I just got a TurboDuo

[JMontoya9189]

       I never heard of a TurboDuo/PC Engine or what ever you want to call it until about a year or two ago. Ever since, I have been wanting to buy one. Well after going on Ebay looking for a TurboDuo for about every week at reasonable price. I finally found one for $90(won auction) a couple of days ago and came in on Saturday. I was not expecting it to come in this fast so when I came home for work and saw this big box at the door step, I was like the N64 kid(exaggerating). It came with Keith Courage and Ys Book I & 2. The CD drive won't load the game but I ordered a new drive. It also was modded to play imports. The games I ordered were Fire Pro Wrestling Combination Tag, Fire Pro Wrestling 2nd Bout, Fire Pro Wrestling 3 Legend Bout, Legendary Axe(American Version), and Dungeon Explorer(American Version).

I have a question for you guys since American version of the games are so damn expensive or hard to find are their any major differences in the games excluding the language.

[Tatsujin]

I have a question for you guys since American version of the games are so damn expensive or hard to find are their any major differences in the games excluding the language.

except of the probably worst covers ever created with human beings hand, there're no big differences (excluding the language). but there're some rare US exceptions like r-type which was fitted into one HuCard or magical chase with its revised BGs..

btw: welcome aboard

PS: do you like crappy wrestling games?
PS2: your avatar is quite nice altough a little bit too small.

[Joe Redifer]

The size limit of avatars is only 80x80, so he can't really make it any bigger.  Obviously he likes wrestling games (which is fine).

I hope you get your CD drive working.  Did you know that it wouldn't load CD games when you bought it?

[nat]

I hope you get your CD drive working.  Did you know that it wouldn't load CD games when you bought it?

Probably, if the Duo was only $90.

I have a question for you guys since American version of the games are so damn expensive or hard to find are their any major differences in the games excluding the language.

except of the probably worst covers ever created with human beings hand, there're no big differences (excluding the language). but there're some rare US exceptions like r-type which was fitted into one HuCard or magical chase with its revised BGs..

Tatsujin pretty much sums it up for you here. Although it's worth adding that in some cases, not even the language is different (some Japanese games were created with all in-game text already in English).

Great choice on Dungeon Explorer, that's one of my personal all-time favorites. Legendary Axe is a decent platformer, but the graphics haven't aged too well and aren't exactly the best the system has to offer. Still, a fun game, and you'll probably like it if you're into that kind of stuff. Ys I and II are great fun-- get your CD drive working ASAP.

Finally, go here: www.tzd.com for all your Turbo console needs. They still have a handful of games in stock, too. When you get your CD drive working, Lords of Thunder is an absolute must.

[NecroPhile]

Finally, go here: www.tzd.com for all your Turbo console needs. They still have a handful of games in stock, too. When you get your CD drive working, Lords of Thunder is an absolute must.

Their Buy One, Get One Half-Off Sale is going on right now ('til the end of the month).

[JMontoya9189]

I knew the CD drive was not working like nat said. I know these Fire Pro games were not the best wrestling games but when they came out they were, What I like about the Fire Pro series of video games is that it advances with each one. From Fire Pro Wrestling Combination to Fire Pro R(best wrestling ever and you can't say that about smackdown games) Well that is a discussion for a other time . I was on a budget so I didn't want to go crazy with buying games, The Fire Pro games were $20 so were the other two. I have another question is Tatsujin a really rare game that it cost $90(If I add $30 more I would just get Akumajou Dracula X - Chi No Rondo). I have Truxton for the Genesis but I'm a sucker for collecting games and I know this is a must have for the TurboDuo.

Thanks for welcoming me.

[nat]

I have another question is Tatsujin a really rare game that it cost $90(If I add $30 more I would just get Akumajou Dracula X - Chi No Rondo).

