Messages

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Compendium of walkthroughs for PC Engine RPGs]

Just a note that I added a chapter 3 faq to Cosmic Fantasy 3 to complete CrackTiger's Chapter 1 & 2 faq.  (Yeah, I'm too lazy to write up a whole one).  My first faq ever, so it's not super complete by any means, but it should get you through chapter 3, especially if you're familiar enough with the gameplay to make it through chapter 1 and 2 already.

It's next to black tiger's faq on gamefaqs.
http://www.gamefaqs.com/turbocd/589247-cosmic-fantasy-3-bouken-shounen-rei/faqs

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: Galaxy Policewoman Legend Sapphire Booties - Free! (donations accepted though)]

I got the discs a week or two ago.   Thank you SO MUCH!!

Have any of you guys tried these on official Turbob ACD hardware?

I'd imagine most of us tried these on real hardware.  

But it also works VERY well with Ootake as well.  Though it's still not perfect for all games (only bit that I found so far were video/audio not syncing during cinema scenes in CF), I found it to be tons better than Magic Engine, and it loads much faster than real hardware too.  And the software itself can even "install" the discs as an image in the harddrive so you don't have to dick around with daemon tools or anything like that.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Lovin this place!]

One more thing you'll need to do is to something about being able to use the 6 button controllers on the TG16.

You can grab converter cable, or mod a Duo/PCE multiplayer tap so that it fits in to the TG16 controller port.

[General Gaming / Re: Flooded Collection (including several NEC stuff! Soft hearts keep out!)]

I think that these pix are from youtube user screw attack europe.  I remember seeing the video of this a few months back, he's a cool guy, and it's totally shit that this happened...

He told me it was mainly from one leaky spot on a roof, and it went on for a while- and when he went to check on his stuff... bang.  Mud on everything....

The story mentioned it was in Queensland (NE Australia). which just went through some crazy floods in the past couple weeks.

[Localizations, Games, Apps, Docs / Re: Artist needed for MSR!]

I'm liking those backgrounds -- especially as I'm fresh off complaining about solid-black backgrounds in *many* PCE/TG RPGs.

[General Gaming / Re: Anybody need a sealed Stadium Events?]

Obviously, whoever buys this isn't buying it for the entertainment value of the game.  I have a hard enough time understanding people who drop more than say... $150 or so on a console video game.

Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly agree that whoever buys this is a serious loser.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: REVIEW: Cosmic Fantasy 3]

Yeah, I submitted the chapter 3 faq on gamefaqs yesterday.  It should be up there sometime soon (unless they don't want to host it, for whatever reason).

If by any chance anyone wants my original notes in word, which includes some additional notes on black tiger's chapter 1-2 faq (which might clarify a couple things), shoot me a pm and I'll send it off to you.

[Localizations, Games, Apps, Docs / Re: Ys IV Dubbing Project: Take 2]

ANY dub project that's actually completed would be awesome.  As prices for pressing CDs go down, imagine a real, 100% translated, dubbed game on a real CD -- that'd be kick-ass.  I'd imagine there'd be no problems of gathering enough people to pay for a single batch of pressed CDs for a game like Ys IV.

[General Gaming / Re: Yeah, The Xbox 360 And PS3 Are Getting A Dreamcast Compilation]

Correction, there's only 4!  4 games that probably every DC owner has, along with people who have a GC or whatever else these games also came out on:
http://the-magicbox.com/1101/game110114a

Gay.

Shemue I/II compilation would be awesome -- they can probably squeeze both games in on one disc.  

And I'd seriously go out and buy a 360 (or a PS3) if they released a physical release of VOOT with online matches and all.

(Hell, I'm already committed to buying the 360 next time I visit the US just because of the VOOT XBLA version, but I'd loooove a physical disc...)

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: REVIEW: Cosmic Fantasy 3]

Thanks for the review termis. Do you know anything about the CF collection on Sega CD and how it compares to the same game on PCE?

I recall asking one of the Shirely Bros. over at WD BitD about Cosmic Fantasy Stories, & all I can recall is him saying it was a terrible port.  I have a burn of the game, but, really haven't tried it out much.  And speaking of CF3, I really do hope that it was finished or near finished in english, & that Vic releases it on PSN along with his other WD titles.

Nah, can't say I ever tried CF Stories on Mega CD.  But you know what, I had to go take a quick look up on Youtube, and I gotta say that at least for the CF1 portion, the Mega CD version looks a lot nicer (That's not saying much though, considering how crap CF1 looks like in PCE).  For example, in the MCD version's overworld, the mountains look a lot more detailed and big compared to PCE's little chunk of mountain sprite.  I haven't seen the CF2 portion of the MCD port, but IMO, the TG16 CF2 didn't look all that nice either, so I can't imagine the MCD version being much worse off.  But either way, as I mentioned, CF3 really stepped it up when it came to the visual department.

