Well,
That is QUITE the lineup. Great mix of what made the TG-16 great. Loved that they localized JJ and things like Bravoman.
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PC Engine/TG Appreciation and Collecting Thread, Because who needs a 2nd controller?
- Thread starter gryz
- Start date
Well,
That is QUITE the lineup. Great mix of what made the TG-16 great. Loved that they localized JJ and things like Bravoman.
sixteen-bit
Member
That's only part of the story, isn't it? Another reason is FCC compliance for electronics shielding. That's why American Genesis 1s are almost twice as heavy as Japanese Mega Drive 1s despite the cases being the same size. There is a bunch of extra metal shielding in the Genesis.
captmcblack
Member
Gotta love the classics.
I used to have the full US TG-16 unit, but it seems to have up and left my parents' attic somehow, so all I have left of my Turbo stuff is a Turbo Express (with box), and a handful of loose HuCards.
- Keith Courage
- Bonk's Adventure
- Bonk's Revenge
- China Warrior
- Fighting Street
- Legendary Axe
- Blazing Lazers
- Military Madness
Nowadays, most of my ventures into the Turbo space happen via emulation on Virtual Console or related software or services...TG-16 probably had the best lineup of shmups of all-time, and my roommate and I love to got into binge sessions of space shooters.
I used to have the full US TG-16 unit, but it seems to have up and left my parents' attic somehow, so all I have left of my Turbo stuff is a Turbo Express (with box), and a handful of loose HuCards.
- Keith Courage
- Bonk's Adventure
- Bonk's Revenge
- China Warrior
- Fighting Street
- Legendary Axe
- Blazing Lazers
- Military Madness
Nowadays, most of my ventures into the Turbo space happen via emulation on Virtual Console or related software or services...TG-16 probably had the best lineup of shmups of all-time, and my roommate and I love to got into binge sessions of space shooters.
ah interesting, I actually was wondering why my Mega Drive was so light
I'm a bit ashamed to say, but in my poorer teenage years I bought a Genesis and then gutted it, putting TV Guides in the place of the mobo (perfect fit) and returned it, keeping the mobo. Then I built a wood box for the "system" and added a controller and adapter from Radio Shack. Kinda shifty but it was a quainter time and it was harmless. So, yeah, A LOT of extra metal junk in there for shielding, I can verify!
bishopcruz
Member
What is the going rate for a Duo nowadays? I always wanted one (I had the TG+CD back in the day) if only because I never bought a 3.0 card, but they never seemed to drop in price much. Also, if I get a japanese model, are HuCard converters still available?
I got my Duo RX for a little over $200 last month in Tokyo, it's probably a bit more if you are importing though. also if you want to play US games on a Japanese PCE you need to do a region mod inside the console in addition to needing a converter
lol thats actually a genius move.
Anyway Splatterhouse, Star Parodia (Parodier), Legendary Axe, Bomberman 94, Air Zonk, and Legend of Heroes: Dragon Slayer are pretty good.
Ys1&2 have lots of different versions at this point, but the original is still pretty cool. Also I think Ys IV has a translation patch now.
Still waiting on the first Spriggan Super CD game to arrive from Global Product (man their shipping takes a long time...) so i'll probably do a post on that.
If I got my PC engine DUO modded, it should only need a region mod right? Then again, there are only a few english games i'd want to play, and thats the Neutopia series. Everything else is pretty easy to understand as far as JP action/platformers, and of course CDs are region free.
A Black Falcon
Member
That is true, but even considering that, there's a good amount of empty space inside the TurboGrafx-16 case. It's more than twice as large as the PC Engine's case, and while it does add a lot of metal shielding, they also expanded it just in the name of making it bigger (presumably because they though Americans like bigger consoles).
And yeah, as I've said before, I don't mind the size expansion myself. Sure, it's not super-tiny anymore, but it's still not that big (well, until you add the base unit to it that is...). I think the size and design are fine. What the TG16 needed was competent distribution and marketing, and an earlier release (1988!), not a smaller case.
