Official bitching about Hudson abandoning VC support. [VC/WiiWare = lost cause]
- Thread starter Kobun Heat
- Start date
Diseased Yak
Gold Member
Wow, I've never played Top Hunter before. Didn't realize it was a Metal Slug-esque game. I think I'll snag this (and MS3 on Wed.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh5W5f9nrC8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh5W5f9nrC8
Not much would stop my VC purchases for anything I really wanted, admittedly--certainly not lack of storage space, because I've been deleting fairly frequently already--but that's probably because of my 2D preferences. But yeah, I've been tracking my buying habits here and they've definitely slowed down since launch due to less stuff catering to my taste:
November 2006 4
December 2006 5
January 2007 3
February 2007 5
March 2007 2
April 2007 4
May 2007 5
June 2007 1
July 2007 3
August 2007 4
September 2007 2
October 2007 3
November 2007 1
December 2007 3
Average VC games per month since launch: 3.21
Average VC games per month with launch month discounted as non-representative: 3.15
Average VC games per month 2007 only: 3
From launch to May 2007, things were totally dynamite, and then afterward they slowed heavily. Even with December, I'm not sure I would have bought either The Dynastic Hero or Zanac if I hadn't had such a strong urge to actually have something to play after Axelay November.
November 2006 4
December 2006 5
January 2007 3
February 2007 5
March 2007 2
April 2007 4
May 2007 5
June 2007 1
July 2007 3
August 2007 4
September 2007 2
October 2007 3
November 2007 1
December 2007 3
Average VC games per month since launch: 3.21
Average VC games per month with launch month discounted as non-representative: 3.15
Average VC games per month 2007 only: 3
From launch to May 2007, things were totally dynamite, and then afterward they slowed heavily. Even with December, I'm not sure I would have bought either The Dynastic Hero or Zanac if I hadn't had such a strong urge to actually have something to play after Axelay November.
Has ANYONE downloaded any NEO GEO VIRTUAL CONSOLE releases yet?
(from the USA selection if possible but not necessary)
If you have, could you help me out by picking the Neo Geo VC game you have that uses the MOST number of buttons (that would be 3 or 4 if possible - just look at the e-manual included with each game) and then post the function of each button for that game here when you are playing it USING A **Gamecube Controller**
If someone does that, I can finally figure out which Neo button is mapped to each GC controller button. Been trying to get this information for weeks now -_-
Anyone?
.
(from the USA selection if possible but not necessary)
If you have, could you help me out by picking the Neo Geo VC game you have that uses the MOST number of buttons (that would be 3 or 4 if possible - just look at the e-manual included with each game) and then post the function of each button for that game here when you are playing it USING A **Gamecube Controller**
If someone does that, I can finally figure out which Neo button is mapped to each GC controller button. Been trying to get this information for weeks now -_-
Anyone?
.
PepsimanVsJoe
Member
So I picked up Top Hunter...
First off when you run out of continues the game asks if you want to save to your memory card. Then when you start a new game after choosing your difficulty you're asked if you want to load your previous game. If you say yes you get kicked back to whatever stage you were on when you lost your last credit. Needless to say this alleviates my only worry since basically I have unlimited continues.
The game itself is an interesting hybrid. The levels are split into two planes. You can jump in-between them at will provided there's nothing in your way (Enemies will also do the same). Everything from progressing through the levels to the boss fights makes use of the two-plane mechanic and knowing how to properly use it to your advantage can make all the difference and blah blah blah you get the idea. Your main attack as Roddy is your stretchy arms which can be used to grab enemies, items, switches, and so on(unless of course you're player 2 as Cathy will use a hook & chain).
Now what's neat about this game is that you have a surprising amount of variety in your attacks. You can smack enemies to dizzy them, then either you can give them an over-the-shoulder slam or you can toss them at other bad guys. You can also snatch guns out of their hands or grab bombs out of midair. Also you get a handful of special attacks that are performed by doing controller motions like a quarter-circle forward or even a dragon-punch motion along with the attack button. To add to this sometimes the enemies are riding mechs which you can steal. Though they're not terribly effective they do give you a bunch of extra hits(which definitely helps because it only takes 2-4 hits to kill you). On top of all this you can even jump on enemies' heads to take them out.
The levels themselves are really beautiful. All of them feature an impressive amount of background animations and some really creative designs. Coupled with a very nice soundtrack(the music on the wind planet is awesome) this makes for a great showpiece as far as Neo Geo games go. The animation isn't as strong as say Metal Slug but it manages to fit in well with the rest of the atmosphere.
