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Sega Genesis/MegaDrive Appreciation Thread: Alien Storm > Golden Axe

Sixfortyfive

He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
To stand on a soapbox for a moment:

Unless you catch me when my guard is down, you won't sucker me into an "overrated" argument, and I tend to be annoyed by people who are wont to get into those kinds of discussions regularly. They're toxic, often lacking in perspective, and usually dripping with elitism. Draw more attention to works that showcase the qualities you love--and highlight those qualities--instead of spending so much effort to knock down other works that deserve some level of praise, whether you think they might get "too much" of it or not.

I've spent $100+ on some games that I don't think are half as good as others in their franchise/genre, yet I've held onto them because I've found them to be unique and/or fun on some level that merits keeping them. Turning every kind of situation like that into a competition where anything but 1st place isn't worth your time is an unhappy place to be.
 
Yeah, I've never understood the Treasure dislike because, without their releases, Sega's (and Nintendo's) systems would have significantly weaker upper tiers of generally exclusive action software. Not like there are many alternatives to their off-kilter action games in the first place, but people seem to act like there are. Guess it's the reputation that people take issue with, though, again, I'd like to see someone offer up an alternative gaming world without Treasure that looks brighter and more interesting as well as accomplished in terms of action design.
 

Ryck

Member
I don't know if this applies to Paperboy, but a handful of late run cartridges published by Tengen were printed on bad boards, and just failed over time. I know they affected Grind Stormer (this is how I found out about it) and one of the RBI Baseball games. The only solution, AFAIK, is to swap the ROM chips out onto a different board, but good luck with that.

Thanks for the info, that's too bad I was really looking forward to playing it as I loved the NES version. Im going to go ahead and assume this is the case as the actual board looks in really good shape.
 
As far as Treasure goes, I genuinely enjoy:

  • Gunstar Heroes (first one of their works I tried)
  • McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure (it's not remarkable, but it's fun for what it is)
  • Light Crusader (the claims of it being a terrible game are vastly overstated; it's not an amazing title by any stretch, but it's fun, and has some nifty polygonal effects)
  • Guardian Heroes (I didn't really care for it when I first got it, since it got overly hard near the end with large amounts of spongy enemies, but for some reason I found the game more playable in the XBLA version; no idea if I stumbled upon a mechanic I missed in the Saturn version, or it's the optional rebalancing they offered, or what)
  • Radiant Silvergun (I got briefly obsessed with this game during my sophomore year of college; still would like to get a physical copy of the Saturn version someday...)
  • Gunstar Super Heroes (eagerly looked forward to that one, and while the loss of mix-and-match weapons sucked, I thought the resulting game was still hella fun)

And don't really care for:
  • Dynamite Headdy (I'm not sure why, but this one never really clicked with me)
  • Alien Soldier (I got overwhelmed within the first stage of the game and wrote it off then-and-there, although slowbeef's brief obsession with the game did make me appreciate it a bit more)
  • Sin and Punishment (Well, I guess I liked it enough to reach the final stage, but I'm not really big on rail-shooters in general, and the plot is completely incomprehensible)
  • Ikaruga (I can recognize it's a good game and a fairly influential one at that, I just don't much care for it beyond a stage or two)
  • Bangai-O Spirits (got it on clearance at Target after hearing people gush over the series, but found it completely and utterly impenetrable)

And I haven't really played enough of the rest to have an opinion on any of it. (I think I tried Mischief Makers briefly, but I barely remember anything about it, other than kinda liking it. I keep forgetting it exists, though.)
 
To stand on a soapbox for a moment:

Unless you catch me when my guard is down, you won't sucker me into an "overrated" argument, and I tend to be annoyed by people who are wont to get into those kinds of discussions regularly. They're toxic, often lacking in perspective, and usually dripping with elitism. Draw more attention to works that showcase the qualities you love--and highlight those qualities--instead of spending so much effort to knock down other works that deserve some level of praise, whether you think they might get "too much" of it or not.

I've spent $100+ on some games that I don't think are half as good as others in their franchise/genre, yet I've held onto them because I've found them to be unique and/or fun on some level that merits keeping them. Turning every kind of situation like that into a competition where anything but 1st place isn't worth your time is an unhappy place to be.

