Thinking about picking up a SuperGrafx

[jp]

Since it doesn't look like I'll be getting a 360 for Christmas (don't really care, the only games I'm interested in are coming out later anyways), I've about decided I'm going to pick up a Supergrafx. My reasoning is as follows:
Aldynes looks great.

I won't wind up collecting for two platforms (PCE/PCECD) and I'll get a chance to enjoy some PCE hucards as opposed to just drooling over the PCECD games.

The SuperGrafx just looks cool.


So anyways, what all was released on the SuperGrafx? I assume Aldynes is the only shmup, but I would definitely like to pick up all the goodies of its 10 or so game catalogue.

[jp]

Eh... just looked it up. Only 6 games? One of which is worth $1000+?


Sheesh. Aldynes, Grandzort, and the Ghost n' Goblins games look really cool though. So... 3 games + the PC-Engine library... yeah, I think I'll go with one o' these.

[DC906270]

the best games on the sgfx in my opinion, and make it worthwhile owning one, are

1941 COUNTER ATTACK - capcom arcade conversion and available on no other console - shmup too!

DAIMAKAIMURA / GHOULS & GHOSTS - another excellent capcom port, better than MD version by some way

DARIUS PLUS - runs smoother on the sgfx than the standard pce

never played aldynes, although ive heard its fairly mediocre

be warned, space harrier hu card doesnt work on sgfx
rayxanber III doesnt work properly when run through cdrom/sgfx set up - hangs on 2nd level boss

hope this helps you make up your mind

[Ganelon]

Only 5 games and 2 titles that are enhanced.

Shooters: Aldynes & 1941
Sidescrollers: Granzort & Daimakaimura
3D shooter: Battle Ace

Enhanced: Darius Plus & Darius Alpha

So you basically get your library of 5 games, GNG of which can be found better (correct me if I'm wrong) and with more value on Capcom Classics Collection. Aldynes, 1941, and Granzort are all worth getting. The Darius games are up to you. Never liked After Burner-style games so no clue about Battle Ace.

All the games can be found for fairly cheap (under $20) if you're patient except 1941 and of course Darius Alpha. The real question is whether this is just a binge purchase for you or whether you actually want it.

[jp]

Only 5 games and 2 titles that are enhanced.

Shooters: Aldynes & 1941
Sidescrollers: Granzort & Daimakaimura
3D shooter: Battle Ace

Enhanced: Darius Plus & Darius Alpha

So you basically get your library of 5 games, GNG of which can be found better (correct me if I'm wrong) and with more value on Capcom Classics Collection. Aldynes, 1941, and Granzort are all worth getting. The Darius games are up to you. Never liked After Burner-style games so no clue about Battle Ace.

All the games can be found for fairly cheap (under $20) if you're patient except 1941 and of course Darius Alpha. The real question is whether this is just a binge purchase for you or whether you actually want it.

I really want to check out Aldynes. And Granzort looks cool as hell. Plus, like I said, I still have an entire PC-Engine hucard library to check out.

I'm not too worried about the PC-Engine CD games not working right though, since I plan on just buying a PC-Engine Duo RX when that time comes.

[dave4shmups]

Only 5 games and 2 titles that are enhanced.

Shooters: Aldynes & 1941
Sidescrollers: Granzort & Daimakaimura
3D shooter: Battle Ace

Enhanced: Darius Plus & Darius Alpha

So you basically get your library of 5 games, GNG of which can be found better (correct me if I'm wrong) and with more value on Capcom Classics Collection. Aldynes, 1941, and Granzort are all worth getting. The Darius games are up to you. Never liked After Burner-style games so no clue about Battle Ace.

All the games can be found for fairly cheap (under $20) if you're patient except 1941 and of course Darius Alpha. The real question is whether this is just a binge purchase for you or whether you actually want it.

I really want to check out Aldynes. And Granzort looks cool as hell. Plus, like I said, I still have an entire PC-Engine hucard library to check out.

I'm not too worried about the PC-Engine CD games not working right though, since I plan on just buying a PC-Engine Duo RX when that time comes.

