Chew Man Fu - Hardcore Gaming 101

Gentlegamer · 03/15/2015, 05:33 PM

The Turbografx-16 was always the "other system" in the states, seeming to not have the popular titles that the Genesis and Super Nintendo had, while many of its popular titles were either already on or ported to other systems. However, looking through the something-hundred game library can net some interesting gems, and Chew Man Fu is certainly one of them. With its frantic ball-kicking and maze-running mechanics and oriental flavor, it's certainly one of the more enjoyable non-shmup titles for the TurboGrafx-16.

http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/chewmanfu/chewmanfu.htm

CrackTiger · 03/15/2015, 09:42 PM

While reading the quote you posted, I thought, "Wow, maybe an hcg101 article will actually cover a game without the usual biased commentary about the platform". Then I got to that last line and again while reading the article I learned that, aside from the Turbo having only having a few good games that aren't shumps, the system sucks at sound as well. No wonder it bombed and only the truly hardcore, such as the author, have bothered to spend any time with the library.

esteban · 03/16/2015, 12:00 AM

Quote from: guest on 03/15/2015, 09:42 PMWhile reading the quote you posted, I thought, "Wow, maybe an hcg101 article will actually cover a game without the usual biased commentary about the platform". Then I got to that last line and again while reading the article I learned that, aside from the Turbo having only having a few good games that aren't shumps, the system sucks at sound as well. No wonder it bombed and only the truly hardcore, such as the author, have bothered to spend any time with the library.

Yeah, that line about the tunes/sound was hilarious. Of course, I am guilty of being harsh on Mega Drive because I have heard a lot of bad soundtracks pumped out of it...but I acknowledge that Mega Drive is capable of producing some of the greatest music ever, too.

So, this reviewer needs an education.

ClodBusted · 03/16/2015, 08:43 AM

I do not have interest in puzzle games like that one, so I don't care if that review says positive or negative things, or if it is well written at all.

I just think that reviews on HG101 often reflect my own opinion well and I find their articles more entertaining to read than other gaming review sites.

Psycho Punch · 03/16/2015, 09:05 AM

Even games as early as J.J. & Jeff have great music, I'm not sure why people are so insistent on criticism of the PCE's sound chip.

esteban · 03/16/2015, 09:13 AM

Quote from: guest on 03/16/2015, 09:05 AMEven games as early as J.J. & Jeff have great music, I'm not sure why people are so insistent on criticism of the PCE's sound chip.

I am just speculating, but it is rooted in the false belief that "more channels" and "more ______" magically creates better-sounding music, ignoring the role of the composer/arranger and how knowledge/skill can make most hardware sing beautifully (even if you only have a piezo speaker to work with).

ClodBusted · 03/16/2015, 09:20 AM

Salamander and Gradius have both great music on the PCE. Bomberman 94 too.

I'm not that fond of the majority of the Mega Drive soundtracks, but there's the occasional track here and there that I think is sounding very nice.

VenomMacbeth · 03/16/2015, 11:33 AM

My speculation is that the PCE's sound, without tweaking, tends to resemble lesser 8-bit PSG tones. Case in point, the soundtrack for Eternal City totally sounds like it could have been pulled off by the Famicom.

However, I find the PCE typically has more FM-like sounds & while they're not quite to the level of actual FM, it still sounds unique and interesting. Go listen to the soundtrack of Shubibinman 2 & you'll see what I mean.

Like Esteban said, it's all about how ambitious the music programmer is wanting to get with the hardware, and really nothing to do with the hardware itself. Even the Famicom can sing thanks to its versatility with extra chips and stuff. The master system PSG I think pretty much sucks though...it's not impossible to listen to like Atari chip sound, but still quite basic.

Nazi NecroPhile · 03/16/2015, 11:39 AM

I guess the author didn't play long enough (or isn't bright enough) to figure out that the ball's have different strengths.

Gentlegamer · 03/16/2015, 12:20 PM

One need only listen to the music of Dungeon Explorer to know what TG-16 can do.

geise · 03/16/2015, 12:50 PM

Quote from: guest on 03/16/2015, 09:05 AMEven games as early as J.J. & Jeff have great music, I'm not sure why people are so insistent on criticism of the PCE's sound chip.

...because they've never played Dungeon Explorer.

esteban · 03/16/2015, 01:29 PM

Can we all agree that CHEW MAN FU is simultaneously a ridiculous and awesome name for this game?

It is offensive, heartwarming and fun at the same time.

xcrement5x · 03/16/2015, 05:43 PM

BeBall was actually one of the first PC Engine titles I ever played, and I played quite a lot of it and really enjoy it. It's a good way to waste some time and have some fun

CrackTiger · 03/16/2015, 08:59 PM

Quote from: VenomMacbeth on 03/16/2015, 11:33 AMLike Esteban said, it's all about how ambitious the music programmer is wanting to get with the hardware, and really nothing to do with the hardware itself. Even the Famicom can sing thanks to its versatility with extra chips and stuff. The master system PSG I think pretty much sucks though...it's not impossible to listen to like Atari chip sound, but still quite basic.

You can't even appreciate stuff like the Shining Force games?

Obscure VGM #1 Great Cypress War (Game Gear version)

VenomMacbeth · 03/16/2015, 09:19 PM

Quote from: guest on 03/16/2015, 08:59 PM
Quote from: VenomMacbeth on 03/16/2015, 11:33 AMLike Esteban said, it's all about how ambitious the music programmer is wanting to get with the hardware, and really nothing to do with the hardware itself. Even the Famicom can sing thanks to its versatility with extra chips and stuff. The master system PSG I think pretty much sucks though...it's not impossible to listen to like Atari chip sound, but still quite basic.
You can't even appreciate stuff like the Shining Force games?

Obscure VGM #1 Great Cypress War (Game Gear version)

I didn't say I don't appreciate it. That track is nice, and GG Aleste II has a great soundtrack, but it doesn't change that it's still very basic in comparison to the Famicom & PCE.

DildoKKKobold · 03/16/2015, 11:10 PM

One time, while down with a cold, I played through the first loop of the game. Incredibly fun, but I can't imagine going through the absurd number of loops the game requires, to reach the actual end.

DildoKKKobold · 03/16/2015, 11:11 PM

Quote from: CrackTiger on 03/16/2015, 08:59 PM
Quote from: VenomMacbeth on 03/16/2015, 11:33 AMLike Esteban said, it's all about how ambitious the music programmer is wanting to get with the hardware, and really nothing to do with the hardware itself. Even the Famicom can sing thanks to its versatility with extra chips and stuff. The master system PSG I think pretty much sucks though...it's not impossible to listen to like Atari chip sound, but still quite basic.
You can't even appreciate stuff like the Shining Force games?

Obscure VGM #1 Great Cypress War (Game Gear version)

Interesting choice, since it has a CD audio remix:

Arkhan Asylum · 03/17/2015, 12:27 AM

SAY SHIT ABOUT MASTER SYSTEM MUSIC ONE MORE TIME BICHTRCETCH

VenomMacbeth · 03/17/2015, 09:17 AM

Sorry, it's very basic-sounding. That doesn't mean I don't like it (I especially enjoy the GG Aleste II soundtrack) but it still seems quite inferior.

I wonder if the SMS would have sold any better in the US if it had shipped with the FM unit..

BrosephPCE · 03/17/2015, 02:08 PM

I think Wonder Boy III's PSG tunes in particular are a good example of how skillful composition can transcend the limitations of a sounchip to produce something great. I don't think the inclusion of the FM chip would have helped sales much at all, simply because how tight Nintendo's grip on the market was at that time.