I started playing DF3 last month for the second time but I soon got bored because of the fights that occur just to often for my low IQ to remember where I am and where I'm supposed to go. Still I have to admit that those screenies make me want to give it another try.

Yeah, actually this certainly is an issue too.  But I realized that I started saying this for almost all old school RPGs I've played in the past few years (most in this list of reviews above), so I'm not sure if I've become more intolerant of frequent battle encounters as I got older, or if really by the luck of the draw, I've been playing nothing but old-school RPGs with high battle encounter rates.  I think the "run" button actually doesn't help in CF3's case in this manner, as it speeds up everything, including the encounter rates - perhaps if the run button was completely taken off of CF3, the encounter rate wouldn't be as annoying (but then, the slow walking speed would be annoying!).  

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / REVIEW: Cosmic Fantasy 3]

As one of the best known RPG series in the TG/PCE market in the west (which isn't saying much, really), I've been meaning to play thorough the whole series, since I originally beat part 2 sometime back in the mid 90s.  I went back and played through part 1 several years ago, and replayed part 2 over the past few months.  I won't bother reviewing part 2 as most of those who are into RPGs have played this one as it's one of the few US RPG releases.

When I started on part 3, what immediately jumped out was the how much more polished this one is compared to the prequels.  There were just things that are crude and seemed unfinished about the prequels (little things like music looping back every time you talk to some village character, status effects missing in part 2, etc).  However, the developers seemed to have really stepped up in their production levels of this one.  One can tell a lot more time went into everything.

As with all cosmic fantasies, there's plenty of story involved this one.  There's always humor peppered throughout the game, and Nyan, the feline character, provides plenty of comic relief.  And unlike some other series, CF doesn't forget its roots, as there's always cameos of characters from the all the prequels (Even as I played through part II recently, I found that Cobra (Yu) and Sayo (Saya) were actually the main protagonists of part I).  And we find later in the story how all these characters are connected to each other.



Starting from graphics, You can definitely tell a lot more went into the production of the game.  It's a lot anime-y this time around. I mean the prequels were too, but this time, there's also a LOT more cinema scenes - and they're some of the most well done in the PCE library I've come across so far.  More effort has also seemed to have gone into voice overs, and the overworld is vibrant & colorful.  The enemy characters are also a lot more cartoony this time around whether you like that or not.  Telenet added even nice little touches like the characters leaving behind footprints in the snow.

The only thing I really wish they would've put more effort was into the battle background.  It's a plain black background, and this really detracts from the feeling of being really immersed in the environment.  Some earlier RPGs such as Phantasy Star I had that factor nailed, and it's unfortunate that many RPGs since then still couldn't get this factor right.



The gameplay is also a bit more complex this time around.  The prequels were pretty straightfoward - anyone can equip anything, and the battle interface was the standard attack, magic, run, item variety.  This time around there are multiple different types of attacks such as standard attack, "force" attack where you do more damage at the expense of being more exposed, quick attack where you're almost guaranteed to get the first hit in, group attack, weapon effect attack, etc... Same goes for parry - there are different modes of all this stuff.  Granted, I didn't get to use all this stuff during the whole game, but some of the moves (such as force attack) are definitely necessary to have an easier time in the game.  Weapons and armor are now also differentiated between characters and what they can equip.  Because of the added complexity, it's a bit more difficult for a non-Japanese speaking gaijin to get into than the prequels, which is compounded by the lack of a complete English faq on this game (as far as I know).  There's a partial one that black tiger has put out which covers about 2/3 of the game, and I actually wrote down the last 1/3 as I played through the rest of the game, so perhaps this can help those who are looking to complete the game.

My two gripes about gameplay would be that 1) there are too many misses when you attack.  A good 50% of all your attacks will be in vain, and it's not uncommon where you have a single people left, and all four of your characters miss their attack move, forcing another turn - this can get irritating after awhile.  2) Exploring the world can be annoying at times, as a lot of the overworld is in different tiers - that is, it's not as straightforward as going from east to west at times, as you have to maneuver through various tiers to go from one point to another (see 3rd pic bottom).  And the map that was included in the game doesn't really help much in this case.



Overall, it's a definite improvement in the series, and it's really too bad that this one didn't make it to the west.  It certainly had the fit & finish level to compete against the top-tier RPGs of the era, and I'm pretty sure it would've been a cult classic now (somewhat like CF2) had it been released in English.

