Last Alert - Hardcore Gaming 101

Gentlegamer · 02/18/2015, 11:06 PM

Capitalizing on the success of Commando and Ikari Warriors along with countless popular action films of the time, the late eighties saw a massive explosion of overhead action games where the player controls a lone warrior out to destroy an entire advanced army. Some of these imitators like Data East's Heavy Barrel and Bloody Wolf were fairly successful and are fondly remembered today. Last Alert, however, was neither.

NG HG: http://hardcoregaming101.net/last-alert/
OG HG: wayback://hardcoregaming101.net/lastalert

http://audioatrocities.com/games/lastalert/

I was playing my totally unauthorized burned copy of Last Alert a few weeks ago because I'm too sting-ee to pay ebay prices for a real one. The English voices are hilariously bad, but I think it's a pretty good run and gun shooter, I especially like the ability to strafe.

PukeSter · 02/18/2015, 11:24 PM

Runinruder is gonna be pissed.

I've never played Last Alert, though I am a big fan of Bloody Wolf.

DeshDildo · 02/18/2015, 11:54 PM

At least they didn't totally bash the game. It's a good thing because I was ready to start unloading hate e-mail on them. The terrible voice acting is one of Last Alert ' s charms. I certainly don't think the game was going for a completely serious approach. Maybe it's because I love the run n gun genre but, this is one of my personal favorite games on the Turbo.

esteban · 02/19/2015, 12:22 AM

Last Alert is a decent game. Most sensible folks agree (OK, that is debatable). It was far better than Fighting Street, Final Zone II, and (for some folks) even VALIS II.

So, in the beginning of the TG-CD, Last Alert was one of the stronger titles. When I got TG-CD, there were only a handful of titles.

It was very easy, IMHO, so I always faulted it for not having a harder mode—was there one? I don't remember it having one. BUT AT LEAST IT WAS LONGER THAN the short Valis II and Final Zone II...the world of Last Alert seemed truly varied and expansive...there were different types of missions, with different objectives....

IT WASN'T MERELY AN HOMAGE TO RAMBO, but JAMES BOND as well, which I thought was a great combo (Guy Kazama in a white suit, classy as hell, on the Cruise Ship!)

I am too tired to list all the little touches that make it warm my heart...

BUT AT THE VERY END IF THE GAME, our hero yells out "Indra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" as the platform he is on flies upward...this was such a nice touch. CORRECTION: Paranoia_Dragon pointed out that Guy Kazama actually yells out the much better line, "HERE I COME!!!!!!!"

I absolutely love the ENDING MUSIC (with the harsh SFX crashing in)...it perfectly fits the mood and it just kicks my arse.

I really love that damn song, even though the garish "SFX percussion" could have ruined it instead of giving it unique charm. Yes, it has a heavy-handed grace and charm.

UPDATE: _{► /Last_Alert/17-Ending_Credits.mp3}
(you have to wait until 47 seconds for the charming part to begin! Don't judge the song without giving it at least 90 seconds, you heathens!)

BONUS: I know I am a total dork, but at random moments, a few times a month, I'll say to myself: "By the way, Mr. Garcia, how is your work on the ultimate weapon, Indra, coming along?"

See? Very James Bond with ultimate weapons and the SPACE SHUTLE (Octopussy!) and I just love how the earthbound battle transitions into space (little touches like that add so much charm!)...

ParanoiaDragon · 02/19/2015, 04:23 AM

Quote from: esteban on 02/19/2015, 12:22 AMBUT AT THE VERY END IF THE GAME, our hero yells out "Indra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" as the platform he is on flies upward...this was such a nice touch.

Actually, he yells "HERE I COME!". I think I have it somewhere on my computer, pretty sure I recorded the adpcm of him yelling.

In any case, Last Alert is still one of my all time favorite games. Yes, it's not perfect, but it's damn fun. I love the leveling up system, & the music is cool, though, some of it is more on the subpar scale of Telenet tunes. Still, one of my favorites EVER! If we did a sequal, we should call it Next Alert, of First Alert, or Previous Alert!

seieienbu · 02/19/2015, 06:15 AM

I always liked Last Alert. I found it way more fun to play than, say, Bloody Wolf or similar games due to the ability to move in multiple directions and backtrack if need be.

I found the soundtrack fantastic and I used to occasionally just give it a listen on its own. I think I'll go do that right now, in fact...

esteban · 02/19/2015, 06:21 AM

Quote from: seieienbu on 02/19/2015, 06:15 AMI always liked Last Alert. I found it way more fun to play than, say, Bloody Wolf or similar games due to the ability to move in multiple directions and backtrack if need be.

