Messages

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / TG16/PC Engine Game Rage Moments]

The platform edge detection is annoying at first, but I got used to it after awhile and it was actually kind of fun since you had to react in time Laughing . It's like when you get the panther; he feels uneasy at first since you're not used to his controls, but after awhile the panther feels smooth to play with.

Its funny, the Panther character is easier to move than Lycos. Both of his feet will be on the platform, but he will still tumble to his death.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Brand new sealed Cosmic Fantasy 2s everywhere]

I know what you are talking about, but I think there is a measured difference between a few nude/fan service scenes and a game that is built to be a porn vehicle.

Valis Cross is a porno vehicle, Cosmic Fantasy IV Part 1 is a game with some questionable footage in it.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / TG16/PC Engine Game Rage Moments]

Shape Shifter -- The platform edge detection was a royal pain in the rear. For the number of times I landed Lycos on a platform almost completely only to watch him tumble to his death I'm a little shocked that I didn't throw my TG16 into the river.  Never did beat that game.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Nickelodeon 'Total Panic' reviewed TurboGrafx R-Type :)]

There was no belligerent talking turnip in Captain N, but there was a belligerent talking Eggplant!

Ha. I wish I could draw this stupid turnip from Video Power -- it will go down in cartoon history as one of the ??? characters to grace televisions.

Kwirk: The Chilled Tomato?



It's little wonder why Acclaim went out of business with goofy characters like Kwirk.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Japan and Akihabara]

Also, what worries me the most, is how easy (or hard) is it to get around and communicate knowing no Japanese. I know a lot of Japanese speak english, but don't really like foreigners that much. I am trying to learn a little Japanese just in case though.

In Tokyo, it is surprisingly simple to navigate around without a whole lot of knowledge of Japanese. Almost all of Tokyo is plastered with bilingual signs so street and rail navigation is relatively simple. If you are planning on stepping outside of Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, or Fukuoka I would guestimate you should have at least functional knowledge of katakana and hiragana.

The only trouble with not knowing Japanese in Tokyo is that eating at traditional Japanese restaurants can be a pain... on the other hand, many people don't care because they are food wusses who won't even try any of the local dishes. There are restaurants like Outback and TGIFridays near Shinagawa and Shibuya, Red Lobster and Sizzler near Odaiba, and you can't walk a few yards in Japan without bumping into a McDonalds or KFC.

When in Akihabara, pick up or point to the item you want and ask "Kore wa ikura desu ka?" and you should be able to find out the price of the item (hopefully the employee shows you the price)... most of the time... the prices will be clearly posted.  

Lastly, barring the price of airline tickets and hotel, how much should I expect to spend on food, transportation, and anything else important I am forgetting.

All input will be greatly appreciated.

If you eat fast food, you could probably get away with between 400-700 yen per meal (which in terms of US$ is about a dollar or so more than you would pay in the US, but not too horrible). If you head to a family restaurant (Dennys, Johnathans, TGIF, Sizzler) expect to pay between 2000-3500 yen per meal. If you have a nearby convient store (7-11, Circle K, Mini Stop) you might be able to survive on an even cheaper food expenses.

If you are going to Japan in the summer, set aside some money for beverages. It is rather hot and you will be sweating, even though it may be cumbersome, you might want to buy a 1.5 liter bottle of water to drink while you are walking around. Drinking fountains aren't as prolific as you might imagine.

Transportation... check with your travel agent about getting a Rail discount. One of the more popular is the Japan Rail Pass with costs approximately 350-700 US dollars and allows its bearer unlimited rides on JR owned regular and bullet train lines. If you are planning a trip to places other than Tokyo, this would be ideal. Otherwise, see if they offer any discounted JR-based unlimited ride passes for Tokyo.

A one-way train or subway ride can cost as little as 120 yen or more depending on where your destination happens to be. If there are any local railpass options, get them.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Japan and Akihabara]

Akihabara is probably the easiest way to get a retro-fix without a lot of effort or trouble. I prefer some of the smaller used book stores for the odd classic game, they are usually cheaper, and not as ridiculously crowded as Akihabara. If you are not leaving Tokyo, I would say just stick to Akihabara, but if you manage to filter into other regions, keep your eyes open for "Ninomiyas" with "Move" shops in them or just your typical used book store. Keep your eyes peeled for this symbol ---> 本. While many of these places are just book stores, oftentimes, many have huge collections of videos, video games, laserdiscs, and CDs.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Brand new sealed Cosmic Fantasy 2s everywhere]

I have to admit, I really like the idea of companies reprinting existing games legally. I bought two extra copies of Cosmic Fantasy 2 back during the great TurboGraphx 16 clearances of 1994 just to insure the longevity of the game in my collection. I have averaged at least 1 playthrough of the game every three years since getting the game. I would actually be interested in picking another copy up just to extend the life of my TG-16 collection.  Does anyone know what company is sponcering the repressings?

Until I saw Telenet's porn remake of Valis, Valis Cross, I was pulling for a modern remake of Cosmic Fantasy... but now I just hope the game stays in obscurity for fear that the series becomes another interchangable Tokimemoesque game.