Shmup Related Questions That Don't Deserve a Thread

[Synnae]

Yeah, it was really a problem with region. I loaded the game on Gens and managed to start Raiden Densetsu by selecting "Country > Japan". Thanks for the help.

[atheistgod1999]

What are the differences between the Japanese and international versions of Dodonpachi? Does the Japanese version have any Japanese text?

[WelshMegalodon]

Yeah, it was really a problem with region. I loaded the game on Gens and managed to start Raiden Densetsu by selecting "Country > Japan". Thanks for the help.

Gens' sound emulation isn't great, though, and there hasn't been a new release in ten years. You may want to look into Bizhawk, which uses Genesis Plus GX for its Mega Drive emulation.

[Squire Grooktook]

jp version has jp text. Some believe it has slightly higher difficulty. I don't recall it ever being confirmed, but most people play the jp version anyway just to be sure.

[Synnae]

Yeah, it was really a problem with region. I loaded the game on Gens and managed to start Raiden Densetsu by selecting "Country > Japan". Thanks for the help.

Gens' sound emulation isn't great, though, and there hasn't been a new release in ten years. You may want to look into Bizhawk, which uses Genesis Plus GX for its Mega Drive emulation.

I know. Actually, I use BizHawk for nearly everything 16-bit (except I use snes9x 1.53 for SFC/SNES), but I could not figure out how to change the MD region there. It was not as obvious to me as it is on Gens.

But now I learned it with the help of one of my BizHawk pals, so everything is good.

[WelshMegalodon]

Nice! Now let's see if we can get BIL to stop using outdated emulators...

[BIL]

I use shitty old emulators to suppress my unfathomably high power level while recording replays. Were I to lose these fetters... all of you would be obliterated in an instant. You know I would never allow that to occur. ¦3

Nah I can't be arsed tbh, I mainly use emulators to try stuff out atm. I only sperg for the real thing. And when I sperg, I SPERG HARD (also my PC is so ancient, it can't run some of the higher-end stuff anyway. OH WELLZ)

[EmperorIng]

I'm debating whether or not this is a shmup-related question that deserves its own thread:

How do I set a default joypad configuration for MAME that stays there no matter what? Every time I unplug my controller, it seems to reset the controls back to the default, making me tediously enter in the inputs every time.

I think it has something to do with editing the CTRLR cfg files, but I'm not sure if I update one of the existing ones (e.g. HotRod) or make a new one.

Using MAMEplus 164 for reference.

[WelshMegalodon]

Not sure if this will help, but MAME will remember the configuration as long as your controller is plugged in when you start up the program. Nestopia UE does the same thing.

I know that .cfg files are generated for each rom and kept in the 'cfg' folder. The program might be defaulting to one of its presets after failing to detect the controller input designated in the .cfg file.

[atheistgod1999]

How can I get MAME to scale to the nearest integer and then windowbox? I want 240p and 224p games 4x scaled on my 1080p monitor.

[EmperorIng]

Not sure if this will help, but MAME will remember the configuration as long as your controller is plugged in when you start up the program. Nestopia UE does the same thing.

I know that .cfg files are generated for each rom and kept in the 'cfg' folder. The program might be defaulting to one of its presets after failing to detect the controller input designated in the .cfg file.

This helped; I'm surprised it was that simple. I just need to make sure I have the controller in the port before booting up MAME. Thanks!

[ShamefurDispray]

So I haven't played my xbox 360 in forever and I'm sure my Live Gold account is done. Isn't the default Live account free?

All I want is access to scoreboards and the store to buy Radiant Silvergun. Do I have to buy gold?

[CloudyMusic]

Gold is only necessary for online multiplayer, not leaderboards or store access.

[atheistgod1999]

Durandal said that when I got BioMetal, I'd hear the best soundtrack on the SNES/SFC provided I got the SFC version. I got the SNES version, though, because I already ordered it when Durandal told me that and I always get my region's version if I don't hear that the game was changed (I live in an NTSC region so I don't have to worry about it not running at the correct speed ) because I'm not fluent in Japanese yet and it's easier to get my region's version on eBay/older-game stores. Then Squire Grooktook said in the LTTATHOOY thread that BioMetal has only 5 tracks in the SNES version as opposed to 16 in the SFC one. Multiple tracks per level sounds awesome. I'm guessing it switches over during the boss fight as opposed to just playing a sped-up version of the level's track? I already thought the music was pretty cool, but that must be amazing.

Should I spend more money to get the SFC version of BioMetal, or just play the SNES version I already have? Does the SFC version have Japanese text? If the former, I already know I can just break off the tabs and be good to go.

[Squire Grooktook]

Super Nes carts are region locked, so you wouldn't be able to play it on an unmodified super nes.

I should warn you that the jp ost is completely differnt in tone and style. I think it kicks the snes version to the dust, but I'd recommend listening to it first anyway. Some of the tracks are pretty atmospheric and best heard while playing (Emuuullllaaaaatooooors), but stuff like Fight To The End! And the Credits Theme are a pleasure to hear anytime.

[atheistgod1999]

Well, I listened to it on YouTube (imagined myself playing) because I'm too lazy to download an SNES emulator (and I'm struggling on my real SNES on my CRT so even 1 frame will make a difference so I doubt I could even beat level 1).

