Finally got my TG-16!

[vashogun]

Kind of a pointless post but I wanted to say I haven't been here since....registering...lol, because I had none. Today I officially got my very first Turbografx-16! I fell in love with the console through the wii and knew I wanted a real one.

The console is in absolutely perfect condition for not being boxed, absolutely no scuffs or scratches. It looks brand new.

Unfortunately pickings were beyond slim for games at my local Play N' Trade. There were only three, two sports and casino kings.

I could only afford one and still be under my store credit. I went with TV Sports Basketball Stars because it was the only one that was 100% complete in box. But I'm not looking forward to collecting them all that way. So I'm OFFICIALLY a member of this community and I'm looking forward to being very involved! =D

[Arkhan Asylum]

Welcome!

Any plans to get the CD unit?

You need one.

ASAP.

As long as you're comfortable buying off the internet, people here will hook you up with games on the cheap.

[vashogun]

I definitely intend to get the CD unit. However I kind of want to collect all the Hucards first. I may change my mind but I think it would be cool to upgrade only after exhausting the hucard collections. I'm trying to reduce the amount of money I spend regularly on gaming too which was why I wanted to pick one console I really wanted to collect for and stick with it.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I definitely intend to get the CD unit. However I kind of want to collect all the Hucards first. I may change my mind but I think it would be cool to upgrade only after exhausting the hucard collections. I'm trying to reduce the amount of money I spend regularly on gaming too which was why I wanted to pick one console I really wanted to collect for and stick with it.

By the time you get every US HuCard (which will be awhile considering how expensive Magical Chase is), you could amass a sweet CD library.

The CD unit is region free.  You can get all kinds of Japanese games!

Get the CD unit, fast!

[vashogun]

At the very least, I'll be getting the hucards I really want first before bothering with the CD. I'm sure this will not deter you. lol. But look: despite what ebay might be telling you they aren't going anywhere. they will still be in circulation. Its going to be ok. I promise.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I'm not worried about them going out of stock, I'm worried about you missing out on Gate of Thunder for so long.

What HuCards are you really after?  I might have some duplicates, or the local shops here might have some of them. 

[vashogun]

Off the top of my head? Without looking at a least:
Bonk 1, 2, 3, air zonk, Neutopia 1+2, Fantasy Zone, Blazing Lasers, Shockman, Galaga 90, R-Type, Alien Crush, Devil Crush, Bomberman.... Trouble is I can't remember off the top of my head which titles are CD and which are Hucard so forgive me if I made any mistakes there and I likely left several out.

[Arkhan Asylum]

www.pcengine.co.uk is going to become your new best friend.

It has all the games, alphabetized, and tells you if its a CD/SCD/HuCard game... and which regions it was released in!

Do you want loosecards, or cased ones? 

I know I've seen Bonk and R Type locally alot.

All the games you named are huCards so far.

[SamIAm]

I'm not worried about them going out of stock, I'm worried about you missing out on Gate of Thunder for so long.

Listen to this man.

[vashogun]

I've played Gate of Thunder, I know it is epic. I actually liked Lords of Thunder better aesthetically though. I'm trying to buy CIB only. Thats why I picked Basketball though I knew of the three it would probably be my least favorite. It was CIB and I wanted to start off on the right foot. I absolutely love how they packaged these things. Let me take a gander at that list and tell you all the ones I know I'm excited about.

[Arkhan Asylum]

You better be excited about China Warrior

[SMF]

Welcome to the forums glad you picked up a TG 16. Snag the CD unit when you can. If you come across 1 that's dirt cheap GET IT atleast you have the option of always grabbing afew awesome CD games. But deff get Bonk 1, 2, 3 and Neuatopia 1,2 those should keep you busy for a few. Granted Bonk 3 will set you back $ if you try ebay but I've seen copys on here sell for reasonable.

Have fun and enjoy the Turbo

[MotherGunner]

China Warrior was my second game ever.  My dad had paid a lot of money since my brother and I were fans of Kung FU on NES.  Yea...the commercial sold me.

[T2KFreeker]

Nice. Welcome to the Fold. The system is tops. Enjoy.

[vashogun]

So the cd games are region free but not the hucards correct?