This is the first PCE game I played from beginning to end on an emulator (Ootake), and other than a slight video/audio sync issue during the cinema scenes, it played out perfectly, and it even allowed me to capture shots and like these for this review you're reading now.  Now, I don't have either part of CF4, so this series will be on hiatus from my playing list while I move onto something else... Perhaps I'll finally start the Tengai Makyou series next...

Just to cap it off, it wouldn't be a CF without the shower scene, so here is is (complete with a censor bar I put in  ), along with a couple more random screen shots.


Collection of my other reviews over the years:
Aurora Quest: Otaku no Seiza in Another World
Ane-san
Babel
Bakushō Yoshimoto Shinkigeki
Blood Gear
Cosmic Fantasy 1
Dragon Slayer: Legend of Heroes
Dragon Slayer: Legend of Heroes II
Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari
Iga Ninden Gaiō
KO Seiki: Beast Sanjūshi
Kūsōkagaku Sekai: Gulliver Boy
Nekketsu Legend Baseballer
Tengai Makyō: Itōryōdan
Valis I~IV
Xak I & II
Xak III

[Fighting Street / Re: Gamestop = FAIL]

You can't expect these dudes to know anything about retro stuff.

I'd imagine vast majority of those of who know their shit about retro gaming would be in mid 30s and up by now (as most on this forum)... And if you still work at a Gamestop at that age... well, then that's kind of sad, really.

[Off-Topic / Re: NEC in 2011 is still failing]

NEC used to put out some pretty sweet displays -- They were one of the few companies that had a nice flat-screen CRT monitor way, way back in the days.  I had one myself.

[General Gaming / Re: KID ICARUS OMG YES]

I refuse to call Ryu Ree-You too.  It is Rye-Ew.

Both of those pronunciations are wrong anyway!   

[General Gaming / Re: Great sound fx which can make an already perfect game even more perfect.]

Most of the truly "perfect" sound effects come from the era of 8-bit arcade machines. Pac Man, Flogger, Donkey Kong, Tron, Galaga, and possibly the best of all, Robotron. Robotron is otherworldly.

Its not something you can get in an emulator either. You have to have the original PCB, the original amp, the original full range speaker, and the rotting MDF cabinet with the squirrel bones in the bottom. Like a vintage guitar amp, all these things are part of the picture.

This, pretty much.

Out of them all, the most recognizable sound for me that represents not only arcades, but video games as whole, would be the noises coming from Galaga -- in particular, the "piyu, piyu" shooting sound.  (Galaga seemed to be much bigger in Korea where I was first exposed to arcades, rather than in the U.S.)

[Off-Topic / Re: GameFan Magazine]

Wasn't that the magazine with some buff dude with a monitor as its head?

I remember initially being attracted to it because it had a LOT of pics, but then quickly realized that they loved like every single game (even the real stinkers), and it quickly lost credibility with me.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: What kinda TV do you play TG16 on?]

Emulation can't compare to the real thing. Either accuracy issues, not using the real controller, or picture and sound differences tend to bother me with emulation. Though it's better than going without playing great classic games at all.

No doubt.  I hear you, though after getting a USB saturn pad, the controller issue is a lot less of an issue for me now.

The emulation inaccuracies are still there, and for some systems, I couldn't think of replacing the real hardware due to these inaccuracies (Sega Saturn for one), but for most 8 & 16 bit systems, it's getting to the point where it's starting to become a viable alternative to real hardware for me.  Especially when I have too many systems taking up shelf space with 50,000 different wires running behind the TV.

Software, on the other hand, I'll still purchase the ones I like as long as it's practical (that is, it doesn't go for crazy sums), as I like having a physical copy with manual, maps, and all that  (That's even for cartridge/card software).

[Off-Topic / Re: New around these parts]

I've also go no interest in importing games. Is it still worth it to get a Duo if I'll only be getting NTSC CD games?

Oh, and just to be nitpicky, Japanese games are also NTSC, as NTSC Region ≠ US Region.

[Off-Topic / Re: New around these parts]

If you're not willing to import, let me be honest and say save your money.  There's Ys I & II, Lord of Thunder, Gates of Thunder... and that's about it when it comes to absolute must-have of titles for US CD-based titles.  (And for GoT, that's more of a popular opinion rather than my own) 

There are certainly another dozen or so good titles (Valis III, Forgotten Worlds, Last Alert, Ys III etc), but owning a Duo and not importing CD titles is severely limiting, to the point where I say don't bother.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: What kinda TV do you play TG16 on?]