Not sure what it normally goes for anymore, but here is one currently on eBay with a BIN of $70:

http://cgi.ebay.com/TATSUJIN-jp-PC-Engine-Turbo-Grafx-16-Duo-USA-DEALER_W0QQitemZ110040012955QQihZ001QQcategoryZ62053QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Also, check out this site for a mini-review and a gameplay vid of the Duo version:

http://pcenginebible.roarvgm.com/HTML_Games/Tatsujin.htm

[Tatsujin]

I have another question is Tatsujin a really rare game that it cost $90(If I add $30 more I would just get Akumajou Dracula X - Chi No Rondo). I have Truxton for the Genesis but I'm a sucker for collecting games and I know this is a must have for the TurboDuo.

usually it goes for about $50~60 (not aware of the US market). it's a decent port, altough not arcade perfect. for example those mid-boss bastards don't start flaming after shoot'em for a while. the color-pallet isn't accurate and somethimes some stong flickers appears. but i would say, yes! it is a must have.

[nat]

the color-pallet isn't accurate and somethimes some stong flickers appears. but i would say, yes! it is a must have.

Surely the color palette is more accurate than the Genesis version.

[Tatsujin]

the color-pallet isn't accurate and somethimes some stong flickers appears. but i would say, yes! it is a must have.

Surely the color palette is more accurate than the Genesis version.

for sure!! the PCE version is superior in almost any issues, except for the poor smartbomb-draw, the lock-flash-laser and the explosion-FX when enemies die. and as i mentioned above, i believed that those mid-bosses starts flaming after semi-death also on the MD version.

[JMontoya9189]

I have another question for you guys. Why are these games so expensive. I see a game like Sapphire which I hear goes for like $500. Are people hoarding them(rightfully so) or did they come out with few of them. Tatsujin you own all the PC Engine Shoot Em' Ups, that is impressive.

[Tatsujin]

sapphire was limited to an amount of 5000pcs if i'm right. and it came out when the pce was almost dead ('95. shortly before the 32-bit age started). therefore it raised up to one of the most beloved collector-items for the pce system, which explains its high price.

usually pce shmups going for between 10~100 bucks, depends how rare and its demand is. there are few others which are settled also above the 100$ mark, just as sylphia, magical chase, darius alpha, 1941 etc. and those special "not for sale" competition versions of gunhed, final soldier, soldier balde.

here's the "unoffical" complete list:

# TITLE Manufacturer RELEASE GENRE

(Super) Hu-Card

1 <1941 Counter Attack Hudson 1991 V
2 <1943 Kai Naxat 1991 V
3 <Aero Blasters Hudson 1990 H
4 <After Burner II NEC-Ave 1990 3D
5 <Aldynes Hudson 1991 H
6 <Armed Formation F Pack-In 1992 V
7 <Atomic Robo Kid Special UPL 1990 H
8 <Barunba Namco 1990 V/H
9 <Bouken Danshaken Don San-Heart Hen I'Max 1992 H
10 <Burning Angels Naxat 1990 V
11 <Coryoon Naxat 1991 H
12 <Cyber Core IGS 1990 V
13 <Daisenpu NEC-Ave 1990 H
14 <Darius Alpha NEC-Ave 1990 H
15 <Darius Plus NEC-Ave 1990 H
16 <Dead Moon-Gessekai No Akumu TSS 1991 H
17 <Deep Blue-Kaitei Shinwa Pack-In 1989 H
18 <Download NEC-Ave 1990 H
19 <Dragon Saber Namco 1991 V
20 <Dragon Spirit Namco 1988 V
21 <Fantasy Zone NEC-Ave 1988 H
22 <Final Blaster Namco 1990 V
23 <Final Soldier Hudson 1991 V
24 <Final Soldier Special Version Hudson ? V
25 <Galaga 88 Namco 1988 V
26 <Gokuraku Chuka Taisen Taito 1992 H
27 <Gradius Konami 1991 H
28 <Gunhed Hudson 1989 V
29 <Gunhed Special Version Hudson ? V
30 <Hana taakadaka!? Taito 1991 V/H
31 <Hany in the Sky Face 1989 V
32 <Heavy Unit Taito 1989 H
33 <Image Fight Irem 1990 V
34 <Kyûkyoku Tiger / Ultimate Tiger Taito 1989 V
35 <Magical Chase Palsoft 1991 H (regular and PCE fan release)
36 <Metal Stoker Face 1991 V/H
37 <Mr. Heli no Daibôken Irem 1989 V/H
38 <Ordyne Namco 1989 H
39 <Override Data East 1991 V
40 <P 47-The Freedom Fighter Aicom 1989 H
41 <Paranoia Naxat 1990 H
42 <Parodius da!! Konami 1992 H
43 <PC-Denjin-Punkic Cyborgs Hudson 1992 H
44 <Power Gate Pack-In Video 1991 H
45 <Psycho Chaser Naxat 1990 V
46 <Rabio Lepus Special Video System 1990 H
47 <Raiden Hudson 1991 V
48 <Rock On Big Club 1989 H
49 <R-Type I Hudson 1988 H
50 <R-Type II Hudson 1988 H
51 <Salamander Konami 1991 V/H
52 <Side Arms NEC-Ave 1989 H
53 <Soldier Blade Hudson 1992 V
54 <Soldier Blade Special Version Hudson ? V
55 <Space Harrier NEC-Ave 1988 3D
56 <Space Invaders-Fukkatsu No Hi Taito 1990 V
57 <Super Star Soldier Hudson 1990 V
58 <Tatsujin Taito 1992 V
59 <Tenseiryû / Saint Dragon Aicom 1990 H
60 <Terra Cresta II Nichibutsu 1992 V
61 <Thunder Blade NEC-Ave 1990 V/3D
62 <Toilet Kids Media Rings 1992 V
63 <Toy Shop Boys Victor 1990 V
64 <Twin Bee-deta na!! Konami 1992 V
65 <Violent Soldier IGS 1990 H
66 <W-Ring / Double Ring Naxat 1990 H
67 <Xevious-Fadraut Namco 1990 V