This is not a bad mentality to have, at all. I mean, i can get pretty bad about it, but this really is the right way to look at thing. Less "Make other people feel bad for liking their games" and more "I love this game and here is why".
 

Tain

Member
To stand on a soapbox for a moment:

Unless you catch me when my guard is down, you won't sucker me into an "overrated" argument, and I tend to be annoyed by people who are wont to get into those kinds of discussions regularly. They're toxic, often lacking in perspective, and usually dripping with elitism. Draw more attention to works that showcase the qualities you love--and highlight those qualities--instead of spending so much effort to knock down other works that deserve some level of praise, whether you think they might get "too much" of it or not.

In the context of a thread like this, I'd say that's the attitude to have. We might agree in a broader sense, too, when it comes to those who spend a disproportionate amount of time posting about games or game trends they can't stand ("cinematic AAA garbage" etc) than what they enjoy. Criticism is criticism and hugely important, but when someone's showing nothing but resentment all day it's hard to take them seriously.

While I've said my share about Gunstar Heroes on this forum (and others) throughout the years, I want to make it clear that I'm glad I own it and it does have merits. It's impossible to discuss the game in a vacuum, so talking about the game in a different way than I would something like Chelnov is bound to happen, but that doesn't mean that I don't find the game gorgeous or the soundtrack great or that Seven Force isn't a cool boss etc etc etc. That stuff (alongside my issues with the game) is more important than the game's reputation.
 

Sixfortyfive

He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
Bangai-O Spirits (got it on clearance at Target after hearing people gush over the series, but found it completely and utterly impenetrable)
Let me guess: You played a Bangai-O game without realizing that your EX weapons are actually your primary weapons.

The whole genius of Bangai-O is that it becomes easier as you play with more reckless abandon, and it just spirals into absolute chaos as you literally bring the console that the game is playing on to its knees, unable to even render the action properly. Although, Spirits did demand more thought out of the player than its predecessor.
 
Let me guess: You played a Bangai-O game without realizing that your EX weapons are actually your primary weapons.

The whole genius of Bangai-O is that it becomes easier as you play with more reckless abandon, and it just spirals into absolute chaos as you literally bring the console that the game is playing on to its knees, unable to even render the action properly. Although, Spirits did demand more thought out of the player than its predecessor.
To be perfectly honest, it's been so long that I don't even know.
 

IrishNinja

Member
It's nothing new for Treasure garbage to be grossly overvalued.

literally the last few pages saw ABF's N64 > PSX, followed by Jamix012's 3DO > PSX. that's a list you're joining here m'man

Hey, guys, shut up about the console wars stuff for a second, this is important:

Mike Matei just reviewed Ronald McDonald's Treasure Land Adventure, and whenever he reviews a game, it skyrockets in price (see: Wild Guns). Granted, it's not a glowing review, but still, can't wait for that good-but-not-great game to be worth $100 cart-only!

Mzo had to point out: 0:35, that's $59 for an Alien Soldier repro. well done, Mike.

And don't really care for:
Dynamite Headdy (I'm not sure why, but this one never really clicked with me)

yeah this one's really cool looking but tough for me to get into as well, might try the easier import version to get the hang of it a bit! shame about S&P and Ikaruga for you though.
 

Mercutio

Member
yeah this one's really cool looking but tough for me to get into as well, might try the easier import version to get the hang of it a bit! shame about S&P and Ikaruga for you though.

I'd really like to play the original version of Headdy. The thing they released here is just so damned hard.
 

IrishNinja

Member
by the way

To stand on a soapbox for a moment:

Unless you catch me when my guard is down, you won't sucker me into an "overrated" argument, and I tend to be annoyed by people who are wont to get into those kinds of discussions regularly. They're toxic, often lacking in perspective, and usually dripping with elitism. Draw more attention to works that showcase the qualities you love--and highlight those qualities--instead of spending so much effort to knock down other works that deserve some level of praise, whether you think they might get "too much" of it or not.

