Ninja Gaiden lvl2 mountains

[soop]

they're all fucked up - kind of jerky scrolling.  Does that happen all the time?  Plus, damn this game is hard.  I don't remember it being this frustrating on the NES.

[Colossus1574]

they're all fucked up - kind of jerky scrolling.  Does that happen all the time?  Plus, damn this game is hard.  I don't remember it being this frustrating on the NES.

I noticed that too when wtching YouTube vids of this version....you would think the pce would be able to handle 2 layer scrolling...and i might get crucified for this...but i find the NES soundtrack lightyears better then the PCE one, couldn't find even 1 track where the PCE one sounded better  
Too bad Tecmo/Hudson didn't adapt the sequel after having part1 under their belt on the PCE hardware, i'm sure they'd improve quite a bit for the Sword of Chaos 

[_Paul]

....you would think the pce would be able to handle 2 layer scrolling...

The PCE only has 1 background layer so it can't.

[fraggore]

hello i aint played it but from what i have seen and herd its harder than sun drayed s**t stuck to a shovel.

[CrackTiger]

Ninja Gaiden PCE is just using dynamic (animated) tiles incorrectly to create parallax. Many PCE games use dynamic tiles perfectly for parallax and the PCE can do much more than 2 layer scrolling. Metamor Jupitor has a stage with 4 layers of fully overlapping scrolling, of which one layer is a transparency effect which fades in and out over the 3 layers behind it.

I find the PCE version less frustrating than the NES version. If I remember correctly, in the PCE version, your sword actually damages enemies. In the NES version, enemies can only be damaged by the space directly in front of your extended sword and if an enemy is close enough to touch any pixels of your sword, they take no damage and instead your are hurt.

I also prefer the NES soundtrack. Many NES games sound as good as or better than 16-bit version. Ys III for example.

[termis]

Yeah, kinda reminds me of Ys III background scrolling.

Anyway...  I haven't really much of the PCE version (a few levels) - and I personally couldn't reacall if it was more difficult than the NES version.

Either way, a difficult game no matter the version.  I beat NES version *once* way back.  That's gotta be one of my more fond memories (along with the likes of Blaster Master, Castlevania I, etc.)  When "hard" games meant hard...

[CrackTiger]

The Ys III tile shuffling scrolling is choppy but works correctly in most places (I think that the village parallax is done wrong). Most/all choppy PCE dynamic tile parallax is ported from computer versions.

As an NES game port, Ninja Gaiden was already setup to be dynamic tile friendly, but the developer just didn't know what they were doing. I think that some sections didn't even need dynamic tiles and could have just slid horizontal strips across the screen. Ninja Gaiden PCE would look and feel much better with no parallax than what we actually got.

[ccovell]

Ninja Gaiden was also programmed by the rather untested guys at Hudson Hong Kong, so that may have contributed a lot.

[Tatsujin]

Lol hudson hk, didnt know that.

[Mathius]

What's really weird is if you look at the cinema scene where Ryu standing on a mountaintop looking at the fortress he needs infiltrate. That one scene has perfectly smooth parallax yet the rest of the game is shoddy.

[Colossus1574]

Ninja Gaiden PCE is just using dynamic (animated) tiles incorrectly to create parallax. Many PCE games use dynamic tiles perfectly for parallax and the PCE can do much more than 2 layer scrolling. Metamor Jupitor has a stage with 4 layers of fully overlapping scrolling, of which one layer is a transparency effect which fades in and out over the 3 layers behind it.

I also prefer the NES soundtrack. Many NES games sound as good as or better than 16-bit version. Ys III for example.

the only negative to the NES is that it's not stereo sound but otherwise, i agree with u on that BT! Why is that anyways, is it because the NES had such a long lifespan that programmers got more experience on that system to make good music or is it that the NES just had good sound hardware? Capcom never could do any wrong on their NES soundtracks....Strider, Megaman 1,2,3, Bionic Commando, StreetFighter 2010, some of the most memorable tunes on the ol' Nes 

[Tatsujin]

And denn, dont forget about the follin stuff on the nes

[Colossus1574]

And denn, dont forget about the follin stuff on the nes

"Follin?" examples?....

[Bernie]

I believe he means the stages where things are "falling" from the sky.