A 21" LG CRT TV.  It's on the crappy side for CRT TVs, but it gets the job done.  I once put my Duo on my in-laws big screen LCD (can't even recall the brand, but one of the big makers), and I nearly stabbed my eyes out.  I won't be doing that again.

With all due respect to other humans, my personal opinion is that anyone who thinks an SD game console looks good on an LCD probably has a different definition of "good" than I do. A lot of people who watch SD TV stretched to 16:9, or listen to music with pack-in Apple headphones, or drive a Dodge Caliber, or eat White Castle, or wear dollar store sweat pants...they'll say these things are "fine" or "good enough", but I think its really the inability to tell the difference that helps them stick up for this junk.

What sucks about the LCD thing is that I can't think of any marketing incentive that would ever drive the OEMs to fix this problem. With all movie content coming from set-top internet devices and all game consoles going HD (when the Wii dies, that'll be it) they start removing composite/s-video/component from all new TVs period. Then what we will play TG-16 on? Maybe the same TVs we are now since new electronics are unreliable junk...but some day all the 90s CRTs will be dead, and we'll have to be modding our Duo Rs for HDMI.

I guess, realistically, we only have to bother with keeping this stuff going in our lifetimes. When we're gone in 60 years nobody will give a shit about 16-bit gaming. In the meanwhile we need to learn how to fix old TVs as well as the systems that we run on them.

The alternative of course would be super high performance upscan converters built (competently) with gaming in mind. Something like the X-RGB series, only better.

I've recently to fiddle around with Ootake, and it does a decent job of scanline emulation.  I'm thinking that once my Duo goes for good (it's starting to get there now with the dry caps issue), I might just build a cheap HTPC and hook it up to a modern TV via HDMI and have do my retro gaming that way in the near future.

And yeah, White Castle is absolutely disgusting.  On a random note, I'm missing the burger joints in Cali -- Islands, Tommy's, In 'n Out... Hell, even the mid-tier stuff like Carl's Jr & Wendy's is helluva lot better than vast majority of the stuff they have down here...

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: Galaxy Policewoman Legend Sapphire Booties - Free! (donations accepted though)]

My copy made it across the Pacific all okay -- as soon as I verified that it worked okay, I promptly chucked out my CD-R copy.  Thanks again blue.  (Though I just found out that my caps in the Duo is now dry.    *sigh*  That's just another item on the to-do list, though once I do it, it should be rock solid for years and years to come).

As for those whose PDF insert isn't printing out in the right size, double check your printing settings, as the PDF seems to be in A4 format (international paper size standard), which is slightly different from North American letter size (8 1/2" x 11"), so your printer driver might be slightly resizing the printing output by default to make the A4 paper size fit into the letter size.  (BTW, I'm also loving the anti-ebay logo on this thing -- I'm totally gonna make a copy once I get hold of a nice laser printer!)

What the heck? That sapphire copy on ebay is already up to  $42 and climbing. http://cgi.ebay.com/Sapphire-PC-ENGINE-DUO-IMPORT-2nd-PRINTING-COMPLETE-/260713678476?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item3cb3bf068c
Is that someone here?
I could care less. I haven't bought on ebay in a long time. I just like looking at pictures.
You guys are gonna be tempted. But if a bunch of them go for 99cents on ebay than the supply will be much higher than demand and that will keep the price at a few dollars at most.

Yeah, these copies aren't these loosies, as they're complete with manual and all that, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone like BigmoneyVegas threw up his copies on ebay.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Whats ur Obey resolution for 2011?!?]

Better yet, call it PC Henshin. and have a Guy that can transform into a Chicken.

Henjin has a multi meaning - Obviously the play on Genjin, then Hen-Jin (Hen - Person) and also Henjin means eccentric which ties in with the plot of an eccentric (female) inventor that has accidentally transformed themselves into a chicken.

I know, it's sad I think about these things in such detail.

I gotta say, I chuckled a bit at henshin (変身-transformation), which is also a play on the the genjin (原人-caveman), and still has the English word ties to hen.

Though henjin (変人) is also a weird person, so if you want to keep the "eccentric" bit, that's gotta stay.  I'm not sure 変人 is a term that the Japanese use in a daily language though (I had to look the term up in the dictionary, and it does exist), as I've heard "strange person" referred more to as 変な人 (henna hito).  Someone better at Japanese can perhaps clarify...

[General Gaming / Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?]

and uh, I believe you were the one who suggested/agreed on the 30$ price point, lol.

