I'm so glad that Hamster's Arcade Archives are a thing.

[BIL]

Hello
Is the emulation of the original Bubble Bobble in Bubble Bobble 4 - Friends good?
Thanks

Should be excellent, it's by Gotch just like the ACA one. Haven't tried it myself though, so will defer to others.

I get the feeling ACA HS Mode letting you pause by returning to the PS4/NSW home menu might be deliberate, or at least deliberately not barred; the title screen stipulates it's for high scores performed "without saves." Case in point, just got #6 on the PS4 Metal Hawk board while exploding for a piss, hit menu during the staff roll and entered my initials suitably relieved. In normal gameplay, doing this will always bring up the Pause menu, and plenty of games don't pause at all while you're elsewhere (I've eaten so many axes to the grill while capturing SoulsBorne clips 3;), so I'm sure they'd patch it up if it were contrary to their intent.

I wish Metal Hawk (and basically every other game that's not a Yagawa or Gunnail) awarded points for remaining stock. I prefer the aesthetic of no-death clears, pace the undeniable wizardry of master-level Suicide Technicians. Other than that, what a great Time/Score Attack game. I get the feeling it might not be the deepest in terms of scoring tricks; seems limited to "post-clear" kills, ie hitting the mission quota while near juicy targets, before tearing 'em up for surplus points before the evac. Airfield is a good spot for this, you can roll the stage counter from 999 to 000. OTOH, a focus on blistering speed and icy accuracy within nonlinear seek/destroy arenas is perfect for Time Attack shooting. A model of balls-to-the-wall coinop intensity - and efficiency, as I'm sure was deliberate with that expensive cab. Might be one of the rare coinops where upper difficulties/extend settings, etc warrant exploring.

[RobHimself]

I'm new to picking up some games on the Arcade Archives. I got "In The Hunt", "TGM", "Saint Dragon".

What are some must own titles you guys consider from these archives? Doesn't have to be a shmup, although I'm a diehard fan of Battle Garegga.

[BIL]

Good first picks, I can't believe I forgot to include In The Hunt in my previous ACA recposts! It's easy to miss a few in a lineup of this size and quality. Saint Dragon is bit ornery for some, but particularly as a Metal Black fan, I dig its brand of ruthlessness. TGM is probably the single most essential game of the entire ACA canon, and a testament to Hamster's knack for lost-cause miracles.

Speaking of, here are my previous recommendations posts, for STGs and other genres respectively. Off the cuff, Thunder Dragon 2 is a diamond. Particularly recommended if you dig Dangun/Recca-style waveshredding (kill waves to spawn more waves) with a side of aggressive BOMBA (featuring a legitimately genius riff on the classic Capacity Bonus, feeding directly back into the furiously revving waveshredder feedback loop; no-nonsense oldschool blasting taken to redline).

Of stuff released since that post, topdown Time Attack killathon Metal Hawk and Armed Astronaut microgenre exemplar Baraduke are exceptionally good. Ordyne is a very solid hori, though a little easy-going at first. Marvel Land is great if you want SMB3-comparable polish in arcade-tight runtime, even the daft rock/paper/scissor minigames are kinda fun.

[Udderdude]

Hello
Is the emulation of the original Bubble Bobble in Bubble Bobble 4 - Friends good?
Thanks

Should be excellent, it's by Gotch just like the ACA one. Haven't tried it myself though, so will defer to others.

I just tested the Windows version, didn't notice any issues. Latency comparible with GroovyMAME. Some people on Steam claim if you have a >60 Hz monitor, you will run into speed issues. Not sure if that ever got a patch or not. Or if you can just force it to run in 60 Hz mode.

[hamfighterx]

Hello
Is the emulation of the original Bubble Bobble in Bubble Bobble 4 - Friends good?
Thanks

Should be excellent, it's by Gotch just like the ACA one. Haven't tried it myself though, so will defer to others.

I have fallen down a Bubble Bobble hole this week, been playing a lot of the Switch Arcade Archives release plus many different ports. One of those was Bubble Bobble 4 Friends, which I fired up yesterday with the AA release very fresh in my mind.

Some notes on Bubble Bobble as available in BB4F (Switch version):
- For control responsiveness, emulation quality feels in line with the high quality of the AA version and I don't notice any significant additional lag or control issues.

- Sound seems pretty good, if not sliiightly more tinny than the Hamster AA release (which also has more audio options), but overall is fine.

