helping a beginner collector make the right choices

[kakutolives]

Hello,

I am finally waiting to receive my turbo duo-r. In the mean time I have been looking at some places to buy some games. As a beginner and not being sure what could be excessive gouging due to the rarity of games I thought I open a thread asking what would be "reasonable" prices for a couple of games. I understand that prices can vary but I figure I ask input from the experts as to what would constitute a fair deal when hunting the following games:

Legend of Xanadu (interested since some peeps seem to be talking about this game around these parts)
Steam Hearts
Cotton
Dracula X
Fausette Amour


all these titles (with the exeption of Xanadu) seem to go for crazy 100+ prices so I figured if people could help me figure out which ones are genuinely worth the insane price tag and which ones could be probably be acquired reasonably if i looked at alternatives


thanks in advance

[esteban]

You can't go wrong with Dracula X.

As for the others... well, your mileage will vary.

[Samurai Ghost]

I can usually get games cheaper here in Japan but here is what I consider fair prices for these, and my opinions on them.

Legend of Xanadu - Haven't played it myself so I can't rate the game. You could probably find it under $25

Steam Hearts - Seems to be far inferior to the Saturn version, so I'm not too interested in it myself. Up to $60 would be a good price.

Cotton - Seems like a fun little game. Could be had for around $60 if you are patient enough.

Dracula X - Awesome, awesome, amazing title. My favorite Super CD. Up to $75 for a copy without a spine card and in good shape is a pretty good deal. If you need a spine card you'll start getting in the $100 range. I'm totally insane and have 5 copies of this game at the moment.

Fausette Amour - An underrated and really fun title. I enjoy this one a lot myself. $70 for copy would be a good price. Whether or not it's worth this price-tag is debatable, but in my opinion it's one of the best platforming action games on the Super CD platform.

[kakutolives]

thanks for the replies so far.

I can usually get games cheaper here in Japan but here is what I consider fair prices for these, and my opinions on them.

Legend of Xanadu - Haven't played it myself so I can't rate the game. You could probably find it under $25

Steam Hearts - Seems to be far inferior to the Saturn version, so I'm not too interested in it myself. Up to $60 would be a good price.

Cotton - Seems like a fun little game. Could be had for around $60 if you are patient enough.

Dracula X - Awesome, awesome, amazing title. My favorite Super CD. Up to $75 for a copy without a spine card and in good shape is a pretty good deal. If you need a spine card you'll start getting in the $100 range. I'm totally insane and have 5 copies of this game at the moment.

Fausette Amour - An underrated and really fun title. I enjoy this one a lot myself. $70 for copy would be a good price. Whether or not it's worth this price-tag is debatable, but in my opinion it's one of the best platforming action games on the Super CD platform.

Thanks for this info. I figured the ebay prices would be a bit excessive. I guess in order to get these games in reasonable i will need to be patient. There are some crazy bastards selling Dracula X for over a 120 without the spine card :/ on ebay.
Cotton, I guess i will just play the waiting game to snatch for a decent price. Also regarding Steam Hearts I did see videos on the saturn version on youtube, but I figured "hey if I have a DUO might as well". Do you have any suggestions of japanese game stores that might have online stores that might be willing to be a bit nicer with the prices than ebay?

[Samurai Ghost]

Well eBay prices are just that, eBay prices. I usually get my more expensive titles off of Yahoo Auctions Japan. Most of the used games sites overcharge for expensive titles. It's a lot of the waiting game with auctions. I might let a game pass five times before it finally goes for a low enough price. But it's usually worth it in the end as I can save a lot of money and have plenty of other games to play in the mean time. If you are looking for anything in particular, just let me know, I can probably get you a good deal on a copy or I might have a duplicate around. You can also try putting up a WTB thread on here, as people might sell you a copy for a good price.

And regarding Steam Hearts, there's a lot of other PCE shooters I would get first. Spriggan, Nexzr Summer Carnival '93, Gate of Thunder, etc. As a shooter Steam Hearts seems pretty forgettable to me.

[kakutolives]

I am gonna check on those titles you mentioned.
By the way thank you for being so much help since I registered here!

[RegalSin]

The games you mention are all nice to play, but I would understand a bit of history of the PCE before playing direct. Like how one man said "hey, why not make a game system that have animation graphics", and how Nintendo copied of Hudsons idea to create the cheap Famicom. Also a PCE is a pure 2d and no 16-bit, alternative to a Sega Saturn or PSX. So it is like that. Many TUrbo CD games are also nice to play as well. The way I see it, is the PCE was a true gamers haven, with little curruption.

