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[D.Lo]

People aren't spending $200 to play the game. They're spending $200 to COLLECT the game.

I don't understand why anyone would all of a sudden want to collect something quite expensive just because some youtube guy talked about it. Especially if they can't even play it in any decent quality.

Collecting and research usually go together, right?

I guess I'm overestimating people.

 

[ZealousD]

I don't understand why anyone would all of a sudden want to collect something quite expensive just because some youtube guy talked about it. Especially if they can't even play it in any decent quality.

Collecting and research usually go together, right?

I guess I'm overestimating people.

YouTube videos increase awareness. With that awareness comes more research. The James and Mike video has over 600k views on it. Games like Rondo of Blood only move a couple copies a week on eBay. Even if only a tiny fraction of those views lead to people buying it, that's enough to raise prices.

 

[antibolo]

What's everyone's thoughts on the Valis series? I just acquired the Valis 1 remake and now own all 4 games. It's has pretty average gameplay but I love everything else about it. I haven't picked a favorite yet, leaning towards 3.

Cutscenes are awesome, and make the PC Engine versions worthwhile (it's a pretty lackluster franchise otherwise).

 

[D.Lo]

YouTube videos increase awareness. With that awareness comes more research. The James and Mike video has over 600k views on it. Games like Rondo of Blood only move a couple copies a week on eBay. Even if only a tiny fraction of those views lead to people buying it, that's enough to raise prices.

Yeah fair enough.

Just seems you have to be very ignorant to have never have heard of a game that famous. Every Castlevania article ever written usually mentions it as 'the best'.

 

[Mzo]

New people get into the hobby every day. We all started off ignorant.

And every youtube video says Castlevania IV is the best version because of Super Nintendo. Duh.

 

[D.Lo]

I'm not sure I've ever seen any youtube retro gaming 'show' that hasn't disgusted me.

I say show because some modding stuff is good. Just anything that contains a 'please subscribe' or a fucking animated intro or a 'quirky' ugly person gaaaaaaaah I'm going to be sick.

 

[Mzo]

You love it.

 

[Teknoman]

I'm not sure I've ever seen any youtube retro gaming 'show' that hasn't disgusted me.

I say show because some modding stuff is good. Just anything that contains a 'please subscribe' or a fucking animated intro or a 'quirky' ugly person gaaaaaaaah I'm going to be sick.

Not even Turbo Views or Splash Wave?

 

[Balb]

I always get a little nervous when Cinemassacre showcases a game I have my eye on.

 

[Bar81]

I guess I'm overestimating people.

Sounds about right.

 

[piggychan]

People aren't spending $200 to play the game. They're spending $200 to COLLECT the game.

If I had the money to buy it at that price then I will a) to collect it and b) to play it as well..

I've owned this in the past twice but I didn't pay the prices they are going for today.. even around the original japanese launch date the game was being sold roughly around 100 usd brand new.

But still it's a great game, there is some cool castlevania music in there and a hidden bonus game if you play it on the original briefcase CD-Rom machine.

 

[MicroByter]

Thos thread brought back so many memories for me, but was also sad remembering that time period of my life. I had just moved back to the US and was going to school and didn't really have any friends or anything. I bought a turbografx 16 after seeing some of the games and was in love.

I eventually blight a turbo express which was incredible. Being able to play Devil Crush or Bonk wherever was so cool.

Eventually getting older, I sold it all. To this day, it is my absolute biggest gaming regret I've had.

 

[piggychan]

If you don't mind wading through some japanese text the pc engine version of Valkyrie no Densetsu is certainly playable. It's an action RPG with some great music in there...

Just beat the game again..

 

[Rydeen]

If you don't mind wading through some japanese text the pc engine version of Valkyrie no Densetsu is certainly playable. It's an action RPG with some great music in there...

Just beat the game again..

I really love that game, it was one of the first games I bought complete when I got my PC Engine last year. Such cute, colorful graphics, but man can it get hard. Sometimes little hazards in the levels pick away at your health that by the time you get to the boss you're screwed.