[Mathius]

I believe he means the stages where things are "falling" from the sky.

LOL

Na. He means this:

Be sure to listen to this with some bass.

[roflmao]

I believe he means the stages where things are "falling" from the sky.

LOL

Na. He means this:

Be sure to listen to this with some bass.

Holy shit.  Now I want this game.  What an awesome track!

[Arkhan Asylum]

I don't even remember now, was this song IN the PCE one?

If not, they are idiots.

I only played the PCE one like 2 times.  I remember hating it, and this may be part of why.

[roflmao]

I don't even remember now, was this song IN the PCE one?

If not, they are idiots.

I only played the PCE one like 2 times.  I remember hating it, and this may be part of why.

I have yet to play it, but I hope that music made it, it's kick-ass.

[Mathius]

I don't even remember now, was this song IN the PCE one?

If not, they are idiots.

I only played the PCE one like 2 times.  I remember hating it, and this may be part of why.

I have yet to play it, but I hope that music made it, it's kick-ass.

Sadly, the PCE version has original music. The first level music is not nearly as good as the NES version's. The later stages on the PCE version has fairly good tunes though.

[Colossus1574]

I believe he means the stages where things are "falling" from the sky.

LOL

Na. He means this:

Be sure to listen to this with some bass.

HaHahah, no doubt! I'm glad Surfer's tunes are getting the respect they deserve, cause i already knew this game had insane music when i bought it during it's release (i'm a Marvel Comics geek)

Don't forget this one, this one's my actual fave from the game 

I just can't understand how the hell these guys programmed such a long track into a NES game without it repeating! Work of art....

[Mathius]

I believe he means the stages where things are "falling" from the sky.

LOL

Na. He means this:

Be sure to listen to this with some bass.

HaHahah, no doubt! I'm glad Surfer's tunes are getting the respect they deserve, cause i already knew this game had insane music when i bought it during it's release (i'm a Marvel Comics geek)

Don't forget this one, this one's my actual fave from the game 

I just can't understand how the hell these guys programmed such a long track into a NES game without it repeating! Work of art....

You can blame the legendary Jeff and Tim Follin for the exquisite ear-gasms found in SS. Tim widely known for his work on the ZX Spectrum and C64. These guys came from the early days of 8-Bit computers where producing tracks the length of Led Zeppelin epics were the norm.

[JoshTurboTrollX]

I've always been a sucker for Follin's Solstice theme.

We never did get any Follins work on PCE/Turbob, however we did get some great Chris Hülsbeck tunes in our world, and his stuff is way better anyway . 


LOL

NES version of Ninja Gaiden is better than PCE version, but they are both pretty damn fun, and the PCE version is a good way to revisit the game with some pretty interesting twists!!

[Mathius]

I've always been a sucker for Follin's Solstice theme.

We never did get any Follins work on PCE/Turbob, however we did get some great Chris Hülsbeck tunes in our world, and his stuff is way better anyway . 


LOL

NES version of Ninja Gaiden is better than PCE version, but they are both pretty damn fun, and the PCE version is a good way to revisit the game with some pretty interesting twists!!

That was one rockin' medievil Follin theme there!

[Tatsujin]

You can blame the legendary Jeff and Tim Follin for the exquisite ear-gasms found in SS. Tim widely known for his work on the ZX Spectrum and C64. These guys came from the early days of 8-Bit computers where producing tracks the length of Led Zeppelin epics were the norm.

jeff? who's jeff?

you sure mean geoff 

[Mathius]

You can blame the legendary Jeff and Tim Follin for the exquisite ear-gasms found in SS. Tim widely known for his work on the ZX Spectrum and C64. These guys came from the early days of 8-Bit computers where producing tracks the length of Led Zeppelin epics were the norm.

jeff? who's jeff?

you sure mean geoff 

Heh yeah. I don't think I ever saw his name in print before. Just figured it was spelled "Jeff." I forgot he was from teh Isles.

[Tatsujin]

We never did get any Follins work on PCE/Turbob, however we did get some great Chris Hülsbeck tunes in our world

this is my fav of the game

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=12070.new#quickreply

the first few secs already give you teh goosler bumps.