- I am not enough of an expert on the game mechanics to know exactly how the letters for EXTEND are distributed, but understanding that it has sometimes proven tricky to emulate figured I should call out some possibly suspicious examples from my casual runs - had one curious run where I just kept getting the letter "X" 3-4 times in a row (maybe just crazy random luck?), then just now had one where I got a sequence of D E D E (where the second E was the same one I already had). IDK if this is just Bubble Bobble intended operation, or if that's evidence of any emulation quirks.

- The biggest immediate difference is the lack of all of the system options from the AA release. BB4F is very barebones and lacks AA features like button remapping (though Switch allows you to change button functions at a system level), save state, game settings/dipswitches, difficulty, audio settings, etc. You really only have two options:
(1) a single scanline filter, which has scanlines + blur effect and does not look great to me, but the default non-scanline option is clean and crisp and looks fine) - but AA release has excellent scanline options that look great, and
(2) a kind of odd Screen Ratio feature that has two settings but only changes the aspect ratio within the gameplay window that remains the same size. There are borders on the top AND sides with tasteful wallpaper based on the arcade cab, and you can't turn it off or stretch to fill vertical space on the Switch. This might be more significant to you in portable mode (I tried on a Switch Lite and it felt noticeable going back to the AA version with screen scaled to use all of the vertical real estate).

Overall, it's a competent port that comes as a bonus with a rather fun game in BB4F. If you want a good barebones Bubble Bobble arcade experience, this will do the job. But the Hamster release is the way to go if you just want the highest quality Bubble Bobble port.

[Sima Tuna]

The reason I never bought the bubble bobble 4 friends game is the price. I only wanted to play the original bubble bobble. The premium pricing was really too much for me. $40 for arcade bubble bobble? And then to hear you say that it's barebones compared to the ACA $8 release... Just sad.

Hamster are doing god's work with these ports.

[shirorm]

Thanks to you all.
I have the AA release on both PS4 and Switch and the BB Neo version on X360. But I’d like to play BB on my laptop Pc too and BB4 Friends is on sale on Steam at the moment.
However, Mame would be enough probably, considering the limitations of the BB4 version.

Edit: I've just bought it

Happy New Year!

[Sumez]

Hello
Is the emulation of the original Bubble Bobble in Bubble Bobble 4 - Friends good?
Thanks

Hello
No its terrible.Well to be clear the emulation itself is fine, but the performance of the game is bollocks, the game pretty much keeps running on a texture inside the main menu as a container. Input lag through the roof.

[MJR]

My tinder date that I met last year finally left, so I was able to dive into some more Hamster ACA Bubble Bobble goodness.

I found out that in normal mode, it actually *keeps* the item counter, even if you reset the game, so it emulates the coin op thus perfectly. It is actually a good thing that the hiscore mode is different; this is because you can get wildly uneven scores with the different stages on the item counter, while the hiscore modes always begin with the powerups. Also, the normal mode allows you to put secret codes in that give you either permanent powerups, or original mode (get to secret rooms even if you die), which in turn can give players who use it somewhat unfair advantage.

But it feels perfect that you can either play the cabinet on it's "normal" state, which allows all the secret cheats and "Super Bubble Bobble mode", and a hiscore state that puts all the players on same position.

[BIL]

Hello
Is the emulation of the original Bubble Bobble in Bubble Bobble 4 - Friends good?
Thanks

Hello
No its terrible.Well to be clear the emulation itself is fine, but the performance of the game is bollocks, the game pretty much keeps running on a texture inside the main menu as a container. Input lag through the roof.

Interesting... this is the Switch version, right? I notice Gotch's old Arcade Game Series releases, on PS4, seem to use Unity. Typical red flag, I know, but they seemed alright to me. I've ditched 'em for each's ACA release (Pac-Man, Dig Dug, and this week's Galaga... I suspect ACA Namco may be Gotch-developed, too, given certain carry-overs, like the optional PCB bootup sequences, and ACA Xevious having the rather hilarious option for simulated logo burn-in, also seen in Gotch's Switch Namco Museum version; might also explain the impressive quality/quantity ratio Hamster's been maintaining for well over a solid year now, since Namco joined the lineup).

Mostly dropped 'em because ACA's such a proven sure shot, but also because the AGS releases are rather massive (~1GB or so). Incidentally, early ACA releases tend to be monstrously large too, steadily shrinking since (Gradius, 2015: ~650MB / Gradius III, 2020: ~175MB), but when it's razor-sharp n' crunchy-crisp Rygar I'm not complaining.