Arcade/Super/CD-Rom²

1 <Ai Chôaniki NCS 1995 V/H
2 <Alzadick - Summer Carnival '93 Naxat 1992 H
3 <Avenger Telenet 1990 V
4 <CD-Denjin-Rockabilly Tengoku Hudson 1993 V/H
5 <Chôaniki NCS 1992 V/H
6 <Cotton Hudson 1993 H
7 <Daisenpû Custom NEC-Ave 1991 H
8 <Download 2 NEC-Ave 1991 H
9 <Forgotten Worlds NEC-Ave 1992 V/H
10 <Gate of Thunder Hudson 1992 H
11 <Ginga Fukei Densetsu-Sapphire Hudson 1995 V
12 <God Panic-Shijyou Saikyu Gundan Teichiku 1992 V
13 <Gradius II-Gofer no Yabô Konami 1992 H
14 <Hawk F-123 Pack-In Video 1992 H
15 <Hellfire-S NEC-Ave 1991 H
16 <Image Fight 2 Irem 1992 V
17 <Kiaiden 00 Telenet 1992 H
18 <L-Dis NCS 1991 H
19 <Legion Telenet 1990 H
20 <Macross 2036 NCS 1992 H
21 <Metamor Jupiter NEC-Ave 1993 H
22 <Nexzr Naxat 1992 H
23 <Nexzr Special - Summer Carnival '92 Naxat 1993 H
24 <Psychic Storm Telenet 1992 H
25 <Rayxanber II Data West 1991 H
26 <Rayxanber III Data West 1992 H
27 <R-Type Complete CD Irem 1991 H
28 <Seirei Senshi Spriggan - Summer Carneval '91 Naxat 1991 V
29 <Side Arms Special NEC-Ave 1989 H
30 <Space Fantasy Zone (unrelease) NEC-Ave 1991 3D
31 <Space Invaders - The Original Game NEC-Ave 1995 V
32 <Spriggan mkII - the terraforming Project Naxat 1992 H
33 <Star Parodia Hudson 1992 V
34 <Steam Hearts TGL 1996 H
35 <Super Darius NEC-Ave 1990 H
36 <Super Darius 2 NEC-Ave 1993 H
37 <Super Raiden Hudson 1992 V
38 <Sylphia Tonkin House 1993 V
39 <Terraforming Right Stuff Corp. 1992 H
40 <Winds of Thunder Hudson 1993 H
41 <Wonderboy III-Monster Lair Hudson 1989 H
42 <Zero Wing Naxat 1992 H

109/109

[nat]

I have another question for you guys. Why are these games so expensive. I see a game like Sapphire which I hear goes for like $500. Are people hoarding them(rightfully so) or did they come out with few of them.

Quality, man. You get what you pay for. 