Also, I wish the PC Engine version was multiplayer like the arcade version.

 

[Mercutio]

Oh man, has anyone noticed Ninja Spirit climbing in price? Every time I go back to check and see if I should buy it the price has gone up $20-10.

Meanwhile, the TG-16 version is still around $50. What's up with the disparity? This isn't the way PC engine games are supposed to be compared to their western counterparts.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Arino ain't playing the TG16 version, nah mean?

 

[RoryDropkick]

Oh man, has anyone noticed Ninja Spirit climbing in price? Every time I go back to check and see if I should buy it the price has gone up $20-10.

Meanwhile, the TG-16 version is still around $50. What's up with the disparity? This isn't the way PC engine games are supposed to be compared to their western counterparts.

Ugh, I noticed that. I'll settle with a hucard only version if I have to.

 

[Mercutio]

Ugh, I noticed that. I'll settle with a hucard only version if I have to.

It's a great game but I can't believe eBay has it only for over $100 with all the stuff. Did it have a small run? I can't figure out the reason for the slow and quiet price climb.

 

[ZealousD]

I guess the Japanese don't region mod their PC Engines, huh? Usually when the price goes up for a TG-16 game, the PC Engine version is sure to follow.

 

[piggychan]

wow at those prices for Ninja spirit

it's getting to the price of photo boy and I hate to see the current price of that game now...


Anyway I think I am going to grab myself a copy of blue blink since I just found out it's based of an anime show of the same name.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usUIxIZJPX4

 

[Mercutio]

wow at those prices for Ninja spirit

it's getting to the price of photo boy and I hate to see the current price of that game now...


Anyway I think I am going to grab myself a copy of blue blink since I just found out it's based of an anime show of the same name.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usUIxIZJPX4

Hey that looks great! I just watched a bunch of gameplay videos. Looks like you can get sealed copies too around $20!

 

[D.Lo]

Oh wow, I grabbed Ninja Spirit for $20 years ago when the VC version was blurry. I sold it with my Duo when I got the Duo RX.

 

[piggychan]

Beat this game.

It's super easy, but I had good fun with it. If you level up your boots (and don't die in between), you can almost fly through the levels.

DORAEMON - MEIKYU DAISAKUSEN
Just beat that game myself. It's not that difficult but it's just the same monotony that drives you to switch off before you beat it. I can't believe that through the course of going through 60 mazes there are only 2 bosses... The sound and game design seem very familiar to Hudson's Bomberman games too. A bit more variety, creativity and bosses would have made this game really good especially since the music is really nice to listen to.

I've been moving things around the house and finally given the pc engine a place to reside. I also hooked it up to an old hi fi system and forgotten just how unique and amazing the pc engine sound chip sounds..

 

[Rydeen]

I've been moving things around the house and finally given the pc engine a place to reside. I also hooked it up to an old hi fi system and forgotten just how unique and amazing the pc engine sound chip sounds..

Nice setup there. Is the NEC AV Box worth the investment? I know it can be kind of expensive.

 

[piggychan]

Nice setup there. Is the NEC AV Box worth the investment? I know it can be kind of expensive.

There are probably cheaper alternatives on the market but it does the job for me. especially since I can't find anyone in the UK who can do a RGB mod for me. I don't really want to send my consoles to the US/ other places in Europe either.

 

[Mercutio]

Oh wow, I grabbed Ninja Spirit for $20 years ago when the VC version was blurry. I sold it with my Duo when I got the Duo RX.

I just spent $55 on the cheapest complete copy I could find. It's one of those games I kept looking at and saying "I'll just get it later."

Well, later came, and it was more expensive.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Is Ninja Spirit on PCE/TG16 downgraded much for them arcade versions?

 

[RoryDropkick]

Is Ninja Spirit on PCE/TG16 downgraded much for them arcade versions?

The music in the arcade version sounds better for sure. Otherwise gameplay feels pretty spot on

 

[sixteen-bit]

The music in the arcade version sounds better for sure. Otherwise gameplay feels pretty spot on

I guess that's to be expected on the music side. I'm looking on wikipedia and it doesn't seem like a perfect home conversion was ever released, but holy shit it came out on Game Boy too?