Some of the tracks (of what I listened to) sound more like traditional/ancient Japanese music or something, which is a little depressing I guess, but the others (especially the stage clear) KICK ASS!!!

Now I've noticed that the SNES soundtrack seems kinda bland/generic.

Super Nes carts are region locked, so you wouldn't be able to play it on an unmodified super nes.

What did I write earlier? The only "region lock" they have is not having indentations where the tabs are. All I have to do to "region mod" my SNES is break off the fucking tabs underneath the cartridge flap, so don't word it like I have to get a modchip or something!

[Squire Grooktook]

The melancholy of the ost in parts is what really sets a unique and engrossing atmosphere and mood for the game IMO

As for modding, I dunno I wasn't listening lol

[atheistgod1999]

I'm still wondering whether or not SFC BioMetal has Japanese text.

[Squire Grooktook]

All text is in English. Story, options and menu, credits, etc.

Spoiler

You could have found this out in 2 minutes by loading it in an emulator

[atheistgod1999]

You could have found this out in 2 minutes by loading it in an emulator

I wouldn't know if there was Japanese text after beating the first loop.

[BIL]

SFC Biometal is pricey! Then again so are many of the console's best games, these days. Japanese soundtrack is outstanding, US soundtrack makes me want to slam my head in a car door. Get a flashcart for now ag, you are still a young noob and you need a job or some other form of disposable income for this godawful business.

Regs, BIRUZAEMON

ps

Spoiler

GET A JOB, YOU FUCKIN LOUSY BUM

;3 ;3 ;3

pps

Spoiler

no for real, flashcart sounds cool. I'd get one if I were you! But these days IDGAF.

You could have found this out in 2 minutes by loading it in an emulator

I wouldn't know if there was Japanese text after beating the first loop.

Jesus Christ! Yeah there actually is JP text after the secret third loop. It basically says 1P Pilot Guy/Blue got caught with a packet of high-grade Ching Chong Chinaman Charlie in his pocket while on shore leave, and ended up in the slammer where he died a very old man. Will you go play the game now? 3:

[OmegaFlareX]

I hate making threads so I'll drop this here. What are the first games (shmups, obviously) to use various shmup tropes?

Superbomb - Tiger Heli
Vertical scrolling background (non-starfield) - Phantom II
Horizonal scrolling collidable background - Mayday
TLB - DonPachi
Power-up - Moon Cresta? Galaga?
Rank - Gradius
Return bullets - those lightbulbs in Tatsujin stage 2?
Z80 CPU - Sea Wolf II
68k CPU - Equites
32-bit CPU - Grid Seeker (M68EC020)
FM sound - Wyvern F-0? (there are several 1985 FM games without release months in mameinfo)
PCM sound - Salamander
8-way movement - Phantom II
Medals - I want to say Kyukyoku Tiger but there's probably an earlier example
Extend - ?

Please correct any of these and post your own.

[Squire Grooktook]

You could have found this out in 2 minutes by loading it in an emulator

I wouldn't know if there was Japanese text after beating the first loop.

There's no loop in either version. You see english text in the intro (which is the first thing that boots up) and in the title/option menu (the second thing that boots up)

[Squire Grooktook]

SFC Biometal is pricey! Then again so are many of the console's best games, these days. Japanese soundtrack is outstanding, US soundtrack makes me want to slam my head in a car door. Get a flashcart for now ag, you are still a young noob and you need a job or some other form of disposable income for this godawful business.

Regs, BIRUZAEMON

ps

Spoiler

GET A JOB, YOU FUCKIN LOUSY BUM

;3 ;3 ;3

pps

A friend of mine actually requested a non-region locked repro cart of the jp version from a quality creator following a discussion I had with him about it. I wonder if that'll work out...


Oops, meant to hit "edit post" instead of new reply. DOH

[Shepardus]

Please correct any of these and post your own.

Return bullets - Gradius comes earlier than Tatsujin. I'm willing to bet there's something even earlier.
Extend - Space Invaders (though I'm guessing the concept of earning extra lives, e.g. by reaching certain score milestones, predates video games and originates from pinball)

[OmegaFlareX]

Return bullets - Gradius comes earlier than Tatsujin. I'm willing to bet there's something even earlier.

Yes, of course. I knew that, just didn't think of it.

Extend - Space Invaders

Haha, alright then. What about a 1up item?

Here's one: Tank craters - Xevious. It had bosses too, but I'm pretty sure I've played an earlier single-screener that had them.

[copy-paster]

I hate making threads so I'll drop this here. What are the first games (shmups, obviously) to use various shmup tropes?

a thread exist.

[OmegaFlareX]

a thread exist.

Magnificent, thanks. Although I don't consider many of the games in the OP shmups. Maybe I will bump it.

[Squire Grooktook]

Are there any sprite rips for the explosions in Esp Ra.De, particularly the "splash" shot?

[Shepardus]

I can't make any sense out of the bell cycle in the original Twinbee. When I just start out the first bell seems to follow a sensible 5 hits per (non-yellow) color, but later on I can shoot a bell over 20 times without it changing color. What gives?