I found the soundtrack fantastic and I used to occasionally just give it a listen on its own. I think I'll go do that right now, in fact...

I love you, but Bloody Wolf wants an apology, now!

Quote from: ParanoiaDragon on 02/19/2015, 04:23 AM
Quote from: esteban on 02/19/2015, 12:22 AMBUT AT THE VERY END IF THE GAME, our hero yells out "Indra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" as the platform he is on flies upward...this was such a nice touch.
Actually, he yells "HERE I COME!". I think I have it somewhere on my computer, pretty sure I recorded the adpcm of him yelling.

In any case, Last Alert is still one of my all time favorite games. Yes, it's not perfect, but it's damn fun. I love the leveling up system, & the music is cool, though, some of it is more on the subpar scale of Telenet tunes. Still, one of my favorites EVER! If we did a sequal, we should call it Next Alert, of First Alert, or Previous Alert!

Yes! Thank you for correcting that! "HERE I COME!" is a much better line.

I also might not be accurate with the line of dialogue ("...Mr. Garcia..."), but I've been saying it wrong for so many years...

I'll have to post a link to the song I love or else nobody will know what I am referring to:

_{► /Last_Alert/17-Ending_Credits.mp3}
(you have to wait until 47 seconds for the charming part to begin! Don't judge the song without giving it at least 90 seconds, you heathens!)

seieienbu · 02/19/2015, 06:25 AM

I'm sorry, Bloody Wolf. I'm not saying that I dislike you, Bloody Wolf. I'm only saying that, in my heart, I know that I love Last Alert more. You're a good game, Bloody Wolf! It's not you, it's me! I just...I just need the extra dimensions you're allowed to scroll in Last Alert for my run-and-gun game enjoyment! It's not your fault, and I hope we can still be friends. Feel free to call if you ever want to talk.

esteban · 02/19/2015, 06:32 AM

Quote from: seieienbu on 02/19/2015, 06:25 AMI'm sorry, Bloody Wolf. I'm not saying that I dislike you, Bloody Wolf. I'm only saying that, in my heart, I know that I love Last Alert more. You're a good game, Bloody Wolf! It's not you, it's me! I just...I just need the extra dimensions you're allowed to scroll in Last Alert for my run-and-gun game enjoyment! It's not your fault, and I hope we can still be friends. Feel free to call if you ever want to talk.

Hahahahahshashs.

Anyway, you are correct about the fluidity of Last Alert (spray bullets 359 degrees, strafing) vs. the stiffness and slowdown of Bloody Wolf.

So, your original comment is solid and STANDS.

Folks, how could we not mention the little POOLS OF BLOOD our foes collapse in?!

Bloody Wold has blood, too, but the cute little goofballs in Last Alert spin and then are engulfed in blood. CUTE LITTLE DETAIL.

If only our foes did PIROUETTES before collapsing into a lake of their own blood.

_{► /Last_Alert/17-Ending_Credits.mp3}
(you have to wait until 47 seconds for the charming part to begin! Don't judge the song without giving it at least 90 seconds, you heathens!)

Nazi NecroPhile · 02/19/2015, 10:11 AM

For once I agree with 'em. It's overall a fairly good game but it's not without flaws.

seieienbu · 02/19/2015, 10:20 AM

Yeah, the boss music in this game's fantastic.

EvilEvoIX · 02/19/2015, 11:00 AM

I have the Japanese Version of this Game. I have no idea what is going on but I am up to the Space Ship part. I gotta beat it one of these days.

It ain't no bloody wolf I'll you that.

CrackTiger · 02/19/2015, 12:46 PM

You can backtrack and scroll in any direction in sections of Bloody Wolf. The main game has a lot of variety, in gameplay and musc, especially compared to Last/Red Alert. The bonus modes only further add to the extra dimensions of gameplay.

jordan_hillman · 02/19/2015, 03:49 PM

As far as difficulty goes, I agree with Esteban on this one. It's a fun game that I enjoy the hell out of, but it's a bit too easy (I beat it on my first play though with out too many issues).

A difficulty setting would have gone a long way, but the mission variety, top-notch voice acting

, and kick ass soundtrack always bring me back for a play through

esteban · 02/19/2015, 03:51 PM

Quote from: guest on 02/19/2015, 12:46 PMYou can backtrack and scroll in any direction in sections of Bloody Wolf. The main game has a lot of variety, in gameplay and musc, especially compared to Last/Red Alert. The bonus modes only further add to the extra dimensions of gameplay.

