Game of the Week Club

[futurematt]

Thank goodness real roads are nothing like the spewing, unpredictable spagetti on this game; it's kind of cool, pimping it round the track, but you never feel totally like you're in control of the buggy. Still prefer it to Mario Kart though (unpopularity comment #1!!!).

[_Paul]

Damn it all, despite the jerky graphics, scratchy samples, iffy handling and unfair collision, Power Drift gets points in my book for several reasons.

1. The music to Power Drift is excellent. The tunes are classic Sega. The PC Engine version might not have the best sound, but it shouts the tunes out at you as you play and manages to meld all the themes together into one glorious long melody. Combined with the admittedly ropey speech and effects, it does provide the kind of wall of sound that enhances the game.

2. It makes my fingers hurt. After playing you KNOW you have played. I really concentrate while playing, pushing hard on the buttons and getting into the Power Drift zone to get past that one last car. To be sure, you will not fall asleep while playing Power Drift, unlike some other games I could mention.

3. It CAN be fun. Look past all the crap. It doesn't take long to get a feel for it. It is different to every other racer out there and when you are really into it, it is fun.

4. Sega didn't have the balls to convert it. No Power Drift on the Mega Drive, oh no. Credit where it is due, Asmik had a pair of big brass ones to think they could convert such an advanced arcade game to the PC Engine. They nearly succeeded. Just imagine if Hudson had tried it.

It's easy to dump on Power Drift, and it deserves some of it, but certainly not all.

[nat]

I have the "arcade" version for Dreamcast, and it demolishes the NEC version in so many ways I can't really play it without feeling like a dipshit for wasting my time. That's just my humble opinion, however....

[esteban]

I have the "arcade" version for Dreamcast, and it demolishes the NEC version in so many ways I can't really play it without feeling like a dipshit for wasting my time. That's just my humble opinion, however....

So, I should pick up the Dreamcast version?

Also, you're no dipstick! Chin up!

[nat]

If you have a Dreamcast, track down a copy of "Yu Suzuki GameWorks Vol. 1"

It usually comes with a book, although it's possible to find just the collection disc if you're patient and you'll usually save some money that way. The collection includes the arcade versions of Space Harrier, Outrun, Afterburner II, Power Drift and Hang On. In my opinion, an obligatory purchase for Dreamcast owners who are fans of vintage 16-bit SEGA.

[Tatsujin]

i have the PCE, the Saturn and the DC version of it. and sure you can't compare the PCE to the very near arcade perfect SS/DC versions. but what paul already stated above, it really deserves some hails for several points!

btw. i dislike yu's book for one reason, they have (had to) change(d) the ferrari testarossa in outrun into a clumsy non-existing shitty car. most probably due to ferrari license reasons, which are expired after 10 years or so. anyway i'ts kinda hilarious to change the TESTAROSSA in an OUT RUN!

for gods sake, i have all the sega ages separately on teh SS.

[esteban]

If you have a Dreamcast, track down a copy of "Yu Suzuki GameWorks Vol. 1"

It usually comes with a book, although it's possible to find just the collection disc if you're patient and you'll usually save some money that way. The collection includes the arcade versions of Space Harrier, Outrun, Afterburner II, Power Drift and Hang On. In my opinion, an obligatory purchase for Dreamcast owners who are fans of vintage 16-bit SEGA.

Damn, Yu had the goddamned Midas Touch. I was just reading about him...I love his 80's stuff. Looks like I'll have to find this "GameWorks Vol. 1" disc.

GODDAMMIT.

IT NEVER ENDS.

[_Paul]

VIGILANTE

/vigilante033203431.gif

[Arkhan Asylum]

To date, its got the best 'punch'd a bitch in the face' sound effect ever.  This was one of the first PCE games I ever played (Bonk and neutopia first), and IMO the PCE one is actually better than the Arcade one... 

pretty fluid control wise, graphics are basically identical to the arcade, the music isnt farty IREM nonsense, and its fun!

The overall setting of the game just reminds me so much of a cheesy 80s dubbed kung fu flick, and I like to pretend the main character is Jackie Chan, and the chick youre saving really is THE madonna. 

and jumping kicking the motorcyclists never gets old.

[termis]

Also the very first TG16 game I've ever played.  As Kung Fu Master was one my arcade favs, I naturally gravitated toward this title. 