[Sadler]

So the cd games are region free but not the hucards correct?

You got it! Although for Arcade CD games, you'll need an arcade card which will require a converter for US systems.

[vashogun]

haha sure is a lot of upgrades I'll need! Kind of ironic considering what I love the most about this machine right now is actually its simplicity (that will clearly change). The cards are unimposing, even fully boxed they pack away well, the lid on the back at least somewhat reduces the wire clutter. I also chose the TG-16 because even though I am very very fond of the sega genesis I absolutely adore the simplicity of a two button interface, it makes games feel more about skill and less about button combinations to me. So it was between the TG-16, the NES, or the Master System. Even one of its faults is a turn on for me - the single controller port. It just makes the whole thing look so nice and clean. Its a very aesthetically pleasing console. Its kind of a shame about the region locked Hucards though. There are a few Japanese hucard games on here that look pretty cool, and even a couple NES games I really liked that would be great to have on the TG16.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Welcome aboard!

+1 on getting a CD before completing a cib huey set.  Fretting over finding boxed copies of Time Ball and J.J. & Jeff when you could be playing Ys Book I & II is a crime punishable by pain of CD-i.

[vashogun]

the more and more I go through this library the more and more frustrated I am about the number of games I want to play that are Japanese only hucards. Is there no passthrough device or anything? I suppose the locking bolt when you turn the system on would prevent something like that....

[Nazi NecroPhile]

There are region converters, but they're generally not worth it.  It's cheaper and more reliable to toss in a region mod, even if you have to pay someone to do it; alternately, apply the region mod. money towards a PCE Duo. 

[vashogun]

Might consider the mod. OK so here are my top 20 US Hucard games I want. I don't think its ALL the ones I want...I know at least one I sacrficed in hindsight to make this list... But my comprimise is if I can get these hucards, THEN I'll invest in upgrading eithier to a modded TG or Duo for the Japanese hucards, or to a CD.

1.Bonk's Adventure
2.Bonk's Revenge
3.Bonk 3 - Bonk's Big Adventure
4.Air Zonk
5.Blazing Lazers
6.Neutopia
7.Neutopia 2
8.Alien Crush
9.Devil's Crush
10.Shockman
11.Splatterhouse
12.Ninja Spirit
13.Galaga 90
14.Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu
15.Turrican
16.R-Type
17.R-Type II
18.Bloody Wolf
19.Keith Courage in Alpha Zones
20.Dungeon Explorer

(these are not in order of importance) Let me know if I can expect to have trouble locating nay of these.

[Sadler]

If you get the US R-Type you don't have to worry about R-Type II, the US version has that in it already. Shockman, Jackie Chan and Neutopia II aren't necessarily hard to fine, but they can be pricey. Bonk 3 looks to be the hardest out of that bunch, and the most expensive. I'd recommend you look at New Adventure Island as well, that's a great game.

[SMF]

Might consider the mod. OK so here are my top 20 US Hucard games I want. I don't think its ALL the ones I want...I know at least one I sacrficed in hindsight to make this list... But my comprimise is if I can get these hucards, THEN I'll invest in upgrading eithier to a modded TG or Duo for the Japanese hucards, or to a CD.

1.Bonk's Adventure
2.Bonk's Revenge
3.Bonk 3 - Bonk's Big Adventure
4.Air Zonk
5.Blazing Lazers
6.Neutopia
7.Neutopia 2
8.Alien Crush
9.Devil's Crush
10.Shockman
11.Splatterhouse
12.Ninja Spirit
13.Galaga 90
14.Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu
15.Turrican
16.R-Type
17.R-Type II
18.Bloody Wolf
19.Keith Courage in Alpha Zones
20.Dungeon Explorer

(these are not in order of importance) Let me know if I can expect to have trouble locating nay of these.

In the states R-Type is both I and II, So I helped you free up a slot.
Bonk 3 is the only 1 that's gonna be hard to snag.
Shockman can be had cheaply as a Huey only
Jackie Chan recently has been on the rare value block and goes for stupid amounts of money rite now.

Keep your eyes on the Forums and you can find all those games here in time.