[Mathius]

We never did get any Follins work on PCE/Turbob, however we did get some great Chris Hülsbeck tunes in our world

this is my fav of the game

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=12070.new#quickreply

the first few secs already give you teh goosler bumps.

You copy pasted the wrong link lol. Tats, you so crazy! 

[Tatsujin]

We never did get any Follins work on PCE/Turbob, however we did get some great Chris Hülsbeck tunes in our world

this is my fav of the game

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=12070.new#quickreply

the first few secs already give you teh goosler bumps.

You copy pasted the wrong link lol. Tats, you so crazy! 

Hauly Mauly!!!!

thx, the PeCe din't copy/paste as he should. here's the right one

[TheClash603]

I have to agree with CrackTiger on this one, the PCE version is MUCH easier.

I honestly played the NES version hundreds of times and I never beat it.  The PCE game, I beat it the first time I sat down with it.  Unless I was magically in the zone, it just seemed a lot easier to me.  Maybe I need to give the NES version a shot again.

[Mathius]

The NES version is more difficult. I was able to beat it only once back when the game was fairly new. I try in vain to do it again a few times a year.

[Colossus1574]

Wow? really? Man.....maybe i was just the nerdy incarnate of Ryu Hayabusa himself back in the day! 
Cause i didn't really have much problems finishing it once i got the hang of a few tough spots, basically the boss Malth, and the 3 phase end boss...
Now if u say finishing it without continuing, i might've only pulled it off once or twice, but with continues i've finished quite a few times. The end boss was simple as long as u hold onto the cyclone attack till the end and save up "chi" or weapon points 

You can blame the legendary Jeff and Tim Follin for the exquisite ear-gasms found in SS. Tim widely known for his work on the ZX Spectrum and C64. These guys came from the early days of 8-Bit computers where producing tracks the length of Led Zeppelin epics were the norm.

Thanks Matti for placing a "name" to the source of the ear-gasms i had back in th day, now i find out he's the genius behind the music from Target: Renegade!? This man is a GOD!!! Fuck CD/DVD music, he just needs an 8bit game machine!

[jperryss]

I cleared the NES version only once, but haven't yet put much time into the PCE version.

The end boss was simple as long as u hold onto the cyclone attack till the end and save up "chi" or weapon points  

Technically yes, but your remaining points are cashed out after each phase. So you're left with no slash attack for the 2nd and 3rd phases, unless you die and play all the way through again.

And actually getting to the boss is no small feat.

And it's a total kick-to-the-groin sending you back to 6-1 when you die. Is the PCE version the same way?

[burn_654]

I wonder if the background scrolling could be fixed/hacked? Either to smooth it out or make them static - either would probably look better.

[Tatsujin]

everything is possible in obey brew.

[MottZilla]

The reason it looks jerky is maybe because of the memory limit they had on the project due to being on a HuCard. You could have it scroll very smooth, if you had the memory to store each pattern needed to detail that. Maybe a well programmed routine could move pattern data around for you too. I'm sure something better could have been done. Honestly it's a *decent* port but I personally don't care for the redone graphics or sound. The NES version is so much better. The SNES version also is better looking and I believe better sounding than the PCE version.

[Mathius]

The reason it looks jerky is maybe because of the memory limit they had on the project due to being on a HuCard. You could have it scroll very smooth, if you had the memory to store each pattern needed to detail that. Maybe a well programmed routine could move pattern data around for you too. I'm sure something better could have been done. Honestly it's a *decent* port but I personally don't care for the redone graphics or sound. The NES version is so much better. The SNES version also is better looking and I believe better sounding than the PCE version.

I was always under the impression that the SNES remake was barely graphically updated.

[MottZilla]

If I recall correctly, the SNES version upped the color count on all the graphics. However they did not bother to implement all the background effects (raster effects) from the NES versions. The second stage of Ninja Gaiden 3 doesn't have the parallax effect in the sky where different background pieces scroll at different rates. The first game really isn't missing anything. It's mainly the 3rd game and maybe some of the 2nd game that suffer from those things being left out. All the games may suffer from the redone music a bit. Some tracks I recall were not included in the SNES trilogy remake. It's probably memory/money related or maybe a lack of development time/money.

If you look at NG Trilogy versus the NES version you should be able to tell them apart easily but they did not drastically redraw things like other updates like Super Mario Bros or Mega Man Wily Wars.