This leaves just AGS Ms. Pac-Man (which is apparently a TGM-esque miracle of licensing? only a casual Pac-fan but I'm happy for 'em ). Feels roughly the same as ACA Pac-Man to me, maybe a touch floatier... hard to tell with these games' mechanics. I'd redownload AGS Galaxian and compare it with ACA, if it weren't fookin massive.

Anyway, I wonder if the Switch's usual upped latency makes it more noticeable in BB4F, assuming it's a similar ROM-in-wrapper situation to AGS.

[BrianC]

I noticed complaints about the Steam Bubble Bobble included with the Steam version of 4 Friends, as well. The speed of that version is tied to refresh rate.

[MJR]

Something quite weird happened with the ACA Bubble Bobble on Switch, when I was just playing. Game froze for a couple of seconds, then it resumed but with no music. Never happened with the original hardware, not with any previous emulation either. Wonder if it's some bug or glitch on Hamster's side.

[Marc]

Slowly realising that Rygar isn't just good, it's fucking god-tier.

[BIL]

Indeed, that one's an eternal pillar of its genre. Everything you need and nothing you don't, pretty much.

[MJR]

Rygar, Star Force and Bomb Jack are all god-tier games and absolute pillars of their respective genres. Tecmo had some serious talent.

[BIL]

Yeah, I hadn't appreciated just how world-class their 80s arcade catalogue was until ACA; I'd only played the FC versions (or sequel, in Rygar's case) - which although quality overall, tended to stray from that distilled AC purity. Those three, Solomon's Key, Gemini Wing, AC Ninja Gaiden, all killer.

I hope Wild Fang arrives at some point, never actually played it but it exudes another asset of theirs, cheeky cod-ultraviolence. NO FUTURE!!!

[Udderdude]

Would love to see Wild Fang. Another game I discovered going through MAME .. I was impressed by the amount of visceral carnage on display. And for a game released in '89. You give every enemy a full-on blood squirting fatality every damn time. lol

[BIL]

Throats opened and heads bouncing all over the shop like Quake It's like they upstaged that whole MK/TimeKillers epoch, and with infinitely more class and style. (pace Splatterhouse)

Underratedly funny and clearly super-talented dudes... everyone remembers AC Ninja Gaiden's brutal "Continue?" screen (and they should remember the downright uncomfortable HS table), but it's otherwise a total piss-take of the FC's (excellent in its own field!) filial journey of destiny.



I like to think the FC game was an in-universe movie, while the AC one is just the lead actor's stunt double and his rowboat bro (actual ninjas!) getting smashed and fucking bunnygirls (between stomping nuclear-armed terrorists) on their off days. They probably don't even realise they're beating up terrorists, it's just a succession of barfights and other misadventures.

[Udderdude]

Holy shitballs. I just looked up Wild Fang on TCRF. You know those silhouetted death scenes in the attract? Well, turns out they're not silhouetted at all in the ROM .. https://tcrf.net/Tecmo_Knight

Goddamn, that is some BRUTAL ass shit. Imagine walking into an arcade and seeing that before you even insert a quarter. No wonder they went with the stylish effect.

[BIL]

Homie gettin he head and arm ripped off like a fuckin gingerbread man is some bleak shit, utter depersoning slaughter - not to sound cold re: the missus getting brained, but when fighting men are getting ate like KFC value buckets, you know things are officially fucked

Sets up the ultraviolent revenge saga nicely though



Yeah indeed so don't cry when my buddy Tony Teh Tiger rips your neck out, boy

...recalling all this is actually making me wonder if Hamster could even publish Wild Fang. >_> Maybe Mazinger Z's Go Nagai heritage will grant us luck, WF's only about 3% as bad as his worst stuff.

[RobHimself]

Slowly realising that Rygar isn't just good, it's fucking god-tier.

Is Rygar the only AA release that doesn't give you the options to add scalines?

[Udderdude]

I played Champion Wrestler today. I somehow overlooked this one because I'm a big dummy head that keeps overlooking games for some reason. Anyway, doing a running elbow into someone's face feels great.

[BrianC]

Slowly realising that Rygar isn't just good, it's fucking god-tier.

Is Rygar the only AA release that doesn't give you the options to add scalines?