But do you get to where a white tuxedo in Bloody Wolf?

NOPE.

Game. Over.

AND FOR THE RECORD, Bloody Wolf is awesome. IT PROVIDES MORE FUN because it isn't a cakewalk like Last Alert.

Both games have layers...so that's kool.

esteban · 02/19/2015, 03:53 PM

FOR THE RECORD: I have not read the review of Last Alert at Hardcore Gaming 101.

I suppose I will, at some point, when this thread shrivels up and needs sustenance.

Gentlegamer · 02/19/2015, 04:56 PM

Bloody Wolf is plagued with slowdown, making it unplayable, and demonstrates the weakness of the TG-16 CPU.

post brought to you by Sega-16

ParanoiaDragon · 02/19/2015, 05:03 PM

Don't get me wrong about my love for Last Alert, because, Bloody Wolf is also one of my top favorite games of all time. Also, I might add that one of the things I love about Bloody Wolf, (besides the music & gameplay in general) is all the extra levels! When porting to the Turbo, they doubled the size of the game. What is there, like 5 stages in the arcade version, but 10 I think in the Turbo version? Yes, it's only 1 player compared to the Arcade version, but, I still enjoy this way more, & appreciate what they did adding all those levels to include the other character. Also, thinking about the music, the Turbo version blows away the Arcade version IIRC. I don't even think the Arcade version has the same tunes.

CrackTiger · 02/19/2015, 05:10 PM

Arcade Bloody Wolf also runs at 30fps. :/

Gentlegamer · 02/19/2015, 05:36 PM

I've only seen a video of coin-op Bloody Wolf, but I think the "uhh" death scream of enemies would be irritating for more than a few minutes.

NightWolve · 02/19/2015, 05:43 PM

Yeah, I like this HG101 review, pretty fair. It's, uh, missing something though: Gameological Society's tribute to Last Alert!! So, I'm trying to get Kurt to add it to the review's Links section. He only has 1 external link there now to Audio Atrocities.

The Great Performances: Last Alert

Would be a shame for that not to be included.

It's the best thing Gameological Society ever did to my knowledge! I had subscribed to their channel after seeing it, but I never really saw anything else as amusing like that again... :/

The key point about the horrible dubbing work in Last Alert is that it's laughably bad, and not just plain bad. Because of the lulz-factor, the game garnered fame (or infamy) it otherwise wouldn't have and this ensures it will be mentioned/cherished for future generations to come, a good thing!!

Bad dubbing work like in Dragon Slayer (see above

) or other games just makes for a forgettable game, but Last Alert delivers lulz adding some replay value! Heh-heh. Not to mention, it is a fun action game with good music.

My favorite Last Alert track is of course this:

Last Alert - Stage 2-2 Theme ("On the Move Again")

_{► /audio/22-Last-Alert.mp3}

Joe Redifer · 02/19/2015, 07:59 PM

I want a sequel to this awesome game. Same voice actors if they haven't all died from meth use. It would be called Last Alert: The Final Chapter. Then part 3 would be called Last Alert: Resurrection. And with part 4 we'd get No More Alerts: Doomsday.

esteban · 02/19/2015, 08:19 PM

Quote from: NightWolve on 02/19/2015, 05:43 PMYeah, I like this HG101 review, pretty fair. It's, uh, missing something though: Gameological Society's tribute to Last Alert!! So, I'm trying to get Kurt to add it to the review's Links section. He only has 1 external link there now to Audio Atrocities.
The Great Performances: Last Alert
Would be a shame for that not to be included. It's the best thing Gameological Society ever did to my knowledge! I had subscribed to their channel after seeing it, but I never really saw anything else as amusing like that again... :/

The key point about the horrible dubbing work in Last Alert is that it's laughably bad, and not just plain bad. Because of the lulz-factor, the game garnered fame (or infamy) it otherwise wouldn't have and this ensures it will be mentioned/cherished for future generations to come, a good thing!!
Bad dubbing work like in Dragon Slayer (see above ) or other games just makes for a forgettable game, but Last Alert delivers lulz adding some replay value! Heh-heh. Not to mention, it is a fun action game with good music.

My favorite Last Alert track is of course this:

Last Alert - Stage 2-2 Theme ("On the Move Again")
_{► /audio/22-Last-Alert.mp3}

Owe.