I've spent $100+ on some games that I don't think are half as good as others in their franchise/genre, yet I've held onto them because I've found them to be unique and/or fun on some level that merits keeping them. Turning every kind of situation like that into a competition where anything but 1st place isn't worth your time is an unhappy place to be.

this was a great post, and more eloquently highlighted my prior point about imperfect arcade/etc ports being worth playing, too. also not-emzoes strongly agreed as well but you ain't heard that from me
 
Mzo had to point out: 0:35, that's $59 for an Alien Soldier repro. well done, Mike.
I noticed that too. To be fair, James and Mike unabashedly support the existence of reproductions; heck, they're the ones who introduced me to the concept. More power to 'em, I guess, as long as they don't get duped into buying repros of games that actually made it to the US.

i forget, didn't the import (or was it a beta) give you a few hits or something?
I don't recall what it was, other than the Japanese version just generally being easier in some fashion (and Trouble Bruin'/Maruyama being purple).

I wonder if there's a fan translation that translates all the cut dialog? EDIT: Of course there is
 

Peagles

Member
Hey y'all quit bickering and behold the majesty.

2014-09-25073128HDR_zps13e46bb1.jpg
 
I'm pretty sure I wanna get an Everdrive for most of my consoles at some point, but I don't think I could bear having just the bare board.
 

Tain

Member
I'm pretty sure I wanna get an Everdrive for most of my consoles at some point, but I don't think I could bear having just the bare board.

I got one for Famicom, SNES, and Genesis and just gutted some carts and sanded out some SD card slots. It's pretty painless.
 

Sixfortyfive

He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I might record and post the music from the Street Fighter II beta for Genesis. Here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaA-CHp5fPA

The video description includes a download link and a comparison playlist to other versions.

Some of the instruments are rough, but some renditions are a lot closer to the CPS1 originals than any other console port imo.
 
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment is ass.

FF Tactics also bored me.

I just, I can't... I mean... How... I don't...

picard-s300x266-70964.jpg


I mentioned a few weeks ago that I might record and post the music from the Street Fighter II beta for Genesis. Here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaA-CHp5fPA

The video description includes a download link and a comparison playlist to other versions.

Some of the instruments are rough, but some renditions are a lot closer to the CPS1 originals than any other console port imo.

Noice. Always wanted the hear the whole OST. Great stuff, generally a lot better than the actual release. Drums are a bit loud.
 

Peagles

Member
Bonus comparison pic of the real deal next to the clone from Ali Express.



And an apology to Irish, the real Everdrive doesn't fit in the clone shell. I know you're getting a Mega anyway and it wouldn't have fit anyway, but yeh. I think I could force it, but it wouldn't be pretty. Same deal with the SNES one (I'll put a comparison pic with the SNES clone in the SNES thread).
 

IrishNinja

Member
fear not, shadow hogs! send me your worthless sports games, i'll go right over to gunsmith's house & fix em right up

ku-xlarge.gif


also yes bish it's been a crazy page or two
 

Peagles

Member
That's just it, though, I don't think I could be able to gut even a worthless sports game. :\

They can be had for a buck or less, and they'll get much more use as an ED shell than as a worthless sports game. Plus, you can hunt for carts that won't work, damaged labels, etc, to make yourself feel better. The NES one I made had a ruined label and needed a good clean (it was Lee Carvello's Putting Challenge or something), and now it gets love and attention all the time!

I must admit, I am ruining a perfectly good Japanese copy of Multi Racing Championship for the 64 shell. Well, I haven't done it yet, I'm umming and aahing. Maybe I'll look around for a broken game so I don't have to hurt it actually.
Damn you for activating my conscience lol.

fear not, shadow hogs! send me your worthless sports games, i'll go right over to gunsmith's house & fix em right up

ku-xlarge.gif


also yes bish it's been a crazy page or two

Hahaha OMG what is that gif from? I must know.
 

Sixfortyfive

He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
I've met people who would argue in all sincerity that the SNES is, at best, the 4th best console of its generation.

I mean, I love me some arcade games and have some pretty serious indifference toward RPGs in general, but even then...
 

Morrigan Stark

Arrogant Smirk
I hate this thread now. 4 posts in a row of dissing golden-age Treasure, this is blasphemy. I mean, if we are gonna hate on Treasure, at least make it the actual Treasure garbage like Light Crusader and Strech Panic, not their top-tier shit like Gunstar and Astro Boy.