Nah, dude.  You got me mixed up with someone else (as far as *suggesting* $30).  I know the thread you're talking about -- I suggested the preorder way of doing things, but never a particular price point - look it up.    To be completely honest, I thought your the initial price was on the high end for a mostly 1-man homebrew effort, but that's *one* consumer's opinion.  I tried hinting to you that I believed some of the suggested sums were on the high end by telling you that the pricing opinions of most on that thread were for people who were ready & willing to pay a high sum -- the supportive community members, and you should take that into account when pricing for the *general* community, but maybe the hint didn't quite get there.

Now you have experience at your price point and how much volume that moves, so you can use that info for the Retrocade release.

I'm not getting rid of the Insanity's to clear the stock out.  The stack of boxes makes a nice end table, so i'd hate to see it go.   Some people just really wanted to play the game and were like DANG MAN I CANT AFFORD IT, and to be honest, the PCEFX forum here is too legit to not hook people up, especially when we get shafted constantly.

Don't get me wrong, like I said, it's mighty cool of you to develop, publish, and then even share your copies of work.  I don't think anyone can deny that's awesome generous of you.  I'm just saying how *some* humans generally react in situations like this (Emerald being one -- I know you don't think much of him, but if one person is a bit annoyed, others can certainly feel the same way).

[General Gaming / Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?]

I gotta say, I don't understand the whining either.  I totally side with developers on this one.  I mean, it's true - they DON'T owe anyone anything, especially when it's done pro bono.  If they never wanted to manufacture a second batch, well then, so be it.  People are whining and saying they don't want to buy the second batch because of the things not included in the first batch (WHATEVER the extras may be -- that's for the developers to determine - whether it be part of a game/packaging)... well, the preorder folks are the ones who gave up their money first -- you should know about all this very well, Ark.

Yeah the thing of it is, they flaunted their CD feature as the biggest showcase.  So to not include it in print 2, along with a downgraded quality booklet, for TEN EXTRA BUCKS, really does suck.  Mix in the tone that is mostly being given, and yeah it definitely sucks.  They need to give concrete reasons for what they've done on print 2 instead of just saying "tough shit".

Why no CD?  Is it because you don't want the print2 people to have it, or is it really just because the CD didn't come out right, and you don't want to deal with it
Why 10$ more?  Is this to turn a bit of profit since people are doing this on eBay with copies?  If it was sold at cost, the new print can't possibly cost more.  It's less quality, and no CD.  A 35$ pricetag for print 2 should still be profiting them.

The no poster, I get.  That and the color manual, or the stickers being omitted in print 2 would be a nice way of saying heres print 2, you don't get posters/stickers because you didn't preorder.  Those are the kind of extra preorder incentives the entire world is used to.  Goony little gimmicks that don't have anything to do with the actual game experience.   I gave out lightscribed soundtracks.  That's it. They look cool, have the tunes on it, and if you didn't get one, oh well.  Burn a copy off your friend!  Rip it out of the game disc itself. 

I'm not really ticked beyond belief about print 2.  A b&w manual is fine, and I prefer the clamshell also.  Who cares about the poster, someones going to scan it and ill just kinko's my own poster.  I still get the stickers. 
The lack of CD sucks, but if its because theyre really just badprints, OK then.   I'd still like one for posterity.

They need to just EXPLAIN wtfs up.

the 10$ price increase though, yeah thats pretty lame.  I don't like that part.

All that said, this ordeal definitely could've gone smoother, and there's something to be learned here for homebrew folks.
1) Only take preorders JUST before you go into pressing/manufacturing so you don't get into these delays.
2) You do need to give incentives for those who cough up the cash first, but not enough of it that the folks who didn't preorder/misssed out won't order the second batch. 
3) Do something so that you can easily circumvent people from ebaying the first batch to make a profit off your work.

Done, Done, and Done.

 

I dunno, the lower price for preorder version makes good sense to me.  Think about it this way -- you know those 3 learning points I put up for homebrewers above?  Well, a lower price just for the preorder version easily takes care of points #2 and #3.  The lower price entices people to put their money up for manufacturing costs, and rewards them with a lower game cost for the faith that they put in to the developers. 

I don't know if that's actually the case for Pier Solar, but you know what, you can consider doing something like that for your next release.   Besides, EVEN IF they're releasing the 2nd batch for profit, bottom line is, it's their prerogative.

And though Emerald has a bit of a sharp tongue, he does have a point.  Perhaps you just want to start clearing some of your extra stock, and you'd rather have people have your work than not, even if it means no extra $$ for you.  That's mighty cool of you and all, but can/will irk some people that paid good money for it (especially those who paid for "regular" editions) -- Think about a way to make it to these folks that paid $$$ if you're giving copies away now - perhaps a small discount for later releases?  And continuing on that, for the arcade release, why not price it at a much lower point where you can clear stock without having to give shitloads of copies away later?  That'd be a win-win situation for all involved.