I think it depends on what kind of mod you do. the PCE region mod involves grounding one of the pins as well as changing the pinout of the hucards, I think there are some fancier region switch mods that will ground the pin and switch the card pins without the need for a converter.
kaiju
Member
I sold my NES as a kid to buy the TG-16 the week it came out back in 1989. Played Legendary Axe for days. Then I got the CD-ROM for Christmas and experienced Ys Book I & II...one of my favorite RPG's to this day. Upgraded to TurboDuo a few years later, and started importing PCE games.
I had quite the collection, but sold it all a few years ago while I was in between jobs. I can still reminisce via emulators, thank god.
I had quite the collection, but sold it all a few years ago while I was in between jobs. I can still reminisce via emulators, thank god.
Spirit Fighter Spriggan impressions:
After blasting my way through a few stages, I have to say the game is really fun. The enemy boss designs are pretty cool, and i've still got Stage 1's theme stuck in my head. The second half of the stage theme has a Lords of Thunder feel to it, which really pumps you up for the rest of the section. Some of the stages (the bug nest tunnel) feel like they drag on for too long, but its not enough to put a damper on the rest of the game. For those that have played or seen Musha or Robo Aleste in action, think that kind of shoot em up action (shouldnt be all too surprising considering the developer).
This time its more of a giant robot meets standard JRPG fantasy universe, which plays into the power up system (or i'd like to think it does) where you pick up various combinations of crystal orbs to change your weapon loadout. The bomb system works in combination with the weapon orb pick ups in that you can sacrifice one of your orbs for a bomb attack specific to that weapon type.
There are also many cutscenes in the game, fully voiced in japanese, but you can sort of guess at whats going on fairly accurately. The giant mecha you pilot also seems to be some sort of bio-mechanical creation ala Evangelion.
Finally got game over when I reached the section where the floor drops, and you end up warping into what looks like outer space. Doesnt start off all that difficult, but the enemies really ramp up their attacks half way through the game.
After blasting my way through a few stages, I have to say the game is really fun. The enemy boss designs are pretty cool, and i've still got Stage 1's theme stuck in my head. The second half of the stage theme has a Lords of Thunder feel to it, which really pumps you up for the rest of the section. Some of the stages (the bug nest tunnel) feel like they drag on for too long, but its not enough to put a damper on the rest of the game. For those that have played or seen Musha or Robo Aleste in action, think that kind of shoot em up action (shouldnt be all too surprising considering the developer).
This time its more of a giant robot meets standard JRPG fantasy universe, which plays into the power up system (or i'd like to think it does) where you pick up various combinations of crystal orbs to change your weapon loadout. The bomb system works in combination with the weapon orb pick ups in that you can sacrifice one of your orbs for a bomb attack specific to that weapon type.
There are also many cutscenes in the game, fully voiced in japanese, but you can sort of guess at whats going on fairly accurately. The giant mecha you pilot also seems to be some sort of bio-mechanical creation ala Evangelion.
Finally got game over when I reached the section where the floor drops, and you end up warping into what looks like outer space. Doesnt start off all that difficult, but the enemies really ramp up their attacks half way through the game.
Fox Mulder
Member
I've also never seen one in person, but have been watching a bunch of YouTube videos and shows that make it look great.
It's probably going to be my next foolish purchase.
It's probably going to be my next foolish purchase.
It is. If you're a big fan of shoot em ups, its got some really top notch games. Platformers/action games are pretty fun too (Bloody Wolf, Splatterhouse 1, Bonk series, Legendary Axe series, Ninja Spirit, Jackie Chan Action Kung-fu, etc.).
RPGs are mostly on the CD side, same with some of the cooler shooters, so you'd have to go all in with a DUO or CD attach.
Yeah, I was the only kid to have one my area. It was wealthy Beach Cities Orange County too. Was also the only kid to have an AES. Both got shit on terribly by friends. And Neo Geo was a joke to them in the Arcade since SFII and, later, MK were king.
I had to mail-order the TG-16 CD attachment from the back of an EGM...forget the company but eventually they got banned for advertising in the mag because of some crappy customer service. Came is big-ass box (bigger than any gaming box I've seen...twice the size of the CDi box). Don't forget that it came with that cheap-ass plastic hinged and branded storage case for the whole getup. Nobody I new had a Turboexpress either. And when I got the US Duo, Turbo was all but dead. Babbages and Software Etc would only get one copy of each game, and gut it to use the box as the display. EGM had already dropped coverage completely of the system.