I definitely like the beat-em up action of this one, and the bosses are pretty cool too.  I think the gritty graphics are well fitting and sets up the "run-down hood" atmosphere pretty nicely.  Ditto for the music.

The only real con is that it's a bit too easy (Though I've heard of someone complaining it was too difficult ), but perhaps because of it, it makes for a good 15 minute beat-the-shit-out-of-everyone-and-you're-done session.

[esteban]

I was disappointed with Vigilante back in the day (TG-16 launch), because I wanted more depth/length/something. Remember, I also was disappointed with JJ & Jeff.

Now, however, over the years, I have become much more appreciative of Vigilante (and JJ & Jeff).

* Vigilante does have great music that fits the mood of the game perfectly.
* The bosses are unique, and, if you take the time, you can find a different strategy to beat each one.
* I really like the "pastel grittiness" that Vigilante pulls off--it seems like a paradox, but Vigilante's aesthetics are wonderfully rendered (even the thick, black outlines around the sprites don't turn me off). Pastel+Grit=Vigilante.
* THE JAPANESE COVER ART IS ONE OF THE BEST WORKS OF ART. PERIOD. Search the forums for my rantings and ravings on this.
* We never really care about the story in these games, but I think Vigilante does a decent job of "The Princess is in another castle!" and stringing us along. I wish there were some brief cinemas between each stage--the story would be so much more compelling!
* For KUNG FU gameplay, Vigilante is much more fun and enjoyable than, say, KAZE KIRI, which fails to satisfy basic gameplay needs (I feel good when I smash someone in Vigilante, it seems worthwhile and meaningful, there is a visceral feeling--KAZE KIRI lacks all of these qualities).
* FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DO NOT USE TURBO SWITCHES WHEN PLAYING VIGILANTE.
* I REPEAT, DO NOT USE AUTO FIRE, YOU HEATHENS. YOU BASTARDS.
* If you do use turbo switches, you're totally stripping all the fun from Vigilante. The game was totally designed to have a "flow" and "rhythm", and in order to do this, you must push the button at variable speeds. This is most evident with the nunchuks! Again, search the forums for my rantings and ravings on Vigilante. Monster Lair, for example, should never be played with auto fire.
* I LOVE ALL THE REFERENCES TO IREM GAMES ON THE BILLBOARDS. MR. HELI!
* STRANGLING! Why don't more games have opponents who attempt to strangle you??!!

...it makes for a good 15 minute beat-the-shit-out-of-everyone-and-you're-done session.

EXACTLY. This is why I've come to really appreciate Vigilante. When I was younger, I felt cheated. I paid full price  for a short romp. Over the years, though, I realized I should appreciate games for what they actually deliver, and Vigilante is a fun, easy little romp.

Yes, romp.

[shubibiman]

The first screenshot of the game I ever saw was back in 1990 in a french video game magazine. I loved the graphics and from then on, searched for that game. Still, I could only grab it a few years ago and I was not disappointed at all. Actually, I think that if I had played this game back when it was released, I would have been blown away. It's true that it's a bit easy, even though the first time I played it I found it a bit tough and could not clear it, but I like the action and pace.

And of course, I like the graphics too. Sometimes, you're sooo disappointed when you finally play a game you were dreaming of for so long.

[RuninRuder]

Vigilante review and screens:

pcengine-fx.com/reviews/duomazov/2009/03/vigilante.html

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Yeehaw!  I have this one, though I don't really care for it.  Even so, I'll give it a couple spins this weekend and report back.

[esteban]

Vigilante review and screens:
pcengine-fx.com/reviews/duomazov/2009/03/vigilante.html

I am sorry that you don't appreciate the goodness that Vigilante offers.

At least my post served as a pre-emptive counterpoint to your mini-review

I know you dig the coverart, though:

[Arkhan Asylum]

the cover art is very awesome.   provocative and offensive!

it reminds me of the warriors, almost

[_Paul]

I have a soft spot for Vigilante. I think the graphics are just brilliant. I love the style of them - so well drawn and coloured and the game really has the arcade quality look to it. I don't usually like Irem sound, but the way it's used in Vigilante works for the game. It's easy to blast it for being too short and easy, but sometimes that is exactly the kind of game I want to play. Something I can just mindlessly play to the finish for half an hour and have a bit of fun in doing so.
If only they did a Streets of Rage style sequel...