I'm mad.
Are people seriously shitting on Castlevania Bloodlines and Gunstar Heroes in this thread? Really?

my god.
Yeah, today is not a good day to be reading this thread, isn't it?

So let me brighten this thread a bit: Treasure is (or was) one of the best most fantastic game developers of all time, Gunstar Heroes is a classic, hell it's so good that even I, who is terrible at side-scrolling shooters (zero skills at Contra and the like), have played and beaten it and loved it (though I had to cheese the space shooting bit with the homing, I have no shame), and Castlevania Bloodlines is the second-best Castlevania game of all time after Symphony of the Night.

THERE I SAID IT, COME AT ME BROS
 

Tain

Member
I have a hard time ranking Bloodlines, CV3, and X68000. I'm confident that CV4 is below those and Rondo of Blood is above them.
 

IrishNinja

Member
I've met people who would argue in all sincerity that the SNES is, at best, the 4th best console of its generation.

I mean, I love me some arcade games and have some pretty serious indifference toward RPGs in general, but even then...

damn, for real? 4th?! lotta craziness comin out today
 
Well, its competition was the Genesis, the TurboGrafx-16, the Neo Geo and the CD-i... I guess even when you're crazy, you're not crazy enough to suggest the CD-i topped anything.
 
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I might record and post the music from the Street Fighter II beta for Genesis. Here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaA-CHp5fPA

The video description includes a download link and a comparison playlist to other versions.

Some of the instruments are rough, but some renditions are a lot closer to the CPS1 originals than any other console port imo.

That guile theme, sooooooooo good
 

noquarter

Member
Wow, the last page or so is pretty crazy, some pretty wild opinions are out there I guess, and they seem to be converging in this thread.

I do think that Gunstar Heroes is held a little higher than it deserves to be, but as a two-player game, there isn't any other run n gun I would rather play on 4th gen systems. As a single player game, I do feel that it is a little shallow, fun, but not nearly as much fun as it is with another person.

I do think that Dynamite Heddy is too difficult, but that was a problem that happened through the 5th gen. Silhoutte Mirage was pretty difficult as well and that turned me off of that game pretty quick. Been wanting to try the original since it is suppossed to be much better, but haven't had the chance.

Bonus comparison pic of the real deal next to the clone from Ali Express.

And an apology to Irish, the real Everdrive doesn't fit in the clone shell. I know you're getting a Mega anyway and it wouldn't have fit anyway, but yeh. I think I could force it, but it wouldn't be pretty. Same deal with the SNES one (I'll put a comparison pic with the SNES clone in the SNES thread).

fear not, shadow hogs! send me your worthless sports games, i'll go right over to gunsmith's house & fix em right up

Won't the Mega fit in a cart shell if you sand down the sides a little? I was going to get one, but didn't think I would have to do too much to it.
 

Peagles

Member
Won't the Mega fit in a cart shell if you sand down the sides a little? I was going to get one, but didn't think I would have to do too much to it.

I'm talking about the clone shells from Ali Express, but I have no idea if you could sand them to fit. I thought the layout was entirely different on the Mega.
 

IrishNinja

Member
I'm talking about the clone shells from Ali Express, but I have no idea if you could sand them to fit. I thought the layout was entirely different on the Mega.

yeah, sucks that i got that clone shell but now i'm being told my mega (here tomorrow!) won't fit it...argh
 
As far as Treasure goes, http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=93872617&postcount=4852 no need to repeat myself... I covered my thoughts on them earlier in the thread. Ikaruga and Gradius V are absolutely amazing, but the rest of their games vary between good and poor.

I'm not actually sure which of Treasure's Genesis games I like the most. I don't love any of them, certainly. McDonald's Treasureland Adventure is really bland and uninteresting looking. Dynamite Headdy I find average and it doesn't make me want to go back and play it more. Light Crusader is decent, but nothing great. Gunstar Heroes I kind of like, but definitely don't love. And Alien Soldier... never have played it much, but what little I did didn't make me want to go buy it. So uh... Light Crusader or Gunstar Heroes is the best, I guess. None are among their best games, though (Ikaruga, Gradius V, the two Sin & Punishment games...).
 
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