I've played Granzort on Magic Engine, and it is definately an awesome game, JP! I did not care for Aldynes at all, the power ups are pretty weak, and it was just a "meh" experience all around. Worst Hudson shmup I've ever played since Starship Hector on the NES.

But, the other exclusives on the Core Grafx are probably worth it-the port of 1941 is really great-the game is coming out on a PSP Capcom Collection, but since you don't buy Sony stuff, this would be a great opportunity to get a copy of the game. Plus, you can add on a Super CD-Rom2 unit-which, AFIK is far more durable then any model of PCE or Turbo Duo.

[ST Dragon]

Only 5 games and 2 titles that are enhanced.

Shooters: Aldynes & 1941
Sidescrollers: Granzort & Daimakaimura
3D shooter: Battle Ace

Enhanced: Darius Plus & Darius Alpha

So you basically get your library of 5 games, GNG of which can be found better (correct me if I'm wrong) and with more value on Capcom Classics Collection. Aldynes, 1941, and Granzort are all worth getting. The Darius games are up to you. Never liked After Burner-style games so no clue about Battle Ace.

All the games can be found for fairly cheap (under $20) if you're patient except 1941 and of course Darius Alpha. The real question is whether this is just a binge purchase for you or whether you actually want it.

I really want to check out Aldynes. And Granzort looks cool as hell. Plus, like I said, I still have an entire PC-Engine hucard library to check out.

I'm not too worried about the PC-Engine CD games not working right though, since I plan on just buying a PC-Engine Duo RX when that time comes.

All SuperGrafX games are perfectly emulated, so I would try them out before spending you money on them.

1941
Excellent Arcade port with a lot of colours.

Aldynes
This sidescroller is mediocre at best. Graphics are on par with Thunder Force III (Except for the last level which really takes off in the graphics department). The gameplay is a bit on the frustrating side, featuring some very annoying check-points in Gradius / R-Type fashion.

Battle Ace
Nothing special to write back home about really. This game does not utilize the SuperGrafX's graphics capabilities in any way what so ever. Very primitive graphics & sound & mediocre game play.

Daimakaimura
another excellent arcade port by Capcom. Graphics are greatly improved compared to the Genesis and are comparable to the SNES'.

Granzort
Nice game play, but graphics suck. It looks more like an early Genesis title with poor graphics.

Enhanced: Darius Plus & Darius Alpha.
Nice Arcade ports but you'll have to be nitpicking to spot the enhancements.

[Fighter17]

Aldynes was OK, but wasn't great. If you want to get the Supergrafx, I believe that getting 1941 should be the best pick for you Wait, 1941 should be the only Supergrafx game that you should get, because it was better than all the Supergrafx games.

[neorichieb1971]

Daimakaimura
another excellent arcade port by Capcom. Graphics are greatly improved compared to the Genesis and are comparable to the SNES'.

The supergrafx version absolutely blows the SNES version away. The animations are absolutely fantastic, especially the tree's blowing in the wind. [/quote]

[Nemo]

Daimakaimura
another excellent arcade port by Capcom. Graphics are greatly improved compared to the Genesis and are comparable to the SNES'.

The supergrafx version absolutely blows the SNES version away. The animations are absolutely fantastic, especially the tree's blowing in the wind.

Uh, not really, the SG version looks almost identical to the Genesis version, as well it should considering it's the same game. The glossy exterior of the Snes version makes it leagues better. JP, don't get too excited about Granzort, I have it and it's a run of the mill platformer, pretty frustrating too since it implements a one-hit kill structure. I was excited about the game before I got it, and was disappointed. Aldynes is decent, but really nothing special. Looking back now, if I had a choice between a SG and a PCFX, I would opt for the PCFX.

[jp]

Daimakaimura
another excellent arcade port by Capcom. Graphics are greatly improved compared to the Genesis and are comparable to the SNES'.

The supergrafx version absolutely blows the SNES version away. The animations are absolutely fantastic, especially the tree's blowing in the wind.

Uh, not really, the SG version looks almost identical to the Genesis version, as well it should considering it's the same game. The glossy exterior of the Snes version makes it leagues better. JP, don't get too excited about Granzort, I have it and it's a run of the mill platformer, pretty frustrating too since it implements a one-hit kill structure. I was excited about the game before I got it, and was disappointed. Aldynes is decent, but really nothing special. Looking back now, if I had a choice between a SG and a PCFX, I would opt for the PCFX.