About ebay prices. Prices are prices, but you should purchase based on your preference, of gaming.

If you want to get into it, just think about series that you have played before. I started by ordering a bunch of games in one, and seeing what this little machine was made out of. Then you can plant yourself, and enjoy a type of series

Legend of Xanadu - If you like Y's then checkout this game. However it is more open and challenging.

Steam Hearts - a legendary shooter 100+

As a shooter Steam Hearts seems pretty forgettable to me.

That is so not true. SH is designed to be reasonable shooter, with a reasonable story. Yes there are other shooters.....on the NES, as well that are good as well.

Seems to be far inferior to the Saturn version,

That is because it was released first. You rather play the original game instead? The PCE is the most complete version of the game, while the Saturn moves away from the story and trys to make it more to a younger audience, and has two players.

Cotton - another shooter 60-100+ An arcade port, The PC is most unique
and non-computer port of the game.

Dracula X - a legendary game 100+ This is the idea Dracula game.
A perfect balance of gaming goe. However I suggest playing the previous castlevania first.

Fausette Amour- another rare treat 100+ That is what is it, a challenging game to play for fun. However I suggest playing other and more affordable magical girl games then this first.

[VestCunt]

Well, you already made one good choice by going with a Duo-R.

Samurai Ghost's advice and prices will put you on the right track.

...Except don't pay more than $10 for Xanadu (here's one).  Xanadu II is rarer and even that's been auctioning for only $15 recently.

[PukeSter]

Hold on a sec! Don't go for the rare games yet! Take it slow and start out with some cheap and excellent HuCards!

Games

Parodius Da!(not sure if this is a lot now, but definately worth a pickup)
SonSon II(phenomenal action/adventure game. If you love Wonderboy, Zelda 2 or Black Tiger, pick it up immediately! Actually, it is the spiratual sequel to Black Tiger )
Salamander(fast, furious, and plain old awesome. I love it)
PC Genjin 2(yes, get the 2nd Bonk game first. I have it on the Wii, and it is one of the greatest platformers of all time. It's better than Mario World)
Pac-Land(excellant conversion of the arcade. very fun, with a ton of extra uber tough stages thrown in as well)
Parasol Stars(THE essential multiplayer platformer on the system. rare and exclusive Bubble Bobble sequel originally on the PC Engine)
Street Fighter II(one of the best conversions of Street Fighter II, but you should buy a 6 button pad)
Side Arms(ruthless but great arcade conversion. has remixed music by composer of Mega Man 2, who also did SonSon II(see above))
After Burner II(good Sega conversion, adrenaline packed fun, very tough)
Adventure Island/Wonder Boy III(I have not played this version, but it is said to be better than the Master System version, which is very good)

Hope this basic list helps you out !

[CrackTiger]

Parasol Stars(THE essential multiplayer platformer on the system...)

Next to Monster Lair of course.

[spenoza]

My advice is to be a player first and a collector second, or even not a collector at all. If you don't want to play it, maybe you shouldn't own it.

[kakutolives]

Hold on a sec! Don't go for the rare games yet! Take it slow and start out with some cheap and excellent HuCards!

Games

Parodius Da!(not sure if this is a lot now, but definately worth a pickup)
SonSon II(phenomenal action/adventure game. If you love Wonderboy, Zelda 2 or Black Tiger, pick it up immediately! Actually, it is the spiratual sequel to Black Tiger )
Salamander(fast, furious, and plain old awesome. I love it)
PC Genjin 2(yes, get the 2nd Bonk game first. I have it on the Wii, and it is one of the greatest platformers of all time. It's better than Mario World)
Pac-Land(excellant conversion of the arcade. very fun, with a ton of extra uber tough stages thrown in as well)
Parasol Stars(THE essential multiplayer platformer on the system. rare and exclusive Bubble Bobble sequel originally on the PC Engine)
Street Fighter II(one of the best conversions of Street Fighter II, but you should buy a 6 button pad)
Side Arms(ruthless but great arcade conversion. has remixed music by composer of Mega Man 2, who also did SonSon II(see above))
After Burner II(good Sega conversion, adrenaline packed fun, very tough)
Adventure Island/Wonder Boy III(I have not played this version, but it is said to be better than the Master System version, which is very good)

Hope this basic list helps you out !

