The Official "The Brothers Duomazov" Thread

esteban · 04/07/2013, 04:05 PM

Quote from: PunkCryborg on 04/07/2013, 02:06 AMThere's a facebook page now
wayback.facebook.com/pages/The-Brothers-Duomazov

NOOOOOOOO! I was hoping this would never happen. Damn.

Nazi NecroPhile · 04/08/2013, 11:25 AM

Blood Gear review added today.

P.S. - fuck farkbook

ParanoiaDragon · 04/08/2013, 08:22 PM

Hmmm, seems like a nice game to get a localisation. Even still, I've heard it's pretty easy to make it thru with lil' to no knowledge of Japanese.

Mathius · 04/08/2013, 08:53 PM

Quote from: ParanoiaDragon on 04/08/2013, 08:22 PMHmmm, seems like a nice game to get a localisation. Even still, I've heard it's pretty easy to make it thru with lil' to no knowledge of Japanese.

IMO the Japanese in Blood Gear is fairly challenging to navigate. If I had more experience in identifying key Japanese symbols I would have an easier time. It's not as severe as Kabuki-Den but it still frustrates me as I really like the game. The side-scrolling stages are a lot of fun.

Bardoly · 04/09/2013, 11:40 AM

Quote from: Mathius on 04/08/2013, 08:53 PM
Quote from: ParanoiaDragon on 04/08/2013, 08:22 PMHmmm, seems like a nice game to get a localisation. Even still, I've heard it's pretty easy to make it thru with lil' to no knowledge of Japanese.
IMO the Japanese in Blood Gear is fairly challenging to navigate. If I had more experience in identifying key Japanese symbols I would have an easier time. It's not as severe as Kabuki-Den but it still frustrates me as I really like the game. The side-scrolling stages are a lot of fun.

I already have this game, but I just haven't had the time yet to try it out. It looks like something I would like as long as the Japanese text doesn't bog me down too bad.

Aggie Tsubi · 04/11/2013, 09:45 PM

Made by Westone and plays like Zelda II? WHY HAVE I NOT PLAYED THIS

Granted, I'm not a huge fan of mecha, but still, this sounds right up my alley.

Bardoly · 04/18/2013, 12:50 PM

Summer Carnival '92 Alzadick review out recently.

I still don't know much about the Carnival and Caravan games, but it appears that this vertical shoot-'em-up is not a full-length game, so it would be something more for a collector than for a gamer, I suppose... Being a 'gaming collector' myself, I may pick it up, but we'll see...

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this game?

PunkCryborg · 04/18/2013, 12:58 PM

It's a lot of fun if you like the caravan type scoring games. I had a lot of fun trying to get higher and higher scores in it and I like the music. It is very short though so all the copies on ebay for $40 will leave most people dissapointed.

Aggie Tsubi · 04/18/2013, 08:45 PM

This may be a dumb question and I apologize if it's been explained somewhere, but does anyone know the significance behind why, when you browse through the database, some titles are listed in red rather than yellow like most are? I thought it was maybe to differentiate between US and Japanese releases or maybe for when they had two reviews for the same game, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Mathius · 04/18/2013, 09:03 PM

Quote from: Aggie Tsubi on 04/18/2013, 08:45 PMThis may be a dumb question and I apologize if it's been explained somewhere, but does anyone know the significance behind why, when you browse through the database, some titles are listed in red rather than yellow like most are? I thought it was maybe to differentiate between US and Japanese releases or maybe for when they had two reviews for the same game, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

There are three "Duomozov Bros." that write for the site. The most prolific writer, IVANEC, is shaded in yellow. Ai Cho Alexei is red. And Duomitri is green.

roflmao · 04/18/2013, 10:33 PM

Quote from: Mathius on 04/18/2013, 09:03 PMThere are three "Duomozov Bros." that write for the site. The most prolific writer, IVANEC, is shaded in yellow. Ai Cho Alexei is red. And Duomitri is green.

Thanks, Mathius! That's good info.

Aggie Tsubi · 04/19/2013, 02:08 AM

Ah, I didn't notice the green at first. Thanks for the info.

I always knew of the multiple writers, but I never realized that they were color-coded.

