Import advice?

[Moniker]

So I recently imported for the first time -- Futari, and freaking love it. Definitely worth the $40. However, I love Yagawa more. And there's Pink Sweets + Muchi Muchi Pork out there tempting me. But I'm having trouble justifying to myself the $85 to $130 asking price (looking around right now, the only ones in stock are $120 or above). So my question is: would it be better to wait on this one? Any chance it could become a platinum release? Or am I better off biting the bullet now in case it becomes rarer/more expensive later, given the failure of the 360 in Japan?

Also, and perhaps most importantly, how does it play? Like an HD Raizing (hooray), or a Cave game with rank and medaling (meh...)?

[Icarus]

So I recently imported for the first time -- Futari, and freaking love it. Definitely worth the $40. However, I love Yagawa more. And there's Pink Sweets + Muchi Muchi Pork out there tempting me. But I'm having trouble justifying to myself the $85 to $130 asking price (looking around right now, the only ones in stock are $120 or above). So my question is: would it be better to wait on this one? Any chance it could become a platinum release? Or am I better off biting the bullet now in case it becomes rarer/more expensive later, given the failure of the 360 in Japan?

$120 for 2x ver1.00, 2x ver1.01, 2x Arrange, and 1x MMP Matsuri Ver? Seven total variants of two of Yagawa's best games?
You're waiting for what, now?

[Moniker]

So I recently imported for the first time -- Futari, and freaking love it. Definitely worth the $40. However, I love Yagawa more. And there's Pink Sweets + Muchi Muchi Pork out there tempting me. But I'm having trouble justifying to myself the $85 to $130 asking price (looking around right now, the only ones in stock are $120 or above). So my question is: would it be better to wait on this one? Any chance it could become a platinum release? Or am I better off biting the bullet now in case it becomes rarer/more expensive later, given the failure of the 360 in Japan?

$120 for 2x ver1.00, 2x ver1.01, 2x Arrange, and 1x MMP Matsuri Ver? Seven total variants of two of Yagawa's best games?
You're waiting for what, now?

Sold. Jeez, that didn't take much encouragement.

[Deca]

Honestly they feel more Cavey than Raizing. I was slightly disappointed but they're still quite fun, especially Pork. I was expecting to like Sweets better but it just hasn't clicked yet, I have a feeling it will somewhere down the line.

They're a great buy if you're into shooters, just don't expect it to feel like Garegga I never regretted spending 130 or so on them at launch. Then again I never regret buying shooters, even if I don't play them as much as I expected when I grabbed it, I know there will be some point down the line that I want to play them and put a bunch of time into them. All about having choices when you get those shootin cravings

[DrTrouserPlank]

I don't think that game is coming down in price. I bought my LE a few months ago, brand new for about $90. The same guy I bought it from is now selling them for $130-140, and they are still selling.

It's anyone's guess whether it would get a platinum release, although it certainly wouldn't be until about mid way through next year. My feeling is that it just won't get one at all.

If you didn't use the download code it would be easy to resell it for all of the money you've paid for it if you really didn't like it. I can see a non-LE, first print (with unused DLC code) version, second-hand, selling on ebay at the moment for $100 with 2 days bidding left.

The price has definitely gone up over the last few months.

[Aliquantic]

It's anyone's guess whether it would get a platinum release, although it certainly wouldn't be until about mid way through next year. My feeling is that it just won't get one at all.

Indeed, if we're already seeing rarity issues with that game and it having only had one or two print runs, I don't see how a Platinum release could ever happen... even the 360 DOJ port is easier to find to this day, and it hasn't been in print for two years!

[chempop]

While they are great, I prefer the dark atmosphere of Garegga myself. Pork feels like a cave-yagawa blend, while Sweets might feel a bit more yagawa (although the Sweets arrange mode is cave-ish, and surprisingly awesome). They aren't HD to my knowledge, but w/e.

Do not forget about ESPGaluda2, it's probably my favorite 360 release.

[Elixir]

I should have mass bought MMP/PS LEs when they were <4000 yen on Amazon.jp a few months ago.

[Moniker]

While they are great, I prefer the dark atmosphere of Garegga myself. Pork feels like a cave-yagawa blend, while Sweets might feel a bit more yagawa (although the Sweets arrange mode is cave-ish, and surprisingly awesome). They aren't HD to my knowledge, but w/e.