Emmm.

Geee!

I totally forgot about the "Great Performances" video! EXCELLENT.

And, I totally agree about Stage 2-2 theme...such a great tune

Gentlegamer · 02/19/2015, 08:28 PM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 02/19/2015, 07:59 PMI want a sequel to this awesome game. Same voice actors if they haven't all died from meth use. It would be called Last Alert: The Final Chapter. Then part 3 would be called Last Alert: Resurrection. And with part 4 we'd get No More Alerts: Doomsday.

Part 5 - Penultimate Alert

technozombie · 02/19/2015, 11:48 PM

It makes a lot more sense that Guy looks just like Kenshiro, now that I know it was voiced by the same guy.

esteban · 02/20/2015, 07:53 AM

Quote from: technozombie on 02/19/2015, 11:48 PMIt makes a lot more sense that Guy looks just like Kenshiro, now that I know it was voiced by the same guy.

Linky for the lazy and stoopid

Kenshiro? Like Barbie-San and Kenshiro?

NightWolve · 02/20/2015, 08:20 AM

Quote from: esteban on 02/20/2015, 07:53 AM
Quote from: technozombie on 02/19/2015, 11:48 PMIt makes a lot more sense that Guy looks just like Kenshiro, now that I know it was voiced by the same guy.
Linky for the lazy and stoopid

Kenshiro? Like Barbie-San and Kenshiro?

Ahem. You know, the first link in the thread...

http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/last-alert/
wayback://hardcoregaming101.net/lastalert

QuoteEven if one is unfamiliar with the actors at a glance, almost everyone has heard of their work. Most notable is Akira Kamiya. Yes, Kenshiro himself is the voice of Guy Kazama.

seieienbu · 02/20/2015, 09:03 AM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 02/19/2015, 07:59 PMI want a sequel to this awesome game. Same voice actors if they haven't all died from meth use. It would be called Last Alert: The Final Chapter. Then part 3 would be called Last Alert: Resurrection. And with part 4 we'd get No More Alerts: Doomsday.

.....I would play these games.

spenoza · 02/20/2015, 12:43 PM

Makes me want to do two fan re-dubs of Last Alert. The first one would attempt to make the voice acting not suck and actually be good. The second would be to see if the voice acting and dialogue could be made even more crazy and suck-tastic (in an entertaining way).

technozombie · 02/20/2015, 12:55 PM

Quote from: esteban on 02/20/2015, 07:53 AM
Quote from: technozombie on 02/19/2015, 11:48 PMIt makes a lot more sense that Guy looks just like Kenshiro, now that I know it was voiced by the same guy.
Linky for the lazy and stoopid

Kenshiro? Like Barbie-San and Kenshiro?

I could probably find a better comparison but I'm in a hurry at the time of posting. Kenshiro is the "Fist of the Northstar"

seieienbu · 02/20/2015, 12:59 PM

Quote from: guest on 02/20/2015, 12:43 PMMakes me want to do two fan re-dubs of Last Alert. The first one would attempt to make the voice acting not suck and actually be good. The second would be to see if the voice acting and dialogue could be made even more crazy and suck-tastic (in an entertaining way).

The first would be easy. The second sounds Really hard. I think this game has the perfect bad-dub partially due to nostalgia and partially due to the fact that I'm pretty sure they just handed a microphone to secretaries and janitors and told them to go nuts.

esteban · 02/20/2015, 01:07 PM

Quote from: NightWolve on 02/20/2015, 08:20 AM
Quote from: esteban on 02/20/2015, 07:53 AM
Quote from: technozombie on 02/19/2015, 11:48 PMIt makes a lot more sense that Guy looks just like Kenshiro, now that I know it was voiced by the same guy.
Linky for the lazy and stoopid

Kenshiro? Like Barbie-San and Kenshiro?
Ahem. You know, the first link in the thread...

http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/last-alert/
wayback://hardcoregaming101.net/lastalert

QuoteEven if one is unfamiliar with the actors at a glance, almost everyone has heard of their work. Most notable is Akira Kamiya. Yes, Kenshiro himself is the voice of Guy Kazama.

Ha! I posted that I didn't read the article.

I may or may not read it.

Arkhan Asylum · 02/22/2015, 04:12 AM

If you don't like Last Alert, you're a stupid dick.

look at all the blood that pours out when you kill people.

there's snowmans, and half destroyed snowmans.

The game is awesome.