[General Gaming / Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?]

I gotta say, I don't understand the whining either.  I totally side with developers on this one.  I mean, it's true - they DON'T owe anyone anything, especially when it's done pro bono.  If they never wanted to manufacture a second batch, well then, so be it.  People are whining and saying they don't want to buy the second batch because of the things not included in the first batch (WHATEVER the extras may be -- that's for the developers to determine - whether it be part of a game/packaging)... well, the preorder folks are the ones who gave up their money first -- you should know about all this very well, Ark.

To be clear, I'm not ordering either batch, as I no longer buy/collect Genesis carts.

All that said, this ordeal definitely could've gone smoother, and there's something to be learned here for homebrew folks.
1) Only take preorders JUST before you go into pressing/manufacturing so you don't get into these delays.
2) You do need to give incentives for those who cough up the cash first, but not enough of it that the folks who didn't preorder/misssed out won't order the second batch. 
3) Do something so that you can easily circumvent people from ebaying the first batch to make a profit off your work.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Whats ur Obey resolution for 2011?!?]

Play through a few more Japanese RPGs that I've promised myself to play at some point in the future.

[General Gaming / Re: Your Daily Dose of Gaming.]

Cosmic Fantasy 3.  I've had this title for well... 5+ years now, and just starting it, now that I've gone through part 1 (a couple years ago), and replayed part 2 (over the past month or so).

It's a LOT more polished than part 1 or 2.  And quite a bit more complex as well.  Part 1 was an easy-to-import RPG, and I'd imagine part 2 to be as well (though there's isn't much reason to import the JP version for part 2 when the US version is relatively cheap), but part 3 would definitely be a bit more challenging to those without some level of Japanese...

[Fighting Street / Re: Membership has its privileges.. the "F@ck EBAY Club" card]

I sold mine, loosie, but complete with matching controller, ac cable, power adapter + 1 game (battle ace) to a former member of this board for $120 shipped. 

and tgxfan, those controllers shouldn't be specific to the supergrafx, as the background color of that controller matches not only the supergrafx, but the coregrafx (1) as well.  So you should be able to find them without too much hassle.  I remember picking up loosie PCE controllers in Japan for <$5, so even if you triple the price shipped to US, it still shouldn't be a huge expensive item.

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: Cute Sapphire Booties - Free (donations accepted though)]

Likewise, PM sent for this one.  Will gladly chip in for shipping + donation for your effort.  Thanks a ton!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: What TG16 Collectors Need Only Magical Chase?]

Just like the folks who make a big deal out of collecting US-only titles, I find those who make a giant deal out of cover art even more strange.  I mean, when you're playing the game, how does the cover art make any fucking difference whatsoever?

With that attitude you can also play MAME and other emulators all day long, or go with that new non-physical media trend. I mean, when you're playing the game, how does anything beside the game make any fucking difference whatsoever?

I don't disagree with the MAME statement, but owning English versions not only mean you get 100% of what's going on in game, but as you stated, whatever that came with the product -- manual, box, etc. etc.  I simply choose functionality (understanding everything, even the little things) over superficial eye candy (cover art).  And again, don't get me wrong, I'm by no means the "buy 100% US type" - I mix-and-match as I see fit, but I'll gladly default to US versions if (1) it's available, (2) it's not censored, (3) and price of it isn't exorbitant compared to the JP version.  The cover art has exactly 0% influence on my purchasing decision.  In fact, Guardian Heroes is a good example -- I don't know the value of the game these days, but by quickly browsing ebay, I'd gladly pay the $10 premium to be able to fluently read all the dialogs that goes on in the game, despite the shittier cover art.

As for me, I'm loving to take a nice case with nice artworks shown in its purest origin of its creation out of the shelf, taking the cart/card/cd out of it, put the game into the console and play it. For me, the packaging and everything around the game is part of the gaming as well. You "play" with your eyes first!

Trust me, I DO get the whole "purest origin" thing.  I choose to buy Korean-released blu-rays of Korean movies -- because it's the original release, has all the "original" stuff (things such as Directors/actor's commentary in Korean) and all that, but hey, I speak Korean.  I wouldn't do the same for say, a Russian film where I wouldn't understand what the hell's going on, even if it had much prettier cover art, even if the movie was super-simple enough to understand without subtitles -- there's no denying that you just wouldn't get everything without speaking Russian or without English subs.

You "play" with your eyes first!