 

[Rydeen]

I guess that's to be expected on the music side. I'm looking on wikipedia and it doesn't seem like a perfect home conversion was ever released, but holy shit it came out on Game Boy too?

Only in Japan sadly, and it's pretty rare. Looks like a crazy port, though!

https://youtu.be/9jf5bZxlohA

 

[Mercutio]

I guess that's to be expected on the music side. I'm looking on wikipedia and it doesn't seem like a perfect home conversion was ever released, but holy shit it came out on Game Boy too?

I've never actually played the arcade version, just the TG 16 port. It's really fun.

Question for folks though: is the Japanese version different than the USA version?

 

[RoryDropkick]

I've never actually played the arcade version, just the TG 16 port. It's really fun.

Question for folks though: is the Japanese version different than the USA version?

I dont remember it being different. Hell they still call the alternate screen mode "PC Engine" mode.

 

[piggychan]

I guess that's to be expected on the music side. I'm looking on wikipedia and it doesn't seem like a perfect home conversion was ever released, but holy shit it came out on Game Boy too?

I think EGM when they reviewed the Turbografx version of ninja spirit it got 10's along with Ys Book I & II

 

[Bar81]

The music in the arcade version sounds better for sure. Otherwise gameplay feels pretty spot on

Prrtty much this.

 

[piggychan]

should have grabbed it when it was cheap guys... it's a pretty decent port although none of IREM pc engine ports are arcade perfect but the playability are spot on.

 

[Mzo]

This is how we do iiiiit

 

[robot]

Finally had a chance to play through it a few months ago - one of my favorite US releases.

That boxed copy ooooh weeee that's the real sticky icky!

 

[Mercutio]

I haven't put out all my stuff at once in a while, and since I can't actually play any of them until my PCE returns from being RGB'd, I guess I'm getting some use...

It actually doesn't seem like that much when I put them on a counter like this. I should probably get more.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Magical Chase just casually hangin out there.

PCE is one of my smaller game libraries too but there is so much quality in my 15 or so games that it's unreal.

 

[IrishNinja]

...aight mercutios, how much you pay for magical chase the other day tho

 

[foobarry81]

I haven't put out all my stuff at once in a while, and since I can't actually play any of them until my PCE returns from being RGB'd, I guess I'm getting some use...

It actually doesn't seem like that much when I put them on a counter like this. I should probably get more.

So much quality in that picture. Jelly of Akumajou Dracula. How is Emerald Dragon?
Also, I thought Gate of Thunder had a completely different box art...? Like so: http://www.gamefaqs.com/turbocd/589304-gate-of-thunder/images/box-4375



I haven't been that picky (-> meant in a good way). Just love to collect for the system and exploring the library. This is what I got so far:

Left to right: Adventure Island, Ai Cho Aniki, Be Ball, Bomberman '94, Brandish, Bubblegum Crash, CD Battle Hikari no Yuushatachi, Coryoon, Cyber City OEDO 808, Darius Plus, Don Doko Don, Doraemon: Meikyuu Daisakusen, Dragon Saber, Dragon Spirit, Fantasy Zone, Fighting Run, Gotzendiener, Gradius, Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou, Image Fight, Katochan Kenchan, Kyuukyoku Tiger, Master of Monsters, Mizubaku Daibouken, Seiryuu Densetsu Monbit, Nekketsu Koukou Dodge Ball-Bu: CD Soccer-hen, Pomping World, Salamander, Shin Megami Tensei (= loose CD), Snatcher CD-ROMantic, Soldier Blade, Sotsugyou II: Neo Generation, Space Adventure Cobra II: Densetsu no Otoko, Spin Pair, Street Fighter II': Champion Edition, Super Darius, Super Star Soldier, Detana! TwinBee, Valis II, Valis III, Veigues Tactical Gladiator, Legend of Xanadu: Kaze no Densetsu, Urusei Yatsura: Stay With You, Valkyrie no Densetsu, Majin Eiyuuden Wataru, Yawara!, Ys I+II, Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys.