[Arkhan Asylum]

I have a soft spot for Vigilante. I think the graphics are just brilliant. I love the style of them - so well drawn and coloured and the game really has the arcade quality look to it. I don't usually like Irem sound, but the way it's used in Vigilante works for the game. It's easy to blast it for being too short and easy, but sometimes that is exactly the kind of game I want to play. Something I can just mindlessly play to the finish for half an hour and have a bit of fun in doing so.
If only they did a Streets of Rage style sequel...

vigilante was successfully ported ONLY to the PCE.   the rest of the ports were craptacular laughs!

they really should have done a sequel

[_Paul]

I have a soft spot for Vigilante. I think the graphics are just brilliant. I love the style of them - so well drawn and coloured and the game really has the arcade quality look to it. I don't usually like Irem sound, but the way it's used in Vigilante works for the game. It's easy to blast it for being too short and easy, but sometimes that is exactly the kind of game I want to play. Something I can just mindlessly play to the finish for half an hour and have a bit of fun in doing so.
If only they did a Streets of Rage style sequel...

vigilante was successfully ported ONLY to the PCE.   the rest of the ports were craptacular laughs!

they really should have done a sequel

I just played the SMS version. It's really fast and hard and the FM music sounds like a 70s porno.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I have a soft spot for Vigilante. I think the graphics are just brilliant. I love the style of them - so well drawn and coloured and the game really has the arcade quality look to it. I don't usually like Irem sound, but the way it's used in Vigilante works for the game. It's easy to blast it for being too short and easy, but sometimes that is exactly the kind of game I want to play. Something I can just mindlessly play to the finish for half an hour and have a bit of fun in doing so.
If only they did a Streets of Rage style sequel...

vigilante was successfully ported ONLY to the PCE.   the rest of the ports were craptacular laughs!

they really should have done a sequel

I just played the SMS version. It's really fast and hard and the FM music sounds like a 70s porno.

i have the C64 one on a tape, and it literally, made me kick the c64 across the room in disgust!

rrrrrqer54rhrgbsfthsfthsfh

[_Paul]

That didn't look too bad, considering it was a C64. At least not as bad as the horrific C64 Wonder Boy.

[_Paul]

The overall setting of the game just reminds me so much of a cheesy 80s dubbed kung fu flick, and I like to pretend the main character is Jackie Chan, and the chick youre saving really is THE madonna. 

Considering that Vigilante is the spiritual sequel to Spartan X (Kung Fu Master) which is a Jackie Chan movie, you're not that far from the truth.

[Tatsujin]

I have a soft spot for Vigilante. I think the graphics are just brilliant. I love the style of them - so well drawn and coloured and the game really has the arcade quality look to it. I don't usually like Irem sound, but the way it's used in Vigilante works for the game. It's easy to blast it for being too short and easy, but sometimes that is exactly the kind of game I want to play. Something I can just mindlessly play to the finish for half an hour and have a bit of fun in doing so.
If only they did a Streets of Rage style sequel...

vigilante was successfully ported ONLY to the PCE.   the rest of the ports were craptacular laughs!

they really should have done a sequel

I just played the SMS version. It's really fast and hard and the FM music sounds like a 70s porno.

how did you play it with FM? as far as i know, and to all sadness, there was never a NTSC-J release of that game. did you play it on a JPN SMS with back plane adaptor or via an FM- moded euro SMS?


btw. i very much dig the PCE Vigilante. it's not pixel arcade perfect, but contains almost every element to be on par with it. the nice "parallax" on the bridge is also very nice.
liked it in the arcades and like(d) it on the pce!!

[_Paul]

how did you play it with FM? as far as i know, and to all sadness, there was never a NTSC-J release of that game. did you play it on a JPN SMS with back plane adaptor or via an FM- moded euro SMS?

Emu of course.

[Arkhan Asylum]

That didn't look too bad, considering it was a C64. At least not as bad as the horrific C64 Wonder Boy.

i guess the real disaster is in the controls.


 

[Tatsujin]

oh, there's nothing wrong with the c64 WB.

[_Paul]

oh, there's nothing wrong with the c64 WB.

Have you SEEN the main sprite? O_o

[Tatsujin]

oh, there's nothing wrong with the c64 WB.