Do not forget about ESPGaluda2, it's probably my favorite 360 release.

Yeah, I meant HD more broadly, as compared to BG/BB/APB. Not too concerned there. Ended up getting the LE for $130 from japanvideogames.com, and coincidentally threw in galuda II platinum for shits and giggles. Not a huge fan of the first galuda (though I can't say I dislike it), but ESPrade was my favorite cave title until I got Futari.

I likely won't resell it on ebay. I hate relying on individuals as opposed to companies. But it's good to know the resell value won't likely diminish.

In any case, looks like I'll be having a good weekend, if the retailer's past previous shipping time is any indication. Thanks for the tips, all.

[Casey120]

The crap thing with cave ports on any platform is that the longer you wait the more expensive they get unless there is a Platinum edition released of course , Ebay is always ready to rape you when shop stock is gone .
I learned that the hard way with some games

[Deca]

You're in for a treat with Galuda2, it's a MUCH different beast than the first game. Very difficult, but very interesting and rewarding scoring mechanics. Also a Yagawa arrange...albeit an odd one.

[Casper<3]

Personally, I own every CAVE port on the 360 and have to say that MMP/PS is probably my least favorite.

If I were you I would get Espgaluda II instead (in my top two right up there with DFK1.5/BL).

As much as I wanted to like MMP, it's just too meh. ...and Pink Sweets, I knew I wouldn't like it. I like it even less when I trace it back to it's Garegga roots. I literally fell asleep the first time playing it while trying to credit feed my way through. (safe to say I didn't suceed, same thing happened my second attempt. I had to try and credit feed through the hideous wreck 3 times to get through it without falling asleep!) Both games feel very over-the-top-ibara-ish. Yet neither of them are half as good as Ibara. Pink Sweets aesthetics are terrible too. I can't get into the flaming gay candy land theme.

[xbl0x180]

So I recently imported for the first time -- Futari, and freaking love it. Definitely worth the $40. However, I love Yagawa more. And there's Pink Sweets + Muchi Muchi Pork out there tempting me. But I'm having trouble justifying to myself the $85 to $130 asking price (looking around right now, the only ones in stock are $120 or above). So my question is: would it be better to wait on this one? Any chance it could become a platinum release? Or am I better off biting the bullet now in case it becomes rarer/more expensive later, given the failure of the 360 in Japan?

Also, and perhaps most importantly, how does it play? Like an HD Raizing (hooray), or a Cave game with rank and medaling (meh...)?

Ugh. I didn't know Muchi Muchi Pork and Pink Sweets was outta print. I don't think it's a huge deal to warrant the cut-throat prices (I don't think most anything is worth more than the retail price). I'd rather get Eschatos and Shooting Love 200X, esp. the former since it's region-free <3

[Moniker]

Ugh. I didn't know Muchi Muchi Pork and Pink Sweets was outta print. I don't think it's a huge deal to warrant the cut-throat prices (I don't think most anything is worth more than the retail price). I'd rather get Eschatos and Shooting Love 200X, esp. the former since it's region-free <3

Based on testimony, Eschatos is probably next if I'm feeling reckless enough. Can't say the vids really appeal to me, but vids don't really convey much if you haven't played. Don't see where it's available for standard retail, though. Unless $80-110 is standard retail.

@Casper -- I'd advise you not to speak to any brides on their wedding day.

[Casper<3]

@Casper -- I'd advise you not to speak to any brides on their wedding day.

Funny true fact, I used to work at a wedding hall.

[xbl0x180]

Ugh. I didn't know Muchi Muchi Pork and Pink Sweets was outta print. I don't think it's a huge deal to warrant the cut-throat prices (I don't think most anything is worth more than the retail price). I'd rather get Eschatos and Shooting Love 200X, esp. the former since it's region-free <3

Based on testimony, Eschatos is probably next if I'm feeling reckless enough. Can't say the vids really appeal to me, but vids don't really convey much if you haven't played. Don't see where it's available for standard retail, though. Unless $80-110 is standard retail.

@Casper -- I'd advise you not to speak to any brides on their wedding day.

Oh, I was sold on the game Eschatos because of the videos and I think they're fairly representative of what you get with the disc collection. I became an instant fan without having played the game It's got a peculiar Indie-like aesthetic that appeals very much to what I look for in designs and gameplay. The game really does retail for 80 bucks, but I played that game so much I think I've already spent the equivalent in game credits.