Definitely going to check parodius out! ( i love the gradius series altogether) and street fighter II is on my hands now! (HuCards look really freaking cool) I also like Afterburner so I'll definitely check it on the platform! I will take a look at youtube to see how the other titles look!

@spenoza
I am a gamer first! Only reason why those games took my attention was because I went over youtube videos and on hardcore gaming 101! then I took it to go to ebay and check prices. Those ones peaked my interest. (castlevania looks AWESOME!) However I really dont mind going for the "cheapies but goodies" Please keep the suggestions coming guys. It will help me filter through the PC engines huge catalog for titles of potential interest.

[Samurai Ghost]

Yeah, with the PCE there are plenty of great games you can get for under $20 or so, but there are a lot of gems which are really sought after and expensive. It's good to have a well-rounded collection, so I'd say a good idea would be to come up with a list of games you want, be patient, and buy them whenever a good deal comes around. If you buy an expensive game at a good price you can sell for what you paid for it if it turns out it's not what you expected. The PC Engine Software Bible is good place to start if you haven't been there already: http://www.pcengine.co.uk/

I don't agree with all of the rankings, but it's a good guide, at you have the chance to see lots of gameplay videos, screenshots, mini-reviews, etc. Some of the great "buy" games can be had for $5-$10, some for $50-$150. It just depends.

[SuperDeadite]

Steam Hearts' PCE>>>>>>>>>>Saturn Steam Hearts'

Saturn version has nicer sprites and some fun gimmicky special weapons, but it's a mess.
Saturn version is just a wild spasm of enemies and bullets and really easy bosses.  PCE is
a much better designed shooter.  In truth the original PC-98/Win'95 version is the best version,
but I doubt anyone here cares

[esteban]

Steam Hearts' PCE>>>>>>>>>>Saturn Steam Hearts'

Saturn version has nicer sprites and some fun gimmicky special weapons, but it's a mess.
Saturn version is just a wild spasm of enemies and bullets and really easy bosses.  PCE is
a much better designed shooter.  In truth the original PC-98/Win'95 version is the best version,
but I doubt anyone here cares

The question is: is the PC-98/Win'95 Steam Hearts an average shooter?

I enjoy exploring all shoot-em-ups (no matter how mediocre) because I love the genre, but I was under the impression that Steam Hearts, even at its best, is a C+. Is this overly harsh?

Thanks for the scoop

[SuperDeadite]

The original computer version is between the two other graphically, and has a hell of a lot more porn. 
And let's be honest, the porn is the reason people actually want to play Steam Hearts'.

And off topic, but if you like exploring shooters, try Last Battalion on X68000.  It's the original version of
PCE's Override.  PCE Override lost a lot of graphical flair in the port job...

[esteban]

The original computer version is between the two other graphically, and has a hell of a lot more porn. 
And let's be honest, the porn is the reason people actually want to play Steam Hearts'.

And off topic, but if you like exploring shooters, try Last Battalion on X68000.  It's the original version of
PCE's Override.  PCE Override lost a lot of graphical flair in the port job...

Yes, you mentioned (in passing) Last Battalion in another thread many weeks ago. I was intrigued.

[arromdee]

Hold on a sec! Don't go for the rare games yet! Take it slow and start out with some cheap and excellent HuCards!

I don't think Parasol Stars counts as a cheap game.

[RegalSin]

It is not porn. Porn is just pure sex scene after scene. Their is no story.
The story of Steam Hearts, revolves around the idea of debrainwashing,
the girls. It is like Hell in Frogtown or Doctor Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine. It is directed towards men.

Sexploitation is story with sex scene. It is part of mens fiction. Like how women have soaps and shojo. Men have seploitation and b-movies.

The question is: is the PC-98/Win'95 Steam Hearts an average shooter?

It was remade twice already, so it has be a good game for it to be released more then once. Not just "Space Harrier" being released on every single system. Therr is probably a clone on the SNES.

I enjoy exploring all shoot-em-ups (no matter how mediocre) because I love the genre, but I was under the impression that Steam Hearts, even at its best, is a C+. Is this overly harsh?

1. In steam hearts, the boosters do not controll speed ( or do they ? ), they actually work like in Starfox, and forces you to make evasive manuvers.

