Magical Chase Turbo VS PCE

CrackTiger · 09/27/2006, 02:03 PM

I finished the first version of my page detailing the differences between the TG-16 and PCE versions of Magical Chase.

wayback.superpcenginegrafx.com/dare_to_compare_mc.html

This may be most or all of the differences, but I'm waiting to hear back from my good friend over at VGDen to determine if the reprint and original PC Engine MC's are actually different(basically if there is more than one variant of PCE rom).

If so, then the reprint is an evolutionary step towards the Turbo version and the original's graphics were almost completely retouched.

There's a split screen video below all the screenshots which compares Stage 1 of both versions.

Jammaniaclord · 09/27/2006, 04:38 PM

i LOVE LOVE LOVE this cute-em up!!!!!!!!!!! Both versions are great to have in your collection. For such an incredible hu-card game, i was very let down by the ending.

Digi.k · 09/27/2006, 04:39 PM

In regards to the first level. I prefer the Jp one simply because it relates to the boss much better, the lego-like background fits the theme and boss: Cubolygon IMO.

But I agree all the changes that were made looks better on the USA version. Thank goodness they didnt mess with the music!!

I 've owned the japan version two ~ three times in the past.. but all the ones I've bought were the first print.. i just don't like the new packaging in the reprinted ver...

Keranu · 09/27/2006, 07:11 PM

Outstanding work, Justin! I never realized that the first level even had different enemies nor that the main sprite was any different. And everything else is just amazingly different.

guyjin · 09/27/2006, 07:18 PM

Feel free to disregard my opinion, since I've never played either game.

I think I prefer the PC Engine version, mostly. I can understand the boss being a polygonal box in the PCE version, but in the Turbo version he doesn't fit in with the rest of the level.

I also prefer the more anime-esqe sprite from the PCE version, but I think the bushy yellow broom was an improvement. Also, I like the US version's pumpkin baloon shop, rather than the golden baloon - makes more sense given the shopkeeper.

Now I wanna hack together a rom that uses the best bits of both versions

Ninja Spirit · 09/27/2006, 07:37 PM

Speaking of the stage 1 differences, it's crazy how color itself plays a major role in territorial changes because of how each region sees a color differently.

CrackTiger · 09/27/2006, 07:56 PM

Although the colored bricks better suit Cubolygon, the castle theme better suits the gremlin/tinman-rocket boss. The pumpkin shop also fits in with the handdrawn castle bg.

I like the little warning signs on the colored bricks.

Both versions are great and although I love the music, any alternatives would've been fine if they were good, because it'd still be an alternative.

The gremlin sprite definately better suits the castle bg and the colored block guy better suits the PCE version. Personally, I like the way the rest of the enemies go with the castle bg better overall.

Both ripple sprites are cool. Again, it's nice to have a reason to own both versions.

I still have to watch the videos I've recorded of each game to pick out any more changes.

I can't say for sure, but the PC Engine version seems to be easier overall and the enemies seem to have lower defense.

Quote from: Jammaniaclordi LOVE LOVE LOVE this cute-em up!!!!!!!!!!! Both versions are great to have in your collection. For such an incredible hu-card game, i was very let down by the ending.

Yeah, I'm assuming that's Ripple's house? They sure went the full cart-game route, cramming in as much as they could into the actual game and that's it.

Tatsujin · 09/27/2006, 08:13 PM

thx a lot tiger^^

accidently just yesterday i played the US version on magic engine just to compare the BGs.

nice work, tiger

Keranu · 09/27/2006, 10:35 PM

I'm giving the edge to the American one, ohhhhh yeah.

Odonadon · 09/27/2006, 11:51 PM

I've never been crazy about this game (or thrilled about cute 'em ups in general), but I'm gonna have to agree with Keranu. The Turbo version looks like it has better graphics overall in the comparison and I would rather play it.

OD

Joe Redifer · 09/28/2006, 01:30 AM

The TurboGrafx-16 version blows away the wimpy PC Engine version. The reason they made the changes is because they wanted it to suck a bit less ass. Mission accomplished!

Keranu · 09/28/2006, 01:36 AM

Turbo Power! POWER UP!

POWER PLUS !

Tatsujin · 09/28/2006, 04:40 AM

calm down guys

Keranu · 09/28/2006, 05:14 AM

Tatsujin, download this video to see what I mean wayback.superpcenginegrafx.net/turbo_promo_2.avi

. Here's the link for other formats of the video wayback.superpcenginegrafx.net/video.html.

Tatsujin · 09/28/2006, 05:36 AM

no, i agree with you, just like digging to you guys!

but for the title screen font, i like much more the way of the jap. version ;)

torgo · 09/28/2006, 10:22 AM

Wow! I never bothered with the US version since I own the PCE version, but I never knew that they changed the game that much. Awesome job!

Joe Redifer · 09/29/2006, 02:10 AM

It's really interesting when games have major changes when they come to the US. The biggest overhaul I've seen for no reason whatsoever was Magical Hat Flying Turbo Adventure for the Mega Drive. It was developed by Vic Tokai along with Kid Kool (NES) and Psycho Fox (SMS). By the time it got to the US, it was Decapattack starring Chuck D. Head. Everything was changed except the layout and design of the stages... most of them anyway. The graphics were changed completely (but the potions had the same basic graphical effects such as dual screen line scrolling, etc), the gameplay was completely changed to allow for a life meter of sorts, and even the music was changed. I personally like Decapattack starring Chuck D. Head better than Magical Hat Flying Turbo Adventure, but I have a love both games!

Tatsujin · 09/29/2006, 02:26 AM

and whats about super mario Bros. 2 and doki doki panic?

Keranu · 09/29/2006, 02:32 AM

I didn't know Decapattack Staring Chuch D. Head was a completely different game in Japan. That's awesome, I'm gonna have to download the Japanese one now.

VestCunt · 09/29/2006, 02:59 AM

I recently got the Bonk 3 turbochip and noticed some distinct differences between it and the PCE version I had been playing. The biggest change is what happens when you get the meat for the first time. In the PCE version you turn into a cute baby-girl Bonk that shoots hearts. On the US turbochip Bonk turns into a pissed-off looking monk that shoots stars.
I guess gender ambiguity among video game mascots just doesn't fly here in the states. Perhaps it could lead our youngsters astray...
Anyone else notice this? Is it the same with the first two games in the series?
On a related subject, what does Air Zonk shoot when he merges with the cow sidekick in the US version? I only have the PCE Hucard and in that Zonk fires utters/boobs. I wouldn't be surprised if they US changed that too (remember the farts/spray paint in JJ and Jeff?).

Tatsujin · 09/29/2006, 03:13 AM

Quote from: vestcunt(remember the farts/spray paint in JJ and Jeff?).

oh yes. that was just awkward