[vashogun]

In that case I will be replacing R-Type II with eithier Bomberman or New Adventure Island

[roflmao]

So the cd games are region free but not the hucards correct?

That is correct.  However there are 3 types of CD games: CDs, Super CDs and Arcade CDs.  

Depending on the CD system/System card combo you have you may be limited.  

A stock Turbografx CD system which came with a System 2 card can only play normal CD games.  If you get a System 3 card, you can play CDs and Super CDs.  With an Arcade card you can play anything.  

A Duo has the System 3 built in so can play CDs and SCDs out of the box.  

Hope that helps.

EDIT: Whoops, I didn't realize this was already addressed on page 2...

[Arkhan Asylum]

The upgrades aren't really too bad once you get the full scoop.  Really, the upgrade chain goes like this:

PC Engine or Turbo Grafx 16---> Get the CD add on for it----> Get the System Card 3.0 to play everything but arcade CD games.---->get the Arcade CD to play the like 5 games for it---->Become an addict and get a Super Grafx + RAU-30 to connect it to the CD interface that your PCE attached to---> Rejoice.

That is it.  The Duo machines are just a neat looking PC-Engine/TG16+CD+SystemCard 3 all-in-one package.  You don't need it if you have a nice setup already.

You can get a region mod here on the cheap from some of the tech people. Then you can buy an arcade card and the CD setup, and be ready for everything.


Also, why isn't china warrior on your list.  This is sadness.


For now, just focus on getting some HuCard games (your list is pretty easy to nab most of).  Once you have that, keep checking our sale threads for the CD setup.

Without the CD setup, you won't be able to play our homebrew games:

www.aetherbyte.com is where my stuff is.

www.frozenutopia.com has a game coming soon

mindrec.com made some games like 10 years ago.

=3

[roflmao]

Without the CD setup, you won't be able to play our homebrew games:

...but not for long!

[PunkCryborg]

Welcome dude! Yeah get some more turbografx hu cards to get your feet wet and when you wanna move up to cd games go for a Japanese Duo or Duo R so you can get some Japanese hu cards and some cd's. Don't bother with a US Turboduo if you are on a budget.

[vashogun]

China Warrior is not on my list true. I DID look at it. And I'm not disappointed. In fact it looks like the kind of game I could really get into. It reminded me a lot of the some what cheesy not-quite-beat-em-ups that the Genesis released early in its life. It reminded me specifically of Altered Beast (the original genesis pack in) or Last Battle. Both of which get panned a lot, but both of which I actually enjoy. I'm a bit of a points whore so I really get into these kinds of games. However I wanted to pick 20 Hucards I could play without modding or buying any new peripherals. It doesn't mean I'll stop there and it doesn't mean I won't play China Warrior. I had to make some tough choices. Notice Bomberman almost didn't make it! I love games with a martial arts theme being a martial artist myself (not that I play them for their realism but the spirit of the thing) however between Ninja Spirit and Jackie Chan Kung fu, I felt I had a pretty good representation and while China Warrior looks like a fun point grabber, I think I would ultimately get more play out of the other two titles.

I'm not crazy about the price tags but I do kind of think its cool that there are so many add ons and mods. It sort of makes the consoles common international name make slightly ironic sense to me. "The PC-Engine". Knowing all the stuff you can do to upgrade it, it kind of makes me feel like this is a hybrid console. You have the plug and play, dedicated device convince of a console, and the upgradable system of a gaming PC. That is kind of neat. Its sort of nice playing the Hucards first for a while knowing that if I get really bored, there are things I can do to enhance the experince. Just wish the cd add ons weren't so freaking rare and pricey. Way more rare than I expected. But I plan to play this console for a long time so its ok. All things in time.