Tatsujin is correct, only around 5,000 copies of Sapphire were pressed in the "official" run. There was another run of the game done a few years later, and the circumstances around that second run are a little vague and questionable. However, if you're just looking to score a copy of the game and aren't a serious collector, you can find one of these "second run" discs for substantially cheaper. I got a new, sealed copy at one point for $40.

As for the high prices on the other titles, usually the better games go for higher prices since people tend to hold on to the good ones (therefor, there are fewer copies floating around on the market).

[OldRover]

Sapphire is a great game but doesn't quite live up to the hype, I've found. And is sure isn't as hard as the company made it out to be...I beat it on the third try with ease. It's still fun though, and there's plenty of eye candy to see, and of course a great soundtrack.

[Tatsujin]

And is sure isn't as hard as the company made it out to be...I beat it on the third try with ease. It's still fun though, and there's plenty of eye candy to see, and of course a great soundtrack.

true shmupers clear it with 1cc. so did you?

[JMontoya9189]

I have another question for you guys. Why are these games so expensive. I see a game like Sapphire which I hear goes for like $500. Are people hoarding them(rightfully so) or did they come out with few of them.

Quality, man. You get what you pay for. 

Tatsujin is correct, only around 5,000 copies of Sapphire were pressed in the "official" run. There was another run of the game done a few years later, and the circumstances around that second run are a little vague and questionable. However, if you're just looking to score a copy of the game and aren't a serious collector, you can find one of these "second run" discs for substantially cheaper. I got a new, sealed copy at one point for $40.

As for the high prices on the other titles, usually the better games go for higher prices since people tend to hold on to the good ones (therefor, there are fewer copies floating around on the market).

I would most likely get the latter not unless I inherited $1,000,000 I would buy the former.

[Tatsujin]

Quality, man. You get what you pay for. 

 There was another run of the game done a few years later, and the circumstances around that second run are a little vague and questionable. However, if you're just looking to score a copy of the game and aren't a serious collector, you can find one of these "second run" discs for substantially cheaper. I got a new, sealed copy at one point for $40.

i assume you talking about those counterfeits, made in one of those dark cellars located somewhere in china pampa on a professionell fake-equipment. do yo?

[nat]

Quality, man. You get what you pay for. 

 There was another run of the game done a few years later, and the circumstances around that second run are a little vague and questionable. However, if you're just looking to score a copy of the game and aren't a serious collector, you can find one of these "second run" discs for substantially cheaper. I got a new, sealed copy at one point for $40.

i assume you talking about those counterfeits, made in one of those dark cellars located somewhere in china on a professionell fake-equipment. do yo?

That's one theory, yeah.

I've also heard it was an inside job by someone/some people at Hudson.

We may never know the truth.

[JMontoya9189]

Quality, man. You get what you pay for. 

 There was another run of the game done a few years later, and the circumstances around that second run are a little vague and questionable. However, if you're just looking to score a copy of the game and aren't a serious collector, you can find one of these "second run" discs for substantially cheaper. I got a new, sealed copy at one point for $40.

i assume you talking about those counterfeits, made in one of those dark cellars located somewhere in china on a professionell fake-equipment. do yo?

That's one theory, yeah.

I've also heard it was an inside job by someone/some people at Hudson.

We may never know the truth.

If Hudson really did that, Why would they mess with people like that? This is probably not to place to ask but where can I get a $40 copy?

[nat]

If Hudson really did that, Why would they mess with people like that? This is probably not to place to ask but where can I get a $40 copy?

I'm not sure anymore. Used copies will turn up from time to time in the FOR SALE section here. Just be patient.

The guy that owns this link:

http://sapphire.anime4ever.de/

used to sell new copies of this "second run". The page is still there, but I have no idea if he has any left. My suggestion would be to follow the link and e-mail him and find out. I know he was a trustworthy source a couple years ago. Good luck!

[Tatsujin]

sorry but this guy is hilarious about every word he's writing:

The origins of this "alternative" version of the game are unclear. Some shops in Tokyo claim Hudson issued a 2nd print later on to keep prices down, but the print run didn't hit the stores in the regular way. When Hudson cleared all their warehouses years later the games hit the stores (similar to the Circus Lido situation with Amazon). This isn't confirmed though.

every and last shop in tokyo is aware of those counterfeits, and warn people to get fooled by showing it up in the "hall of counterfeit"-case (trader II did it). and it's a completely different case as circus lido was.