I just recently got mine a year or 2 ago. Only experience I had was videos in Software etc. and Babbages, along with that awesome Lords of Thunder promo video I got in the mail one day for no reason.
Seriously, I have no idea how or why they sent it to me as a kid, since A.) I dont think my parents ever bought me a Hudson soft game back then, and B.) The only registration cards we mailed off were for the usual suspects on Nintendo / Sega systems ( Sega, Konami, Capcom, Nintendo, Square, Enix, etc).
Seriously, I have no idea how or why they sent it to me as a kid, since A.) I dont think my parents ever bought me a Hudson soft game back then, and B.) The only registration cards we mailed off were for the usual suspects on Nintendo / Sega systems ( Sega, Konami, Capcom, Nintendo, Square, Enix, etc).
Spriggan MkII is vastly different (mech/side scrolling) but it's top notch, I recommend seeking it out.
sixteen-bit
Member
The Spriggan talk makes me wonder; what's are your favorite Compile games? What are your favorite shooters on PC Engine overall?
The only shooting games I own on PC Engine are Image Fight and Galaga '88. I'd love to hear your recommendations and beef up my collection.
edit: I also have Lords of Thunder lol. Can't believe I forgot that.
The only shooting games I own on PC Engine are Image Fight and Galaga '88. I'd love to hear your recommendations and beef up my collection.
edit: I also have Lords of Thunder lol. Can't believe I forgot that.
Blazing Lazers
Super Star Soldier
Final Soldier
Spriggan/MkII
Cotton
Star parodier
Download I/II
Gates/Lords of Thunder
Alzadick (summer Carnival 92)
Air Zonk
Magical Chase (expensive as FUCK)
Image fight I/II
R-Type
Parodius
I'm sure I am missing a few, but I am a huge old school SHMUP fan...Bullet hell ruined the genre for me.
Fox Mulder
Member
So before I start buying TG16 stuff, how is the lineup on the wii VC?
I might just try to play the stuff there if the lineup is great.
I might just try to play the stuff there if the lineup is great.
It is very good. With the one caveat that a lot of the titles do suffer from having a filter. Not a deal breaker but some of the life has been taken out of them. Later releases, Like Ys I&2 dropped the filter and they look a ton better. If you have access to the Japanese store it doubles in size...over a hundred vs the 60+ available in NA/EU...and if you are into shooters there are tons of more releases...things like L-Dis, Mr. Heli. NA store does have some choice, choice import titles like Final Soldier, Gradius II, Castlevania, though.
And, gotta mention the Irem titles were delisted and no longer available. That was a significant list some of the top titles for the system.
thechristoph
Sir!
I've never played a PCE or a TG16, but damn if it isn't some attractive hardware. Well, for the most part. The Super Grafx looks like it should have exhaust pipes or something; that thing is ridiculous. The Duo line still holds up today.
So the PCE LT, can you plug in a controller to play, or are you forced to use those onboard controls? It's an amazing looking concept, something I would have killed for as a youngster, but those onboard controls look pretty rough to use.
So the PCE LT, can you plug in a controller to play, or are you forced to use those onboard controls? It's an amazing looking concept, something I would have killed for as a youngster, but those onboard controls look pretty rough to use.
sixteen-bit
Member
Yeah, the LT allows you to plug in a controller and use that instead.
Super Darius II looks awesome.
I would have bought Salamander here or Famicom, but I already have the DX Saturn pack, so not necessary.
Also PC Engine games have some of the BEST intros this side of 90s gaming. Most are double intros with back story scenes first, then great montages second. All sound or like something you'd expect to hear from a 90s Anime movie.
Ys Book I and II
Gate of Thunder
Legend of Heroes: Dragon Slayer
Dracula X: Rondo of Blood
I would have bought Salamander here or Famicom, but I already have the DX Saturn pack, so not necessary.
Also PC Engine games have some of the BEST intros this side of 90s gaming. Most are double intros with back story scenes first, then great montages second. All sound or like something you'd expect to hear from a 90s Anime movie.
Ys Book I and II
Gate of Thunder
Legend of Heroes: Dragon Slayer
Dracula X: Rondo of Blood
Aye. My favorite might be the intro to Dungeon Explorer II. One of my favorite OSTs from that era as well.