I definitely disagree with this statement -- to turn it around, it seems some folks here would not only default to a JP version, but would even pay a premium for superficial eye candy even at the cost of functionality, like being able to fully understand what's being said in the game.  I personally think that's retarded, but we can all agree on one thing -- "to each his own".

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: What TG16 Collectors Need Only Magical Chase?]

Just like the folks who make a big deal out of collecting US-only titles, I find those who make a giant deal out of cover art even more strange.  I mean, when you're playing the game, how does the cover art make any fucking difference whatsoever?

Basically, there's a happy medium -- I mean, I'll buy the US version if the price-premium isn't that much higher, as I'd much rather understand the manual, understand the plot background (however simple it may be), read the taunts in English after a fight in Street Fighter, etc -- these things certainly provide more enjoyment than looking at a pretty cover art.  (And this is coming from someone who actually speaks moderate level of Japanese). 

I mean, if the US version is ridiculously more expensive than the JP version, sure, I'll buy the Japanese version, but to deride US versions simply for shitty cover art, then going to gamefaqs for gameplay info is more ridiculous.  You want good art, then go buy a good poster/painting piece instead.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: CD-ROM System and CD-R Reliability?]

I've never had problems with CD-Rs in my Duo (the dark gray unit).  About the only difference is that some CD-R games might not load for some time unless I lightly tap the unit itself -- and this only happened with certain games (Ys IV + English patch CD-R comes to mind...).  I've never had any gears getting stuck or anything like that.  Oh, and I was never picky with media -- I always bought whatever was cheap/on sale.

Personally, I don't care even if it does shorten the life of the CD-laser, as the laser eye is pretty damn cheap to replace. 

I've also had a SCD-ROM2 unit, and THAT made some nasty gear-crunching noises when I played CD-Rs.

[Off-Topic / Re: Christmas Freebie!!! A little gift from Japan to warm up your Holiday!]

I was around 5 or so -- it was the only white Christmas I had.  My grandparents I guess were too excited themselves to keep me sleeping, because they woke me up around dawn, telling me that Santa had come and dropped off some presents.  I recall it was some hot-wheels type cars and just some snacks/cookies and stuff.  Though I wasn't quite jaded enough to believe that Santa wasn't real just yet, I do recall thinking, "Geez, Santa's writing looks a lot like my grandpas!"

Though it's awesome of you for the freebie, the goods can go to someone else as I already have all the PCE-ware I'm going to need.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Instances where the PCE port of a game sucked hard]

I don't think that Street Fighter 1 and 2 are very different overall. There are some things that Street Fighter 1 did better than Street Fighter 2.

When I read that, I thought, "You're on crack." 

Street Fighter 1 has some awesome backgrounds, with only 2 stinkers (Gen and Birdie), while Street Fighter 2 has less creative backgrounds. Street Fighter 1 also has better music, and many of the various tunes do an awesome job of providing an ethnic / international feel, that immerses you in the international aspect much more than in Street Fighter 2. The only stage music that stands out to me from Street Fighter 2 is Honda's music. I also think that being able to hear your fighter's voice as you throw basic punches and kicks was cool and should have been expanded for Street Fighter 2 rather than dropped entirely.

Then after reading this, I thought, "Hey, I do agree with a lot of what you're saying." 

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Have you ever found an unexpected Spine Card?]

Yeah, certainly wasn't an uncommon experience when I used to buy games off of used game shops/recycle shops in Japan.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Instances where the PCE port of a game sucked hard]

I'll just chime in and say that as a port, Fighting Street was actually rather excellent. 

The problems (shitty controls, garbled voices) plagued the original arcade just as well.  I can still remember people (including myself) playing that game just whirling the joystick around and pounding on buttons -- that was the way to win the matches -- and it still is on the PCE.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Instances where the PCE port of a game sucked hard]

Ninja warriors and Golden Axe get a lot of flack, though I've never played any one of these on the PCE...  (they do look pretty bad on youtube, though)

Strider definitely has some issues, but the red-book audio alone almost makes up for its shortcomings.

[Off-Topic / Re: What do you have outside of PCE?]

Other than my PCE, Sega Saturn for sure, and at times DC.
Xbox sits out in the living room for MAME and 8-bit/16-bit emulation.

I have my ratty old Genesis + Power base converter I bought as a kid in a box -- haven't turned them on for like 10 years now though.  (I just play them through my Xbox).

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: splatterhouse TV commercial - perfect for halloween]

For the game itself, there's no question: PCE version > US version all the way.  The creators clearly put the white hockey mask for that "Jason" feel - it just doesn't work the same if the mask is red.  And boo to the other censors as well.