Bardoly · 04/23/2013, 10:26 AM

Black Hole Assault review up today.

I neither have this game nor have I played it, but being that this review is rather underwhelming, I don't feel very inspired to try to add this fighting game to my library any time soon.

esteban · 04/23/2013, 10:49 PM

Quote from: Bardoly on 04/23/2013, 10:26 AMBlack Hole Assault review up today.

I neither have this game nor have I played it, but being that this review is rather underwhelming, I don't feel very inspired to try to add this fighting game to my library any time soon.

This game sucks. I have the Sega CD and PCE version...not because they are good, but because I was curious to compare them (little did I realize how utterly crappy the game would be).

ANYWAY, I have a plan to get my money's worth from this trash. To be continued.

NOTE: I haven't read the Duomazov review, but I'm surprised it wasn't SCATHING. I'll have to read it.

UPDATE: OK, I just read the review. BANAL is the adjective that should have been used at some point: Black Hole Assault = Banal. I know Cuz Ziggy tried to find some amusement in the cinema scenes...but, as far as I am concerned, the only fun I will be able to squeeze out of this game is when I make a detailed comparison of it to a porn film (with the same title).

turboswimbz · 04/24/2013, 09:32 AM

Quote from: esteban on 04/23/2013, 10:49 PM
Quote from: Bardoly on 04/23/2013, 10:26 AMBlack Hole Assault review up today.

I neither have this game nor have I played it, but being that this review is rather underwhelming, I don't feel very inspired to try to add this fighting game to my library any time soon.
This game sucks. I have the Sega CD and PCE version...not because they are good, but because I was curious to compare them (little did I realize how utterly crappy the game would be).

ANYWAY, I have a plan to get my money's worth from this trash. To be continued.

NOTE: I haven't read the Duomazov review, but I'm surprised it wasn't SCATHING. I'll have to read it.

UPDATE: OK, I just read the review. BANAL is the adjective that should have been used at some point: Black Hole Assault = Banal. I know Cuz Ziggy tried to find some amusement in the cinema scenes...but, as far as I am concerned, the only fun I will be able to squeeze out of this game is when I make a detailed comparison of it to a porn film (with the same title).

This game is Fairly boring and slowwwwwwwwwwww. I don't hate it as a game, It is just so simple to the point of being not a game. It is worth probably 1 playthrough and It's supper cheap, so I guess it's not pointless. Did I mention this game controls are very slow? It feels like your controlling an old timey robot. That being said the prono would be more entertaining.

Emerald Rocker · 04/26/2013, 01:09 AM

I have the Black Hole Assault cinema scenes loaded on my iPod. True story!

Not a good game by any stretch, but it's impressive in one notable way. The game's predecessor (Heavy Nova) was so overwhelmingly terrible that it shows a lot of heart and effort on Micronet's part that they would create a sequel that shores up the basics and is fundamentally playable. I mean, they went from a game where rockets fly through opponents and jumping = invincibility, to a game where the collision detection actually works. That's impressive!

Arkhan Asylum · 04/26/2013, 04:29 PM

Do any of the Brothers have a PP?

It's in need of moar review by expert judges.

Bardoly · 04/26/2013, 04:53 PM

Quote from: guest on 04/26/2013, 04:29 PMDo any of the Brothers have a PP?

It's in need of moar review by expert judges.

Maybe we could petition the game publisher to send them a free copy for the free advertising?

esteban · 04/28/2013, 06:40 AM

Quote from: Emerald Rocker on 04/26/2013, 01:09 AMI have the Black Hole Assault cinema scenes loaded on my iPod. True story!

Not a good game by any stretch, but it's impressive in one notable way. The game's predecessor (Heavy Nova) was so overwhelmingly terrible that it shows a lot of heart and effort on Micronet's part that they would create a sequel that shores up the basics and is fundamentally playable. I mean, they went from a game where rockets fly through opponents and jumping = invincibility, to a game where the collision detection actually works. That's impressive!

Ha! You know that I love these little nooks and crannies in video game lore. This brings a smile to my face.