Looking past the audio, visuals, and unique abilities, the game is standard fare for the genre. You move from left to right through four planets with three stages each(along with the obligatory final area after finishing the planets) punching/tossing enemies, grabbing lots of coins, looking for bonus areas(which are easy to find but are nice for getting more points/time/health), throw in some mid-bosses, some sections that require just a wee bit of thinking, and a surprising amount of relevance on how much time you have left(get this..an action game where running out of time actually happens? shock!) and you have a well put together if not incredibly new game.
Unfortunately the game isn't all great as there are a few issues. Most annoying is the jump. Unlike many action games that give you full control over your jump even while still in mid-air, Top Hunter gives you very limited maneuverability. This can prove to be a real nuisance when you're trying to jump on enemies or dodge certain attacks. The grab move can also be tricky to work around as while you're stretching you are unable to move. This can be pretty lousy when you miss something important(like say an incoming bomb) cause there's nothing you can do to get out of the way.
Other than that the only other thing I don't like about this game is that at times it can be difficult to make out what's happening on which plane. Either way however this is a huge improvement over Magician Lord in that it's much easier to pick up and play. Unlike Top Hunter, ML requires that you know exactly what to do and when to jump every second of the game. TH on the other hand gives you plenty of freedom to move around and play the game your way(also the more generous continue system makes the game way more friendly for gamers of all ages)
In the end aside from some minor issues Top Hunter is one of the best games out right now for the NeoGeo VC. It's easy to get into, provides a decent challenge(in some ways it isn't terribly hard but don't expect to beat it without continues as soon as you pick it up either), and it boasts some impressive audio and visuals.
I recommend this one.
First off when you run out of continues the game asks if you want to save to your memory card. Then when you start a new game after choosing your difficulty you're asked if you want to load your previous game. If you say yes you get kicked back to whatever stage you were on when you lost your last credit. Needless to say this alleviates my only worry since basically I have unlimited continues.
The game itself is an interesting hybrid. The levels are split into two planes. You can jump in-between them at will provided there's nothing in your way (Enemies will also do the same). Everything from progressing through the levels to the boss fights makes use of the two-plane mechanic and knowing how to properly use it to your advantage can make all the difference and blah blah blah you get the idea. Your main attack as Roddy is your stretchy arms which can be used to grab enemies, items, switches, and so on(unless of course you're player 2 as Cathy will use a hook & chain).
Now what's neat about this game is that you have a surprising amount of variety in your attacks. You can smack enemies to dizzy them, then either you can give them an over-the-shoulder slam or you can toss them at other bad guys. You can also snatch guns out of their hands or grab bombs out of midair. Also you get a handful of special attacks that are performed by doing controller motions like a quarter-circle forward or even a dragon-punch motion along with the attack button. To add to this sometimes the enemies are riding mechs which you can steal. Though they're not terribly effective they do give you a bunch of extra hits(which definitely helps because it only takes 2-4 hits to kill you). On top of all this you can even jump on enemies' heads to take them out.
The levels themselves are really beautiful. All of them feature an impressive amount of background animations and some really creative designs. Coupled with a very nice soundtrack(the music on the wind planet is awesome) this makes for a great showpiece as far as Neo Geo games go. The animation isn't as strong as say Metal Slug but it manages to fit in well with the rest of the atmosphere.
Looking past the audio, visuals, and unique abilities, the game is standard fare for the genre. You move from left to right through four planets with three stages each(along with the obligatory final area after finishing the planets) punching/tossing enemies, grabbing lots of coins, looking for bonus areas(which are easy to find but are nice for getting more points/time/health), throw in some mid-bosses, some sections that require just a wee bit of thinking, and a surprising amount of relevance on how much time you have left(get this..an action game where running out of time actually happens? shock!) and you have a well put together if not incredibly new game.
Unfortunately the game isn't all great as there are a few issues. Most annoying is the jump. Unlike many action games that give you full control over your jump even while still in mid-air, Top Hunter gives you very limited maneuverability. This can prove to be a real nuisance when you're trying to jump on enemies or dodge certain attacks. The grab move can also be tricky to work around as while you're stretching you are unable to move. This can be pretty lousy when you miss something important(like say an incoming bomb) cause there's nothing you can do to get out of the way.