Not pictured: loose HuCards of Final Match Tennis and Fire ProWrestling 3: Legend Bout

Also not pictured because I'll only get them in a next shipment from Japan: Parodius Da!, PC Genjin, R-Type Complete CD, Tokimeki Memorial, Yawara 2!, Dragon Slayer: Eiyuu Densetsu, Gate of Thunder, Gunhed, Tengai Makyou Ziria (Super CD-ROM version), Tengai Makyou II: Manji Maru, Tengai Makyou Fuun Kabuki Den, Spriggan Mark II, PC Genjin 3, and finally a CIB copy of Shin Megami Tensei.

 

[Mercutio]

So much quality in that picture. Jelly of Akumajou Dracula. How is Emerald Dragon?
Also, I thought Gate of Thunder had a completely different box art...? Like so: http://www.gamefaqs.com/turbocd/589304-gate-of-thunder/images/box-4375



I haven't been that picky (-> meant in a good way). Just love to collect for the system and exploring the library. This is what I got so far:

Man, you've got some really awesome stuff. It's definitely the most fun library to explore right now, and a bunch of gems are still fairly inexpensive. Odeo seems fairly interesting; the music at least is awesome. I think my buddy got it for $2 CIB in Japan?

My Gate of Thunder is actually the 3-in-1 Turbo Duo pack in. Comes with three manuals, and that's what you're seeing as the cover. It's got Bonk 1, Bonk 2, and Gate. Bomberman 1 is hidden on the main menu and accessible with a button press sequence. I love Gate, and the 3-in-1 is still cheaper than buying the actual PCE version... plus you get Bonk.

Emerald Dragon I've only really "played" as the SNES fan translation. Seems okay, but not up to the quality of Square stuff of the same era. I own the PCE version because it was around $10 and has the interface for the Memory Bank 128; if you hold UP and RUN or something at the disc load screen, you get to a special menu for copying / saving your files.

...aight mercutios, how much you pay for magical chase the other day tho

Fiiiiiiiiiiiine. I personally paid $200, and my buddy chipped in $80. He found it for me in Japan, and I'd sent him with some money for games hunting. $280 is far and away more than I've ever paid for any game, and will likely ever pay again though. It actually seems like a pretty good deal; it's going for $320-$370 on all the online auction sites.

 

[foobarry81]

Man, you've got some really awesome stuff. It's definitely the most fun library to explore right now, and a bunch of gems are still fairly inexpensive. Odeo seems fairly interesting; the music at least is awesome. I think my buddy got it for $2 CIB in Japan?

My Gate of Thunder is actually the 3-in-1 Turbo Duo pack in. Comes with three manuals, and that's what you're seeing as the cover. It's got Bonk 1, Bonk 2, and Gate. Bomberman 1 is hidden on the main menu and accessible with a button press sequence. I love Gate, and the 3-in-1 is still cheaper than buying the actual PCE version... plus you get Bonk.

Emerald Dragon I've only really "played" as the SNES fan translation. Seems okay, but not up to the quality of Square stuff of the same era. I own the PCE version because it was around $10 and has the interface for the Memory Bank 128; if you hold UP and RUN or something at the disc load screen, you get to a special menu for copying / saving your files.

Yeah, I heard Gate of Thunder is reaallly good. I also have a buddy in Japan (thanks to whom I got most of the above), and he's actually currently playing the copy of Gate he found for me last week. Really loves it, he says. I'll get to discover it myself somewhere later this year and am looking forward to it.

I didn't know about that 3-in-1 pack. Interesting and actually a great deal, it seems, considering what you're getting in a single package.

Yeah, Oedo is still really cheap in Japan, as are some other games. Like 2 of the three Tengai Makyou games my buddy got me, and also Tokimeki Memorial, he got for less than €2 CIB. So apart from trying to get the essentials on the system, it's just great to be able to take a risk for a small price once in a while, and maybe even discover a game you also really like in the process.