ALSO: I am pretty certain that I purchased a boxed Black Hole Assault from you. Ha! I was buying some "fabulously flawed" games (Earnest Evans) from you for some reason. I'm not sure* if I lost a bet or was on amphetamines, but I put good money in your pocket.

* Nah, I was curious about comparing different versions of BHA and EE. I had only played the cartridge EE and I wanted to compare it to the CD version.

Emerald Rocker · 04/28/2013, 11:45 PM

Be warned: the last person who falsely claimed Earnest Evans to be "flawed" didn't live to say that ever again!

esteban · 04/29/2013, 07:56 AM

Quote from: Emerald Rocker on 04/28/2013, 11:45 PMBe warned: the last person who falsely claimed Earnest Evans to be "flawed" didn't live to say that ever again!

Hahahdfaga. Duly noted.

Bardoly · 05/02/2013, 05:09 PM

Not a PC Engine game review, but still an interesting read: NES Games That Died With Honor

I was waiting for them to put The Legend of Zelda - slain by Neutopia, but I guess that it's such common knowledge that they decided not to put it in the article.

Bardoly · 05/07/2013, 01:59 PM

Moto roader MC review up recently.

Not having played this game yet, the review doesn't leave me looking to try it out any time soon.

Has anyone else played it who has something good to say about this game?

Arkhan Asylum · 05/07/2013, 02:44 PM

Quote from: Bardoly on 04/26/2013, 04:53 PM
Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 04/26/2013, 04:29 PMDo any of the Brothers have a PP?

It's in need of moar review by expert judges.
Maybe we could petition the game publisher to send them a free copy for the free advertising?

For all I know, one of them bought it (except Nat, who has been MIA for awhile still!)

How is Nat.

Emerald Rocker · 05/08/2013, 12:33 AM

Quote from: Bardoly on 05/07/2013, 01:59 PMHas anyone else played it who has something good to say about this game?

Not really.

shubibiman · 05/08/2013, 04:44 AM

Motoroader MC is a multiplayer game. Have you played this game with 4 of your friends? The single player game is boring, that's for sure, but it obviously wasn't meant to be played as a single player game.

Emerald Rocker · 05/08/2013, 07:30 PM

Yes -- once -- briefly -- and that experience wasn't worth paying $30+.

In general:
Old singleplayer game > Old multiplayer game > Old MMO with disconnected servers

But then I play something like Phantasy Star Online, which makes me question my worldview by providing an awesome singleplayer experience despite being an old MMO with disconnected servers.

(Motoroader MC did not make me question my worldview.)

PukeSter · 05/09/2013, 09:36 PM

I hope RuninRuder writes a Strider review sometime. It would be interesting to see his views on it.

Bardoly · 05/13/2013, 11:28 AM

Martial Champion review posted recently.

The review makes this game seem like a rather average fighting game with nice backgrounds.

I picked up a copy of this game not too long ago, but while I do enjoy playing fighting games from time to time, I usually prefer playing against human opponents, and my 6 and 8-year-old sons are still not proficient enough to provide me a challenge, so I must wait until one of my game-playing friends drops by to give it a try.

Does anyone else have any thoughts about this game?

soop · 05/13/2013, 11:35 AM

lol, Marital Champion.

Ummm, here's an annoyance for me. Spoilers.

A couple of times I've read reviews of games that I've been playing and there will be a casual mention of what happens at the end, or screen shots of the last boss with an interesting twist or something.

Some people won't give a shit obviously, but if I've been working my butt off progressing, I feel I've earned the right to see the end of the game first hand.

Bardoly · 05/13/2013, 01:36 PM

Quote from: soop on 05/13/2013, 11:35 AMlol, Marital Champion.

Ummm, here's an annoyance for me. Spoilers.

A couple of times I've read reviews of games that I've been playing and there will be a casual mention of what happens at the end, or screen shots of the last boss with an interesting twist or something.

Some people won't give a shit obviously, but if I've been working my butt off progressing, I feel I've earned the right to see the end of the game first hand.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I will update the first post notifying folks that the reviews may often include spoilers.

Bardoly · 05/21/2013, 04:41 PM

Musings on Magical Chase article up recently.

