Rob's NES shooter countdown.
You were kinder than I would have thought! Very cool that you included both Abadox and its obvious inspiration on the same post. The one aspect where I always thought Abadox outshined Lifeforce was in boss design. The final boss and those damned ghosts always drove me near insane though.
Keep it coming!
Keep it coming!
Yeah, but you aren't great at detecting cool graphics. I mean, Gun-Nac has some of the most subtle ironic landscapes you'll ever get to see in a comedy shmup. You have a fire stage that actually puts you against matches and candles. How could you exchange that for some decent "destroyed city" background seen in Crisis Force is beyond me. Not to mention the music in Crisis Force is really nothing special.Rob wrote:I'll usually give a 1 pt. boost for great graphics/music, separates it from other decent games. Without it'd definitely be hanging around Gunnac's spot. Honestly the only standout games for me are the first 5-8 (especially the top 5).
With me as your art & visual supervisor your lists would be near flawless
How they animate is another thing, the screens don't look that great (for anyone comparing just by looking at them). I think the ruins in Crisis Force look near 16-bit in motion. Less repetition of the scenery than any other 8-bit shooter. And ruins are cool.
I've never been a fan of cute 'em up gags. I'm so used to seeing random objects floating around that I don't think much about them. I guess the fire stage is kind of cute.
I've never been a fan of cute 'em up gags. I'm so used to seeing random objects floating around that I don't think much about them. I guess the fire stage is kind of cute.
Yeah, well, that's going for technical proficiency instead of sheer creativity... BUT, I concede that at least going with the former provides a little more objectivity than the latter.Rob wrote:How they animate is another thing, the screens don't look that great (for anyone comparing just by looking at them). I think the ruins in Crisis Force look near 16-bit in motion. Less repetition of the scenery than any other 8-bit shooter. And ruins are cool.
Anyway, the fact remains, you preferring a compile-wannabe with flashy graphics to a genuine Compile says a lot about your inability to "get" their philosophy.
Speaking of which... I'm still half-convinced that all this thread of yours is a sort of joke to inform the community that you found a new love in your life, Zanac. I mean, it's clearly the only one left with enough depth to claim the first spot. I can't imagine you jumping on the Recca worshippers bandwagon. ^_^
Why is that? Just curious.Turrican wrote:I can't imagine you jumping on the Recca worshippers bandwagon. ^_^
I didn't even know it existed. Hate it.Are you going to cover Insector X FC? It's a cute 'em up like the arcade one.
Last edited by Rob on Sat Jun 23, 2007 12:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
Well, because I think voting Recca as first would be very fashion-oriented, since it's the "forgotten 8bit manic resurrected to light". Of course, Recca belongs in any top five, but I'd think you're the one who can value the whole A.I. system of Zanac... despite the very long stages, that is.Rob wrote:Why is that? Just curious.Turrican wrote:I can't imagine you jumping on the Recca worshippers bandwagon. ^_^
5!Battle Formula
This is the most unique game on the list, with a variety of obstacles that balance about evenly with shooting. The lifebar works like a lifebar should; only a few big attacks delivering the one-hit kill and allowing the game to have more action. And there's even a flying segment with some bullet patterns. Not very complicated, but more than five at a time.
AKA Super Spy Hunter, which probably puts off more than a few people. It's much more enjoyable than Spy Hunter.
7/10
This is the most unique game on the list, with a variety of obstacles that balance about evenly with shooting. The lifebar works like a lifebar should; only a few big attacks delivering the one-hit kill and allowing the game to have more action. And there's even a flying segment with some bullet patterns. Not very complicated, but more than five at a time.
AKA Super Spy Hunter, which probably puts off more than a few people. It's much more enjoyable than Spy Hunter.
7/10
I don't think Recca being in Rob's top 5 is "fashion-orientated" to use your term, since the game has a ton of merits that elevate if far beyond anything previously posted in this thread. Forgotten manic it may be, but if it wasn't for Chris Emirzian reviewing it many moons ago, we might not even know about it even to this day.Turrican wrote:Well, because I think voting Recca as first would be very fashion-oriented, since it's the "forgotten 8bit manic resurrected to light". Of course, Recca belongs in any top five, but I'd think you're the one who can value the whole A.I. system of Zanac... despite the very long stages, that is.
Where it places in Rob's top 5 is what interests me. If it isn't top, then the game(s) in question will have to be particular outstanding piece(s) of videogame design to knock it off number one.
Anyway, good show, Rob. Good thread. Had some twangs of nostalgia seeing some old NES faves popping up.
Nor do I. I wrote "I think voting Recca as first". I also wrote that it belongs to a top 5 by default.Icarus wrote:I don't think Recca being in Rob's top 5 is "fashion-orientated" to use your term
Icarus wrote: if it wasn't for Chris Emirzian reviewing it many moons ago, we might not even know about it even to this day.
Indeed, kudos to him! (well, it would've been brought to light sooner or later, but still kudos for the great review).
Call it a hunch if you will, but Recca fans tend to be very vocal about it. I guessed if Recca shows at #1, Rob would already have found a spot for it in his own top 25.Icarus wrote:Where it places in Rob's top 5 is what interests me. If it isn't top, then the game(s) in question will have to be particular outstanding piece(s) of videogame design to knock it off number one.
Last edited by Turrican on Sat Jun 23, 2007 1:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
4!Terra Cresta
Initially looks like another Star Force type of generic spaceship shooter, but this is actually fun and has an enjoyable power-up system (in ship add-ons) that also act as a one time shield. The control is very smooth, shooting precise and rapidfire doesn't remove all challenge. All of which make it very much unlike 95% of the games here.
7/10
Initially looks like another Star Force type of generic spaceship shooter, but this is actually fun and has an enjoyable power-up system (in ship add-ons) that also act as a one time shield. The control is very smooth, shooting precise and rapidfire doesn't remove all challenge. All of which make it very much unlike 95% of the games here.
7/10
I had hopes this would show up despite the "selective with ports" policy. Sweet!TERRA CRESTA
At this point I can predict that 1943 will be in the next three... Oh wait... Maybe Gradius II...
edit: wait... Twin Cobra at #3, I'm sure.
Last edited by Turrican on Sat Jun 23, 2007 2:29 am, edited 1 time in total.
Terra Cresta
I waited years to play this game (was in the back pages of the NES players guide copyright like 1988 - played it in 1992) and felt let down. Maybe because I was big in 16 shooties at the time and 8-bit was not cut it then.
Gradius II
I am really impress with the Famicom version. Its Gradius II with additions - kind of like Contra on the NES.
Now is time for the final 2....... anticipation is build up!
What are they be? Will Summer Carnival 92: Recca be here? ( I am hope so it is my ALL time favorite ) What will the other game be......?
I waited years to play this game (was in the back pages of the NES players guide copyright like 1988 - played it in 1992) and felt let down. Maybe because I was big in 16 shooties at the time and 8-bit was not cut it then.
Gradius II
I am really impress with the Famicom version. Its Gradius II with additions - kind of like Contra on the NES.
Now is time for the final 2....... anticipation is build up!
What are they be? Will Summer Carnival 92: Recca be here? ( I am hope so it is my ALL time favorite ) What will the other game be......?