2. The enemies, are creatively challenging. Not the worst challenging. I play the game on hard mode eitherway.

3. The story or outtakes ( at least in the PCE game ) is entertaining. Along with the atmosphere of the game.

4. You get to take multiple hits during the gameplay, so their should be no excuse for failure, ( of course I am playing the game on hard mode, all the time ). Plus the game allows you to recover health to your ship.
I know that many other shooters, have such a system. This one is clear and easy to see.

[GohanX]

My 2 cents on Steam Hearts:

I've been a fan of this game since I downloaded a mystery ISO from a newsgroup that ended up being this game. It has a certain charm to it that I like, although I could do without the actual hentai stuff. That being said, it's a solid B shooter on a system with a bunch of A+ shooters and is certainly not worth the money unless you get a really good deal.

[Samurai Ghost]

My 2 cents on Steam Hearts:

I've been a fan of this game since I downloaded a mystery ISO from a newsgroup that ended up being this game. It has a certain charm to it that I like, although I could do without the actual hentai stuff. That being said, it's a solid B shooter on a system with a bunch of A+ shooters and is certainly not worth the money unless you get a really good deal.

Hmm, I've seen it go for around $40 a few times, and keep debating whether or not to pick it up for that price. I thought I'd pick up the Saturn version first then worry about the PCE one, but you guys are piquing my interest...

[RegalSin]

hentai stuff

I just press the button when I do not want to see the cut scenes. The taboo of a peeping tom, which has is a real old taboo. Why can't people just admit, in another dimension or planet, in order to cure a desease we have to make her come out of her.

The PC game got down graded, enough being classed a blasted console ( see dragon knight graffiti  ), and what is worst is how game express, forced people to buy a duo, just to show the graphics

[Tatsujin]

[kakutolives]

The original computer version is between the two other graphically, and has a hell of a lot more porn. 
And let's be honest, the porn is the reason people actually want to play Steam Hearts'.

And off topic, but if you like exploring shooters, try Last Battalion on X68000.  It's the original version of
PCE's Override.  PCE Override lost a lot of graphical flair in the port job...

Not to get off topic myself but the X68000 games do look cool (however I am scared of even checking how much that system and its games go for)
Also anybody have personal favorite Shmups they recommend on the console?

[Nando]

CHOOTERS!

Tatsujin - super expensive but an awesome game
Rabio Lepus - if you like cute 'em ups
Download
Gunhed
The Lost Sunheart - Bouken Danshaku Don (sp?)
Mr. Heli

[soop]

I think the most important step to really fall in love with a system is not to over-do it.  If (like me) you buy a tonne of games, you don't really have an incentive to stick with a game and work out just how great it is - you just keep flitting from title to title.

Well, that's me anyway.  No willpower.  If I had to pick 7 HuCard games for the system, and you're allowed no more than 2 per Genre, I would pick (and this is not necessarily the BEST games, just good fun ones that have a broad appeal, and show off the system):

PC Denjin
Soldier Blade
PC Kid 2
Tower of Druaga (love this game!)
Splatterhouse
Puzznic
Bomberman '94

different for everyone, and I was tempted to sneak say, Pac-land or Devil Crash in there, but I think if I locked the rest of my games away for a month, I could get by quite well playing just those.

And now to answer your ACTUAL question:
Soldier Blade
Super Star Soldier
Detana!! Twinbee
Parodius
Cyber Core
PC Denjin

I've left out CD titles because I'm not sure whether you have one

[kakutolives]

its a DUO-R so feel free to suggest SUPER-CDROM titles as well

[Sadler]

its a DUO-R so feel free to suggest SUPER-CDROM titles as well

OK! In addition to the titles already listed in this thread (some are regular CD):

Dragon Slayer
Dungeon Explorer 2
Gate of Thunder
Kaze Kiri
Legend of Xanadu 2
Lords of Thunder
Puyo Puyo
Schbibin Man 3
Star Parodier
Ys I, II, III and IV

Outside of Kaze Kiri, I don't think the PCE versions of most of those games are too expensive. Obviously there's a bunch more, including plenty of RPGs (depending on your comfort with Japanese). There are lots of other awesome hu's too!

[roflmao]

You can also probably find Gradius II for a reasonable price and I've been playing that a lot lately.  For all its flaws, it's really grown on me and I dig it!

Also Ninja Spirit, and either (or better yet both!) of the Crush games (Alien Crush / Devil's Crush) if they haven't been mentioned already.  Awesome games and shouldn't break the bank.