A fairly well-written (and rather lengthy) article delving into the psyches of Turbo collectors who are 'chasing' Magical Chase. I enjoyed reading it, and while highly unlikely, I would still like to have a TurboGrafx-16 copy of Magical Chase, and now I know why.

Aggie Tsubi · 05/22/2013, 12:09 AM

Interesting read. I do share in the befuddlement over why some players limit themselves to just the US releases. I think the person is missing out even if he or she isn't going for a full set, but it's all the more confusing when you're really going out of your way to collect a lot of hard to obtain stuff, not to mention a bunch of crappy stuff. If someone just has a small collection of fun games, I can think "Okay, he just can't be bothered in put in the extra effort to import", but a full set collector can't use laziness or lack of funds as a reason to ignore PC Engine releases. Even if you don't feel like modding or getting an adapter, there's no reason to skip quality Japanese disc-based games that have little text in them, assuming you own a Duo or Turbo CD add-on. If you ONLY own a TG-16, then, well, you're missing out in lots of ways, and you'd be better off putting your money toward opening up your playing options than collecting the crappiest TurboChips just because you feel that's all that's left available to you.

As for expensive games like Magical Chase, I think there is a lot of weird psychological stuff going on with these very rare, very expensive games, and they seem to draw out the most anal-retentive, OCD types in gaming. I think human beings naturally try to justify everything they do to themselves, and while many things are indeed truly justifiable, sometimes it's a matter of self-delusion. With the super fans and the hyper-critics of Magical Chase, I think you'll most often see that the people who pump the game up to extreme levels are those who paid a ton for it, and you'll most often see that the critics are those who don't own the game, try it out via emulation, and tear it down in order to feel comfortable about the fact that they can't afford it or justify paying the going rate. I do think there would be WAY less discussion of the game if it wasn't so expensive, from both sides of the opinion spectrum. It'd probably be in a similar position as other "cute 'em ups" on the system, like, say, Detana!! TwinBee, in that it'd have some fans and some others who are indifferent or don't like it that much, but most people wouldn't give it much thought.

esteban · 05/22/2013, 07:40 AM

STATUS: I haven't read the article. That said, I am more than happy to share my thoughts (no matter how redundant they may be!)

Quote from: Aggie Tsubi on 05/22/2013, 12:09 AMInteresting read. I do share in the befuddlement over why some players limit themselves to just the US releases. I think the person is missing out even if he or she isn't going for a full set, but it's all the more confusing when you're really going out of your way to collect a lot of hard to obtain stuff, not to mention a bunch of crappy stuff. If someone just has a small collection of fun games, I can think "Okay, he just can't be bothered in put in the extra effort to import", but a full set collector can't use laziness or lack of funds as a reason to ignore PC Engine releases. Even if you don't feel like modding or getting an adapter, there's no reason to skip quality Japanese disc-based games that have little text in them, assuming you own a Duo or Turbo CD add-on. If you ONLY own a TG-16, then, well, you're missing out in lots of ways, and you'd be better off putting your money toward opening up your playing options than collecting the crappiest TurboChips just because you feel that's all that's left available to you.

As for expensive games like Magical Chase, I think there is a lot of weird psychological stuff going on with these very rare, very expensive games, and they seem to draw out the most anal-retentive, OCD types in gaming. I think human beings naturally try to justify everything they do to themselves, and while many things are indeed truly justifiable, sometimes it's a matter of self-delusion. With the super fans and the hyper-critics of Magical Chase, I think you'll most often see that the people who pump the game up to extreme levels are those who paid a ton for it, and you'll most often see that the critics are those who don't own the game, try it out via emulation, and tear it down in order to feel comfortable about the fact that they can't afford it or justify paying the going rate. I do think there would be WAY less discussion of the game if it wasn't so expensive, from both sides of the opinion spectrum. It'd probably be in a similar position as other "cute 'em ups" on the system, like, say, Detana!! TwinBee, in that it'd have some fans and some others who are indifferent or don't like it that much, but most people wouldn't give it much thought.

I agree with all of your points, but I'll focus on your closing remarks (emphasis added): I think you are correct, Magical Chase would not be a huge draw for general audiences if it weren't for $$$ value.