But as for the ad, the US ver > JP version.  It does a much better job of creating a tense atmosphere, which is a lot cooler than just random scenes from the game.  And I didn't understand what the hell the girl was trying to say in the Japanese ad -- oddly enough, I had to read the Japanese subtitles to understand what she was saying in (strange) English!

[General Gaming / Re: Pac-Man 30th Anniversary exhibition (picture intense, 56K alarm)]

Man, you must've flown through the whole exhibit to get all that in 10 min or so!  It seems like that's worth at least a couple hours of browsing.

Thanks for sharing.  I was particularly intrigued by the microscopic pac-man as well.

[Off-Topic / Re: Whats the first shooter you EVER played]

I can remember far back as:

space invaders
galaga
phoenix
time pilot
xevious

All when I used to frequent arcades as a kid... all those games are in my memory as far back as I can remember, so I can't say which one I played first.  There may even be some that aren't as memorable that I still played around with at the same time.

[Off-Topic / Re: question about video games released n canada]

Don't even get me started on bilingual covers for DVDs....the spines look so shitty on a shelf when the print is so small because they gotta fit the french title on as well! What happened to the good ol days of double sided DVD slip covers???

Man, I do share your hatred of Canadian bilingual DVD covers.  (wife has a whole bunch)

[General Gaming / Re: Your Favorite Mega Drive Imports (here we go again!)]

Hmmm the genny/md was no where near shafted as the tg16 when it came to bring out imports.  I'm having a hard time thinking about strict imports that pop up in my mind...

The only one that I can recall is Vixen 357 - a best way to describe this one is a mech-themed Langrisser (by the same developers, too).  And continuing on that Langrisser II for the MD.  (Though I only played the PS1 port).
 
If you're into uncensored versions of US titles, some ones that you might consider are:
* Hokuto no Ken (Last Battle)
* Kujakuoh 2 (Mystic Defender)
* Bare Knuckle II & III (SoR 2 & 3)

[Off-Topic / Re: question about video games released n canada]

I guess the law didn't apply to the content of the game, or they were *gasp*, illegal, because the fact remains that Canadian TG16 games themselves are identical to US versions (that is, they're all in English).

[Localizations, Games, Apps, Docs / Re: Far East of Eden Ziria finally being worked on]

Yeah, I recall reading/seeing pics about this... it seems at least two years ago.

I'm still looking forward to it, but I'd be surprised if it was completed within the timeline of, say another two years or so.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Which game would go into your coffin?]

If one HAD to go with me, Ys book I & II.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Questions about Super Grafx]

Hm.  I actually sold him my SGX -- don't recall him actually modding it though.  I actually recall him being a bit adverse to the idea of modding it.  But perhaps he did.  Not sure. 

Anyway, I *think* I got that info from D-Lite's website, which is certainly a reputable source -- it's just that I can't verify 100% if my memory is accurate.

Though again, I can't see the logical reason why this would happen to a region modded supergrafx IF you put in enough switches so electronic schematic wise, you can technically have it running [/i]exactly[/i] the same as if the system was unmodded while it's running in Japanese region mode.  There's no way the system can verify that it's modded as long as you put in a switch for the GND/+5v switch on the region lockout pin.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Questions about Super Grafx]

Also, I was wondering if region modded Super Grafx consoles can play all games properly or would it have problems playing certain titles?

I have read about Aldynes freezing at the intro bit and Space Harrier having problems on region modded supergrafx consoles. 

However, to this date, I've never actually heard anyone here verify the above, and even if such were the case, by modifying the mod itself (putting in a another switch for the pin29 of the IC chip when regions over),  I can't see a logical reason why this would happen.

[General Gaming / Re: Video gaming as a kid and dealing with religious parents....]

This stuff is so out of my world, it seems strange, but I do recall one of my friend's mom driving me somewhere complaining about her son/my friend playing D&D back in the days and how Satanic it was all that.

I mean, there's definitely room for parents to watch over what their kids are playing/watching/listening to, but reading some of these experiences is definitely almost... surreal to think such things actually happen.   

I never realized just how religious the U.S. as a nation was until I left the country and looking back at it in retrospect.  In comparison, Aus or Canada seems to be less concerned with religion in their daily dealings with life.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Is it true that the DUO-R's have cheaper internal components?]

I wouldn't doubt that story.  Usually, revisions are made specifically for those reasons.  This pattern is nothing unusual (NES, SNES, Genesis, Saturn, etc, etc,)

But the end result is that Duo-Rs have been more reliable than the original Duo units, so unless you really prefer the aesthetics of the original Duo (I'm actually one of these cases), or you really, really want the headphone jack, Duo-R might be a better bet for most people.