I think so, but only for the US PS4 version. The US version is behind in updates. JP Argos no Senshi has scanlines (still crude compared to later gotch games and no option for sharp or smooth) and both US Rygar and JP Argos no Senshi. Switch version doesn't have this issue and has scanlines and both versions in all regions.

[hamfighterx]

I played Champion Wrestler today. I somehow overlooked this one because I'm a big dummy head that keeps overlooking games for some reason. Anyway, doing a running elbow into someone's face feels great.

For some reason, this is one that I go back to more often than most AA releases. I'm bad at it and not sure I even like the game that much, but it calls to me anyway.

[BIL]

ACA G-TRIO is complete with Galaga. NOW GIMME MY MAHFUCKIN BOSCONIAN SONNEH

Also I notice ACA-NG Metal Slug 4 is on sale. A much-maligned and misunderstood game, so here is a Public Health Advisory from my good friend Dr. Biruford. Don't listen to the bitch-assed dilettante scrubs! Take the word of a man who's skullfucked more Nazis than you've had hot dinners!

[Steven]

Metal Black just launched on ACA and now it's part of Shitty Connection's S-Tribute line. Is there any reason to choose the Saturn version over the arcade version?

For that matter, is this the first time we have gotten the same game from both Shitty Connection and Hamster, disregarding that one is the arcade version and one is the Saturn version? It is interesting to see this considering that Hamster's release is already out and guaranteed to be both better and cheaper.

[Astro City II]

Metal Black just launched on ACA and now it's part of Shitty Connection's S-Tribute line. Is there any reason to choose the Saturn version over the arcade version?

For that matter, is this the first time we have gotten the same game from both Shitty Connection and Hamster, disregarding that one is the arcade version and one is the Saturn version? It is interesting to see this considering that Hamster's release is already out and guaranteed to be both better and cheaper.

Maybe if Hamster put the Arcade Archives series on something other than just Switch/PS4 we could all have this blasé attitude. I'll take the 'Shitty Connection' version since they're actually inclusive.

[BIL]

Metal Black just launched on ACA and now it's part of Shitty Connection's S-Tribute line. Is there any reason to choose the Saturn version over the arcade version?

Nope. VING's Saturn port is a model of excellence in straight disciplined accuracy, but by that same token, it's "just" the arcade game. A godsend in its time, and still wonderful to have around for aficionados (I certainly won't be selling mine off!), but when it comes to ACA vs S-Tribute, there's basically zero reason to go with the latter.

Maybe if the S-Tribute version has some practice options, but besides the well-known Rayforce bugs we've discussed, I hear Elevator Action Returns has issues too. Personally I want nothing to do with that series, and it's not because I have all the existing releases on disc... I love doubling up with modern ports, all on the same console, with the same monitor and arcade stick (M2 Garegga and Ketsui, like a solid two dozen ACA titles). Hella convenient, having a massive arcade library in a suitcase. Not when they're buggered, though.

For that matter, is this the first time we have gotten the same game from both Shitty Connection and Hamster, disregarding that one is the arcade version and one is the Saturn version? It is interesting to see this considering that Hamster's release is already out and guaranteed to be both better and cheaper.

I was musing on this a few months back - as then, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see CC release Mizubaku Daibouken's Saturn port, too. Exactly the same situation, versus the AC version, which has been on ACA in pristine form for going on two years now. Saturn Mizu enjoys similar cult acclaim to MB.

Now if they release the X ING-published Saturn Gun Frontier, uh... I mean that one is a legitimately different experience, but that's because poor Fujino had to recreate it by hand off of his own PCB, Taito didn't give a damn. Basically an Extra Lite SuperEasy diet ver, with none of the PCB/ACA's fierce (and Garegga-prefiguring) per-shot Rank.

[Sima Tuna]

I can only hope ACA will release Rayforce and Raystorm, along with Elevator Action Returns.

[BEAMLORD]

Seems to be a lot of toe-stepping and thunder-stealing going on lately. CC's Layer Section and Taito/M2's Ray series anthology. Bitwave seemingly bringing the shutters down on the Arcade Garage. Now, what is quite likely to be an inferior port of hot off the press Metal Black, courtesy of everyone's favourite, City Connection. Interesting times.

Having said that, I'm currently playing Elevator Action Returns S-Tribute (and having a fine time, with the caveat that I have no experience of the original or any other ports). But then, there is no ACA port of EAR currently. I have the ACA Metal Black. I will absolutely back ACA if they ever get around to EAR.