What is on the PC-FX?

[Specineff]

Graphic adventures, one mediocre shmup, some RPGs, some FMV games like DBZ and Zenki... it's just about as interesting as CD-I, IMHO. Just try the SGX games on emulator and get a Duo modded for RGB, man.

[Ganelon]

Zenki is a sidescroller, not just an FMV game. But whether you want to pay $150-200 for the only sidescroller on the PC-FX, an okay game at that, is questionable.

[dave4shmups]

Graphic adventures, one mediocre shmup, some RPGs, some FMV games like DBZ and Zenki... it's just about as interesting as CD-I, IMHO. Just try the SGX games on emulator and get a Duo modded for RGB, man.

And it's at least twice the price of a CD-i-and at least the CD-i has 3 exclusive shmups, and games you can understand if you don't know Japanese! Last Imperial Prince looks cool-kind of like a Magic Sword knock-off, but really, you're better off with anything but the PC-FX.

@Specineff-why would you get the Duo modded for RGB?? Just curious, because Duo games do look and sound pretty good on composite, IMO.

Oh and that reminds me JP-if you go for a Duo DO NOT order from universalvideogames.com . Duo's do crap out on people, but their customer service is horrible-they also sent me a modded PS1 that crapped out on me like a week later-so spare yourself the pain!

www.japanvideogamestock.com has used Duos, though not all the time, for great prices. And they do test their stuff before selling it, unlike UVG. Other good places to check would be the trading station on www.pcenginefx.com , if you're interested in NEC consoles, I would encourage you to register on that site.

And good luck man! I hope you find what you're looking for!

[Specineff]

Oh, because RGB is the purest, cleanest, brightest and sharpest picture you'll get out of a Japanese console. Only VGA/HDTV can surpass it.

[jp]

I've already had a Duo. I wasn't too impressed... but thats because I mostly bought lame shmups (Rayxanber II, Sidearms CD) while the Star Soldier games and Nexzr were awesome, I eventually sold it.


I just want a nice obscure thing to enjoy in the event I do not get an Xbox 360. Something with a small library I can do some quick "collector binging" on and then pat myself on the back for being hardcore and move on.


THEREFORE! Which has the better shmups? Supegrafx or PC-FX? Keep in mind I do not like the 19xx stuff. In fact, right now Aldynes is the only thing I'm really interested in for the Supergrafx. But, it can play PC-Engine hucards, and there's a ton of those I want to try out.

Is it region free on the hucards?

[Ganelon]

No, you'll only be able to play JP hucards on an SG without a converter. If you don't like 1941, there's only 1 shooter and 1 sidescroller on each console (PC-FX or SG) worth getting, which means either would/wouldn't do. However, at least you can play PCE games on the SG so if that's what you plan on playing (and not getting a Duo), I guess an SG would be the better choice for you.

[CIT]

Okay, here's my two cents about what you should consider:

PC-FX:

Not compatible with any other NEC hardware.

Hardware looks cool, IMO.

There are about 100 games for the system, most of which are anime/FMV titles or RPG/strategy games that require knowledge of Japanese.

There is one shooter, "Choushin Heiki Zeroigar", which is pretty good, and also a nice shmup collectible.

There are a handful of other great to decent action games, such as "Chip Chan Kick", "Zenki" (not worth the high pricetag for gameplay alone), "Last Imperial Prince", "Battle Heat", et al

Expect to pay around $150 for boxed hardware and another $150 for a complete Zeroigar.

However, if you don't own any PC-Engine system yet, I would stay away from the PC-FX for now, as it's far less "essential", and especially doesn't offer that much in the shmup department.


SUPER GRAFX:

Hardware will be between $100 and $160 depending on condition, boxed or not, etc.

Hardware looks weird and bad (IMO).