[CrackTiger]

The reason it looks jerky is maybe because of the memory limit they had on the project due to being on a HuCard. You could have it scroll very smooth, if you had the memory to store each pattern needed to detail that. Maybe a well programmed routine could move pattern data around for you too. I'm sure something better could have been done. Honestly it's a *decent* port but I personally don't care for the redone graphics or sound. The NES version is so much better. The SNES version also is better looking and I believe better sounding than the PCE version.

Many HuCards of various sizes use much more memory intensive dynamic tiles for parallax and misc.

You may have unique taste, although I'm not sure you have even directly compared the games. I believe that most people would prefer the grahpics of the PCE version over the SNES version, which isn't updated much from the NES version-

pce                                       snes









pce                                     snes

[RegalSin]

The NES game is as good as it, get. They tried to update it, but
Ninja Gaiden belongs with Battle Taods, Double Dragon, and the Techo's Downtown series.

I will admit back then, it was a hassle, to play the game, but eventually you discover all the hiding spots. Sometimes, you have to just take hits to move on, or else. I think the farthest I ever got was the moutain stage, and then I got so tired of dying, I just stopped. The moutain stage I am referencing is after the double hamsters, pass the green soilder, including the lighting man and his brother ( did he have a brother ). I still have my original cart, ready to play, in my official or unofficial NES.


Double Dragon was probably the only game to recieve a respectable
place on the PCE. However even that said, I still enjoy the NES games.

If things were a differnt way, then Shin Mega Tensi would have been released on the PCE, but then we wouldn't have the same representation,

Why couldn't they just release the same exact game on the system, and make a port or two. Then it would have been perfect. Oh I forget the PCE was expensiver to produce. So expensive people in China are still rocking NES today.

.........................................................................................


Honestly I am not feeling the PCE version of Ninja Gaiden. It is just as fun, as the NES, but something is missing. You can't, double
jump your way to the ceiling, in level two when you get the power up the last enemy is able to slightly hit you. In fact that is how you get across level two ( the level after the prison, holding cell ), you get an invicibility, and then later an airial slash ( that circle slash jump ),
which makes you able to pass some enemies. Also the boss enemies are smaller, along with some of the stuff. The AI has improved slightly.

[Mathius]

I know what you are referring to with the last enemy in the area after the holding cell. Once you get the ring of fire (invincibility) and try to jump the last gap you'll be damaged by him and flung back into a pit. It happens every time. That's a glitch that should have been caught.

[RegalSin]

But that should not be considered a glitch, since the enemy actually makes
a U turn, allow me or you to cross. I just checked it in the NES game. I think if I could master climbing walls on the PCE game, it might be just as fun, or even better. I am just saying that, since the NES game looks so bare compared to the PCE game. However it is more down to earth.

[Mathius]

But Ryu is invincible when he encounters that enemy (as long as you get the power-up). That would be like getting a star in Super Mario Bros., turning invincible, run easily through a couple goombas, then jump on a phirana plant and dying while Mario is still flashing. When Ryu gets that power up he is able to run through anything with the one exception. It's a glitch. It never happens in the NES version, but it will always happen in the PCE version.

[MottZilla]

The reason it happens in the PCE version is because Ryu is *not* invincible like in the NES version when you have the fire wheel. So the sword of that enemy for whatever reason can extent out and damage you before the firewheel can damage and kill him. Atleast that is what I remember. Similar issue with the spinning sword art in the PCE version, Ryu does not appear to be invincible during use, so you can't nuke bosses with it which really makes it far less impressive.

Black Tiger, the PCE graphics update, is not bad, but I feel it could have been better, just like the SNES update. In the SNES update they played it safe. Same exact style but some added color depth. Nothing wrong with that. PCE they redid the style totally. It isn't bad but it just doesn't feel like Ninja Gaiden. Combine that with the completely different music that certainly isn't better and it just feels inferior.

Although I could have some bias since I took the time to complete disassemble Ninja Gaiden for NES and have worked on my own fan game/sequel Ninja Gaiden IV.

I'll leave it at, Ninja Gaiden for PCE is a great and solid addition to the PCE library.