I asked about Emerald Dragon because it's been one of those games I've been really hesitant about getting. I've been eyeing the MSX version of it for a while, but it doesn't look all that appealing. But then I recently found out about the PC Engine version, which is a whole lot cheaper still, and maybe even the better version too. Maybe I should just give it a try.

 

[Mercutio]

Yeah, I heard Gate of Thunder is reaallly good. I also have a buddy in Japan (thanks to whom I got most of the above), and he's actually currently playing the copy of Gate he found for me last week. Really loves it, he says. I'll get to discover it myself somewhere later this year and am looking forward to it.

I didn't know about that 3-in-1 pack. Interesting and actually a great deal, it seems, considering what you're getting in a single package.

Yeah, Oedo is still really cheap in Japan, as are some other games. Like 2 of the three Tengai Makyou games my buddy got me, and also Tokimeki Memorial, he got for less than €2 CIB. So apart from trying to get the essentials on the system, it's just great to be able to take a risk for a small price once in a while, and maybe even discover a game you also really like in the process.

I asked about Emerald Dragon because it's been one of those games I've been really hesitant about getting. I've been eyeing the MSX version of it for a while, but it doesn't look all that appealing. But then I recently found out about the PC Engine version, which is a whole lot cheaper still, and maybe even the better version too. Maybe I should just give it a try.

This picture isn't mine, but here's what you get in the 3 in 1:

I see a lot of them out there without all three manuals. The disc case is blank, though; I had to print my own spine / rear art. It's gone up in price recently, but mine was around $60. Even at the prices it commands now (north of $80) it's still much cheaper than getting the four games individually. Gate is REALLY good though. It's my favorite space-ship shooter; the music is incredible and it's a very easy game to memorize.

I think the Ys I & II was also included with later packings of the Turbo Duo, and the disc was reprinted with "Turbo Duo" on it, replacing "Turbo Grafx 16." My copy is the Turbo Duo, so it must be a later pressing.

Emerald Dragon is a pure Utility Disc for me; $10 seemed reasonable for access to my Memory Bank. The SNES one did seem competent though; maybe I should give the translated ROM another try? My copy did include some cool maps and extra guides / manuals though.

Hey, how's the PCE version of Salamander? I'd like to get a copy at some point, but I've been leaning toward the Famicom due to that sweet clear cart. I've heard they're drastically different games though?

 

[foobarry81]

This picture isn't mine, but here's what you get in the 3 in 1:

I see a lot of them out there without all three manuals. The disc case is blank, though; I had to print my own spine / rear art. It's gone up in price recently, but mine was around $60. Even at the prices it commands now (north of $80) it's still much cheaper than getting the four games individually. Gate is REALLY good though. It's my favorite space-ship shooter; the music is incredible and it's a very easy game to memorize.

Completely agree: still a great deal at $80. I already got all of the games except PC Genjin 2 now, so yeah... a bit too late for me.

I can imagine finding a copy with all three manuals being a challenge. The exact same thing happened with the Mega Games compilations on Mega Drive (not sure if they were also on Genesis). Most copies out there miss at least one manual.

I think my favourite space ship shooter is still Space Manbow. It's just one of my absolute darlings in my games collection. But gotta admit that I've played some really good ones on PC Engine already (Soldier Blade, Gradius 2 as well).

Emerald Dragon is a pure Utility Disc for me; $10 seemed reasonable for access to my Memory Bank. The SNES one did seem competent though; maybe I should give the translated ROM another try? My copy did include some cool maps and extra guides / manuals though.

Hey, how's the PCE version of Salamander? I'd like to get a copy at some point, but I've been leaning toward the Famicom due to that sweet clear cart. I've heard they're drastically different games though?

Well, tbqh I can't really compare Salamander on PCE with any other version. I've never played the arcade game. I did play (and still play once in a while) the MSX version a lot, but that is just an entirely different game as well. It shares a lot of the assets and the music is similar (just a different (better) arrangement). But the stages are different. They both have horizontal and vertical stages, but the layout is not the same. The bosses are different too, and in the MSX version you have to collect tokens to be able to beat the game. Those aren't even there in Salamander PCE.