Other than that the only other thing I don't like about this game is that at times it can be difficult to make out what's happening on which plane. Either way however this is a huge improvement over Magician Lord in that it's much easier to pick up and play. Unlike Top Hunter, ML requires that you know exactly what to do and when to jump every second of the game. TH on the other hand gives you plenty of freedom to move around and play the game your way(also the more generous continue system makes the game way more friendly for gamers of all ages)
In the end aside from some minor issues Top Hunter is one of the best games out right now for the NeoGeo VC. It's easy to get into, provides a decent challenge(in some ways it isn't terribly hard but don't expect to beat it without continues as soon as you pick it up either), and it boasts some impressive audio and visuals.
I recommend this one.
AdmiralViscen
Banned
Oh shit Bubble Bobble, one of the few games I've really been waiting for.
the androgyne
Member
speedpop said:
Is that the same with the classic controller? I was hoping it'd be similar to SNES SF2 -
ie.
Y = light punch
B = light kick
X = hard punch
A = hard kick
DaBargainHunta
Member
Thanks for the impressions. After watching a YouTube video of it, I became intrigued. It seems like an interesting little game. I might pick it up.PepsimanVsJoe said:
While I'm thinking about it, is there a chance of ever seeing another new Wonder Boy created? Another way to phrase the question might be, "Is Westone still around?" Their Wikipedia page is non-existent, so I honestly don't know. I'm just curious because the speed these games are being released at for VC both on TG16 (Dragon's Curse, The Dynastic Hero, Monster Lair) and Genesis (Wonder Boy, Monster World IV coming soon in Japan) almost makes it seem like something's up. They've outpaced stuff like Zelda and Star Soldier.
(Those being noteworthy series because Zelda is Nintendo-owned, which means no having to work through the Nintendo pipeline to get put on VC, while Star Soldier has an upcoming game on Wii Ware to raise awareness for, which one might normally think would give Hudson a stronger incentive to put up the likes of Final Soldier and Star Parodier sooner than--you know--Riot Zone.)
(Those being noteworthy series because Zelda is Nintendo-owned, which means no having to work through the Nintendo pipeline to get put on VC, while Star Soldier has an upcoming game on Wii Ware to raise awareness for, which one might normally think would give Hudson a stronger incentive to put up the likes of Final Soldier and Star Parodier sooner than--you know--Riot Zone.)
Just at the time of purchase.Magnus said:
Harvest Moon SNES is a brilliant game. I can never decide over it and Friends of Mineral Town as the best game in the series, but what matters is that both are excellent. Despite a few odd localization issues (Someone in the bar seems to be drinking too much...'juice' =/), it's aged terrifically, and it's the perfect VC game to drop in and out of; hence I'll be selling my original boxed w/instructions copy. If I have the heart to anyway 
I just started playing Sin and Punishment and it fucking rocks. I can't believe Nintendo didn't actually release this in the US before, it's like such a rocking game I can't imagine anyone not loving it. I know I'm LTTP on this, but still, nice choice GAF! You failed me with Kid Icarus, you sort of failed me with Actraiser, but here you have chosen correctly!
EphemeralDream
Member
While looking for the other 1-game week for EU (I assume this was due to the DKC3 surprise?), I noticed that Awesome Possum for the Genesis was also apparently released today. Any truth to this? Also it's apparently published by Tengen.
EphemeralDream said:
Wait, what? Not only would that be the weirdest release ever, it would also be the first third party game on the Genesis (assuming Rolling Thunder doesn't count), as well as what I think would be the first US developed game to hit the service.
Quite a lofty title for Awesome fucking Possum.
Since it's already known that the only thing coming from Hudson for NA in January is Riot Zone, striking recently-rated stuff like Ys and Dragon Slayer off the possibilities list (pleae don't be two more Neutopia I situations where we know about them like five months in advance), I guess tomorrow every Friday this month I'll just have to keep hoping JSnake comes in with reports of a Genesis double whammy of Shining Force II and Mega Turrican. (Hey, that's one fantasy and one sci-fi game--maybe they'll even come with Riot Zone for the modern street angle on one thematic VC Monday.)
...Well, it's either hope for that or hope more stuff gets rated and/or mysteriously shows up before getting a rating, anyway.
...Well, it's either hope for that or hope more stuff gets rated and/or mysteriously shows up before getting a rating, anyway.