Have you SEEN the main sprite? O_o

lol yeah, it's good ol' c64 style. i've played out the hell of that game back then

[Arkhan Asylum]

the sound effects ruin it.  theyre out of tune, shrill, and stupid.

its like what happened to Bonk on Amiga.   the music/sound was like O_O WHAT

[Nazi NecroPhile]

I tried to like Vigilante..... but nope, it still stinks.  The sprites are big and decently animated but also goofy and oft times cartoonish, clashing with the nicely detailed and gritty backgrounds, whose washed out colors flat out suck.  On the plus side, the tunes are pretty good and the sound effects are great; the grunts and the sound of your fist connecting with some poor sap's face almost make you feel sorry for the skinheads, but only almost.

[_Paul]

I'm doing a big PCE-ARC comparison on Vigilante at the moment. The PCE colours are much better and more vibrant, whereas the arcade is very pale. I've noticed this a lot with arcade games, I wonder if it has something to do with countering all the lighting and reflections you find in an arcade.

[turbogrfxfan]

I dunno  I liked it.  it was what it was.  and even though it was short its fun for a quick fix before you go out to a bar to do some shots and kick some ass. japanese cover rocks. plot to save madonna was a chuckle and I like the twin towers in the intro and that boss dudes face on the bridge was pretty cool.  Im gonna pop that bitch in now

[Arkhan Asylum]

i wonder, maybe if that is why the arcades are all fadey looking sometimes.  but either way, I think the PCE one is actually better than the arcade one on all fields.

better sfx/music for one.   Less farty, more smooth yet still gritty.
the graphics look alot more crisp...
the gameplays a bit more responsive (though that may be a victim of crap arcade control)

oh and it doesnt cost any quarters!

[Tatsujin]

i dunno, but the arcade looks and sounds better in almost any aspects. even the PCE is a damn well done port (visually as well acoustic wise), it still is quite different and misses a lot of details in the graphic. also the voice & hit samples are much clearer in the arcade. and there are much more of 'em. and i'm pretty sure, if you make a color on screen count, the arcade wins with a land slide.

what I feel is better in the pce is the faster ans smoother controlls.

anyway, this game rox in the arcade and so does it on the PCE.

can't really comprehend, why it gets so much hate. it's classic arcade at its best, and there the pce was best!

[Arkhan Asylum]

i dunno, but the arcade looks and sounds better in almost any aspects. even the PCE is a damn well done port (visually as well acoustic wise), it still is quite different and misses a lot of details in the graphic. also the voice & hit samples are much clearer in the arcade. and there are much more of 'em. and i'm pretty sure, if you make a color on screen count, the arcade wins with a land slide.

the arcade sound is very muddy and farty.  typical of IREM. 

and color count doesnt really say much considering the PCE one looks about the same and appears to be crisper even....


the samples though are definitely better in the arcade    That should ALWAYS be the case 

[Tatsujin]

do you just judge the colors and crisp factor by emulation pics or actually by real hardware? i had few irem PCBs at home back in days, and they looking quite different in real than on those emulation pix you will find on the net.

as for the crispiness, I know what you mean, but believe me it looks much different on the real deal. it gives that typical arcade smoothed picture.
the pce looks great, out of any question, but compared it has no chance.

beside the real strongness of the arcade lies in the graphic details. there is so much more in the arcade to look at. animations, the van is moving, the dirtiness in the car dump etc.parallax.

and actually i like the irems FM music. not the best, but typically irem moody.

[Arkhan Asylum]

nah ive played the actual standup arcade one before a buncha times.   The colors seem chunky to me.  They may have more color to them, but they dont seem to have the same kind of contrast as the PCE one.

[Tatsujin]

ok, so taste and opinions do differ sometimes

[Arkhan Asylum]

ok, so taste and opinions do differ sometimes

yep.  I like China Warrior and Hydlide,

[futurematt]

I was disappointed with Vigilante back in the day (TG-16 launch), because I wanted more depth/length/something. Remember, I also was disappointed with JJ & Jeff.

Now, however, over the years, I have become much more appreciative of Vigilante (and JJ & Jeff).