If I have one regret its that I was pretty much left with no choice but to start my collection with TV Sports Basketball. Don't get me wrong there are some charming aspects to this game. Not being an NBA fan the lack of license really doesn't upset me and I love the names of the teams "Zombies, Ninjas, Outlaws", this is cool quirky stuff. I actually like being able to shout plays when I pass middle court thats a cool feature and adds an element of strategy to it. I still don't totally get how to play this one but I'll make sure I spend some time with it. I don't like how nearly everything is mapped to button I, and the difficulty level seems insanely high. I can't get a basket except on a fluke right now. I got this one because my only other options were a casino game and another Sports TV game (football I beleive). I would actually have probably gone with the casino game, but this was complete in box and I wanted to start the collection aspect off on the right foot even if I didn't get much out of the gameplay. The sad end result is I won't be getting much play out of my TG-16 until a week or so from now when I get Bonk's Adventure. I'm just not a big sports game fan and this isn't even very good by sports game standards. But se la ve. Gives me time to catch up on some more recent stuff I've been wanting to finish. Just having the TG16 sitting by my television is satisfying enough at the moment.

[Arkhan Asylum]

As far as basketball goes, you need Takin it to the hoop.

and, China Warrior is hella common.  I think I paid like 6$ for the game.  I used to have 4 copies of it, for some reason.  If you like China Warrior, we can be best friends.

[vashogun]

lol well I can tell your a huge fan and I've already stated why I think its probably a pretty good game. As its official ambassador what causes your love affair with China Warrior? What about it do you find so appealing?

[roflmao]

Takin' it to the Hoop is the best basketball game for the system.  Period. 

Having said that, I haven't enjoyed a basketball video game as much since, for any system, but I'm probably biased.

Having said that, I'd really like to get a copy of Takin' it to the Hoop again.

[arromdee]

Don't forget the video output (even normal composite video requires an add-on) and the save memory.  The Turbobooster Plus or the CD unit contains both of these.

I got my CD unit long back in the day and I can't imagine how hard it would be to track one down today.  I looked on Ebay and couldn't find a single one.  If you do track down the CD unit you'll still need a system card 3.0.  In the US the system card 3.0 was only sold by mail and you will probably never find one (and it will be stupidly expensive if you do).

Alternatively you can get a Japanese Duo and convince someone here to mod it to play American carts (or not, since you already have an American system anyway).  That will get you everything (except the Arcade Card and Supergrafx, but you don't really need those) and probably cost a lot less than buying all the parts, but shipping from Japan may still be stupidly expensive.

Also, most games on Ebay are stupidly expensive and can be large multiples of the actual value.  (And may be listed over and over again without selling).

If you do get a CD unit, remember that CDs are not copy protected (although it is very finicky about what brand of CD-R it will read).

[roflmao]

If you do get a CD unit, remember that CDs are not copy protected (although it is very finicky about what brand of CD-R it will read).

QFT.  I have a PC Engine Duo that will only read ONE CD-R which was burned back in '97 or so; anything newer it won't read. However I have a Turbografx-16 CD attachment that has read everything I've ever burnt to disc, including stuff burnt within the past year, without any problem. So take that for what it's worth. 

[MotherGunner]

What?  No Soldier Blade?

If you like China Warrior, we can be best friends.

[Mishran]

I'm not one to condone such a thing, but emulation is a great way to try games before buying them. It's how I chose which PCE imports I've purchased so far. Helps keep you from buying stinkers like Energy... *sees Arkhan approach and runs*

[Arkhan Asylum]

As its official ambassador what causes your love affair with China Warrior? What about it do you find so appealing?

Its the first game for the PC Engine, it has huge sprites, when you get hurt, your body starts to look bloody and beat up, the whole game is based off timing/rhythm as opposed to mashing buttons...

the music is great, you get to punch waves of birds, sticks, fireballs, monks, and knives, along with some Chun Li knock off, and a drunk guy.

plus I don't know what anyone else thinks but the level artwork is pretty sweet looking.

[vashogun]

I almost don't even want to play this one just so I can claim Bonk was my first and live a lie. I've heard takin it to the hoop was better. I just genuinely do not like sports games much period, with a few notable exceptions. If this was at least something like NBA Jam it might have been playable. This one might even be playable if I took the time to learn the plays, its just not something I really feel like doing.

On that note though, how is Hit The Ice? I just looked at some screen shots and it looks like the kind of sports game I DO like. Very cartoony and arcadey, like NBA Jam, Neo Turf Masters, etc. I actually CAN get into good hockey games, and I can get into really arcadey sports games. How does this one fair?