There are 5 Supergrafx games:

- 1941 Counter Attack ($150) shmup, very excellent port!
- Aldynes ($40) shmup, I like this game a lot, but it's a bearer of mixed opinions
- Daimakaimura ($35) platformer, awesome port, better than Genesis version, and more "cult" than the Gapcom Generations
- Granzort ($35) platformer, only played it once, very shortly, seemed okay
- Battleace ($15) 3D shmup, it sucks

There are 2 PC-Engine HuCards which harness the Super Grafx hardware for improved graphics:

- Darius Plus ($25) shmup, good if you like Darius
- Darius Alpha ($1000) shmup, no-resale promo-item, pretty useless boss rush mode of Darius Plus, anyway, this one is only for collectors.

Super Grafx will play all japanese PC-Engine HuCards.

American HuCards (or rather, "Turbo Chips", as they are called) will not run on an unmodified Super Grafx, as the pins on American cards have been rearranged. There are also import adapters to remedy this, but they're somewhat hard to find now.

There are two ways to connect a Super Grafx with a PC-Engine CD-Rom system:

I.

NEC made an adapter called "Rau-30" (not so hard to find, although not sure what it costs on ebay these days) that lets you connect the Super Grafx with the CD-Rom² system ($120) (the original CD-Rom system).

Be warned though, this set up will look REALLY weird in your living room, but it will allow you to play all HuCards and all CD-Rom² games (such as Spriggan).

You can then further upgrade this system by getting either:

- a Super System Card ($15) - which then lets you play all Super CD-Rom² games (such as Gradius II, Akumajo Dracula X)

- or an Arcade Card Pro ($40)- which lets you play all Super CD-Rom² games as well as all Arcade CD-Rom games (such as Sapphire)

II.

Alternatively, the Super Grafx can connect directly to the Super CD-Rom² ($150) system, which still looks kind of weird, but at least the colors/design are matched and it definitely is a very "cult" set up if you know what I mean.

With this set up you can play all HuCards, all CD-Rom² games and all Super CD-Rom² games. You can then upgrade using the:

- Arcade Card Duo ($25) - which lets you then play all Arcade CD-Rom games as well

BTW, all American CD games will work on either of these set ups. Only the HuCards are not compatible.

Keep in mind that upgrading the Super Grafx to full CD capabilty will cost likely as much as just buying a Duo or Duo-R, so there is no real (monetary) advantage to be gained by starting out with a Super Grafx.

Personally, I think you will get a lot more enjoyment and longevity out of a regular PC-Engine system (the Duos are the easiest to use). Also, I generally think the CD shooters have a slight edge over the HuCard shooters. IMO, there are more essential CD-Rom shooters than on HUCard.

Anyway, before you do anything, you should probably just emulate Aldynes, to see what you really think of it.

[mannerbot]

@Specineff-why would you get the Duo modded for RGB?? Just curious, because Duo games do look and sound pretty good on composite, IMO.

Composite looks like doodoo, period.

[neorichieb1971]

I sold my duo ages ago because I couldnt stand composite on my HDTV. A video mod is almost compularsary.

[dave4shmups]

I sold my duo ages ago because I couldnt stand composite on my HDTV. A video mod is almost compularsary.

*shrugs* To each his own-I think both PCE games and Duo games look and sound fantasic on composite.

@JP-are you into Compile shmups at all? Because if so, you'll have access to a good number of them with a Duo.

[jp]

I've had a Duo... I bought it back in April. Didn't care for it and I wound up not buying any Hucard games because I loved the CD games a lot more. I got a bad crop of games (sans Nexzr, Super Star Soldier, and some other Star Soldier game) and sold it shortly thereafter. I even had Sapphire though I never got to play it because the person I bought the Arcade Card Duo from fucked me over. So Sapphire was there... and I drooled.


I'm leaning towards the PC-FX now. I'm taking Nemo's words to heart and, the way I see it, I get a PC-FX, I get the 5 or so games that I will actually enjoy, and then I won't feel like going on an insane crusade for hucards. And by the time I wrap up collecting whatever for the PC-FX, I'll probably have a 360 and will have moved on. I really only need a quick fix 'til Senko no Ronde, Gears of War, etc.

So yes, PC-FX. Yay yay yay.

[Neon]

I do not like the 19xx stuff.