(A) Shoot-em-up fans would discuss it, certainly.

(B) Folks who are intrigued by localization efforts that substantially alter a game would be fascinated by Magical Chase. I am still surprised that TTi put time & energy into changing anything beyond the title screen. Personally, I love that the NA version of Magical Chase is a (very) subtle "remix" of the original...it's an example of how the North American business contributed something interesting (however minor).

(C) in the mid-90's tzd's prices seemed inflated. Ha!

jlued686 · 05/22/2013, 10:09 AM

Why am I trying to achieve a complete US set? Shits and giggles, really. I'll never obtain it, I know that, as I'll never pay for Magical Chase. It's more of a "soft" goal for me. Just a "cool to have" sort of thing. And I don't do it at the expense of Japanese games. In fact, for example, I've got the Japanese version of Super Air Zonk instead of the US version. Additionally, I have about 30-40 Japanese titles that I play all the time.

Basically, what it comes down to is the Turbo is my favorite console ever and the source of a lot of great memories for me. That's what drives my collection. If I see a game for a good price, even a shitty one, sure I'll pick it up. But $100 for Dead Moon? No thanks!

Mathius · 05/22/2013, 10:28 AM

Value and my want to actually enjoy the game drive my relationship with NEC consoles. Sure I could pay top dollar for Cotton but why do that when I can get the Japanese version (in English!) for $50?

Bardoly · 08/15/2013, 03:42 PM

Where have the brothers Duomazov gone?

We await more masterful reviews.... Do they even know of us, the ~~patiently~~ eagerly waiting?...

CrackTiger · 08/17/2013, 12:41 PM

IvaNEC is busy playing through every possible path of Linda3.

CrackTiger · 12/21/2013, 03:40 AM

New review for Zero4 Champ II:

pcengine-fx.com/reviews/duomazov/2013/12/zero4-champ-ii.html

Tatsujin · 12/21/2013, 03:43 AM

heheh nice

btw. I know where that place is. was standing at the very same loc once^^

NightWolve · 12/21/2013, 04:23 AM

Quote from: guest on 12/21/2013, 03:40 AMNew review for Zero4 Champ II:
pcengine-fx.com/reviews/duomazov/2013/12/zero4-champ-ii.html

...and frequently find yourself in strange situations, with humorous moments aplenty.

Well now, always a good excursion to have for a more satisfying, well-rounded videogame experience. ;)

CGQuarterly · 12/21/2013, 04:16 PM

Where's his right hand?

PunkCryborg · 12/21/2013, 04:36 PM

Dude I had no idea this game was like this. I must get this now..
I wanna walk dogs, feed lizards and rub down beach babes

Tatsujin · 12/21/2013, 08:41 PM

Quote from: CGQuarterly on 12/21/2013, 04:16 PMWhere's his right hand?

the text below says " no, don't touch me there!!".. so we can only assume.

shubibiman · 12/22/2013, 04:39 PM

What the Brothers say about this game is exactly what I thought when I played it. I guess I'm a brother duomazov in spirit.

Mathius · 12/22/2013, 07:43 PM

Looks like the world's most interesting and varied sprite-based racing game. Kinda cool.

turboswimbz · 12/22/2013, 09:06 PM

DRRRRRRRRRRRRRAG RACE!

It's cool but the game play in the car is somewhat tricky and it is repetitive.

That being said the game is well worth the 1.99 + $3 bucks complete it cost me. Yeah seriously that's it complete! Also the game only has a few menus and is pretty friendly to the non Japanese reading player.

Overall I would suggest the following to anyone who's on the edge on this one:
Try it, it's different and surprisingly fun once you figure out how to get the gears working.

CrackTiger · 12/29/2013, 09:47 PM

Review for Zero4 Champ is up:

pcengine-fx.com/reviews/duomazov/2013/12/zero4-champ.html

Nazi NecroPhile · 01/06/2014, 01:06 PM

Review for Travelers is up: pcengine-fx.com/reviews/duomazov/2014/01/travelers.html

No challenge? Looks like another one to add to the ol' wish list.

gbapalyer · 01/14/2014, 05:03 AM

yeah i bought Travelers last year in japan. will play through it one day.