The same could be said of Shooting Love 200X: it retails for about 78 bucks and comes bundled with Exzeal, Trizeal Remix, and some minigames. Granted, it doesn't have flashy designs and it doesn't seem to be super complex when it comes to the scoring system (although I only play for survival, so that's not saying much), but I think that's what I love about it - its apparent simplicity. They games are not bullet-hell/overwhelmingly crazy with the attack patterns; they play like normal, old school stuff you'd have seen way back at the arcades or in a home console.

Coincidentally, both games feature 3-D in-between animations and will only give you 2 continues... you can't credit-feed your way outta these

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h0UWZ6ZUFk


But maybe you like those newer CAVE games, so I'd suggest getting ESPGaluda II, which is now available as a Platinum release



Don't bother with Otomedius G and Strike Witches...

[nZero]

Don't see where it's available for standard retail, though. Unless $80-110 is standard retail.

Afraid so.

[Never_Scurred]

I've got an extra copy of MMP/Pink Sweets i'm willing to let go of for $60 buck + shipping and handling.....

[chempop]

You're in for a treat with Galuda2, it's a MUCH different beast than the first game.

I disagree. Sure it's a bit more challenging and has a new ability (which honestly you don't even have to use if you just want to clear the game), but overall it is far more similar to the first game than say Mushi->Futari, Deathsmiles->DS2, DOJ->DFK... Thing about Galuda2 on 360 is that it's got all those extra modes which are all pretty interesting and quite different from each other. I like the standard Arcade/360 mode the most, but I was a big fan of the first Galuda.

As for Pink Sweets, what's not to like about gay candy land?

[xbl0x180]

To hate on gay candy land is to hate yourself

[Deca]

You're in for a treat with Galuda2, it's a MUCH different beast than the first game.

I disagree. Sure it's a bit more challenging and has a new ability (which honestly you don't even have to use if you just want to clear the game), but overall it is far more similar to the first game than say Mushi->Futari, Deathsmiles->DS2, DOJ->DFK... Thing about Galuda2 on 360 is that it's got all those extra modes which are all pretty interesting and quite different from each other. I like the standard Arcade/360 mode the most, but I was a big fan of the first Galuda.

As for Pink Sweets, what's not to like about gay candy land?

I dunno man I'd say Zesshikai is a game changer. Sure you don't need to use it, but once you figure it out you probably will.

I'll give you that just going for a clear could pretty much be the same as a harder Galuda, I was thinking more grand scheme/playing for score.

[BPzeBanshee]

You're in for a treat with Galuda2, it's a MUCH different beast than the first game. Very difficult, but very interesting and rewarding scoring mechanics. Also a Yagawa arrange...albeit an odd one.

Which arrange mode is Yagawa's work? Omake?

[AntiFritz]

You're in for a treat with Galuda2, it's a MUCH different beast than the first game. Very difficult, but very interesting and rewarding scoring mechanics. Also a Yagawa arrange...albeit an odd one.

Which arrange mode is Yagawa's work? Omake?

Black label afaik.

[stryc9]

You're in for a treat with Galuda2, it's a MUCH different beast than the first game. Very difficult, but very interesting and rewarding scoring mechanics. Also a Yagawa arrange...albeit an odd one.

Which arrange mode is Yagawa's work? Omake?

Black label afaik.

It's the Arrange mode thats Yagawa.

[BPzeBanshee]

Cool. Thanks for the heads up! I thought that that Rank 99 * 99 business might've been his influence but I wasn't sure.

[NTSC-J]

Personally, I own every CAVE port on the 360 and have to say that MMP/PS is probably my least favorite...As much as I wanted to like MMP, it's just too meh.

[Never_Scurred]

Personally, I own every CAVE port on the 360 and have to say that MMP/PS is probably my least favorite...As much as I wanted to like MMP, it's just too meh.

[Moniker]

So the games just came in (hooray!) but the DLC isn't being accepted by xbox live. I have a US console - am I SOL?

[dannnnn]

You'll need to create a JP gamertag and redeem the DLC with that, you'll then be able to use the DLC with any gamertag on that console AFAIK.

If you need advice on how to create a Japanese gamertag, check the first post of this thread.

[Moniker]

Thanks for the pointer. All set up with new jp gamertag. Random given name: "TelevisionBag32". I don't know whether I should be insulted...