much harder to simulate.

By the way, I have contacted my friend who work at the local wholesaler. He said he can sold me a few copies at US$52 (+ 8.06 postage w/ insurance ). If any of you guys want me to get you a copy please PM me within 4 hrs. I would meet him and get my copy today after work.

P.S. - I can only accept PayPal payment.

GaijinPunch · Post by **GaijinPunch** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 6:09 am

I guess intentional slowdown is more easily to simulate, since the developer already the program code to do that in the game. While hardware slowdown is much harder to simulate

That was the problem with DOJ.
1) It was hardware slowdown
2) Arika ported it, not Cave, even though Cave gave them some help AFAIK.

Arika did their best to simulate this slowdown, but even Clover-TAC said in the interview that it's not 100% accurate.

Bullet_Storm · Post by **Bullet_Storm** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:42 am

I got to play it for a couple hours today, and the resolution is very similar to DOJ in yoko mode, and in tate mode it looks totally incredible. I am 99% sure this is in true low-res. No shimmer and shake like the psikyo ports did when they were tate'd. Some other things I noticed, in arrange mode, square button switches between the three types of weapons. Mushi's arrange mode is not nearly as brutal as Galuda's. All in all, one helluva good game.

slateman · Post by **slateman** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 1:32 pm

Got a bit of play time last night, a few runs through.

I've never played this, much like any other arcade shmup. (oh how I yearn to play Ketsui) Been waiting for this since ESP Galuda graced my doorstep. A few notes...

High score tables - This lists only the highest of the day, or so it seems. Unless I've missed something, this is a GLARING omission! I hope I have missed something in my limited time, as it's why most of us play the game. I got a high score, the game auto-saved. The next time my friend booted it up, it auto-loaded, but the high score table says, "Today's High Scores" or something and it was back to default. I hope I'm mistaken here.

Super Replays/Saving Replays - Another thing I really enjoyed about the 2 Arika ports. I used this a lot in DDP:DOJ, saving replays of my high chains. ALMOST able to chain level 1 entirely (after all these years!)

Slowdown - Nothing compares to R-Type Final's 3rd level IMO. Here, all the slowdown seems legit and I believe is in there on purpose. However, when it kicks out, you can move a bit too fast. I think this is intentional as someone put it.

roushimsx - I tried getting the artwork with no luck. I want it though! Tossed up a Mushihimesama section to my Peaceful Death site yesterday
(http://www.slateman.net/shmups/), but I would really like the end-of-level art and all those sketches.

Quite an enjoyable game. I heard snippets from the soundtrack and didn't like it, but after playing it, level 3 and the boss music is really pretty cool. I've been debating getting the soundtrack b/c I want the Reko figure. $45 is a bit much though.

Looks good, plays well, a lot of fun and with Normal/Maniac/Arrange (haven't touched Ultra), each plays differently. Good added depth/replay value for this genre.

chtimi-CLA · Post by **chtimi-CLA** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:07 pm

Bullet_Storm wrote:I got to play it for a couple hours today, and the resolution is very similar to DOJ in yoko mode, and in tate mode it looks totally incredible. I am 99% sure this is in true low-res. No shimmer and shake like the psikyo ports did when they were tate'd.

great, anybody can confirm?

8 1/2 · Post by **8 1/2** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:42 pm

I don't doubt that DOJ isn't 100% perfect, but my point was simply that when it came out people bought it and began complaining about the slowdown as though it was the PS2's fault. In time, it became obvious that it was intended. I believe the same is true of Mushi here.

Anyway, hopefully I'll have it by Friday or Saturday so I can see for myself.

lmn4096 · Post by **lmn4096** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 3:38 pm

@chtimi: in Tate, it s not real low-res, but filtered like the filtered TateHosei with Galuda and DDP-DOJ.
but still good don't worry

Kron · Post by **Kron** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 3:42 pm

chtimi wrote:
Bullet_Storm wrote:I got to play it for a couple hours today, and the resolution is very similar to DOJ in yoko mode, and in tate mode it looks totally incredible. I am 99% sure this is in true low-res. No shimmer and shake like the psikyo ports did when they were tate'd.
great, anybody can confirm?

The tate mode is in high res, I was able to try the game this morning.