[Arkhan Asylum]

The best sports games on the PCE are Final Match and Davis Cup tennis

the others are ok too.

but, the tennis games are the best.

[esteban]

Welcome, comrade.




Your plan is fine (ignore the folks pressuring you to get CD stuff).

Enjoy TG-16 HuCards now. North America's titles at your fingertips.

Later, buy a PCE+CD or DUO. The world of Japanese HuCards and all CD games.

This is a perfectly nice progression to follow.

All the sports games stink. Sure, some aren't too bad, but...your experiences will only get better from here. The casino game is boring, IMHO.

Word up.

[Arkhan Asylum]

we're not pressuring him to get a CD stuffs, we're more pressuring him to get the CD stuffs before getting all the hucards.

but hey, the tennis games don't stink!

they're the best tennis games in existence, even compared to some new crap.  The only other tennis game that is as fun, is that Sega superstar tennis for the 360.  Most of that is because of the characters...

[MotherGunner]

CD Davis Cup is awesome, great audio SFX actually.

[Arkhan Asylum]

Yeah dude, Davis Cup, when I got that game (boxed for like 8$ locally!),it was back when I was trying to play tennis for real.

That went poorly as shit (busted all the windows off the garage door using it as practice!), so I just played Davis Cup instead .

the sound effects are great.  That poppy ball-whack sound is pretty damn realistic.  It's even got some echo.

[esteban]

CD Davis Cup is awesome, great audio SFX actually.

True. I actually put a decent amount of time in Davis Cup. The controls are pretty tight and precise, IIRC. Different courts (clay and.... grass?).

[VestCunt]

You'll pay 2-4 times the price per game if you insist on complete copies.  Worse, the TG library doesn't look good on a shelf no matter what you do - the spines have three different themes and games were packaged with boxes and jewel cases, boxes and trays, jewel cases and sleeves, and just jewel cases.  You might want to look into Sparky's jewel case sticker labels and manual facsimiles as an affordable way to represent a collection.  Also, complete PC Engine games cost even less than incomplete U.S. versions.  Consider Bonk 3 hucard:  PCE complete $25-40, TG16 loose $70, TG16 complete $150+
 

On that note though, how is Hit The Ice? I just looked at some screen shots and it looks like the kind of sports game I DO like. Very cartoony and arcadey, like NBA Jam, Neo Turf Masters, etc. I actually CAN get into good hockey games, and I can get into really arcadey sports games. How does this one fair?

Hit the Ice is good.  It's arcade beat-em-up hockey in the vein of Arch Rivels.  It's not a sports simulator (a plus in my book).  1, 2, or 4 players.  The main drawback is the lack of music and the annoying sound of what's supposed to be a cheering crowd.

[IRuu]

I sort of got my first tg16 about 2 weeks ago as well. It was actually the same one I broke when I was 5. The rf port was broken so I just did the A/V mod and it works perfectly. Had it in storage for 17 years until now, such an easy fix lol.

[esteban]

I sort of got my first tg16 about 2 weeks ago as well. It was actually the same one I broke when I was 5. The rf port was broken so I just did the A/V mod and it works perfectly. Had it in storage for 17 years until now, such an easy fix lol.

Excellent. Welcome back, comrade.

Random: 17 years is precisely the duration of a cicada's hibernation.

Plan: I would buy the cheap/better-in-English* HuCards to play on your resuscitated TG-16. Then, depending on your budget/time/interest, you can (later) get a Japanese PCE+CD/DUO to play Japanese HuCards and all CD's.


*Dungeon Explorer, Neutopia I & II, Dragon's Curse...  JJ & Jeff (ha! I would get both versions!)

[Shrapnoid]

Vashogan, do you have a pic of your system with it's new game? You say it looks like a new console. I'd like to see that. So many used TG16's are so scratchy and dusty that it's just sad and I have to wince when I look at them.

It would be nice to see a find in great shape, especially with a new game beside it.

[soop]

wow, if you think the TG-16 is aesthetically pleasing, what do you think of the Duo?  Or the core Japanese unts?

I don't think I could bring myself to own a TG16.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I don't think I could bring myself to own a TG16.

Esteban will take your life.