This. Except it's really no contest and HM64 wins hands-down.Man God said:
I'm not sure if I'd want to download the SNES one only to have the superior 64 version come out a little while later, but I think I just might get it anyways -- assuming it hits North America in the near future of course. I have no interest in the new ones anymore because they're crammed full of too many useless options and come out far too frequently, but HM64 and/or HM SNES are pretty close to the top of my most wanted list for the Virtual Console. They're perfect games to just pick up every once in a while, get addicted to for a few weeks, and then put away again for a while.
farnham said:
It's good that at least in this case the VC is going in order. (Doesn't hurt that the VC only has two applicable games, but whatever.) The original Harvest Moon is downright primitive compared to the rest.
It's a late gen SNES game with early gen graphics, slowdown like you read about, and some brutal gameplay issues. Too much downtime on the farm (Half the year!), the clock moves really fast, few crops, no rucksack. But it is charming. Beyond charming even. Great music, best in the series. It was certainly a breath of fresh air at the time. A sim that didn't get caught up in itself mixed with an early as shit dating sim.
Still, if you only want to play the best, you should probably skip it and go for HM64 or if you don't mind portable gaming get Friends of Mineral Town. Both are high points in the series. Going back to HM after playing any of those games is difficult to say the least.
SonicMegaDrive
Member
EphemeralDream said:
You've got to be kidding me.
FFantasyFX
Member
SonicMegaDrive said:
Between the fact that Europe has received only two/three games in two weeks, and the possible release of Awesome Possum, one can only conclude the Nintendo of Europe's release schedule has been taken over by a sadistic psychopath. In comparison, Nintendo of America has been practically benevolent over the past month. :lol I really am seriously befuddled though, I would have bet even money that Europe would have received some combination of Ecco Jr, Eternal Champions, Alien Storm, and/or Shining Force II today with maybe some other title thrown in for good measure. Europe's update came right out of left field.
JonathanEx
Member
To be fair, NoE has given us 2 Megaman games.
AND I HAVE THEM BOTH, UNLUCKY AMERICANS!
yes I am bitter
AND I HAVE THEM BOTH, UNLUCKY AMERICANS!
yes I am bitter
FFantasyFX said:
Which is why I believed Awesome Possum at first. Europe always gets Genesis titles at the first week of the month, and they've gotten unusual releases before (still the only people to have Mega Man games).
But I still should have known better since, you know, Awesome fucking Possum.
Man God said:
Strangely, I don't think I've ever encountered slowdown in the PAL version. As I understand it though, PAL SNES games received less slowdown than their NTSC counterparts as they were slower, meaning less strain was put on the processor. Of all the games to slow down, you wouldn't think Harvest Moon would be one =/ But then, it is a series known for glitches and silly mistakes (Natume!)
I wouldn't necessarily agree on the primitive part (Although I agree Winter is a bit dull), it's an accessible and really fun game even today, whether you're a fan of the series or a newcomer. Plus it's similar to the GBC game, which my brothers and I played religiously back in the day
Each to their own I guess. I can heartily recommend SNES HM, but make sure you know what you're getting into if you haven't played it before.
I actually like Harvest Moon SNES better than ANY other existing Harvest Moon. I loved the fact that you can customise your terrain more. You can harvest shit wherever the hell you want. It's way more interesting than having preset squares for harvesting like in the later games. This freedom feeling about harvesting was one of the reasons i loved that game... and one of the reasons i'm not playing todays Harvest Moon. They kinda changed the focus in a way i don't like.
His point was, on the farm, you don't have any pre-set area where you're supposed to grow crops: and of the territory within the farm can be used for whatever you'd like. It's been a long time since I've played the post-SNES versions, so I don't exactly remember how that works in later versions.
I bought Harvest Moon SNES when it first came out, and loved it. At this point, though, I wonder what it would be like to go back to. It did have a certain charm that seemed to be lost in later versions.
At the same time, though, I've got three different HM games waiting for me (Friends of Mineral Town, Another Wonderful Life, and Magical Melody), so I'm not sure I should even be re-buying the SNES version if it comes to the US.
I bought Harvest Moon SNES when it first came out, and loved it. At this point, though, I wonder what it would be like to go back to. It did have a certain charm that seemed to be lost in later versions.
At the same time, though, I've got three different HM games waiting for me (Friends of Mineral Town, Another Wonderful Life, and Magical Melody), so I'm not sure I should even be re-buying the SNES version if it comes to the US.
topsyturvy
Member
morgan webb said that the mother franchise will show up on the virtual console.... where is it?