Bit of a shame after what Arika did with DOJ and Galuda.

ThirdStrike · Post by **ThirdStrike** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 3:50 pm

I played this game a good 5 hours last night. God it is almost addicting as crack.

Ord · Post by **Ord** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 3:59 pm

apologies if this has been posted already.

I also got confirmation from Play-Asia that my order has shipped!!

Post by **undamned** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 5:13 pm

Sweet! I can't wait for my new stuff!

I ordered the OST and Ltd. game together, so they waited for the game to be released to send both.
-ud

marcus12024 · Post by **marcus12024** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 5:31 pm

See, now that sucks - I didn't bother with the LE 'cause I just figured they'd be sending that little figure along with the game, seemed kinda silly. But now I see the nice box, with the sweet artwork, and I just got my confirmation that my non-LE has shipped.

Oh well, can't have everything I guess!

Edit - or maybe I can...I think I may just order the LE as well, I'm sure that I can sell the other one, 'specially if I hold on to it for a while, and don't open it...

Damn games, so much money, so much fun

chtimi-CLA · Post by **chtimi-CLA** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 5:41 pm

lmn4096 wrote:@chtimi: in Tate, it s not real low-res, but filtered like the filtered TateHosei with Galuda and DDP-DOJ.
but still good don't worry

hm.. this port will do for now but i'll probably get the pcb when it drops if it is so, filtering is annoying once you put a name on it even if it's not as bad as no tate.
are all fake low-res equal? maybe it's my imagination but it looks like DOJ tate hosei doesn't shimmer as bad as slug3 or dragon blaze?

also does the autosave work correctly, one poster seemed to have problems with it. i don't mind too much not having having separated score tables for autofire fixes since i'll only play full-default, at least there is a practice mode.

Ord · Post by **Ord** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 5:47 pm

I'm a bit dissapointed about the blister pack for the figure. I was hoping it would be like the OST. If i wanted to take the figure out I reckon it'll destroy the package.

japtor · Post by **japtor** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 6:00 pm

hm.. this port will do for now but i'll probably get the pcb when it drops if it is so, filtering is annoying once you put a name on it even if it's not as bad as no tate.
are all fake low-res equal? maybe it's my imagination but it looks like DOJ tate hosei doesn't shimmer as bad as slug3 or dragon blaze?

anyone actually know the arcade resolution of mushi? iirc doj and galuda worked because the ps2 could display their resolution correctly (or something like that). if mushis is a bit different it couldve required them to use an upscaled/filtered high res mode (or downsample the image to match ps2s supported low res).

visuatrox · Post by **visuatrox** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 6:12 pm

Ord wrote:I'm a bit dissapointed about the blister pack for the figure. I was hoping it would be like the OST. If i wanted to take the figure out I reckon it'll destroy the package.

To me that looks like the packaging that the limited shikigami figures came in.. And on those you could remove the figures without destroying the packaging.

lmn4096 · Post by **lmn4096** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 6:53 pm

@japtor: I don't know the exact arcade resolution and I don't think DOJ and Galuda had something different from mushi to fit the PS2 low res spec, but it was a choice from Arika to let us choose between 2 different Tate mode.

I explain, the point between the 2 possible choices (in Tate):

1 real Low res. was a pixel perfect but need to tweak your screen size otherwise the picture would be too big or too wide on some TV set.
this is mainly for people with an RGB tv with the ability to modify their screen settings or people with a real RGB arcade monitor (or Amiga rgb monitor)

2 the recalculated low res. (TaTe Hosei)
This one will fit exactely any TV screen. but will show some softness in the picture. because of the scalling.
this what is used with MushiHime

(it's very easy to see the difference when using an RGB connection, but became dificult for Svideo or simple composit video)

I beleive Cave did not include the exact real low res because very few people will have an RGB arcade monitor or a TV that let them tweak the Height and Wide size of their screen to fit perfectely..

BTW more and more people have only 16/9 tv screen, that is not the best for this kind of resolution...
and in the future I beleive a tv in low res would become hard to find

it could also be a problem of the PS2 low res, but I don't think so.

Naiera · Post by **Naiera** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:26 pm

Galuda looks like shit on my arcade monitor in Tatehosei or whatever mode.

Colour me disappointed