[Colossus1574]

PCE they redid the style totally. It isn't bad but it just doesn't feel like Ninja Gaiden. Combine that with the completely different music that certainly isn't better and it just feels inferior.

Although I could have some bias since I took the time to complete disassemble Ninja Gaiden for NES and have worked on my own fan game/sequel Ninja Gaiden IV.

Well, the "feel" of Ninja Gaiden probably has alot to do with us falliing in love with the series on the NES with it's pallette of colors and it's own sound chip music. Saying the PCE one is inferior might be a lil' harsh. You look at some of the level art on the pce one...it's pretty impressive from a re-imagining point of view. Up to Stage 2-1...the pce one does look kinda....bland, but after that there are some nice improvements as shown by Awack & B.Tiger's images.
2-2 : the faraway mountains and clouds add alot of bg depth.
4-1 : you can actually make out the trees, and ferns for a more lush jungle.
4-2 : again, added depth with that other rail track turning into the bg.
On most stages, the way the rock formations were drawn look great, as most noticeable in 3-2 (although i wished they kept the snow)

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the NES series and it has a very special place in my "gaming" heart  It had the perfect combination of tough fast action, great soundtrack, and of course incredible storytelling!
That being said, i'd love to read your script for NG IV   
I can understand Tecmo doing a reboot once it got onto the nex gen systems (i have no qualms with the well-endowed women  )....but throwing out the history of a well written trilogy was a total travesty imo! I want the original cast back!!!

[CrackTiger]

The reason it happens in the PCE version is because Ryu is *not* invincible like in the NES version when you have the fire wheel. So the sword of that enemy for whatever reason can extent out and damage you before the firewheel can damage and kill him. Atleast that is what I remember. Similar issue with the spinning sword art in the PCE version, Ryu does not appear to be invincible during use, so you can't nuke bosses with it which really makes it far less impressive.

Black Tiger, the PCE graphics update, is not bad, but I feel it could have been better, just like the SNES update. In the SNES update they played it safe. Same exact style but some added color depth. Nothing wrong with that. PCE they redid the style totally. It isn't bad but it just doesn't feel like Ninja Gaiden. Combine that with the completely different music that certainly isn't better and it just feels inferior.

Although I could have some bias since I took the time to complete disassemble Ninja Gaiden for NES and have worked on my own fan game/sequel Ninja Gaiden IV.

I'll leave it at, Ninja Gaiden for PCE is a great and solid addition to the PCE library.

It definitely isn't anything special for PCE, but at least they did try to make it different, instead of just slapping the Famicom version onto a HuCard. The way they went about improving color and often detail is nice, but could have been so much better.

[MottZilla]

I certainly agree just a straight port would have been pointless. They had to try to make it take advantage of the PCE which it does. I just feel that they needed more talented people working on it to get the most out of the hardware.

Colossus, I didn't write the script to the game, a friend did. You can see the script and other materials that were planned for the game on the forum. Just google Ninja Gaiden IV. Should be around the first result on a forum/site calling GamingUniverse. Unfortunately the project activity has dropped off but someday it'll get there.

[soop]

Yeah, the NES version is better, and the PCE version is certainly missing something.  Ninja Gaiden (on the NES) just feels like a NES game.  It has that same feel all great NES games do.  on the PCE it just feels like it's lost that spark, and while the NES version is more than the sum of its parts, the PCE version is somehow less.

[esteban]

Yeah, the NES version is better, and the PCE version is certainly missing something.  Ninja Gaiden (on the NES) just feels like a NES game.  It has that same feel all great NES games do.  on the PCE it just feels like it's lost that spark, and while the NES version is more than the sum of its parts, the PCE version is somehow less.

Exactly. NES Ninja Gaiden rocked and I was STOKED when I learned that a PCE port existed.

However, as soop stated, the PCE port totally underwhelms. It is truly less than the sum of its parts.

Hany says, "PCE Ninja Gaiden is a deflating tricycle tire in a Wendy's parking lot."

I am sorry for all of the folks who are confused on this issue. I hope you recover your senses.

[MottZilla]

But it's be no means a bad game. It's just lacking the magic of the original. It's still a good game.

[Mathius]

But it's be no means a bad game. It's just lacking the magic of the original. It's still a good game.

Definitely! The music and graphics really start to shine in later levels.