1943 owns, give it another try. Saturn port should be near perfect. The rest aren't essential, though 19XX is pretty.

[dave4shmups]

One thing that does concern me about both models of Duo, as well as the PC Engine, is the fact that the controller cords are REALLY short! And I don't know if NEC, or anyone else, ever made extensions. Seriously, when I was playing my Duo last January, before the CD unit died, I had to sit pretty close to the TV, in comparison to my other consoles.

[dave4shmups]

I do not like the 19xx stuff.

1943 owns, give it another try. Saturn port should be near perfect. The rest aren't essential, though 19XX is pretty.

It's too stinkin' long. (And it isn't even Compile! ) Although, I did play the PCE port on Magic Engine, and I seem to recall that there was no weapons counter-either that, or it didn't "count down".

[PC Engine Fan X!]

One thing that does concern me about both models of Duo, as well as the PC Engine, is the fact that the controller cords are REALLY short! And I don't know if NEC, or anyone else, ever made extensions. Seriously, when I was playing my Duo last January, before the CD unit died, I had to sit pretty close to the TV, in comparison to my other consoles.

Back in the mid-1990's, Turbp Zone Direct used to sell the Turbo Duo controller extension cords...gave your short Duo controller cords an extra long cord to play with. In an old early 1990's issue of Video Games, a reader mentioned that he was excited to buy an Amiga keyboard extension cord that uses the exact same mini DIN plug layout as that on the PCE Duo/Turbo Duo consoles...I thought that was a cool discovery back in the day.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[dave4shmups]

One thing that does concern me about both models of Duo, as well as the PC Engine, is the fact that the controller cords are REALLY short! And I don't know if NEC, or anyone else, ever made extensions. Seriously, when I was playing my Duo last January, before the CD unit died, I had to sit pretty close to the TV, in comparison to my other consoles.

Back in the mid-1990's, Turbp Zone Direct used to sell the Turbo Duo controller extension cords...gave your short Duo controller cords an extra long cord to play with. In an old early 1990's issue of Video Games, a reader mentioned that he was excited to buy an Amiga keyboard extension cord that uses the exact same mini DIN plug layout as that on the PCE Duo/Turbo Duo consoles...I thought that was a cool discovery back in the day.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Thanks for that info; I'll have to look for both cords on Ebay!

[nZero]

It's too stinkin' long. (And it isn't even Compile! :wink: ) Although, I did play the PCE port on Magic Engine, and I seem to recall that there was no weapons counter-either that, or it didn't "count down".

The only PCE 1943 game is 1943 Kai, which personally I hate about equally as much as I love 1943.

I use a Turbo Stick with my TG16, it doesn't have the short-cord problem that the controllers do.

[Ganelon]

You have to wonder why all the 3rd party controllers have really short cords too...

[Nemo]

I've had a Duo... I bought it back in April. Didn't care for it and I wound up not buying any Hucard games because I loved the CD games a lot more. I got a bad crop of games (sans Nexzr, Super Star Soldier, and some other Star Soldier game) and sold it shortly thereafter. I even had Sapphire though I never got to play it because the person I bought the Arcade Card Duo from fucked me over. So Sapphire was there... and I drooled.


I'm leaning towards the PC-FX now. I'm taking Nemo's words to heart and, the way I see it, I get a PC-FX, I get the 5 or so games that I will actually enjoy, and then I won't feel like going on an insane crusade for hucards. And by the time I wrap up collecting whatever for the PC-FX, I'll probably have a 360 and will have moved on. I really only need a quick fix 'til Senko no Ronde, Gears of War, etc.

So yes, PC-FX. Yay yay yay.

Let's put it this way, with the SuperGrafx you know what you're getting:

An above average shooter in Aldynes and a really expensive port of 1941 (and 194X games really aren't anything special to begin with). If the MD version of Ghouls didn't exist the system might be more tempting, but as it is, you basically buy a SG for 2 games.

With the PC-FX you get about 1-2 more good titles guaranteed, plus there's 100 or so games on the system, so there's the added exploration factor (potentially finding more games that may be of interest to you). And since everything is similar in terms of price, it's not a hard decision IMO.