I've always heard that many PCE ports are typically close to the arcade originals. Perhaps that is the case here too. And like the MSX version, the Famicom one is just another take.

The MSX version of Salamander has excellent music. It was one of the first games to feature the Konami SCC (Sound Custom Chip) inside the cartridge, which allowed for 5 additional sound channels on top of the default three. If the Famicom cart doesn't have a similar chip built-in, you're going to be amazed by how good the music in the PCE version is. Otherwise it's just going to sound ... better, with deeper basses.

So yeah, what can I say? I'm a sucker for most Gradius series games, naturally I really like this rendition of Salamander as well. But I really can't tell you if it's better or worse than this or that version. If you can get it for a good price, I wouldn't hesitate getting it though.

 

[piggychan]

This picture isn't mine, but here's what you get in the 3 in 1:



Hey, how's the PCE version of Salamander? I'd like to get a copy at some point, but I've been leaning toward the Famicom due to that sweet clear cart. I've heard they're drastically different games though?

the pce version is a straight port of the arcade, there are differences, the most notable is the lack of any sampled digitized speech which I miss in the pce version. The colors particularly the first stage are not as colorful as the arcades and also there are missing layered scrolling.

The music is imo fantastic, I love the sample drums from the konami sound guys. I just wished there was a sound test option.

It's also tougher than the arcade and this is one game you will struggle to get past the first stage on your first tries. It really makes your blood heat up on this game. One of those games that require you to switch on the auto fire.

Also there are moments where you get a moments of flashes that might affect you if you suffer from epilepsy. It's definitely one where you have to learn the attack patterns and I feel it is an absolute must if you are a fan or early konami and shmup games.

The konami pce shooters I rate in order are:

Parodius DA!?!
Salamander
Gradius
Detana twin bee!!

 

[ZealousD]

The PCE version of Salamander is more like the original Arcade version of the game. The Famicom/NES port uses the traditional Gradius-style power up bar instead of the simplified version. I think there are level differences between them too?

 

[piggychan]

I forgot to add Gradius II in there but below salamander.

Also the MSX version of salamander is insane. I love the music but the scrolling gets me killed too much.

EDIT:

If you do want want an arcade perfect salamander then there is the salamander delux pack for the 32bit consoles.

Honestly I think the pce version should be owned just for it's unique renditions of the game OST, plus the intro attract screen I think there are music tracks which I don't think appear in the arcade.. *am listening to it now*

I also gotta add it is incredibly intense especially on those 1 hit you die situations and being sent back half way across the level and with no power ups something also that is different from the arcade.

 

[foobarry81]

Also the MSX version of salamander is insane. I love the music but the scrolling gets me killed too much.

I hear that a lot, but you really get used to it. Actually after a while you sort of start anticipating it. It's really not as bad as some people want to make it look. Well, maybe it is, at first sight, when you've never played an MSX shoot 'em up before.

The MSX hardware just wasn't made for scrolling. Nevertheless some of those games are still great, e.g. the MSX exclusive Nemesis/Gradius 2.

With the MSX2+ they fixed the problem. Scrolling in Space Manbow is smooth. But by then the MSX was already at the end of its lifespan.

 

[piggychan]

I noticed there seems to be a lack of populous in those collections guys!

You should grab a copy if you can. It is completely playable all the menus are in english. It's supposed to be the first HuCard to have ROM RAM but I think in the end they left out the RAM as you cannot save the game onto the hucard. I think they felt it was too expensive in the end ..

Anyway the manual has some cool manga comic strip of the story and how to play the game.

there is also a CD rom version called populous the promised lands that feature bombermen.

EDIT

Currently all my pc engine games are cards. I used to own the original briefcase setup followed later by the Duo-R but traded them in over the years for megadrives, Superfamicom, Sega saturn PSX etc... so now I only have the main console alone. Might get a Duo-R later on when I can save up ...

I keep my game cases stored away..

my pc engine consoles. One of them broke in the post. The seller sent it in a plain A4 manilla envelope with no bubble wrap. So i've taken it apart.