* Vigilante does have great music that fits the mood of the game perfectly.
* The bosses are unique, and, if you take the time, you can find a different strategy to beat each one.
* I really like the "pastel grittiness" that Vigilante pulls off--it seems like a paradox, but Vigilante's aesthetics are wonderfully rendered (even the thick, black outlines around the sprites don't turn me off). Pastel+Grit=Vigilante.
* THE JAPANESE COVER ART IS ONE OF THE BEST WORKS OF ART. PERIOD. Search the forums for my rantings and ravings on this.
* We never really care about the story in these games, but I think Vigilante does a decent job of "The Princess is in another castle!" and stringing us along. I wish there were some brief cinemas between each stage--the story would be so much more compelling!
* For KUNG FU gameplay, Vigilante is much more fun and enjoyable than, say, KAZE KIRI, which fails to satisfy basic gameplay needs (I feel good when I smash someone in Vigilante, it seems worthwhile and meaningful, there is a visceral feeling--KAZE KIRI lacks all of these qualities).
* FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DO NOT USE TURBO SWITCHES WHEN PLAYING VIGILANTE.
* I REPEAT, DO NOT USE AUTO FIRE, YOU HEATHENS. YOU BASTARDS.
* If you do use turbo switches, you're totally stripping all the fun from Vigilante. The game was totally designed to have a "flow" and "rhythm", and in order to do this, you must push the button at variable speeds. This is most evident with the nunchuks! Again, search the forums for my rantings and ravings on Vigilante. Monster Lair, for example, should never be played with auto fire.
* I LOVE ALL THE REFERENCES TO IREM GAMES ON THE BILLBOARDS. MR. HELI!
* STRANGLING! Why don't more games have opponents who attempt to strangle you??!!

Brilliant review, couldn't have put it better myself! Agree wither every point you made.
First look at Vigilante was in the now infamous PC Engine preview in Computer and Video Games (C&VG) in the UK in 1988. The game jumped out and said "buy this system and everything it stands for". Well 20 years on and I have. Almost, well, not quite....no, really hardly at all if I think about it. Anyway it was the beginning of a hobby, an addiction, a lifestyle, that has, well, stood the test of time! Agree that in some ways it outstrips the arcade version. Something in that about the chunky fluid sprites. A long discussion is probably worth having in the future about why chunky graphics are more aesthetically pleasing that high res muckily rendered ones. Oh, I think I have answered that one. Boss game.

[Emerald Rocker]

Since Sunteam Raul is running late, I'm taking it upon myself to keep this thread running so that it doesn't just disappear while he's out bedding hookers.  At least, that's what I imagine he's doing, because that's a manly thing to do.

This week's game is Axelay.  More specifically, that famous first level SuperGrafx demo of Axelay.  I don't have a SuperGrafx, so I haven't played it, but it looked kind of cool.

LET'S GET GAMING

[shubibiman]

I've played it on real hardware thanks to my flash card and, what to say? it's just AMAZING. I wish Chris could adapt the whole game. Let's take a vote.

[_Paul]

Since Sunteam Raul is running late, I'm taking it upon myself to keep this thread running so that it doesn't just disappear while he's out bedding hookers.  At least, that's what I imagine he's doing, because that's a manly thing to do.

This week's game is Axelay.  More specifically, that famous first level SuperGrafx demo of Axelay.  I don't have a SuperGrafx, so I haven't played it, but it looked kind of cool.

LET'S GET GAMING

Sorry I'm late, but the hookers had me handcuffed to the bed and lost the key.


ALDYNES

/aldynes038175665.gif

[Tatsujin]

a good game. wonder of how much in here have played it

[shubibiman]

Do you really want to know what I think of this game?

dailymotion.com/video/xb0bld_aldynes-supergrafx-retro-game-test_videogames

[Tatsujin]

:pece änschin:

[Arkhan Asylum]

every time I play alydnes, I feel like I am one with the universe.


There is not a single thing wrong with the game.  No flaws.  Great tunes, great gameplay, great graphics, killer theme!



hot damn its awesome.

[esteban]

IIRC (it has been several years): I could never figure out how to kill the last boss in Aldynes. At least, I assume it is the last boss (two metal prongs at top and bottom of screen shoot lazers, a "grey" orb lodged between them).

It was insanely difficult to dodge these laser beams, but I was able to get pretty good at it. Talk about twitch dodging!

Alas, I never identified the Achilles Heel of the last boss, especially because I never knew if any of my shots were registering as hits on the boss (no audio/visual indicators).

:pece änschin:

peeshee ennnjin

[shubibiman]

The only flaw with Aldynes is that it was released on the Supergrafx so it didn't get all the success and fame that it deserved. When videogamers talk about classic shooters, they would refer to Thunderforce 3/4 but never to Aldynes. It's time to let the world know!

[Arkhan Asylum]

ITS NOT A FLAW! ITS A FEATURE!