A copy of this version was once forwarded to Hudson Japan and Hudson was not able to confirm that there was anything wrong with it, although it's doubtable that they invested much time to do an archive check on their 1st release. Given the overall quality and perfection, it seems obvious that is was produced "in house" (or at least it was produced in Japan by people who had access to the original materials). Without owning the first run of the game and the possibility to do a side-by-side comparison, it's hard to tell a difference.

the difference isn't that hard to tell. even a 3-years  old kid knows about it.

just let us check out this fabulous site from one of our users in here: https://www.superpcenginegrafx.net/sapcomp1.html

I bought some copies of this one in Tokyo quite some time ago, not knowing of any "alternative" version and therefore paying a lot of money for those (nowhere near US$500, but still a lot more than what I ask now). From my judgement, I'd say that every 2nd copy of this game sold on Ebay or other internet platforms refers to this version of the game - of course without telling and asking hell of a price. While it might be debatable if it's ok to sell this game or not, I think it's ok if people know what they are buying.

what a dork!! sorry! a pathetic try to sell his crap!!

[nat]

what a dork!! sorry! a pathetic try to sell his crap!!

Let me be clear that I have no relation or connection to the guy that owns that link.

However, counterfeit or not, those copies are still a viable solution for someone who wants to play the game without spending their life savings on a single title.

I have no qualms about owning a $40 copy, although if I was a serious collector, I'd probably spring for an "official" pressing.

[Tatsujin]

Let me be clear that I have no relation or connection to the guy that owns that link.

wasn't offending you in any wise or ways

However, counterfeit or not, those copies are still a viable solution for someone who wants to play the game without spending their life savings on a single title.

yes, but nothing more or less than grap an ISO from the net and do it on your own way for 50cent, except stopping those people making money with others belongings.

I'd probably spring for an "official" pressing.

your fun while playing it will suddenly arise about 100%

[OldRover]

true shmupers clear it with 1cc. so did you?

No, but then again, I'm not a true shmuper. I play every genre.

[Tatsujin]

true shmupers clear it with 1cc. so did you?

No, but then again, I'm not a true shmuper. I play every genre.

so try a 1cc and tell me if it's still too easy then

[runinruder]

Yeah, I agree with Tatsujin 100%.  Sapphire is a lot like modern verticals at heart.  Casual or inept players can do "well" at it by credit feeding and bombing/crashing their way through the levels, while skilled, experienced shooter fans can go for a 1CC finish and discover a more-than-respectable level of challenge.

[OldRover]

With enough practice, I could 1cc the game, just like I do Sinistron now.

[TR0N]

what a dork!! sorry! a pathetic try to sell his crap!!

Let me be clear that I have no relation or connection to the guy that owns that link.

However, counterfeit or not, those copies are still a viable solution for someone who wants to play the game without spending their life savings on a single title.

I have no qualms about owning a $40 copy, although if I was a serious collector, I'd probably spring for an "official" pressing.

Agreed if ya got the money to burn buy it legit if not.. get it counterfeit.

Heck, it still doesn't bother mine is counterfeit it plays great and that's all that matters to me.

Beside it's all about playing the game to me.

[JMontoya9189]

Here is a update II ordered Bloody Wolf, Gradius, and Kyuukyoku Tiger. I ran into a problem replacing my lens for my Duo. Well it has more to do with one screw not coming out. All of the other screws came out fine with my 4.5mm gamebit. This is really annoying is their any other way to take out this screw.

[SignOfZeta]

Fire Pro is one of my favorite series, but the first three games (all on PCE) are total fucking shit. *So* fucking bad.

[JMontoya9189]

Fire Pro is one of my favorite series, but the first three games (all on PCE) are total fucking shit. *So* fucking bad.

I got them for collection purposes.

Here is an update of the games I now own

Akumajo Dracula X - Chi No Rondo
Ankoko Densetsu
Bloody Wolf
Dungeon Explorer
Final Zone II
Fire Pro Wrestling Combination Tag
Fire Pro Wrestling 2nd Bout
Fire Pro Wrestling 3 Legend Bout
Gradius
Kyūkyoku Tiger
Makyo Densetsu
Rayxanber II
Ys Book I & II

What cdr media do you suggest for backups?