I played some DE2 earlier this week and the music was amazing, one of my favorite Duo games.
manzo
Member
So
Anyone else here have a Turbo Duo with dead sound? My motherboard has like 5 dead capacitors that have pissed under themselves. The board is drowning in the brown goo that comes from dead capacitors.
I've ordered about 40 new capacitors.. I just need a kick in my ass to actually go trough and replace all of the caps.. god damn what a hassle.
8 euros worth of caps + a few days of soldering vs. 300 euros for a new Duo RX... decisions decisions..
Anyone else here have a Turbo Duo with dead sound? My motherboard has like 5 dead capacitors that have pissed under themselves. The board is drowning in the brown goo that comes from dead capacitors.
I've ordered about 40 new capacitors.. I just need a kick in my ass to actually go trough and replace all of the caps.. god damn what a hassle.
8 euros worth of caps + a few days of soldering vs. 300 euros for a new Duo RX... decisions decisions..
If you buy a new one, can I have the busted one?
RoryDropkick
Member
Whoo!:
Man Compile has a thing with looong stages.
Ain't that the truth.. and long expanses of black screens. But man oh man is that game fun.
I need to get a copy of Rasinbar, er Rayxanber also
Yup tons of fun. Is there any version of Rayxanber that you would say was the best, or would it be worth it to get all 3? I remember some video complaining about the laser sound in one. Think it was Game Sack?
sixteen-bit
Member
Anyone know where I can find a cheap CD-ROM^2?
sketchsanchez
Member
Sweet, totally subscribing this thread. I just got a tg16 for myself last month.
sixteen-bit
Member
Nice pickup Yes Boss! Show us some PVM scanline porn when it arrives!
This thread made me try hooking up the Turbo-Grafx 16 I've had lying dormant in my closet since getting it for free at a flea market or something 5 years ago. I'm actually surprised at what good condition it's in. I've still got the original box (though it's beat up and not collector quality or anything), plus what looks like an unused copy of Keith Courage in the Alpha Zones, plus the Turbopad, expansion port cover, and RF and AC adapters plus the original instruction booklets for everything. And, it all works perfectly.
Now, I can't decide if it's worth it to buy up some Turbo -Grafx cards when I could just play them on Wii Virtual Console.
Edit: After reading this thread further, I seem to have the "empty shell" version of the hardware, not that it could play most of the games I would have gotten (Star Parodier) anyways.
Now, I can't decide if it's worth it to buy up some Turbo -Grafx cards when I could just play them on Wii Virtual Console.
Edit: After reading this thread further, I seem to have the "empty shell" version of the hardware, not that it could play most of the games I would have gotten (Star Parodier) anyways.
Might as well grab Gate of Thunder while you're at it. Or the Gate of Thunder/Bonk/Bonk's revenge 3 in 1 (with bonus hidden Bomberman 1 game).
Got my DUO-R in. RGB-ready. A big thanks to this thread for pushing me. I had planned to pick one up next march when I head back to tokyo for shopping but getting one all region-modded and RGB-ready is plenty fine for the additional expense now. Now I just need the games. Ordered Lords as my break-in and it should be here shortly.
D
Deleted member 284
Unconfirmed Member
Wish I could play Legendary Axe right now. It's a basic but solid game. And yeah, I eff that sequel. The game just felt flimsy compared to the first one.
Danny Dudekisser
I paid good money for this Dynex!
Yeah,
Pretty damn happy. I've never owned this system. Really is one of the sexiest. NEC makes such neat looking stuff...not quite eighties but not quite nineties.
Gotta get me a Shuttle next.
Got my DUO-R in. RGB-ready. A big thanks to this thread for pushing me. I had planned to pick one up next march when I head back to tokyo for shopping but getting one all region-modded and RGB-ready is plenty fine for the additional expense now. Now I just need the games. Ordered Lords as my break-in and it should be here shortly.
that one is nice condition, my RX had a bunch of scuffs on it
Well, the seller does the bleaching/retrobrite thing on them. Which is fine by me since the system looks awesome and I don't think I'd have the willpower to do such a thing. Though, I'm considering it on my big Saturn HSS-0130 stick.